La Porte des Indes

We experienced a most excellent dinner at La Porte des Indes. From the outside the restaurant looks to be a small place, but looks can be deceiving. La Porte des Indes actually occupies a former Edwardian-era ballroom. Two floors of elegantly dressed tables and chairs with skylights to effect a tropical feel in the middle of London.

The restaurant prepares dishes traditional to the Pondichery area which was influenced years ago by the French. The executive chef, Mehernosh Mody, boasts numerous awards.

Both food and service was fantastic. And, per usual for any London restaurant, the wine list had many tempting selections. We decided to imbibe a Pinot Auxerrois from Alsace. To eat we began with Chicken Tandoori and Sunhere Samosas containing chicken and vegetables and served with a mango chutney. Both were tasty starters. For entrees, we both ordered meals that we have not seen on our neck of the woods: Achari Salmon (from the tandoori grill) and Magret de Canard Pulivaar (duck breast in tamarind sauce). Wow! Both were packed with spicy (but not hot) flavor.

I know there are other phenomenal Indian places in London, but the decor, service, and offerings at La Porte des Indes is a great place for folks fairly new to Indian cuisine (and from across the pond) to experience.