THE sweet smell of spices hits me upon entering Masakali, a newly opened Indian restaurant. Only a short walk away from the Warren Street station, the location of the restaurant feels pleasantly different from the busy heart of Soho and central London. Instead, offering a calmer setting to enjoy a mid-week dinner.
Following its success in Reading, Masakali came to London to deliver a twist on a classic Indian dining experience. The robust menu, slightly intimidating at first glance, has been designed to offer a taste of delicious dishes from every corner of India, while sprinkling in a contemporary edge. Traditional flavours blend with modern twists, which not always is an easy feat, but one that has been mastered to perfection here.
Masakali
The atmosphere is laid back and friendly. We pass groups of friends laughing and debriefing their day over delicious looking plates of various curries and brightly coloured cocktails, as we are shown to our table. It’s one of those London restaurants which doesn’t try to be something it’s not – the interior is pared back, letting the guests and, most importantly the food, speak for itself.
Masakali
What immediately draws me to the menu is the variety, perfect for sharing and trying new things with whoever you came to dine with. We start off with some mirchi paneer hera peri, a spicy version of the classic cheese dish, served with some extra chillies and peppers for added heat. Alongside arrives a little platter of okra, kurkure bhindi, coated in chickpea flour and deep fried, providing a nice crispy contrast to the softness of the paneer.
Masakali
Next comes the seabass, a dish I was particularly excited about as I’d never tried this particular fish paired with Indian spices before. The rolled up fillets come swimming under thick and fragrant tomato sauce, which compliments the delicate crispness of the fish without overpowering it completely. Delicious.
From the larger dishes we decide on old delhi butter chicken – following an eager recommendation by our waiter. Creamy and very buttery from start to finish it is one of those flavours which fills me with excitement and a deep sense of comfort simultaneously. However, the star of the show is the methi mutton curry, slow-cooked and tenderly stewed pieces of meat in warm spices. It’s gone within seconds and the remaining sauce is finished with a portion of naan bread to get the best of the flavours.
Masakali
We can’t leave without trying a dessert so we opt for a delicate sponge cake, made out of a mixture of ghee and elaichi (cardamon) and topped with rose and pistachio. Served in the pool of warm saffron milk, its sweetness is discreet and delicate, dissolving in my mouth with every bite. A perfect ending to the heart-warming feast at Masakali, and an ideal way to warm up during the cold and dark winter months.
by Olga Petrusewicz
To book visit here | 48 Stanhope St, London, NW1 3EX