Almost 3 years in the making, Roti Chai’s colourful street level street kitchen and basement dining room have been a real labour of love for its creator, Rohit Chugh. An industrial style interior on ground features old-school headlights and hand-drawn posters around a ‘hole in the wall’ open kitchen hatch while the downstairs dining room was created to resemble an old Indian train with luggage racks adorning the walls and banquette seating lit by colourful handmade cage lanterns.
The ground floor all-day dining menu was inspired by Chugh’s childhood memories of food served at street stalls and roadside cafes across the Subcontinent. Tuck into robust classics such as Papri Chat, Chicken Lollipops and Bun Kebabs, alongside Rustic Railway Lamb and Andhra Pulusu Chicken. And to round things off (or get them going) there are Mango or Pistachio Kulfi and sweet spiced glasses of Punjabi-style Masala Chai made to Rohit’s mum’s own recipe.
While the focus will still be on sharing and informal eating, downstairs in the dining room is an altogether more decadent experience allowing diners to travel across the Subcontinent at their own leisurely pace.
Showcasing dishes from North to South and from East to West, the menu reflects the diverse cuisines of India’s many regions. Small and large plate options include Chicken 65 – a spicy Chennai favourite; Mussel Moilee – with a traditional Keralan coconut sauce; Butter Chicken – Old Delhi style comfort food; Duck Galouti – a delicately spiced kebab from the tandoor; and Pork Vinha D'alhos – Goan slow cooked pork belly with a fiery chilli and vinegar sauce.
Look out for cocktails made from Chai and Indian Amrut whisky and don’t leave without picking up Parle G biscuits and Rooh Afza spiced rose syrup from the retail counter by the door.
Roti Chai
3 Portman Mews South, London W1, 020 7408 0101
