I’ve been on a bit of a curry kick lately, trying out a bunch of Indian restaurants around town and having a great time doing so. South Asian cooking is the sort of food that once I get a taste of I start craving for more and more. So when the invite came to have a taste of the new menu “combining Indian culinary traditions with more diverse and progressive recipes” created by Chef Patron Sabir Karim, I was keen.
As the name of this modern Indian restaurants suggests, my visit to Salaam Namaste commenced with a warm and cordial welcome. The restaurant exudes old school charm – from the be-suited and gracious wait staff to the white tablecloths.
Poppadoms and chutneys started the meal off with more flavour than expected – and at a reasonable price (only £1.50). Good thing too because the kitchen was a bit on the slow side getting the rest of my meal to the table. Delicious and ample dishes made up for the wait.
Goan spiced scallops with mango salsa (£5.50) was a rather fiery and substantial appetiser. And a vegetarian main course of Moru Kachiathu (sweet mangoes and green bananas cooked in yoghurt with green chillies, ginger and fresh curry leaves and served with curd rice, £11.95) was unusual (to my palate anyway), intriguing and very satisfying. A side of dhal makhani (£4.50) was especially savoury and one of the nicest dishes I’ve had during my recent tour of local Indian restaurants. A breadbasket with choice of three breads (£4.95) ensured a full tummy. I loved the dates and ginger naan.
There’s a more than adequate wine list an drinks menu. I was perfectly content to have a bottle of Cobra with my meal.
Salaam Namaste is a great little neighbourhood restaurant located at 68 Millman Street, WC1N 3EF. Bloomsbury folks should be pleased to have it nearby. Find out more at salaam-namaste.co.uk.
You want to try a Darjeeling Express supperclub to really fuel that Indian food fire! http://darjeeling-express.com/
Would love to.