West-end style Indian cuisine hits Surrey

Anyone who thought that the suburban enclave of Kingston, Surrey, was nothing but a culinary desert, had better think again. The launch of Roz ana, a modern 70-seater Indian restaurant, brasserie and lounge bar, has got everyone talking about its quality cooking and buzzing ambience.

At the helm of Roz ana’s refined pan-Indian menu is Executive Chef Deepinder Singh Sondhi, who trained in Delhi, India, and whose skills have previously graced the kitchens of such well-regarded London restaurants as Chor Bizarre and Sitaaray.

Sondhi’s repertoire features dishes which are traditional yet given a contemporary flourish, exemplifying Roz ana’s blend of the old and the new, with cooking which is subtle, full of flavour and with a lightness of hand that doesn’t leave you feeling bloated.

Amongst Sondhi’s signature starters are Coconut Soft Shell Crab (soft shell crab tossed with toasted coconut and accompanied by pickled tomato and shrimp dip); and melt-in-the-mouth Venison Shikampuri Kebab (finely ground roe deer meat patties stuffed with foie gras). Notable starters from the a la carte menu include Spinach, Onion and Paneer Pakoda (light fritters made of Indian cheese, spinach and onion, spiced with crushed coriander seeds and ginger); and Amritsari Fish (crispy fried fish infused with carom seeds and served with a mint and lime dip).

Highlights amongst the signature mains include Grilled Sea Bass (grilled sea bass fillets served on a cumin scented melange of peas and potatoes); Lamb Nalli (tender lamb shank, slowly pot roasted in a sauce of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon); and Chicken Tikka Laphroaig Masala (the nation’s favourite dish given a smokey twist by being flambéed with single malt Laphroaig whiskey).

Flavoursome vegetarian items such as the deliciously tangy Bagar e Baingan (aubergine chunks in a peanut, sesame and coconut sauce) have not been overlooked, while the home-made Darjeeling Brulee is one of several uplifting desserts. Sunday roasts and Chef’s Specials such as Pork Belly Vindaloo add to the dining pleasure.

The wine list is well-chosen with wines that not only compliment Roz ana’s fine cooking but are also affordable. Cocktails marry a selection of classics and vibrant house creations which are already proving to be firm favourites with clientele.

Roz ana’s interior boasts relaxing environs, with a lounge bar by the entrance serving drinks and tasty bites, while the adjoining brasserie gives a spacious and up-tempo feel to watch the world go by. The upstairs restaurant offers a more formal though no less attractive surroundings and decor, with a restrained colonial theme running through as demonstrated by the cream hues, wall panels with decorative wallpaper, chandeliers and ceiling fans.

It provides the perfect backdrop to an establishment which is at once breezy and rarefied, with a dining experience which leaves everyone coming back for more!

For more information, visit roz-ana.com.