There’s something magical about settling into the refined elegance of Kanishka in Mayfair, knowing you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure crafted by Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to earn not one, but two Michelin stars. In a city full of exceptional restaurants, Kanishka stands apart for its accolades and ability to make every diner feel part of an unforgettable experience that honours the past and embraces the future, one perfectly crafted course at a time.
Since opening in March 2019, this luminous beacon of modern Indian fine dining has been redefining what it means to experience authentic regional Indian flavours through a contemporary British lens. And now, with their indulgent tasting menu, diners can look forward to an extraordinary journey that beautifully marries tradition with innovation.
Start With A Symphony of Snacks
Start with Atul’s signature trio of snacks—Sunheri Khasta, Crab Tartlet and Duck Kachori. It’s a playful yet sophisticated opening act that immediately sets the tone. The Spring Vegetable Samosa delivers familiar comfort, while the tempered Cromer Crab and Pulled Duck in short crust pastry hint at the Anglo-Indian fusion philosophy that runs through every dish.
The beauty of Kanishka’s approach lies in how seamlessly it weaves together the familiar and the unexpected. Take the Jalpari for example, featuring hand-dived Orkney scallops paired with watercress, caviar and dehydrated peas chaat. It’s a dish that speaks both languages fluently: British premium ingredients meeting Indian street food sensibilities, creating something entirely new yet rooted in authentic flavours.
The Heart Of The Menu
As the evening unfolds, the Meen Nilgiri showcases Atul’s mastery of regional Indian cuisine. This Cornish Turbot, nestled with sea vegetables and elevated by Nilgiri Korma and Fish Rogan, tells the story of Kerala’s coastal traditions. It’s dishes like these that earned Kanishka its place in the Michelin Guide, where the restaurant is celebrated for its “Anglo-infused Indian dishes” and “glamorous surroundings.” But perhaps nothing captures the restaurant’s unique identity quite like the famous Chicken Tikka Pie. This isn’t fusion for fusion’s sake. It’s a thoughtful marriage of British pastry tradition with the soul-warming depths of Indian tikka masala. Served with wild rice and chicken skin bhel, it transforms comfort food into fine dining. The Lamb Wellington continues this theme of inspired fusion, where Romney Marsh lamb canon meets mushrooms, rainbow chard and rogan jus.
The Vegetarian Delights
For those following the vegetarian path, their dedicated vegetarian tasting menu is far from an afterthought. The exclusive vegetarian tasting menu celebrates India’s lush vegetarian traditions through vibrant textures, all interpreted with a modern twist. The Nadru Ki Chaat, featuring lotus stem and golden raisin tikki with plum chutney, pomegranate and sev, showcases how vegetables can be the stars of their own show. The Blue Cheese Paneer Tikka pushes boundaries in the most delightful way, pairing home-churned cottage cheese with blue stilton, murabba and pickled onions. The Malai Broccoli demonstrates Atul’s genius for transformation. Think cardamom and mace tandoori broccoli with cheese fondue that shouldn’t work as well as it does, yet it’s impossible to imagine it any other way. For mains, you’ll be on a fence, picking between Palak Paneer Makhani’s comforting flavours and Aachari Kathal Kofta.
The Sweet Finish
Conclude on the sweet note with desserts that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The Pistachio Delice—pistachio cake with crème cheese and pistachio anglaise—is pure elegance, while the option of Pistachio Kulfi with chocolate mousse offers a playful nod to India’s beloved frozen treat, reimagined for fine dining. For the adventurous, the Coconut Yogurt Pannacotta with passionfruit ice cream provides a more tropical ending that cleanses the palate while leaving you with lingering thoughts of the meal’s many highlights.
An Experience Beyond The Plate
What makes Kanishka’s tasting menu truly special isn’t just the food, though the £120 price point (with £80 wine pairing) delivers exceptional value for this level of cuisine, it’s the complete experience. The twinkling mirrored walls that create intimate glamour, the genuinely warm service that anticipates your needs and sometimes Chef Atul himself stopping by your table to discuss spice preferences. Its celebratory yet comfortable appeal makes for the perfect setting for special occasions for couples as well as community gatherings.
For more information:
Kanishka
www.KanishkaRestaurant.co.uk
