Contemporary Indian adds zing to King Street

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Manoj Vasaikar demonstrates why his critical acclaim is so well deserved

With a growing reputation for serving imaginative modern-day Indian cuisine, it came as no surprise to find many tables at Indian Zing already occupied by the well heeled of Hammersmith when we arrived last Saturday evening.

Situated opposite Latymer School, Indian Zing is a clean bright modern restaurant where Chef Proprietor Manoj Vasaikar combines his thorough understanding of traditional Indian values with an impeccable contemporary style.   

The restaurant was designed following the principles of Vastu Shastra.  “Vastu” literally means house or dwelling place and this practice is believed to create a harmony between the five elements Earth, Sky, Fire, Water and Air in the environment.

Named amongst the top five Indian restaurant’s in London by the Evening Standard and voted best restaurant in London Restaurants Guide’s Square Meal, since opening in May 2005, the restaurant has enjoyed enthusiastic reviews from local diners and renowned critics alike.  Indeed Indian Zing and The River Café are the only two restaurants in Hammersmith to be listed in The Michelin Guide 2006 with two forks and two spoons.

“Vasaikar is not only a good cook, but a thoughtful one and he acknowledges the need to blend India’s regional recipes and traditional ingredients with modern techniques and presentation. 4 stars – Excellent” writes Charles Campion

“Manoj’s food, presented on designer white plates, also demonstrates how India is being discovered gastronomically now that crowd-pleasing, all-purpose curries can be wiped away to let singular, healthy, authentic recipes emerge.” Writes Fay Machler.

It took us little time to discover that such praise was indeed deserved.  Our meal delivered everything it promised from the pappadums and pickles to start, through to the exquisite Monkfish Tikka, Malabar Chicken and Dudhee Bhopla (bottlegourd and pumpkin with lentils and mustard seeds).

We drank the very decent house red which cost a very reasonable £13.00.  The biggest surprise of the evening was not that we both ventured to try fish in an Indian restaurant for the first time, but that this truly excellent meal cost £51.41 including service.   

If a reason was ever needed to move to Hammersmith, Indian Zing is most certainly it.

Emma Brophy

August 9, 2006