Tag Archives: Trishna

Gymkhana, Green Park

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It is currently impossible to get a table at Gymkhana. AA Gill wrote an unexpectedly glowing review, and equally fussy Giles Coren (who visited three times in five days) described all of the 25 savoury dishes he tried as “out of this world”. Needless to say the whole of London now want in on the hottest new eatery.

Luckily I ate at Gymkhana a month ago when there was a buzz about ‘a new Indian restaurant revelation’ but before the hype had completely consumed us all. Inspired by the colonial Indian gymkhana clubs, this venue hopes to encourage visitors, in the same way, to socialise, dine and drink. The room is beautiful, a warming wooden interior with atmospheric lighting from Jaipur wall lamps, cosy booths with marble tables and leather banquettes.

The extensive menu offers inventive and intriguing dishes, some familiar Indian favourites, others totally unrecognisable. We opted for a selection from the reasonable lunch menu (two courses for £20, three for £25) and the a la carte. I enjoyed an exotic yellow cocktail, expertly mixed and wonderfully presented in a saucer glass. A basket of poppadum shards arrived, with varied colours and flavours they looked as good as they tasted, enhanced by an amazing spicy tomato shrimp chutney.

I read several reviews prior to visiting Gymkhana and sussed out the popular dishes. Kid Goat Methi Keema is soft and richly flavoured with all kinds of magical spices. I am a sucker for creamy curry, and Chicken Butter Masala is the best I’ve tried of its kind, perfectly tangy tomato mixed with thick luscious yoghurt makes an irresistible sauce, especially good with the exquisite garlic naan. Kasoori Chicken Tikka with sprouting Moong Kachumber is a tender and aromatic grilled meat and the tandoori Guinea Fowl is equally exceptional.

Dessert was the only disappointment, perhaps due to my Indian inexperience. Rose Kulfi with Rose Jelly, Vermicelli, Basundi and Wild Basil Seeds sounded mesmerising, but I found the odd combination of jelly textures a bit creepy. The kulfi alone would have been enough for me, it cools the palate and provides a sweet kick for the end of the meal.

Those who are desperate to try Gymkhana’s wondrous food, I would recommend a trip to the original Karam Sethi restaurant in Marylebone, Trishna. This charming, Michelin-starred eatery features many of the same dishes at the same prices and is equally delicious.

More information and book here: www.gymkhanalondon.com

Trishna, Marylebone

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One of the few Michelin-starred Indian eateries in London, Trishna aims to deliver “an innovative twist on the coastal cuisine of south west India”. The founder and head chef, Karam Sethi has a sister restaurant in Mumbai, and a newly opened venue in Mayfair, Gymkhana, which is causing quite a stir.

Presenting upmarket, highly flavoured and exciting dishes, Trishna has become a favourite for Indian loving foodies. It is located in a cute and contemporary venue on Blandford Street in Marylebone and is perfect for a date or cosy lunch meeting. Those who wish to go on for an after dinner digestif can wander down the road to Purl, arguably the best cocktail bar in London.

The intimate dining area can seat up to sixty people, and in the summer months there are also a few outdoor tables where diners can feel the warmth of the sun while they eat. Trishna also has a private dining area in the basement, popular, I’m sure, for work events.

Struggling with the vast range of eating options, we took the advice of our friendly waiter and opted for a selection of dishes from the Lunch Bites menu. After the customary poppadoms and pickles, we moved onto our chosen starters; Potato Chat – masala chickpeas, papri, tamarind, sweet yoghurt and sev – was deliciously spiced and an exciting mix of textures, with a creamy yoghurt balancing the heat. Pepper fry was a very satisfying dish: breadcrumbed chicken with Keralen spices, black pepper and curry leaf, a rich symphony of flavours.

For main, we chose Tandoori chicken and Guinea fowl tikka, perfectly marinated grilled meats with inticing and innovative accompaniments. Trishna are generous with the extras… our mains arrived with Hyderabadi Dal, Spinach corn, naan basket and basmati rice. The warm crispy naan and the creamy spinach were our favourites.

For dessert we decided on the palate cleansing, Indian Mango. This was a lovely trio mix of mango mousse, kulfi and fresh mango.

Trishna offers the opposite to a messy Indian takeaway on a Friday night, the venue is stylish and cool and the cuisine is sophisticated and creative. Full marks from me.

More information and book here: www.trishnalondon.com