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The well-heeled commuter belt town of Cobham, in Surrey, has long
been deprived of an upmarket destination restaurant. Well, no more!
Massala, a high quality Indian restaurant, which launched at the end
of last year, aims to bring Cobham's culinary drought to an end with
superlative pan-Indian cooking, friendly service and surroundings
which are rarefied yet unpretentious.
In the short period since its opening, the 65-cover Massala - with a
further 50 covers in the back courtyard being readied for al fresco
dining during the summer - has already proved to be hugely popular
with locals and those further afield to the town.
Thanks to the two highly talented head chefs who are at the helm of
Massala's kitchen, Sunil Sinha and Pradeep Asawa, their superior
cooking is made with fresh, well-chosen ingredients, and perfect for
a discerning palate. Both chefs have trained with India's prestigious
Taj Hotel group with Pradeep having cooked for such dignitaries as
Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, while Sunil holds an
equally distinguished CV.
Some of the notable starters on Massala's menu include Aloo Tikki
(potato patties filled with a combination of spiced dates, ginger and
cashews, topped with a tamarind and mint sauce); and Samudri Ratan
(scallops, mussels and squid infused with a mustard, garlic and cumin
flavoured spicy Goan sauce). Amongst the several "sizzling"
tandoori items, there is the unmissable Ajwaini Jhinga (jumbo prawns
marinated in yoghurt and dill, griddled in the tandoor and served
with an onion and tomato relish).
Flavoursome highlights in the mains feature Murg Tikka Lababdar
(chicken tikka cooked with fenugreek in a tomato and onion sauce);
Roast Lamb Laziz (leg of lamb steeped in whole spices, ginger and
garlic, slowly pot roasted with a cardamom flavoured sauce); Jhinga
Hara Pyaz (king prawns cooked with chillies, spring onions, garlic
and whole kadai massala spices); and Patrani Machchi (a whole sea
bass prepared in traditional Parsi fashion, steam cooked with
coconut, sesame seeds, coriander and mint, and enveloped in banana leaves).
Amongst the well-judged vegetarian dishes, must-haves include Aloo
Hara Dhania Massala (lightly spiced baby potatoes with aromatic herbs
and fresh coriander); and Pindi Chana (tender chickpeas simmered in a
spicy semi-dry Massala with caraway seeds and garlic).
Great care and attention has also been given to the rice and breads,
while the kitchen ensures that a deliciously smokey taste envelopes
the tandoori items with the use of a charcoal clay oven rather than a
gas one.
Massala has already been awarded a 5 Star health and hygiene rating
by Elmbridge Council and is the only Indian Restaurant in the Borough
to hold this level.
No surprise then to learn that a fine level of excellence also
permeates right through the restaurant which does not miss out on the
décor either. Crisp white tablecloths, high-backed cream and
brown hued chairs, and white-washed walls adorned with subtle
artworks result in an establishment which is at once appealing and
very much a destination restaurant
Massala is at 19 Anyards Rd, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 2LW Tel: 01932
865005? www.massalacobham.com |
