I’ve discovered that refined Indian cuisine in London is on the rise.
Previously, when it came to fine dining in London, most people would think of French or Japanese cuisine. I found an Indian 🇮🇳 restaurant next to Harrods: 👉Vatavaran The name is quite interesting, “Vatavaran” means “Atmosphere” in Hindi. The ambiance inside the restaurant is really something else. Their design inspiration comes from the mountain ranges in eastern India. From the ground floor to the top floor, the color of each level gradates with the height of the mountains, full of depth and a natural vibe. The top floor is a bar/event space called Peak, which translates to “mountain peak.” The space is not only beautiful but also rich in cultural significance. I tried their lunch menu, starting with the appetizers: ➡️WILD PRAWN: Big prawns with mustard, honey, chickpeas, and curry leaves, the flavors layering beautifully with a sweet and spicy kick, very delicious. ➡️SALMON TIKKA: A combination of salmon with kokum fruit, beetroot, garlic, and coconut chutney, offering a rich sweet and sour flavor with the freshness of seafood. For the main course, we chose: ➡️MANGALORE FISH: Seabass seasoned with coconut and tamarind, the fish is tender with a tropical spice flavor. ➡️LAMB BARBAT: Boneless lamb with roasted spices and garlic, the rich aroma is something I really enjoyed. The desserts were also unique: ➡️CARROT ORANGE: A cake made with carrots, oranges, and cashews, with a delicate texture and a perfect balance of sweet and sour; the waiter told me this dessert is called Gajar ka halwa in Hindi. ➡️PINEAPPLE ~ COCONUT: A vegan dessert using pineapple, coconut sugar, and chutney, refreshing and special. Their drink, ➡️Mango and Date Lassi, was quite to my liking! The sweet aroma of mango paired with the smoothness of dates, sweet with a hint of natural fruitiness, not cloying at all. I think Vatavaran is not just a place to eat, but an experience of an exotic atmosphere. Next time you’re at Harrods, why not give it a try? #London #LondonLife #EnjoyingFoodTogether #GreatAtmosphereRestaurant #HiddenGemRestaurant #LondonFood #IndianCuisine #Travel #Trip #LondonIndianCuisine