I visited with my mother to celebrate her birthday booking a week ahead for a 1pm Saturday slot. I noted that it was her birthday in the reservation, requesting a small cake at the end of the meal. We were warmly welcomed by staff, with the menu explained opting for the 3-4 course lunch/early evening set menu with varied options. Unlike a previous non-starred restaurant, this menu included papad with dips, naan, rice, and sides. We both chose 4 courses—vegetarian for her, non-veg for me.
We ordered drinks: mango lassi for my mum, salted lassi for me. Mum liked the mango lassi's texture and notable mango flavor. My salted lassi was well-spiced but too thick and lacked sufficient salt.
The papad arrived promptly, offering a mix of varieties from standard 'poppadoms' to spiced tapioca crackers—an appetizing assortment. The accompanying chutneys enhanced the experience. A spicy mint & coriander sauce paired exceptionally with the sweet mango chutney. The tomato-based sauce was also delightful with the papad. All sauces were a hit, nearly wiped clean!
Just before finishing the papad, our initial courses arrived: Mum's aloo chaat and my soft shell crab. Mum enjoyed the chaat as an ideal opener. The crab boasted a decadently seasoned, crispy batter; the accompanying paste and garnishes elevated it. Some uncooked batter inside the crab was a minor issue, not ruining the dish for me.
Our second course followed swiftly. Mum chose the badami broccoli, while I opted for the trout. Although I can't personally comment on the broccoli, Mum found it delicious and perfectly cooked, striking the perfect balance between 'al-dente' and overly soft. As for the trout, it was remarkable! Marinated and tandoor-finished, it sported a gorgeously browned exterior and tender, juicy interior—truly melt-in-the-mouth. The complementary yoghurt sauce expertly balanced the flavors, rendering the dish perfect in my view.
The third course marked the 'curry' round for us, though the menu doesn't use the term. These dishes transcend local curry houses. I chose lamb, while Mum picked paneer. The sides included spicy baby potatoes, a rich tarka daal style dish, intoxicatingly fragrant basmati rice, stuffed garlic naan, and ajwain spiced naan. Two notable things struck us: the generous portion sizes and the diverse range of flavors.
The food itself was impressive. The lamb was tender, not drowning in oily sauce, and paired well with rice and naans. The potatoes offered a delightful kick with balanced seasoning. Mum enjoyed her paneer but wished for more spice, a sentiment I shared after trying it.
By now, we were practically full, leaving only a bit of rice and naan. Observing others taking home leftovers, we realized it was an option if needed, so no pressure to overindulge.
Desserts arrived: kulfi, kheer, and a discreetly arranged birthday cake with a signed card from the staff—an unprecedented touch. The kheer's citrus twist and orangy ice cream balanced beautifully, textured with pistachios. The double-layered kulfi, plain and rose-flavored, rested on vermicelli, adorned with soaked basil seeds—a colorful and tasty delight.
We finished our meal with masala chai to accompany the birthday cake. The chai was a tad watery and could've been milkier for my tastes. The cake (our favorite, chocolate) caused no issues, and notably, it wasn't on the final bill.
What an unforgettable meal! Worth every penny. The early set menu was £45 per person, drinks were £6 each, totaling £130 with the 12.5% service charge, gladly given. Impeccable care and attention crafted a flawless experience. Service was attentive, the 4-course meal left us delightfully full. Decor balanced dark furniture with soft lighting for an intimate atmosphere. Spacious tables avoided any sense of crowding, despite the busy restaurant.
Trisha is a must for a true Michelin Star dining experience that exceeds expectations. Eager to return for the full tasting menu.
Lastly, if anyone from Trishna reads this, I send my heartfelt thanks for making my mother's birthday extraordinary.
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