Top Chef Back In The Kitchen

 

One of Britain's top Indian chefs, Udit Sarkhel is back in the kitchen again to the delight of all lovers of quality Indian cuisine.

For many years the Executive Chef of London's Bombay Brasserie then as patron/chef of Sarkhel's in Replingham Road SW18, Udit took time out of the industry after the sale of his restaurant last year, relocating his domicile to Brighton.

Now he is back delighting customers with his skills at Mango & Silk, a new restaurant, with new partners in Sheen on the site of a Chinese/Indian restaurant that was part of his previous group. The restaurant will not be fully operational until after Christmas as Chef Sarkhel has to visit India in December as part of a book project but recently we took the opportunity to see if he still has that special touch and the answer is a resounding yes.

John, Bitu and Radhika run front of house whilst Chef Sarkhel with deputy, Regy, works his magic in the kitchen For starters we tried the day's special Karwari Prawns, cooked flat in a wonderfully light batter with a scrummy coconut, curry leaf and mustard seed dip that is worth a visit alone. Also we tried Bombay Ragnar, tasty patties served with chickpeas and Chicken Chops or 'Sixers' as they are sometimes known.

Lamb Shank remains Udit's signature dish, but for main course we tried Lamb Tikka, Chicken Makhani and Lamb Stir Fry with meats lovely and tender and sauces to die for. Add a tasty Bomaby Aloo, light and tasty paratha and naan with homemade mango kulfi to finish and you have total satisfaction.

For Udit it is almost like going back to basics and starting all over again but he quietly relishes the challenge and the public will undoubtedly welcome his return after Christmas.