DO NOT BE FOOLED by the name; Bengal Cuisine is not your typical Brick Lane offering.
This is apparent from the moment you enter, with the natural light, laminated flooring and the desi artwork.
The restaurant aims to give diners a cultural experience and the menu’s references are the favourite dishes of the Moghuls. Indeed, the variety is fit for a king.
With the chef being the first female winner of the Curry Chef of the Year prize and main course dishes nearly £10, our expectations were high.
For starters, we chose the mixed kebab, which featured seekh kebab, chicken tikka, strips of fried onion bhajis and the macher kebab, which is pieces of grilled fish. The kebabs were mouth-watering and tender, but left you wanting more. They were bite-size pieces, so a bigger portion could be easily offered without the risk of spoiling one’s appetite.
By contrast, the main course arrived in generous portions. The muglai murgi was pieces of chicken breast marinated in spices and served with scrambled eggs and nuts. The second dish was handi gosth – succulent chunks of lamb with spinach, pumpkin and fenugreek leaves.
The unusual ingredients enhanced the appearance and, more importantly, the taste, without making it spectacular. However, we rued our decision to choose the mild option – the extra spices would have tingled the taste buds further.
If you want to go outside your comfort zone of the standard Bengali restaurants, it is definitely worth a try.
– Nadeem Badshah
Dining was at: 12 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RF.?
Tel: 020-7377 8405
