My old Uni mate Damian was over on a flying business visit from Australia so I caught up with him last night for a beer and a bite. Damian travels a lot with work so I let him what sort of food he was missing most! As a good ex Brum Uni boy he went for Indian so off we set for Roti Chai. I had heard good things about this place serving Indian street food up behind the M&S at Marble Arch. We were pleased to see that on a Sunday night it was packed but after a short wait they found as a table. The dining area is best described as paired down. Small tables and chairs that seemed to have been saved from my old school! However it is bright and warm in there and being full it had a nice buzzy atmosphere.
We ordered some banana chips and sticky tamarind coated chicken wings, the chips were just like crisps but very moreish but the chicken wings were very tasty, nicely cooked as well. For main I ordered the Bengal fish curry whilst Damian went for a northern chicken dish. I have to say my fish was fantastic. I do like fish curry's but this had a perfectly cooked piece of fish in a fiery but deep tasting broth. One of the nicest curry dishes I have ever had. I tried the chicken dish and it was OK but even Damian agreed not in the same league as the fish. Both dishes came with rice so no pressure to order sides.
There was room for dessert so we both had a glass of lovely Chai and Damian went for pudding whilst I had a mango kulfi on a stick. Again very nice. It was busy but nobody rushed us so we could catch up properly. A really top notch meal with great flavours. It came to £25 a head which was great value. I can't wait to go back.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
I've been back since and recommended to a few people who have all really enjoyed it. It's a West End banker!