The prince of Indian cuisine comes to London

Zorawar Kalra’s Farzi Café opens its first UK restaurant – as the capital’s culinary scene hots up

Deconstructed shepherd’s pie, seared wagyu masala scotch eggs and bhaji fondue are far from conventional Indian restaurant fare, but then Farzi Café aims to surpass expectations when it opens its doors in London’s Haymarket in late October/early November.

Massive Restaurants’ Zorawar Kalra, the MasterChef India judge dubbed “the prince of Indian cuisine”, is a co-founder of the restaurant, which has proved a hit in India, where it has expanded to seven venues serving dishes fusing traditional Indian and global flavours with modern molecular gastronomy. The new London venue is its second international outpost – the first is located in Dubai.

“I take immense pride in our traditional cuisine, but at the same time I have always felt it is our duty to elevate Indian food and reintroduce it to the world in a new and progressive reincarnation,” says Kalra.

The restaurant is billed as a modern Indian bistro and will open with a menu that includes such delights as Sicilian arancini balls, made with dhal and rice served with achar pickle, papadum and chutney. The flavour fusion continues with raj kachori: mini shells with sweet and sour pumpkin topped with chutney foam and a crisp okra salad; and tandoori wild mushrooms, truffle and walnut dust. All dishes cost from £7 each. A laboratory-style bar will also serve molecular cocktails.

Tandoori wild mushrooms, truffle and walnut dust

“It’s been a dream to open in London, because it’s a melting pot, like our cuisine,” says Kalra.