Review – India Dining [Warlingham]

Warlingham isn’t probably a place that you’ve spent much time in (…or perhaps even heard of?) –  however… if you’re a diehard fan of Indian food, this shouldn’t be any kind of obstacle to your coming to visit India Dining, which can be found sitting pretty right on Warlingham Green. It’ll be worth it. Soooo worth it…

Rating

What Is It?

Jack: India Dining itself is the brainchild of restauranteur Asad Khan, one of the guys behind the Cinnamon Club (who also do Indian fine dining, but in The Old Westminster Library). With India Dining, I think Asad was going for the ‘central London experience’, but without the ‘central London prices’.  Apparently India Dining’s chefs all trained at five-star hotels in India, so there’s probably something in that… 

Elsie: Since opening in August 2013, India Dining has been making a name for itself with innovative and healthy Indian cuisine.

Located in the Surrey village of Warlingham, India Dining has been voted the Best Indian Restaurant in Surrey for three years running.

The restaurant has also won two AA Rosettes in the prestigious AA Restaurant Guide; and was a runner up in the Les Routiers Awards 2015.

In A Word

Exemplary 

What’s special?

India Dining brings a fresh new twist / perspective to High Street Indian cuisine. This is not just a ‘curryhouse’ 

The Menu

Jack: India Dining have have stated that they want to be “an alternative to cheap, unhealthy Indian food that has become synonymous with the UK High Street.” This is a strong statement to make but probably a true one considering the amount of vegetable oils and lower quality ingredients/produce which are the result of people buying so heavily on price.

They also ‘do’ takeaway – which is, I assume, the turbo-gastro version of a regular curry takeaway? Said takeaway is very popular – in our time there there was a continual flow of wait staff coming and going from the kitchen, takeaway bags in hand.

They also made news a few times with the ‘Not For Bunnies’ Easter Egg – which I think is officially the hottest easter egg in the world. It contains destructive capsicum sources such as the Ghost chilli, Scotch Bonnet and habanero – registering at 1 million scovilles (notation used to denote how spicy a thing is, the higher the number, the more… fiery your experience). You actually have to sign a waiver before you eat one ^_^

Elsie: The 5 star chefs use the freshest seasonal ingredients to create authentic South Indian dishes on the menu. Perfectly seasoned to bring out the flavours and beautifully presented, it’s fabulous, not to mention free from artificial preservatives and additives.

The restaurant also has an extensive wine list with some impressive wines such as the Californian Zinfadel and Ripasso. There is also a cocktail bar for those looking to enjoy some drinks without dining.

The Ambiance

Contemporary with a kooky twist, especially the cotton ball looking lighting fixtures and paintings on the wall; one of which is the club scene from Scarface. The ambience is relaxing and easy going.

Jack: The restaurant itself overlooks Warlingham green – which is pretty picturesque for something located so close to Croydon (I kid)

Starter:

Mains

Elsie: There were so many inviting dishes on the menu which made choosing one nearly impossible. In the end we opted for a taster menu so we can have a bit of everything. 

Dessert

A palate cleansing sorbet to finish a fantastic meal.

Drinks

Jack: Asides from the Indian cuisine, there’s also a cocktail/champagne bar-esque thing at the front which is very slick and nicely stocked. They had the rare and fine Johnny Walker Green Label on the menu at some point but had run out by the time I came down.

Elsie: You might not expect it, but India Dining has a very impressive wine list. Our first selection which was a Cline Zinfandel, and turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever had. This was followed by a Ripasso which wasn’t bad either.

The Verdict

India Dining comes with a big reputation and it didn’t disappoint. It ticked all the boxes in terms of innovation, flavours and presentation. The staff is friendly and helpful when I turned up all hot and bothered.

A fabulous wine selection, interesting décor and delicious dishes, the restaurant deserves all of its accolades and more. India Dining is highly recommended.

The Details

India Dining, 6 The Green, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9NA

Tel: 01883 625 905

www.indiadining.co.uk

Comments

comments