The Experience Menu at Vineet Bhatia

Vineet Bhatia

10 Lincoln St

Chelsea, London

SW3 2TS

The Gourmet Girls pressed the doorbell of an elegant Georgian townhouse tucked away in Chelsea's Lincoln Street, a block off the King's Road. An impeccable gentleman in a suit welcomed us to Vineet Bhatia, one of the finest Indian inspired restaurants in London.

We had been asked to enjoy The Experience, a 12 course tasting menu paired with selected wines. There were two tasting menus on offer: a vegetarian option and a meat option. I chose the vegetarian and my guest had the meat. The concept behind the tasting menu is to explore regional Indian street food- small, freshly cooked morsels to consume immediately, exciting the palate. At the outset I must say it was the most creative, tasteful and beautifully presented Indian food we both had ever experienced.

To begin, we were offered relaxing cocktails. Mine was a vodka drink with Apple juice and Aperol. My guest had a "chai" gin. Both were presented in trendy glasses with skewers of fresh fruit.

The vegetarian menu then proceeded with small servings of Lime soup, Smoked Broccoli Chaat, Amritsari Tofu, Aubergine Uttapam and Beet Momo. I particularly enjoyed the smoked broccoli as I'd never had this ordinary vegetable cooked in such a way. The meat menu started with the same Lime Soup, Smoked Prawn Chaat, Amitsari Haddock, Raan Uttapam and Beet Foie Gras. My guest favoured the Amritsar Haddock. All were delicately spiced and not heavy. These were paired first with an Alsace Grand Cru Rosacker Pinot Gris from Domiane Mittnacht Freres followed by an English Blanc de Blanc from Hindleap.


The courses went on with more exciting tastings. I delighted in Pao Bhaji, Cauliflower Quinoa, Patiala Chickpeas and a honey Glazed Paneer Chop. My guest enjoyed Chili Cod, Duck Korma, Patiala Chicken and a Glazed Pork Chop. These were paired with an Australian Elderton E Series Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon. We were served throughout the meal by Mara, a friendly, well trained young lady who answered every question in detail. It was also a relief to have a sommelier who understood the wines and explained exactly why they were chosen to compliment the food.

The dessert courses for both the vegetarian and meat featured Chocolate Cure, Clementine Kulfi and a plate of small Saffron Jubjubs, Coconut Crisp, Chai fudge, Chocomosa, Almond Shard and Rose Petal Milk Chocolate. None were too sweet, a lovely ending to an exceptional meal. A slightly acidic Tokay from the Hungarian Dorgo Vineyards complimented these well.

I found the presentation and plating to be pure artistry. I was told the serving pieces were specially made by a ceramicist in Chiswick, to the specification of Vineet and Rashima, the proprietors. They were a perfect statement upon which to serve earthy yet elegant food. A flickering table candle made from Himalayan salt cast a romantic glow on our table. This was offset by the dove grey walls of the dining room, a Georgian fireplace and soft modern lighting.

Suffice it to say that Vineet and Rashima Bhatia achieve their aim in cooking "an evolved version of Indian cuisine". The Experience is joy- a creative triumph and a tasty one, too. This is a fabulous place for a very special meal in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. There was not a pappadom, naan or pilau in sight. Indian inspired food doesn't get better than this.