National Curry Week is here! In celebration of this week-long celebration of the most foreign of British foods, we sent our team to explore one of the competitors for the title of this year’s Curry Capital Of Britain, Cardiff.
Britain’s curry scene has experienced something of a shake-up in the past five years, as innovative restaurateurs have brought new and exciting ideas to the heart of Wales. Gone are the days of limp poppadoms and uninspired kormas. This new wave of Indian cuisine brings with it the excitement that left Britain enamoured with the first wave of curry houses to hit the streets. Think tasting menus showcasing a fusion of south Indian spice and innovative enhancements, think dishes that seek to thrill and excite the palate, while also being beautiful to behold. The restaurants we feature here give the curry a new lease of life at a time when Britain is crying out for better alternatives to the food we’ve always loved. Forward-thinking chefs, we salute you.
From the Hindi word for liberation and absolute experience, the team at Moksh have embraced this emerging modern Indian scene. With an à la carte menu of dishes designed to please and engage every one of the senses, this is Indian cuisine at the very forefront of modern fare. Just look to the taster menu for a shining example of how innovative this age-old cuisine can be. Fusing authentic south Indian spices with exciting contemporary cooking techniques, chef Stephen Gomes has crafted a menu of signature versions of traditional dishes, and his skills have earned him a place as one of the most respected chefs in the UK – he was even the first chef in Cardiff to be awarded an AA rosette for Indian cuisine (and Moksh now hold two of them).
The Cinnamon Tree has a stellar record amongst Cardiff’s food scene, and with very good reason. Under the control of the inveterate Uzzaman family, the Cinnamon Tree is the latest in a long-standing run of Cardiff venues to have supplied the city with great, traditional curries.
The family’s commitment to providing only the best quality cuisine, along with impeccable service, has resulted in an experience that will please everyone, be you a curry fanatic or a spice novice. The Cinnamon Tree does the simple things incredibly well, offering a wide range of traditional dishes, and a range of specialties for the more adventurous diners. With sites in both Pontcanna and Treforest, book a table at The Cinnamon Tree and you’re guaranteed a meal that will excite.
Having won several awards, the Juboraj name has become synonymous with great Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Juboraj guarantee that the finest cuts of lamb, beef and chicken are used in their dishes, along with the fresh seafood that’s delivered daily. Throw in the warm welcome, and this is a venue you can’t go wrong with.
Boasting seven sites across south Wales, you’re never far away from a great meal. Visit Juboraj and you won’t be disappointed.
Penarth Road’s Vegetarian Food Studio focuses entirely on its cuisine, putting the food at centre stage thanks to the stripped-back decor and clean, simple lines. A menu of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options draws its inspiration from various regions in India, resulting in truly spectacular fare that leaves nothing to be desired.
The option to bring your own bottle certainly adds to the appeal of the Vegetarian Food Studio, and with prices that aim to accommodate everyone, a visit here promises truly top-notch cuisine that won’t break your budget.
For more advice on where to get the best Indian cuisine, take a look at our range of guides here, or get your hands on a physical copy. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on the blog for more about National Curry Week 2016.
