Cinnamon Soho is the latest offering from chef Vivik Singh. It’s very unassuming both inside and out, with the emphasis on the menu rather than the grandeur of the restaurant (The Cinnamon Club in Westminster is one of the most unique dining experience due in part to the space). The menu, described as “modern Indian cuisine with a British Twist”, took us through delicious contemporary Anglo –Indian dishes (think Indian style scotch eggs rather than tinned tomato tikka masalas).
We started off with an Indo-Chinese burnt chilli chicken (£4.80). Chinese food is big in Indian and, like everything in the Mother Land, it’s Indian-ed up to wondrous effects. The chicken was smokey and hot and packed with unexpected tart capers. Next we had a fat chilli paneer (£4.80), which was diced small and braised with fiery spices and sweet sultanas.
The main courses were more like real mains – individual meals rather than traditional sharing portions. This is not a bad thing, just be prepared to spot rogue forks delving into your food! We had the Tandoori king prawns with Alleppy curry sauce (£17), which was thick and rich, packed with southern goodness from the curry leaves and nutty mustard seeds. It was served with another South Indian classic, a vegetable thoran – grated vegetables stir fried with spices and fresh coconut. It was delicious and complimented the creamy sauce perfectly.
Next was a truly inventive smoked saddle of Cumbrian lamb (£17). This marvellous piece of British produce was served rare and funked-up with the addition of a sweet gravy made with of rich slow cooked onions, cashew nuts and spices. It was perfection.
Cinnamon Soho 5 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5PF, 020 7437 1664
http://www.cinnamon-kitchen.com/soho-home