Indian Essence

“Fab food, excellent service” is one reader’s verdict on Indian Essence – the result of a hook-up between Michelin-starred celeb chef Atul Kochhar (of Kanishka and Sindhu fame) and restaurateur Jitindar Singh. This flashy eatery brings a taste of high-end new-wave Indian cuisine to the heart of Kent, and despite an inauspicious roadside setting, the dining room shows its cosmopolitan style with lilac and mauve tones, latticework, flamboyant contemporary artwork and elegantly laid tables. The menu makes few compromises to the suburban location, offering signature plates of chicken tikka ‘pie’ with prune compote alongside the likes of marinated grilled rabbit with cherry chutney, tandoori monkfish with spiced broccolini, an Anglo-Indian ‘railway curry’ or fennel-scented lamb chops with wild rocket salad. Veggies should check out the courgette kofta with korma sauce and the ‘gunpowder’ spice-crusted baby potatoes with broad beans. ‘Traditional favourites are available on request’ says a note on the menu, while desserts such as caramelised carrot cake with turmeric ice cream show Kochhar’s trademark blend of Asian and European influences.

In the heart of Petts Wood, Kent, you'll find Indian Essence, a fine dining Indian cuisine restaurant from twice awarded Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar. The restaurant's award-winning concept is based on highlighting traditional flavours from across India but in Kochhar's signature, contemporary style. 

Ideal for a special occasion, the restaurant's cream colour palette gives off a sophisticated vibe and smart tables are topped with white tablecloths, while large artworks adorn the walls. Indian Essence is known for its tasting menus (which is another reason to choose this restaurant for a celebration meal), and has options for pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan diners. 

The tasting menus span seven courses, starting with the likes of ratte and sweet potato chaat served with a 'splash of chutneys', followed by tandoori Cornish lobster tail with lobster malai curry and dakshin chicken with southern spiced chargrilled chicken supreme, Mangalorean sauce, cauliflower kempu bezule and lemon rice. 

If tasting menus aren't your thing, there are plenty of others to choose from including the set weekend lunch menu which gets you a starter, main, side and dessert. Highlights include the spiced prawns pepper fry with garlic chilli chutney, and lamb sukka with onions, crushed peppers and curry leaves.

No party is, of course, complete without good drinks and so whether you're dining in a small group or a large one, check out the expertly curated cocktail menu which boasts a long list of concoctions. We like the sound of the Spiced Kir Royale which offers an Indian-inspired take on the original with Chambord, Crème de Cassis, chilli chutney and champagne.