Zaika has been serving since 1999, and is one of only a select few Indian restaurants to be awarded two prestigious AA rosettes. Joining with the famous Tamarind Collection in November, 2012.
The building is an incredible spectacle, and the opulent interior is a marvel to be surrounded by. Dining in Zaika is more than just an experience of the cuisine, it’s an insight into a beautiful and rich Indian culture.
Indian cuisine is one of my favourites, so I was very excited to try the creative and contemporary Awadhi cuisine offered in Zaika. I’m willing to admit I can be difficult to please when it comes to Indian cuisine, but I will say now that the food was magnificent. I will explain more as I take you through my dishes.
For the evening ahead we ordered a bottle of Pure Garrigue, Cotes du Rhone, mis en bouteille au domaine, 2012. A wine with a nose that is subtly herbal, with a rich and velvety taste, a good pairing for Indian cuisine.
“The food is meticulously prepared and the flavours were superb.”
To begin our culinary adventure we decided on the Papdi Chaat, with Spiced Chickpeas, Wheat Crisps, Yoghurt, Mint and Tamarind Chutney, and Blueberries. As well as a Prawn Dakshini, which came with Tiger Prawns in a Gram Flour Batter with Ginger, Paprika and Curry Leaves. An eclectic collection of flavours, each one a delicious and fresh introduction to the dish.
For our main course we ordered Jingha Kali Mirch, a dish with Prawns cooked in Shallots, Tomato and crushed Black Pepper. I love prawn dishes, and this was simply divine. We also had a Palak Paneer, prepared with Paneer Tossed with Onion-Tomato Masala finished with Puréed Spinach. A wonderfully cooked Paneer dish, the Tomato and Onion flavours were very rich and flavoursome.
We added some side accompaniments of Dal Makhni, which is Slow-cooked Black Lentils and seen as a speciality of the northwest frontier. Cucumber Raita, a Bread Basket, containing Naan, Paratha and Stuffed Fig and Mint Naan, and finally a Zaffrani Pulao rice. With so many tempting side dishes it was hard to narrow them down, a problem that is good to have.
Our experience at Zaika was excellent. The food is meticulously prepared and the flavours were superb. The service was outstanding, and we look forward to returning to try more dishes one day.
The Bill: £84 per head
