Restaurant Review: Gymkhana, London

Modern Curry House with a twist of nostalgia

An award winning restaurant, Gymkhana combines the traditional flavours of India with the British Raj times. Designed like the authentic gymkhana clubs from the colonial times of British India, where the elite would come together for a bit of wine and dine, Gymkhana serves contemporary Indian fare with authentic taste.

The interiors of Gymkhana reminded me of the old steam engine trains, with plush seats and cosy cabins. The walls are decorated with lamps and hunting trophies acquired from the ancient Maharajas of Rajasthan. The restaurant boosts a nostalgic vibe reminiscing the days of the British Raj.

One of the expensive modern Indian restaurants in London it serves Michelin starred contemporary Indian food with bold flavours. But high priced it may be, the food is worth it. No one can complain of the cost once the food has been tasted. It lives up to the expectation of its promises.

Visiting the restaurant with my sister, we went all out and heartily ordered.

Starting with the Nashta, we ordered the Beetroot Chops Pav and the Tandoori Gobhi.

This dish was absolutely brilliant, and most definitely ranks higher than the rest of the food we ordered. A modern take on the classic street food of Mumbai, the vada pav, the Beetroot Chops Pav was delicious. The beetroot vada was crunchy and chewy, while the pav was soft and buttery. It was served with mirchi pakodas, which gave a spicy kick to the dish.

The Tandoori Gobhi, which was served with a Green Chilli Raita, was beautifully marinated in a light cream cheese sauce and other spices and chargrilled on the tandoor. The crisp skin of the gobhi, along with the cheese dressing just melted in the mouth. The gobhi was grilled just perfectly having a slight crunch to but it, but still remaining gooey from the inside. The raita, however failed to enhance the taste, it did not add the freshness and zest that was lacking in the dish.

For the mains, we went for the classic Chole Bhature. The bhature were cooked impeccably with a flaky exterior and soft, buttery interior. Along with that, we called for a bread basket, which came brimming with steaming hot chilli garlic naans. The chole, though cooked well, lacked a spicy kick.

After a heavy meal, as much as we wanted to avoid a dessert, it was simply too tempting! The Saffron and Carrot Halwa served with a lightly scented Vanilla Creme Fraiche, was mouth watering. The creme fraiche cut through the heaviness of the halwa, and refreshed our palate. The vibrant colours of the carrot halwa were paired perfectly with a sprinkling of pistachios and almonds which added the perfect crunch element to the dish. Along with this, both of us ordered the special Bombay Chai, which was served in a traditional cutting glass. The chai, aromatised with ginger and cardamom, was topped with a dollop of cream. It was heaven scent on the cold London day we chose to visit Gymkhana!

A classic Gymkhana club, with modern Indian fare but authentic taste, this restaurant is most definitely a winner.

Meal for Two: £70 approx without alcohol

Price List:

• Beetroot Chops Pav: £9.00
• Tandoori Gobhi: £9.50
• Chole Bhature: £20.00
• Saffron and Carrot Halwa: £7.00
• Bombay Chai: £7.00
• Bread Basket: £7.00