Veeraswamy

As I stepped into Veeraswamy, the oldest Indian restaurant in the UK, I felt a wave of history wash over me. t. Established in 1926 and holding a Michelin star since 2016, this place is more than just a restaurant; it’s a dining experience steeped in tradition. Nestled in central London, near Regent Street, Veeraswamy has welcomed iconic patrons like Sir Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, and Charlie Chaplin, which only adds to its allure. A doorman greeted me at the entrance, instantly elevating the restaurant’s exclusive ambience.

Inside, I was captivated by the stunning décor. The comfortable seating and attentive staff made me feel welcome right away. Vera Swami offers a business lunch menu featuring two courses for £34 or three for £41, but I was keen to explore the main menu, which is filled with an array of starters, biryanis, business lunch platters, and classic dishes like prawn curry and roast duck vindaloo. I decided to indulge in the chicken macaroni masala and the Navratan korma, despite their high prices, with the korma priced at £25 and the macaroni at £28.

As I waited for my meal, the jazzy background music added to the inviting atmosphere. When the food arrived, I was immediately impressed by the presentation. I ordered a buttered naan and some poppadums with chutneys as sides. The naan looked irresistible, and the korma’s rich, thick sauce shimmered under the restaurant’s soft lighting.

Tasting the korma was an unforgettable experience; it had a delightful creaminess with just a hint of tingle, making it one of the best Indian dishes I have ever encountered. Then, I dove into the chicken macaroni masala, which surprised me with its deep, intense tomato flavour and perfectly cooked chicken. The richness of the sauce left me speechless. I couldn’t believe how high the quality was, especially for macaroni, which I usually find quite mild.

As I savoured each bite, I couldn’t help but marvel at the overall quality of the food and the experience. The ambiance, the attentive service, and the remarkable dishes made my visit truly special. When it was time for the bill, I was a bit taken aback to see it total £70.15, including a 15% service charge. Although it was certainly a splurge, the exceptional quality made it worth every penny.

I left Veeraswamy with a full belly and a heart full of joy. Despite the expense, I couldn’t help but give this extraordinary restaurant a perfect 10 out of 10. I’ll be back soon, eager to try something new on the menu!