With thoughts turning to Diwali celebrations this week, south London's legendary institution Babur, in Honor Oak Park, is pulling out all the stops with an exclusive party on Wednesday evening.
This Wednesday, 30th October, the restaurant will come alive with candlelight and vibrant performances by Bollywood Vibes. This one-night-only celebration features a special five-course Diwali Tasting Menu (also available from Tuesday to Sunday this week) showcasing the rich flavours and traditions of India’s Festival of Lights.
Highlights of the menu will incude Aloo Tikki Chaat, a classic potato cake served with mint, tamarind, and yoghurt sauce, finished with crispy sev and a touch of silver leaf, Kandhari Chicken Tikka, tender pomegranate-marinated chicken, char-grilled and paired with beetroot yoghurt and millet roti and Malai Kofta, delicate cottage cheese dumplings in a creamy tomato gravy, garnished with silver leaf and coriander tuile as well as their Rasmalai Milk Cake, a light and fragrant milk sponge cake with saffron gel and masala milk.
Having moved to the area last year, Babur has become a firm favourite. Celebrating its 40th birthday next year, the restaurant is a favourite not just with the local community, but across south London - friends as far afield as Croydon have dined there. Having recently visited for a relatively early Friday night dinner at barely 6pm, the restaurant was already packed and continued to be throughout the evening. The wonderfully attentive staff are a delight, and the menu speaks for itself. We tucked into succulent swordfish tikka flavoured with yellow chilli, mustard and carom seed, and gently fiery tempered blue crab meat dumplings with a cooling mint coriander puree. The rich, creamy, tikka butter masala will forever be a favourite, and for a punch of flavour try the Kasundi king prawns, with a kick of Bengali mustard, cruncy spiced puffed rice and a refreshing green papaya murabba. Whatever you choose here, you can't go wrong - there's a reason Babur has been around for so long.
39 years down and long may it continue! Tickets for the Diwali Part are £60 per person. The five course Diwali Tasting Menu is available from Tuesday 29th October to Sunday 3rd November, priced £49.95 per person with an optional wine flight at £24.95.
This November, Babur is also introducing its Winter Game Tasting Menu, a five-course seasonal experience highlighting the rich and complex flavours of game meats. Available throughout the month, this exclusive tasting menu showcases the finest game meats paired with Babur’s signature Indian spices, offering diners a unique culinary journey that reflects the restaurant’s innovative approach to Indian cuisine. Dishes will include a Guinea Fowl Cafreal, Pheasant Tikka Pie and Tandoori Venison, with wine Pairings by Sommelier Rupam Talukda. Guests can enjoy this five-course tasting menu for £59.95, or with perfectly matched wine pairings for £89.95. A four-course option is also available for£55.95, with wine pairings for £79.95.
Book at www.babur.info