Kasturi A Taste of India (Bar, Restaurant)

“Opening a curry restaurant in London is like opening an ice cream parlour in the arctic,” says Bashir Ahmed – seasoned restaurateur and founder of the award winning Kasturi, our destination for the evening. A few steps from Aldgate station, this North Indian eatery is most certainly a destination venue with its carefully constructed menu and superb service.

Kasturi offers a fine dining cuisine of what is described as coming from the northern border region of India, with influences from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Spices are crushed, but not ground to a powder, which provides for a distinct earthy flavour and natural texture taking the food many steps above the bog standard venues of Brick Lane.

We are warmly greeted by a conscientious team including the friendly Akash – a fellow journalist and gracious host, who shows us to our table in the dimly lit and tastefully dressed back area.

We start with the Kabab-ke-Karishma – a selection of chicken, lamb and ground meat skewers served with a selection of dipping sauces – which comes highly recommended and with justification. The kebabs are spiced well and the juicy flavour of the meat remains – primarily in the lamb peshwari which we loved. The King Prawn Puri was also great – unusual flavours entangle this spicy tower of prawns and veg that sit on a sauce soaked naan bread.

Practically stuffed, we progress to the mains. My Thali Royal contains a mix of plush and tasty meat curries, naan and a biriyani. Particularly awesome is the Lamb Bhuna – which endures a lengthy yoghurt marinade process, emerging tender and packed with flavour. Also enjoyable is the yellow curried dal with its intense savour and yummy sticky texture. My friend had the Passanda Lamb which was hot and sour, with a thick rich sauce and excellent.

After the meal a chat with Bashir reveals that the establishment has been awarded an “Investor in People” recognition – given for Kasturi’s dedication to hygiene and silver-service training for staff. Kasturi offers plenty of specials in the summer and is currently booking for the winter holiday season. With two separate dining areas, very fair prices, and delicately prepared fare, you’ll have trouble finding another like it....read more