Indian Essence

Located in Petts Wood, Kent, just a stone’s throw from Petts Wood train station, Indian Essence is a culinary gem owned by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar. As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I felt a vibrant atmosphere that was perfect for enjoying exquisite Indian cuisine. It’s not just another eatery; it carries the legacy of a chef with a remarkable reputation for serving fantastic Indian food… time to park myself in their outdoor seating area.

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The menu at Indian Essence is extensive and thoughtfully crafted, featuring everything from appetisers and main courses to vegetable dishes and a tantalising tasting menu. I decided to indulge in the tandoori ratan, which offers a selection of signature kebabs, alongside the Anglo-Indian lamb railway curry with masala roast potatoes and a lamb samosa. The prices were a bit on the higher side, but the quality expected from a restaurant like this made it feel worthwhile.

When the Tandoori Ratan arrived, the presentation was quite striking, showcasing juicy pieces of lamb chop, King prawn, and chicken on a glossy gold plate. I dove right into the King prawn first. It was incredibly juicy and bursting with flavour, although I did wish it had a touch more lemon to elevate its taste. The lamb chop was tender, and while it was delicious, I found myself yearning for a bit more spice to really enhance its profile.

Next, I sampled the chicken paired with a green sauce that turned out to be mint. It complemented the lamb beautifully, adding a refreshing kick to each bite. As I continued my meal, I found a chilli sauce that added another layer of excitement, and a squeeze of lime on the chicken provided a refreshing twist. The main course arrived, including saag makai, railway curry, roti, and basmati rice. While the food was delectable, I did notice some minor flaws in the presentation of the saag makai.

The lamb curry was particularly noteworthy, with its creamy sauce infused with coconut flavour, and the roast potatoes were perfectly cooked – wonderfully crisp but I just wanted more… a delightful pairing. The samosa, with its flavourful filling, was a highlight, and I enjoyed combining it with the saag makai, which had an interesting blend of spinach and sweet corn. Although the combination wasn’t perfect, the quality of the cooking and the overall experience made it easy to overlook these small details.

When the bill came to £60 for two, I felt it was reasonable for the quality I received. I wholeheartedly commend the chefs for delivering on the expectations of a celebrity restaurant. I left Indian Essence with a full belly and a happy heart, rating my experience a solid nine out of ten. The food was exquisite, and the service was attentive without being outstanding but all in all, a fantastic experience!