We were a group of six visiting Grand Cholan in Canary Wharf for a team lunch on December 11, 2024, and the experience was truly flavorful. The atmosphere was delightful—clean, inviting, and bustling with energy, even on a weekday lunchtime, which was a testament to its reputation.
The staff were exceptionally professional, offering thoughtful suggestions on dishes and combinations while being friendly and accommodating throughout. The starters set the tone for the meal, with the prawns stealing the show—absolutely smashing!
As a self-proclaimed biryani fanatic who would travel miles like a nomad for a good chicken biryani, I can confidently say this one exceeded my expectations. The rice was perfectly cooked, infused with flavor and fragrance, and the boneless chicken, often a hit-or-miss in biryanis, was a perfect 10/10—something that truly amazed me.
When my French and English colleagues ordered the Chettinad chicken curry, I must admit, I was a bit nervous about how they'd handle the robust spices. To play it safe, we also ordered a slow-punch Punjabi-style butter chicken, thinking it could be a milder alternative if the spices were too intense. To our surprise, both dishes were a hit, and the team polished them off in style!
The naan, especially the cheese naan, was flawless—perfectly cooked and, in Chennai slang, "semma machi!"
Grand Cholan offers a culinary experience I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone eager to explore the magic of South Indian cuisine. I’m already looking forward to...
Read moreA Symphony of Flavours at London’s Indian Gem Grand Cholan.
From the moment I stepped into the vibrant atmosphere of this hidden gem in London, I knew I was in for a treat.
The menu, a delightful journey through the diverse regions of India, offered an array of dishes that promised to tantalize my taste. We ordered the regular drinks cocktail and beer. The starters we ordered were Chilli chicken and king prawn fry. The chilli chicken had the right amount of spice and the king prawn was fresh and tasty. The chicken biriyani was mild and flavoursome but not spicy the way I like it but the subtly of flavour was great. For the main course, the chetinad chicken curry was a standout The chicken was tender and succulent, simmering in a chettinad sauce that was a perfect balance of aromatic indian spices. Each bite was a harmonious blend of warmth and depth, reminiscent of the rich culinary heritage of south India.
The service was impeccable, with staff Mr. Shanta Kumar was great with his recommendations and conversations. He was knowledgeable about the cuisine but also exuded a genuine warmth that made the dining experience all the more special.
In a city that boasts an endless variety of Indian restaurants, this establishment stands out for its authentic flavours, exceptional service, and the sheer passion for Indian cuisine that is evident...
Read moreThis is by far the best Indian restaurant we have been in London in terms of food, service and cleanliness. Everything we had ordered in the past four months, and we come here almost every week, has been amazing. The fusion of spices of every meal makes someone feel like being transported to another place; my husband agrees as he had been to India. I have never been a fan of Indian food despite trying some expensive Indian restaurants in London, but the Grand Cholan had changed this.
Every visit is full of excitement as we go through the menu and try different dishes for each visit. The experience is made much better by the service staff. Everyone is friendly and attentive, happy to answer our questions. But our favourite in Shanta, he is one of the main reasons why we keep coming back to the place. He is genuine and not robotic. Our exchanges, whether they are about the menu or other life stories, have been very interesting. It makes us feel like going home to our favourite relative/friend! The location is also ideal where one can have a choice of inside or outside seats. This restaurant is a real gem within the neighbourhood; we never order food for delivery because we enjoy the impeccable hospitality while enjoying really sumptuous food. See you again soon Grand Cholan, maybe...
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