Canary Wharf modern Indian restaurant, Chai Ki, has launched a series of Monday Mash-Up special events pairing London brewed craft beers with dishes from its Chai Ki Toddy Shop bar menu. Kicking things off is a “Guerrilla Craft Beer” experiment highlighting a range of beers from Beavertown Brewery.
Last night was the Monday Mash-Up premiere, which found me sidling up to the Toddy Shop bar for an eager taste of full flavoured sharing plates washed down with a smart selection of super tasty beers.
The invitation to sip and sup my way through the Chai Ki/Beavertown menu (which was met with a near immediate ‘hell yeah’ RSVP from me) provided a chance not only to try more brews from one of my preferred London breweries but also to pay a first visit to Chai Ki. The result? I’m a bigger fan of Beavertown than I was before, and I’d be more than pleased to drop by Chai Ki again for another meal – for another beery mash-up or otherwise.
Rohit Chugh – Chai Ki owner and founder of West End Indian eatery, Roti Chai – was on hand for the occasion as were brewers from Beaverton. More than anything both parties just seemed chuffed to be teaming up. A few dishes into the menu and I understand their camaraderie completely.
Some highlights:
Haggis keema naan (£10) with Holy Cowbell – a chocolaty India stout – rocked my palate big time, as did a fiery burnt chilli chicken (£11) with Smog Rocket smoked porter. Sweet and cumin-kissed Koliwada calamari (£11) with Neck Oil (light IPA) was an ideal bar food match. Himalayan ribs (baby back ribs, Nepalese chilli rub, pineapple, and bacon bhel, £12) with and epically rich Black Betty black IPA was as provocative a pairing as it was delicious.
Tickets for future Monday Mash-Ups are priced at £9 (includes first beer and bar plate pairing) with bookings available from 6.30pm to 9pm. The Guerrilla Craft Beer menu featuring Beavertown beers will be available for the next few weeks followed by collaborations with other London breweries.
Chai Ki Toddy Shop is the bar inside Chai Ki restaurant, located at Crossrail Place, E14 5AR. Find out more at chai-ki.com.
