Tandoor Chop House
North Indian & British
8 Adelaide Street London WC2N 4HZ
£
North Indian communal dining and the Traditional British chop house are fused together at this establishment located just off the Strand: with smoky undercurrents and fiery toppings, what can really go wrong?
Specialising in small plates, TCH is all about sharing, which is definitely the best way to eat. Swapping the grill for the tandoor, these British cuts of meat take on a whole new meaning, a meaning which demands to be heard, and is near impossible to not understand. The decor is dark and buzzing - I went on a Friday night after work around 7:30pm - didn't book (should have done), but still managed to get a seat at the counter which ended up being a prime people-watching spot.
We ordered the Dexter beef 'dripping' keema naan (£5), 'IPA' battered & spiced squid and prawns (£6), Amritsari crispy lamb chops (£16.50), Green chilli garlic and cheese naan (£3) and some Black Dahl (£3.50). It's difficult to know how much to order here, although I think the amount we went for was perfect for two people. We were full enough to not want dessert, but without a food induced coma: wishing we hadn't had that last bite of naan.
Not one dish disappointed - I must say that the lamb chops are the most generously meaty chops I've ever had, as well as the most tender. The smoky, almost charcoal exterior contrasts beautifully with the succulent and juicy rare meat inside, and is served with a very agreeable sweet mint sauce. The batter on the squid and prawns was different, perfectly crisp and not too heavy. The super filling black dahl a perfect accompaniment to the chilli and cheese naan and the beef keema naan erupting with so many flavours it was hard to keep up.
The place is loud and buzzing, even a tad intense at times, and maybe just a smidgen too dark, but it's exactly what you'd expect from a 'trendy' British take on some classic Indian flavours - I guess it all just added to the atmosphere. The staff were great, and not in an overbearing or trying too hard way: it was naturally good service.
TCH has been heralded as the new 'Dishoom', although here you don't have to queue at all for a table, even on a Friday night! This won't last long though... so I recommend you get down here as soon as possible.
OVERALL RATING: *****
http://tandoorchophouse.com/
