Chakra, Holland Park

Type ‘chakra’ into Google and you are likely to find a collection of definitions and articles about the Seven Chakras – energy points that are thought to vitalise the human body. With this in mind Chef Andy Varma and team have created a relaxed but smart restaurant inspired by the ancient Vedic scriptures. They plan to invigorate the guests with positive energy from innovative Indian cooking.

My expert Holland Parkers had informed me that Chakra is one of the best restaurants in the area and well worth a visit. So on a Sunday night, keen not to travel far from home, we marched up the hill to experience our Indian feast. The team were delighted to see us, presenting flutes of champagne on arrival and regularly attending to table adjustments as and when they were needed.

The General Manager designed our meal to show all the scope and techniques of the kitchen. A wonderful arrangement of grilled treats arrived first, homemade masala flavoured lamb, delicately dressed chicken with crushed black pepper, garlic and coriander, huge seared tiger prawns with fresh ginger and garlic and a soft and spicy butternut squash galouti. All the components were delicious and particularly satisfying served together.

Thank goodness the waiter listened to my request for ‘mini mains’… at Indian restaurants it is easy to get carried away ordering six or seven huge dishes for two to share, after a weekend of heavy dining I didn’t want to over-indulge! Tasters arrived of ‘Chakra’s best’: we loved the creamy Black Daal (slow cooked lentil finished with dry fenugreek and cream) and the addictive Jalandhar Chicken (a variation of the Punjab classic with a tomato and cream masala sauce). The chicken was so tasty our waiter had to bring a second serving! The full flavoured garlic naan is unmissable and marries perfectly with the spicy sauces.

Mango Kulfi was a fruity finish to the meal, light and cooling, sweet but tangy. Leaving Chakra I’m not sure I felt vitalised but I was certainly satisfied, and I am proud to call it my local Indian.

More information here.

www.chakralondon.com