By Mewati Sitaram
Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, located in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, London, offers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional Indian recipes with modern culinary techniques. Named after King Kanishka, the second-century emperor of the Kushan dynasty, the restaurant is helmed by Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef in the world to earn a Michelin star. Kanishka’s exclusive vegetarian tasting menu masterfully showcases India’s rich and diverse vegetarian heritage, taking diners on a sensory journey through vibrant flavors and textures. In a Michelin-starred setting, each dish is carefully crafted to deliver a unique and unforgettable experience, making it a truly exceptional culinary journey.
Ambiance and Setting: Upon entering Kanishka, you’re immediately embraced by a refined yet inviting ambiance. The chic decor, featuring subtle Indian influences, sets a warm and welcoming tone for an evening of exceptional dining. Soft lighting and elegant design elements enhance the luxurious atmosphere, while the attentive service from the staff ensures a relaxed, seamless experience that leaves a lasting impression.
The Vegetarian Tasting Menu, A Culinary Journey: Kanishka’s vegetarian tasting menu offers a vibrant exploration of India’s diverse culinary traditions, highlighting the complexity of Indian spices and cutting-edge techniques. Each dish is meticulously crafted to honor the fresh, high-quality ingredients that form the foundation of Indian vegetarian cuisine, delivering a truly immersive and flavourful experience.
The Tasting Menu: The journey begins with a refreshing Nadru ki Chat, a traditional Kashmiri dish featuring delicate lotus root. This is followed by the Hariyali Paneer Tikka, where beautifully charred paneer, marinated in a vibrant green blend of mint, coriander, and yogurt, offers a burst of fresh, aromatic flavours. The Punjabi Samosa aur Matra reimagines the classic Punjabi samosa, pairing it with spicy matra (chickpeas) for an irresistible combination of crispiness and heat. Finally, the Malai Broccoli presents a rich and creamy indulgence, with tender broccoli coated in a mildly spiced malai sauce, adding a luxurious touch to the experience.
Main Dishes: Hariyali Broccoli, A vibrant, light alternative to Malai Broccoli, bursting with freshness and flavour. Palak Paneer Makhni, A modern twist on the classic, featuring soft paneer in a rich, creamy spinach sauce with perfect spices. Kathal Kofta: Tender, delicately spiced jackfruit meatballs in a rich gravy, offering a unique and unforgettable taste.
Accompaniments: The tasting menu is thoughtfully paired with accompaniments that complement the rich Flavors of the main dishes. The Black Dal, rich and creamy, provides a perfect contrast to the spiced dishes. The combination of soft, fluffy bread and fragrant rice provides the perfect base for soaking up the sauces and gravies, allowing you to savor every last bite of the meal.
Desserts, The Sweet Finale: The dessert offerings at Kanishka are a fitting conclusion to this extraordinary meal. It begins with Pistachio Kulfi with Chocolate Mousse, paired with velvety chocolate mousse, this dessert creates a luxurious combination of flavours, offering both a refreshing and indulgent end to the meal. Next is Coconut Yogurt Panna Cotta with Passionfruit Ice Cream and Fig Oil: it is a light and refreshing dessert, with the natural sweetness of coconut balanced by the tanginess of yogurt. The passionfruit ice cream adds a tropical flair, and the fig oil introduces a gentle sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced and unique dessert experience.
Service and Hospitality: The service at Kanishka is outstanding. From the moment you step through the door, the staff greets you with warmth and professionalism. Both Manager Gopi and Nipun stand out as exceptional hosts, not only ensuring you’re well taken care of but also sharing fascinating stories behind each dish. Their in-depth knowledge of the menu, ingredients, and the inspiration behind every creation enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to truly appreciate the thought and care put into every detail.
Author with team Kanishka
Final Thoughts: Kanishka by Atul Kochhar offers a Michelin-starred vegetarian tasting menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian flavours with innovative techniques. Each dish highlights the rich complexity and depth of Indian vegetarian cuisine, presented with a contemporary and refined touch. The thoughtfully crafted tasting menu takes diners on an exceptional journey of flavours and textures, making it the perfect choice for an extraordinary dining experience in London.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply a food enthusiast, Kanishka delivers a memorable culinary experience that redefines Indian cuisine with a modern flair.
*Author had the opportunity to visit Kanishka during his recent trip to London.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
