A Fine Dining Experience at Kutir, Chelsea – A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Anniversaries are meant to be special, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in some exquisite fine dining? This year, I took my family to Kutir. It’s a refined Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of Chelsea. You wouldn’t spot it at first glance. Kutir translates to ‘a small cottage’ in Sanskrit. It is tucked away off the main street, though very much walkable from nearest tube. It is housed in what looks like a converted townhouse.
As we stepped in, the interiors oozed elegance. It had a cosy yet opulent feel. Soft lighting, floral wallpaper, and plush seating created an ambiance. This strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. If you fancy some al fresco dining, there’s a charming terrace. It’s ideal for a summer evening in London, assuming the weather plays along.
Table of contents
Who’s Behind Kutir?
Kutir is the brainchild of Abhishake Sangwan and Chef Rohit Ghai, a name synonymous with exquisite Indian cuisine. He co-founded this gem in 2018, bringing his Michelin-starred expertise from Gymkhana, Jamavar, and Bombay Bustle. Kutir reflects his philosophy of elegant, flavour-packed dishes with a modern touch.
Starters That Set the Bar High
We kicked things off with a trio of appetisers, each offering something uniquely delicious:
- Quail Naan – An unexpected yet delightful pairing. The soft naan encased succulent, spice-kissed quail eggs. This proves that naan isn’t just a sidekick to curry. It can be the star too!
- Jackfruit Galavat – A plant-based twist on the famous Galouti kebab. Melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich, smoky flavours that could fool even a die-hard carnivore.
- Aloo Tikki – This classic is done to perfection. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
The Show-Stopping Mains
For the main course, we opted for a lavish spread. If you can’t go all out on an anniversary, when can you?
Lamb Shank with Artichoke – The lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender and slow-cooked to perfection. Tender lamb is then paired with an artichoke purée that adds a delicate earthiness.
Venison with Green Peppercorn – Rich, gamey venison elevated by a creamy yet fiery green peppercorn sauce—utterly divine.
Kaali Dal – This legendary black dal was velvety smooth, with an indulgent buttery richness.
Dhungar Raita – Smoky, creamy, and cooling—just the thing to balance the spice from the mains.
Assortment of Naans – Because no Indian meal is complete without mopping up those delicious sauces!
Sip & Savour – The Drinks
Kutir’s cocktail menu is as impressive as its food. I had Neelambar, gin-based cocktail that was as stunning to look at as it was to drink. I also tried a couple of other signature cocktails, all expertly crafted and beautifully balanced.
Sweet Endings & Masala Chai
Dessert was an assortment of sweet delights, each offering a burst of flavour—think Indian classics with a fine-dining finesse. To conclude, we enjoyed Masala Chai. It is a warm, spiced hug in a cup. No Indian meal is truly complete without it.
Service with a Smile
The hospitality at Kutir was top-notch, with special thanks to Simranjeet, who ensured we were well looked after. Attentive but never intrusive, knowledgeable but never pushy—exactly how fine dining service should be.
Final Thoughts
Over all rating 5/5
Kutir is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The food, the ambiance, and the service all come together to create a truly memorable dining affair. If you’re looking for an elegant Indian fine dining spot in Chelsea, Kutir is absolutely worth a visit.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. After all, anniversaries come every year. Who says you can’t celebrate other special occasions too? Maybe celebrate just a particularly good Tuesday?
