La Porte de Indes
“Indian Cuisine with a difference”
32 Bryanston Street, London W1H 7EG
Nearest Tube: Marble Arch
TEL: +44 20 7224 0055
FAX: +44 20 7224 1144
E-mail: london.reservation@laportedesindes.com
The exterior of the Porte Des Indes is very unassuming, which makes the entrance into this marvellous gem all the more breathtaking. Once inside, the massive Edwardian ballroom with domed ceilings and dining facilities on two large floors is revealed.
The remarkable interior of Indian stone balustrades and cascading waterfalls instantly transports one to India. Palm trees and Mogul drawings are a lovely sight to cast your eyes upon as you peruse the extensive French-influenced Indian menu. Although the prices are slightly higher than average, it is well worth it as their food is consistently to the highest of standards.
I sampled their Mango Chilli Mohito, one of their many innovative cocktails. This concoction consists of Angostura Rum, Sweet Basil Leaves, Alphonso Mango. Much to my delight, my drink arrived in a coconut resting on a banana leaf coaster! This drink was very sweet, yet not sickly and was a wonderful complement to the Poulet Rouge. This house specialty consists of Shredded chicken marinated in yoghurt and red spices, grilled and served in a creamy sauce. For accompaniments, I ordered Riz au Coco, rice scented with fragrant curry leaves and coconut, as well as a Laccha Paratha, Rich flaky bread enriched with butter. The portions looked rather small when they arrived, but by the time I had finished, I was stuffed. All of the items I had ordered were well-presented and flavourful but not overpowering.
The service here was second-to-none. Our food arrived promptly, and our server was attentive and non-obtrusive.
After your meal, stroll over to the Jungle Bar for yet another cocktail. All time classics such as Caipirinha, Cosmopolitan, Margaritas, Fresh Fruit
Daiquiris and Champagne Cocktails and more exotic concoctions can all be found here.
The Jungle Bar is designed as a hunters perch with beautiful paintings of animals on the wall. Decorated with hurricane lamps, rattan wall coverings, leaf-motif cane furniture, palms trees and tiger skin rugs, this area is casually opulent. Guests are encouraged to throw peanut shells on the floor to mimic the rich and famous in the Long Bar of the Raffles of Singapore whose patrons frivolously threw down "peanut shells" as a good humoured slightly rebellious act of appreciation which they could not get away with at home.
I was sad to leave this hidden oasis, but my spirits were lifted again when the doorman presented me with a single-stemmed orchid upon my departure. This venue is ideal for intimate dinners and corporate entertainment alike.
