Chakra — Restaurant in London

Discovering Chakra in Kensington: A Hidden Gem

Nestled in the heart of Kensington, Chakra offers a delightful dining experience with a mix of traditional Indian dishes and modern flair.

My recent visit revealed a treasure trove of flavours that left a lasting impression. We started with three appetizers that set the tone for the evening. The Chilli Paneer was a fantastic opener—pan-fried cubes of soft paneer tossed in a tangy and spicy Szechuan sauce. The balance of heat and flavour made it a perfect companion for those who enjoy a bit of kick in their starters. Next came the Vegetable Spring Rolls, encased in a thin, crispy pastry and stuffed with mixed vegetables. These light and crunchy bites were a simple yet satisfying contrast to the boldness of the paneer.

The highlight of the starters, though, was undoubtedly the Patiala Lamb Chops. These lamb chops were marinated in a chef-special blend of spices and cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven. Each bite was tender and full of flavour, with the rich spices elevating the meat to another level.

We were disappointed not to try the Calcutta Paneer Kathi Rolls, which weren’t available on the day, but it gives us an excuse to return! For the mains, we turned to Mayanak, our friendly and knowledgeable waiter, for a recommendation. He suggested the Highway Chicken Curry, a rustic chicken dish packed with whole spices. The curry had a thick, slow-cooked gravy that was both hearty and intensely flavorful. Paired with a soft Lachha Paratha and some plain rice, it was a winning combination. The Rai Wale Aloo, a spicy masala potato dish, was a delightful side, adding just the right amount of spice to complement the meal.

The star of the mains, however, was the Dum Chicken Biryani. The aromatic rice, infused with spices and cooked with tender pieces of chicken, hit all the right notes. It was fragrant, flavourful, and filling—the kind of dish you remember long after the meal was over.

To finish, we shared a warm and syrupy Gulab Jamun. This classic Indian dessert, with its sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture, was the perfect way to round off a flavourful evening.

A special thanks to Mayanak for his attentive service throughout the night. Chakra has truly impressed me, and with two other locations in Little Venice and Kingston, I’m already planning my next visit—this time with my wife.

At Chakra, the food, atmosphere, and service combine to create a hidden gem in London’s vibrant food scene. Highly recommended for lovers of...

Wanted proper Indian food because I live in a country where Indian food is often very average. I actually wanted to go to a highly recommended competitor that didn’t do take away on weekend. I was not disappointed.

Too many times I have had sub par Indian foood with a greasy feel and some heartburn acid indigestion and tastes repeating.

This place was the exception. A small unassuming , quiet restaurant with a table of 2 enjoying their food. I would have been happy to sit and eat in but was asked by the missis to get a take away.

Staff members were great. A helpful waiter able to provide advice and make recommendations on portion suitability for mouths involved- because none of us want to waste food or money right? Or be left unsatisfied.

Ordered butter chicken , yellow Dahl and lamb biriyani with various naan. It was still too much for 4 and enough leftovers for kids to have for breakfast reheated.

The food was high quality. Good ingredients, tasted fresh with good cuts of meat. The seasoning was great with plenty of good spices in there. The overall food experience I got was very clean tasting and a good blend of spices. The bread was good, despite living in its own bag for the 5 minute walk to the hotel with stop at a shop to get a charger.

I wanted good curry and I got it. The best curry I have had in years. I have been to India on multiple business trips to 5 star hotels ( corporate paying). This was superior food to what I obtained throughout India.

Thanks for a proper English curry. Just what I was looking for. Keep up...

Ordered a takeaway based on the reviews I'd read online. The order was for 2 Vegetable Byriani, the sweet potato dish, plain naan bread and poppadoms. It came to £31.

The Byriani was meant to come with a sauce, we didn't get anything with it. Did they forget? The Byriani was greasey and not particularly nice. I've had much better at restaurants that charge half the price.

The sweet potato dish was absolutely terrible. It looked like we'd been given a frying pan of vegetables that had been left on the stove too long. It tasted burnt, looked burnt and smelt burnt. How any chef can consider that a dish to be served is beyond me. It was like an experiment gone wrong.

The Naan bread was dry and tough.

I don't know whether it was just us that got a raw deal here but I will certainly not be ordering...