Have you ever walked into a place and thought, “Hmm… this is not just a dinner, this is an experience”? That was me at Kanishka, tucked away on Maddox Street in London’s swish Mayfair. An invitation to their tasting menu promised an evening of culinary theater. Every course turned out to be a conversation starter. Spoiler alert: the food did most of the talking!
Table of contents
📍 Location, Location, Location
Kanishka is nestled on 17-19 Maddox Street, a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus. Perfect for that pre-theatre meal, date night, or in my case – a food blogger’s dream invite. Mayfair brings the glitz, but Kanishka brings the warmth. Classy yet welcoming interiors, soft lighting, and a soothing aesthetic that hints at modern Indian elegance without trying too hard. Think sophisticated, but make it desi.
👨🍳 Meet the Man Behind the Magic – Chef Atul Kochhar
The name needs little introduction. Chef Atul Kochhar is the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star. He is known for elevating Indian food in the UK from “curry house” to a culinary icon. At Kanishka, his menu travels beyond the clichés. It dives into the lesser-known regions of India. The restaurant offers dishes you won’t find in your average Indian restaurant.
As a British-Desi myself, this blend of heritage and modern interpretation hit a sweet (and spicy) spot. It’s like your mum’s recipes went to culinary school and returned with a degree in gastronomy.
🌿 Tasting Menus – One for All Appetites
We had the absolute pleasure of trying both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus. Now here’s a little nugget of joy – the vegetarian tasting menu was specially curated for me! Yes, that’s right. I felt like the Queen of Curry. The chefs at Kanishka whipped up a bespoke veggie experience with both flair and flavour.
For my readers who lean green, let me assure you – this wasn’t an afterthought menu. From Jackfruit to morels to rich coconut gravies, the vegetarian menu stood proudly beside its meaty sibling.
🍗 Let’s Talk About the Non-Veg Tasting Menu – Course by Course
Brace yourself for a flavour trip across India with stops in coastal towns, royal kitchens, and bustling streets. Here’s what graced our table:
- Kurkure Soft Shell Crab – Crispy on the outside, juicy inside. Served with raw papaya salad and passionfruit chutney – a cheeky contrast of crunch and zing.
- Naga Scallops – Oh hello, heat! Perfectly seared scallops with just the right kick from Naga chilli. Think coastal spice with fine-dining finesse.
- Atul’s Chicken Tikka Pie – This one deserves a standing ovation. It’s a hug in a pie crust, combining tikka masala with British pastry. Desi meets Downton.
- Achari Pigeon Breast – Slightly gamey, delicately spiced and paired with shimeji mushrooms and beetroot ketchup. Not your everyday fare – and that’s the point.
- Seafood Moilee – Silky coconut curry that transported me straight to Kerala. I may have closed my eyes for this one.
- Dad’s Murg Makhani – A rich, creamy tomato-based curry that could win hearts (and awards). The fact it’s inspired by the chef’s father? Heartwarming.
Each dish was plated like a piece of art. The pacing allowed just enough time to admire, chat, and sip. It also let us reset the palate for what was next.
🍹 Cocktails – Stirred with Sass
Kanishka’s cocktail menu is not just an afterthought. It’s a whole chapter in the story.
- Chai Old Fashioned – A twist on a classic, infused with warm Indian spices. Smooth, sippable, and strong enough to make you smile.
- Passion fruit Martini – Fruity and fun, this one packed a punch and paired delightfully with the spicy crab.
- Mango Margarita – Bright, citrusy and totally tropical. I may or may not have imagined myself on a Goan beach.
- Non-alcoholic Plum Elixir – If you’re skipping the booze, you’re still in for a treat. Sweet, tart, and super refreshing.
They clearly take their mixology seriously, but still have fun with it – and isn’t that the perfect combo?
📍 Why You Should Try Kanishka
If you’re looking for:
- ✅ Modern Indian food that goes beyond butter chicken
- ✅ A Michelin-starred chef’s take on regional Indian flavours
- ✅ Sophisticated cocktails with Indian flair
- ✅ An elegant, not-intimidating dining space in central London
- ✅ A vegetarian menu that feels VIP-worthy
Then Kanishka is calling.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or hosting out-of-town guests, Kanishka delivers. You can also treat yourself to an evening of gourmet Indian indulgence.
And yes, I was invited to try the tasting menu. However, my words here are 100% me. They are unfiltered and honest, written with a full belly and a happy heart.
❤️ Final Bite
Kanishka is a testament to how far Indian cuisine has come in the UK. It’s not trying to be trendy – it’s simply bold, beautiful, and brilliant, just like a good biryani. From street food influences to royal kitchen recreations, every plate had a story to tell.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to fellow British-Desis? In a heartbeat. Because food this good deserves to be shared.
If you’ve been to Kanishka or are planning a visit, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And if you loved this post, do share it with your foodie friends!
📸 As always, follow along on Instagram @yourfoodfantasy for behind-the-scenes bites and my next edible adventure.