Last Updated on August 6, 2024
Tucked away in SW19, Dalchini was the first restaurant to bring Indo-Chinese cuisine to the UK
For the past twenty-five years, the team at Dalchini has seamlessly blended the textures and ingredients of China with the spices and aromas of India, establishing a great reputation and a loyal following from across London. This summer it’s taken that talent in a new direction with the launch of an afternoon tea and the opening of a fabulous underground “speakeasy”, Holy Brew, both inspired by Dalchini’s Indo-Chinese heritage.
As its name suggests, Dalchini, or ‘chinese bark’ a pan-Indian word for cinnamon, is all about taste, and the afternoon tea menu combines sweet and spice in just the right balance. Everything is made on site and to order, so there’s a fresh, homemade, quality to the experience. Sandwiches with tasty fillings, including chicken infused with black pepper or with honey mustard, are followed by miniature Indian and Indo-Chinese savoury snacks. The chilli garlic paneer has been specially created for the occasion and, along with crispy samosas, are served with piquant, sweet sauces. The sesame prawn toast is exemplary!
Bite-size scones, muffins and brownies provide the essential treats for the sweet-toothed, and the deliciously moist dried-fruit tea loaf is a welcome reminder of childhood tea-times long past. The selection of teas offered all pair well with the menu but, of course, prosecco is on hand if required!
Or how about a cocktail? Hidden behind a featureless green door, descend a steep staircase and enter Holy Brew, a discreet, underground bar serving up your favourite cocktail classics with a very Dalchini twist. Once an overflow for the restaurant upstairs, lockdown closure gave the team time to reimagine the space. Now enter a modern take on the prohibition speakeasy, an intimate, contemporary bar with stylish décor and a chilled playlist!
Holy Brew sets its roots in Indian mythology and you are invited to select from a menu of drinks crafted to reflect the passion and drama of the Hindu gods. The mixologists’ use of spices will have you questioning your tastebuds: is that Pernod in the Veda (aka Old Fashioned)? No, it’s a sweet little star anise that gives the drink that extra something. And Vayu’s Vodka, (or Moscow Mule)? Spiced ginger syrup takes it to another level. With eleven “Sacred Concoctions” to choose from and a menu alongside of very tasty snacks, Divine Delights, to nibble or feast on, a fun night is guaranteed.
You’ll find Dalchini and Holy Brew at 147 Arthur Rd, London SW19 8AB, opposite Wimbledon Park tube station. Open: Sun-Thu 1800-2230; Fri-Sun 1800-2300.
Afternoon Tea is served daily from 15.00-17.30, £17.95 for one or £34.95 for two people. Guests can add a glass of Prosecco for £7.95.
https://www.dalchini.co.uk/afternoon-tea
http://www.dalchini.co.uk/
Tel: 020 8947 5966/5967
Jenny was a guest of Dalchini
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