Little Mumbai

Twickenham is blessed with a number of good Indian restaurants – some of them have even won awards. So it was a surprise to discover this real gem recently.

My friends live across the road and had been encouraging me to try it out for some time. It’s a tiny place – so you must book. And it doesn’t look particularly special from the outside – although the soft glow of purple lights and the large chandeliers are striking.

The manager and staff are super-friendly. I learned that originally they were sought a location in Central London but ended up in Twickers. And I am so glad that they did.

They have some rather special cocktails – two of us had the clementine gin and tonics (£6.50) while the third had a diet coke (£1.95). Some poppadums and chutney too (£2.50) while we looked at the menu.

My friends are clearly expert and ordered the Chowpatty platter for three (£11.95). There were some familiar items here – samosas and onion bhajis but also a marvellous pile of fried spinach in a crispy salad with some pomegranate seeds and a piri stacked option. It was fresh and flavoursome and delicious. I was tempted to request another plate of this rather than my main course.

The main course arrived in attractive copper dishes. A prawn mango curry (£11.95), nilgiri chicken (£8.50) and saag lamb (£9.50). Our sides included dal makhani (black daal - £4.50), lemon rice (£3.50 – really zingy), parathas (£2.75) and keema nann (£3.75). We washed this down with a couple of glasses of sauvignon blanc (£4.25).

At the end of the meal, they presented us with a tray of brightly coloured aniseed treats – to freshen the breath.

The total bill for the three of us came to £87.05 without service. It seemed good value for money considering the quantity and quality of food.

The food was outstanding. And the service fast and friendly but not rushed. I think it may just become my favourite Indian restaurant in Twickenham.