Eriki

Now and again you come across a restaurant that is a little different, a tad special. Eriki restaurant is most definitely one of them.

With rich tones of reds and orange, a stylish décor that is a mix of traditional Indian with Western contemporary, Eriki restaurant exudes sophistication.

Having only opened in 2002, it has the distinct feel of a neighbourhood favourite. Based in Swiss Cottage, Eriki is in a perfect spot, with Hampstead, Belsize Park and St. Johns Wood a short walk away. "We have been very busy from day one," says restaurant owner Mr Lally. "We have regulars that come to us time and time again." In-fact, even on a Wednesday evening the restaurant was extremely busy with only one table free!

After sampling the food it is easy to see why. Having dined at many an Indian restaurant and being slightly jaded with the usual cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised to find some really unusual and authentic dishes.

The menu is extensive with vegetarian and non vegetarian starters ranging from 'Scallops Haryali' (large juicy ocean scallops steamed with a hint of garlic and served in a curried green herb sauce) to 'Dahi Batat Puri', (a dish of small, light pastry cases, filled with potatoes, yoghurt, chick peas, drizzled with home-made chutneys).

The main courses are equally appetising with typical dishes plus many more adventurous such as the 'Laknowi Lamb Chop Masala' (four tender lamb chops in an array of spices) and vegetarian dishes including 'Dahi Baigan' (fresh Aubergines roasted and simmered in a tangy yoghurt sauce, tempered with panch poran).

After much deliberation and a little prodding from my eager companion I chose 'Lazeez Kastoori Tikka' (tender pieces of chicken marinated with garlic kastoori methi, mild cheese, yoghurt and spices, delicately grilled in the tandoor oven). We also chose a dish incorporating five vegetarian starters, including Khas Tandoori Aloo (potatoes marinated with tandoori spices and Masala Dosa (pan crepes filled with spicy potatoes, rice and white lentils)..…. A nice way to try an array of divine starters.

For the mains my companion chose Saag Gosht (a delicious plate of lamb pieces cooked with spinach and curry spices), that were so tender and moist they literally fell apart at the touch of the fork. I decided on an exquisite Goan Fish Curry (a medium spicy cod in a kokum fruit and fresh coconut sauce), which although was still quite hot, still managed to melt in my mouth. And of course naan bread to soak up the mouth-watering flavours.

All this, washed down with a very nice Pinot Grigio (which just so happened to be the house white), went down for a very nice dining experience!

With authentic cooking that makes use of the freshest of ingredients and the finest spice combinations. Beautiful elegant décor teamed with such friendly and professional staff - Eriki is not just a smart neighbourhood restaurant but a restaurant that radiates opulence in every essence of the word. Highly recommended!

Mr Lally recently opened a second restaurant on Boundary Road NW8. Eriki, 4-6 Northways Parade, Finchley Road, London, NW3. Disabled Access / Strictly No Smoking. Tel: 0207 722-0606.

By Katy Corcoran

Have An Indian

As an Indian virgin I was more than a little apprehensive about dipping into a cuisine I had never ventured into before, but the welcome at Hason Raja in West Central London was so warm and inviting I was immediately put at ease.

Comfy settees, low table piled with inviting reading material (for those who have to wait to be seated), white and lime green walls adorned with tasteful pictures of Indian folks and their traditions and the well stocked mini bar not too far from the entrance was taken in during one approving glance.

Hason Raja, is a unique Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant, situated in Holborn. It was easy to find yet at the same time it’s discreetly placed. Established in 2003, the restaurant is named after a 19th century Bangladeshi poet–come- playboy who led a life full of drama, colour and romance.

Hason Raja’s signature dishes include the Shathkora Mangsho, a traditional Bangladeshi dish of diced shank of lamb cooked with wild Bangladeshi lemons, Anari Chaamp, tawa grilled lamb in a star anise and pomegranate sauce, Goose Ki Parchy, French goose in an aniseed and poppy seed blueberry sauce and the chef’s special recipe, the Garlic MurgTawa, tender chicken cooked with tomatoes and green peppers with a touch of ginger and garlic.

The vegetarian options are equally appetising with Tandoori Phool, roasted broccoli with olives and crushed peppers and Kumbeki Sheek Kebabs, an outstanding dish of mushrooms, yam and paneer mixed in a variety of flavoured spices. My companion was a seasoned lover of Indian cuisine and I allowed him to guide me into this eclectic menu of exquisite Indian and Bangladeshi dishes with authentic tastes and distinctive flavours.

My first choice was Rara Rogan Josh, (dished chunks of lamb cooked in its own juices in an abundance of onions and tomatoes), Saag Aloo (fresh spinach and potatoe cooked with mixed with heat and spices), Pilau Rice and Peswari Naan.

The food arrives on a hotplate to keep it warm and so are the plates so if you value your finger tips do not test the heat levels! I adored the lamb dish and loved the creamy coconut taste of the Chicken Korma. The Pilau Rice (saffron flavoured Basmati) had a taste and characteristic of its own, and as someone more used to rice and peas or plain boiled white rice, pilau is a MUST if you choose to dine in an Indian restaurant. The choice of sauces in the pickle tray, which includes chutney and onion salad, was wonderful, but ask which one is hot before tucking in.

Hason Raja’s managing director Rafu Miah has put 30 years of industry knowledge and experience into creating, not only an fantastic menu but a relaxing environment. We were seated upstairs on street level but downstairs seats up to 70 people and the tables are not so close that your conversation can be overheard, and I recognised the wonderful music of singer Ravi Shankley being played softly in the background. Serene.

Would I recommend Hason Raja? You betcha! Hason Raja: 84 Southampton Row, London WC1.Reservations advised (this is a popular restaurant): 0207 242 3377.

Review by Belinda Raye