Open Mon–Sat midday–3pm and 6pm–11pm; Sun 1pm–4pm and 6pm–10pm
A friend had recommended Indian Zing, so we had high expectations when we arrived at the smart Hammersmith restaurant on a Tuesday evening. Inside the royal purple exterior, there is a heavy, intricately carved Indian door within several feet of the entrance used purely as an objet d’art. White linen-covered tables with black leather chairs are spaced for discretion which is fortunate as the restaurant was close to full with couples and a large birthday party during our visit.
Our attentive waiter brought over a summer berry aperitif which wasn’t anything to write home about. However, our eclectic menus, featuring plenty of fish dishes, looked interesting. Head chef, Manoj Vasaikar, hails from Mumbai and has worked in some of the best Indian restaurants in London from Veeraswamy to Chutney Mary.
I started with a vegetable bhanavla (£4.95), a far superior version of the onion bahji; first baked and then griddled in the traditional Maharashtrian way. My friend plumped for scallops marinated in pickle masala with caramelised garlic and zest of tropical lime served with rocket leaves and new potatoes (£8.50). Unfortunately there was too much dried chilli in the marinade for my friend’s delicate palate. Our waiter was quick to spot my friend’s discomfort and offered a milder relish to accompany her jumbo prawns in pomegranate seeds and dill marinade main course (£13.50). When this was also too hot, the waiter recommended a saffron chicken korma (£8.60) on the house. Nothing like the sickly sweet version of many curry houses, this korma was, ‘Just right. Perfectly cooked, delicate and interesting.’ My friend also gave my vegetable choices a thumbs up. Indeed, my sprouted beans and vegetable rassa (£10.50) was subtle and light; the side of fresh spinach, fenugreek and dill leaves (meloni tarkari, £5) could easily have been a main in its own right. I’m not usually a fan of Asian desserts, finding them dull or overly sweet. Indian Zing’s dessert menu featured traditional and contemporary puddings. We chose a refreshing lime sorbet (£4.50) which was beautifully presented with a mango coulis, blueberries and mint.
On a street lined with mostly mediocre shops and restaurants, Indian Zing is a real find and it’s good to know it’s there.
Dinner for two, with drinks, around £100.
