We were looking for somewhere quick for lunch before heading to see Hairspray the musical when low and behold we noticed that only five minutes walk away was Darjeeling Express run by Asma Khan. When we also noticed that they were doing a Thali lunch menu we booked our one hour time slot straight away.
This led us to saturday when we headed through covent garden to the corner of garrick street to where the restaurant is located. On entering we received a lovely warm welcome before being escorted to our table. We ordered a drink while we looked at the menu. As I said this was a Thali Lunch menu only where you had the choice from five different Thali’s. There was a Methi Chicken , Tamatar Gosht (lamb) , Bengali Prawn , Badaami Baingan (aubergine) & Kala Chanda ( chickpeas). These all came with a selection of sides Lentil Fritters , Potato & Peas cooked with cumin , Channa Dal , Lemon Rice , Tamatar Chutney & Poppadoms. Each Thali is priced at £20 and is great value for money. There is also an option to add extra sides if you so wish.
We ordered the Chicken & Lamb Thali’s plus a couple of extra sides. These were the Mirchi Ka Salaan (green chillies , onion gravy , curry leaves , peanuts , coconut & sesame seeds) & Parathas. I can can tell you now that everything was absolutely delicious. The flavours in every dish were amazing that left your palate dancing with delight.
We followed this by ordering the two desserts on the menu. The Gajar Ka Halwa ( carrots cooked slowly in milk with pistachios & cream) and the Khoobani Ka Meetha ( stewed apricots with pistachio & coconut cream. Together with these we finished with a Green Tea and Masala Chai.
This brought to an end an absolutely fabulous lunch and on the back of this when we got home I immediately booked us in to return for one of their Supper Clubs. I have to say I would highly recommend a visit here as the food and service was excellent.
Thank You Asma for a fabulous lunch and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
My Hospitality Life 