Moti Mahal, Covent Garden
The scene: A bright and spacious eatery with a stunning view of Art Deco building The Freemasons’ Hall. It’s a Thursday night it’s busy, but not completely full – the background chitter-chatter from other diners creates a warm atmosphere. We’re seated on one of the many tables on the ground floor that are decorated with crisp white tablecloths while chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
The menu: Our culinary experience begins with more starters than we can fit on the table. I try the Bhalla Papadi Chaat – crisp fried pastry and chickpeas drizzled with yoghurt, tamarind and mint chutney – and the Mutter Ki Tikki – a simple yet expertly prepared dish of pan-fried cakes of potatoes stuffed with garden peas.
Across the table, my companion has hardly made a dent in his selection which includes a tasty mix of Titari, tandoor-cooked soft guinea fowl marinated with royal cumin, fresh garlic and smoked red chillies as well as Meen Polichathu – baked seabass with masal crab meat, served in a fragrant banana leaf parcel. For mains, we each have about five dishes, but we’re unable to finish.
My Saag Paneer isa delectable as is the Dal Makhani, a black lentil speciality cooked slowly for hours on charcoal and tastes both creamy and earthy – perfect for eating with the selection of Indian breads.
Bill please: Half price two-course pre-theatre menu half price at £18pp until Dec 31.
Verdict: Contemporary twist on classic Indian cuisine.
4/5
5 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AA
020 7240 9329
motimahal-uk.com
Tube: Covent Garden
