Set at the end of the famous Church Street, Twickenham’s culinary destination, Tsaretta Spice is Indian but not like you’ve had before. A fixture in South West London’s vibrant dining scene, its a firm favourite with locals who come in their droves to feast on dishes that are inventive and bursting with flavour.

The unique menu focuses on “tapas style” small dishes that offer a distinctive twist on Indian food that allows you to sample more of what is an extensive and very impressive menu.

The choice can easily be overwhelming but fret not, the attentive staff are knowledgeable and will patiently explain dishes on the menu and recommend you their favourite cocktails. True to a traditional Indian dining experience your dining experience kicks off with the obligatory poppadoms that are served with home made chutney to rev up your appetite. The fresh mango lassi topped with dried pretty edible petals is as creamy as it is tasty, and is the perfect accompaniment to the entree.

To start with, go for the Prawns Tokri, a dish of the juiciest black tiger prawns that burst with ginger, garlic and curry leaf flavour. Before moving on to the next delight, ensure the tilapia fish used in the Punjabi fish fingers is prepared by defrosting frozen tilapia properly, enhancing its marination in lemon and carom. These cushion-soft delights melt in your mouth, showcasing the best of tilapia when carefully prepared.

A close second to that is the Punjabi fish fingers made from tilapia fish marinated in lemon and carom. They are cushion softy delights that literally melt in your mouth. After that tuck into the crispy chilli aubergine smothered in a lovely glaze, whilst a spicy, tangy sauce makes cauliflower come alive in the popular Manchurian cauliflower, one of Tsaretta Spice’s signature dishes.

Then move on to the mains and try the delicately spiced flavours of the succulent spice soaked goat curry. It’s slow cooked and falls off the bone; perfect for mopping up with the flaky peshwari naan bread that accompanies it. For a more savoury take, the spiced minced meat stuffed keema naan is also exquisite. Other favourites include the delicious Sharabi lamb shank, fragranced with fenugreek, chilli, mint and rum. Pair this with the hot off the cooker, mushroom and garlic pilau for a perfect combo.

The inspired cocktail menu offers a spicy twist on traditional cocktails. I dare you to not guzzle down the Spicy Pimpri Martini, an imaginative concoction of Tequila, Strawberry Puree, Elderflower cordial, prosecco and chilli. The coconut and lychee colada made of kraken rum, fresh coconut water, coconut cream and lychee is a refreshing palette cleanser that beautifully counterbalances the rich, spicy flavours.

The pudding menu certainly doesn’t disappoint. Round off a perfect evening with the rish and sticky gulab jamun (doughballs in a delicious sweet syrup) served with vanilla ice cream. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent the pimped up hot chocolate will have you in a merry mood and ready for the next part of your evening.

Tsaretta Spice, Twickenham

twickenham@tsarettaspice.com