Manthan can be found in the heart of the upscale area of Mayfair, Manthan is a culinary gem that beckons all who seek a delightful fusion of innovative Indian cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Situated on the charming Maddox Street, this establishment exudes an air of elegance and sophistication in a buzzing townhouse setting. Manthan, a name that beautifully translates to "churn and reflect," perfectly encapsulates the essence of this culinary haven, where Chef Rohit Ghai draws inspiration from his culinary journeys across the globe and his childhood in Madhya Pradesh. The result is a menu that marries the familiarity of home-style cooking with the refinement of expert techniques, resulting in dishes that burst with personality. Manthan's stunning interiors, featuring a central statement bar and a beautiful dining room, make it an ideal destination for those seeking the finest in Indian cuisine.
As we embarked on our culinary journey at Manthan, we were introduced ti their extensive and exciting cocktail menu. The anticipation was palpable as we awaited. My choice was the Sukoon, a concoction that boasted Vodka, Coffee, Lavender, and Coconut. The presentation alone was a visual spectacle, with its vibrant colours and garnishes that hinted at the delightful flavours to come. The Sukoon provided a perfect balance of bitterness and the subtle sweetness of lavender and coconut, resulting in a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail.
My partner opted for the Uttam, a mix of Pisco, El Jimador Tequila Reposado, Chilli, and Guava. Like the Sukoon, the Uttam arrived with a visually striking presentation. The first sip was a burst of flavour, where the fruity notes of guava mingled with the heat of chill and the richness of tequila, leaving us eagerly anticipating the culinary adventure that awaited.
“Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore its depths, Manthan Mayfair offers a culinary voyage that will leave a lasting impression.”
With our taste buds tantalised by the cocktails, we decided to start with a traditional favourite, Popaddums and Chutneys. The popaddums were delightfully crispy, providing the perfect canvas for the chutneys, each offering a unique balance of flavours.
For our first course, we had the pleasure of savouring the Cafreal Machhi, a dish that featured tender Sea Bass, infused with the flavours of Goan spice and Burnt tomato. The sea bass was cooked to perfection, and the Goan spice blend added a delightful kick of flavour. The burnt tomato sauce lent a smoky undertone, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes that left us yearning for more.
My dining partner chose the Chicken Buttermilk, which showcased succulent chicken with the flavours of pink peppercorn, ginger, and curry leaf. The dish was a symphony of taste and texture, with the chicken being exceptionally tender and flavourful. The pink peppercorn added a subtle but distinctive heat, while the ginger and curry leaf infused the dish with aromatic complexity.
As we moved on to the main course, I decided to indulge in a classic favourite – the Chicken Tikka Masala, which was served as boneless thigh, marinated in fenugreek, and bathed in a luscious sauce. The chicken thigh was incredibly tender, and the fenugreek imparted a unique depth of flavour to the dish. The sauce was rich and velvety, making it an ideal companion to the succulent chicken.
My partner opted for the Osso Buco, a dish featuring melt-in-the-mouth lamb, curry leaf, and Jaffna spices. The lamb was cooked to perfection, with the curry leaf and Jaffna spices infusing the dish with a tantalising aroma and a harmonious blend of flavours.
We couldn't resist the Paneer Makhani, a vegetarian delight that featured vine tomatoes, garlic, and Kashmiri chilli. The paneer was soft and creamy, and the tomato sauce had a delightful balance of sweetness and heat, with the garlic and Kashmiri chilli adding layers of flavour.
To complement our feast, we added a couple of sides – the Kaali Dal, rich and aromatic, and Plain Rice, which served as the perfect canvas for the flavours of our main courses.
For wine enthusiasts, the wine list at Manthan is a delight. Our choice for the evening was a fine bottle of Châteauneuf Du Pape, Domaine Chante Cigale, Rhône. The wine's deep and complex flavours complemented the bold and diverse Indian cuisine beautifully.
As the final act of our culinary journey, we couldn't resist indulging in dessert. We both opted for the Sarangi Chocolate, a delightful creation that featured a medley of flavours – orange, truffle, and a playful "soil" with fresh berries. The dessert was a visual spectacle, with its intricate presentation and a harmonious blend of sweet and citrusy notes, ending our meal on a high note.
Chef Rohit Ghai has indeed carved out a niche for himself and Manthan in the world of fine Indian cuisine. The attention to detail, both in the culinary creations and the opulent surroundings, is evident throughout. Manthan is not just a restaurant; it's an experience that encourages you to churn and reflect on the symphony of flavours and memories that linger long after your visit. Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore its depths, Manthan Mayfair offers a culinary voyage that will leave a lasting impression.
The Bill: £74 per head
