My love for curries is in my DNA. I set up a Curry Club at work and have been to over 50 restaurants in Staffordshire alone. Cannock, where I’m from, is a curry heartland with many fine restaurants that have lasted the test of time, showcasing the best of South & North India, Bangladesh, Kashmir, Nepal, and modern, fusion dishes.
My search for great curries has taken me far and wide. I’ve been to London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham’s Balti Triangle, Bradford’s Karachi, Glasgow’s oldest & finest Koh I Noor. I have eaten curries championed by my heroes Rick Stein, Dan Toombs, Si King & Dave Myers (RIP).
The Chicken Karahi I had here is the best of them all. Ikkayees haven’t just set the bar high, they’ve blown it through the roof.
The restaurant is small & minimalist, which actually got my hopes up. In my experience, small & minimal leads to quality over quantity and tend to be places that let the food do the talking (and they do!)
Was greeted by name by very friendly staff and was accommodated easily despite being early. I’d recommend booking ahead.
Papadams and chutney tray to get the ball rolling. Another early sign of quality and the quality yet to come. Chutneys and pickles take time to make. I’ve done them at home to amazing results. They often beat restaurant quality due to the need to make lots and make them quickly. Mango chutney was smooth and tangy. I’d love their recipe for their lime pickle. It’s definitely a house special. Blended, rather than chunky, the lime is definitely mixed with chillies and spices, maybe some naga pickle. Couldn’t place all the flavours but there’s a lot going on and well worth trying.
The chips came before the mains and were gone before the mains. I used them as extra dipping after the papadams were demolished. Perfectly salted.
Then the mains, served with naans. We ordered Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Massala & Chicken Karahi. They all looked amazing, especially the Butter Chicken & Chicken Karahi. The chicken was so tender, the texture was perfect - lovely thick sauce in the Karahi. Lots of meat in the dish, spiced to perfection. I asked for mine hot, and this was done subtly, through delicate uses of spices, rather than just whacking in more cayenne pepper or powder. The food sent me on a journey through memory lane as I wondered if I’d ever had one this good before.
My daughter asked, “Are you ok dad? Your eyes are watering.” It wasn’t because it was too hot. I was having a moment. I’ve searched high and low for the perfect curry. And I’d...
Read moreIf you’re in search of an authentic Kerala dining experience in Liverpool,UK, “Ikkayees indian restaurant liverpool “is the place to be. This restaurant is a true gem, offering a delightful journey through the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of South India.
From the moment you walk in, the warm, inviting decor sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
The menu is an ode to Kerala’s diverse cuisine. Start your meal with the Banana Fritters, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, providing a sweet and savory bite to whet your appetite. For a more substantial beginning, the Kothu Parotta, a delicious stir-fry of shredded parotta with meat and spices, is a must-try.
The main course offerings are where Ikkayees truly shines. The Biriyani, fragrant and beautifully spiced, features tender pieces of meat cooked to perfection with Kaima rice. Each bite is a harmonious blend of spices that will leave you craving more.
The Puli Inji Chicken is another standout dish, marrying the tangy sweetness of tamarind with the heat of ginger and spices, resulting in a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Beef lovers will be thrilled with the array of beef dishes on offer. The Beef dry Fry, in particular, is exceptional, with succulent pieces of beef dry-fried with authentic seasoning and spices, delivering an explosion of taste and texture.
Pair your meal with a refreshing Mango Lassi, a creamy and sweet yogurt-based drink that perfectly complements the spices in the food.
No meal at Ikkayees is complete without trying their signature desserts. The Paalada Payasam, a traditional sweet pudding made with ada , creamy whole milk, and sugar , is the perfect way to end your culinary journey on a high note.
The service at Ikkayees is impeccable. The staff is not only attentive and courteous but also well-versed in the intricacies of Kerala cuisine, eager to guide you through the menu and enhance your dining experience.Especially special thanks to Shamsu Bro..
In conclusion, Ikkayees Indian restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of Kerala’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a curious newcomer, this restaurant promises a memorable feast that will have you returning time and again. Highly...
Read moreDining at Ikayees, a gem specialising in authentic Kerala cuisine, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary journey. Each dish was a masterful blend of flavours and spices, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.
Firstly, King Fish Mango Curry, a dish that truly stands out, my personal favourite. The tender king fish was perfectly cooked, with the tangy mango adding a delightful contrast to the rich, spicy gravy. The balance of flavours was impeccable, with the sweetness of the mango perfectly complementing the heat of the spices.
Next, we savoured the Kerala Beef Ularthiyathu (Coconut Infused), new to the menu. This dish was a revelation, with succulent pieces of beef marinated in a medley of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. The infusion of coconut added a subtle sweetness that elevated the dish, making each bite an explosion of flavour.
The Chicken Kappa Biriyani was another highlight of our meal. The combination of tender chicken and mashed tapioca (kappa) was unique and flavourful. The spices were well-balanced, creating a harmonious blend that was both comforting and exciting. Each mouthful was a testament to the chef's skill in marrying traditional Kerala flavours with innovative techniques.
To accompany these dishes, we had Appam, which were soft, fluffy, and slightly crispy at the edges. They were the perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious gravies and curries, enhancing the overall dining experience.
To wash it all down, we enjoyed a refreshing Mango Lassi. The lassi was smooth, creamy, and had just the right amount of sweetness and tangy. It was the perfect way to cleanse the palate and cool down after indulging in the spicy dishes.
Overall, Ikayees delivered an exceptional dining experience, with each dish showcasing the vibrant and diverse flavours of Kerala cuisine. The skilful use of spices and fresh ingredients, combined with the warm and inviting atmosphere, made our visit truly memorable. I highly recommend Ikayees to anyone looking to experience authentic Kerala flavours in all...
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