Back last year (during lockdown eleventy billion…) we came across what has undoubtedly become one of our favourite south east London takeaways. Well friends, we can now also confirm that dining in is even better.
Dulwich’s Heritage is a must-visit for anyone in the area and, for that matter, worth making the journey. Paying homage to India’s rich and diverse culinary heritage, Chef Patron Dayashankar Sharma has created a menu of modern Indian dishes with nods to traditional recipes. Nostalgic dishes passed down through families sit alongside more unusual foods from lesser known Indian regions, all using the finest seasonal produce.
To make the most of these exceptional dishes, a seven course Tasting Menu is offered Tuesday - Thursday at £68 per person (a wine pairing is all available at £30), with courses including seared scallops with crushed spices and crab & pepper quille and tandoor smoked venison and spiced aubergine. We however decided to go a la carte, given how much we’ve previously enjoyed our takeaways, and we weren’t disappointed.
Start with the Chukandar ka Salad, with baby beetroot, oranges and quinoa drizzled with honey and ginger dressing; a delicious flavour of summer, even when the seasons have turned. The aforementioned scallops are thankfully also on the main menu, each a delicate buttery mouthful with a tangy punch of pepper accompanying.
The Murgh Makhani, with its smoky chicken and creamy tomato and fenugreek sauce, was an indulgent version of a Friday night favourite, hearty and wholesome, delicious fresh and perfect mopped up with a peshwari naan. We also loved the Kashmiri Lamb, with a good kick of spice (though not too much for this chilli wuss…). Eyeing up the table next to us, we had it on good authority that their kebabs were much enjoyed - the paneer stuffed with pickle and spices and king prawns marinate with lemon grass and shatkora looked phenomenal.
This is Indian, elevated. Imagine your previous takeaway favourites taken to the next level with the best ingredients and inventive recipes. Exceptional food, without an exceptional price tag, it’s definitely worth a visit.
