Tuesday 29 October 2013

Indian Tiffin Room, Cheadle


Whenever and wherever I eat, I want my food to be two things, ‘well cooked’ and made from ‘quality ingredients’. When having a meal from a culture and cuisine that is not “my own”, say, Japanese, Mexican, Italian or Indian, I typically want the food and experience to be “traditional” and “authentic”.

There are times when, “in my head”, these two words mean the same thing… but occasionally I am reminded that this is not the case. Sadly, in the UK, with Indian food in particular, “traditional” has often come to mean ‘hackneyed’ and ‘clichéd’

“Traditional” Indian (usually Bangladeshi) and Italian restaurants are ten a penny… whilst some may argue there is still a place for the stereotypical “Curry House” it is usually late at night after several drinks.

“Authentic” on the other hand is an altogether different beast – and, in my opinion, despite one or two notable exceptions, there are not enough good quality eateries serving “authentic” Japanese, Mexican, Italian or Indian cuisines… certainly not in the North West.


This brings us to, the Indian Tiffin Room in Cheadle, which is just ‘around the corner’ from where we live in Cheadle Hulme. It’s a great little place; and, more importantly, one of a growing number of “Indian Restaurants” that are putting a modern twist onto “authentic Indian street food”.

We visited back in early August and have been intending (trying) to go back… but it’s always full! For the owners (and sensible people who have the foresight to book) this is a good thing… for us, it's a pain in the neck (and we fall back on our old favourite, Seven Spices). 

Until we get around to returning to sample more of the dishes and take proper notes, here are some pics and descriptions of what we ate:


Grazing Puri Platter
Behl Puri, Dahi Puri & Sev Puri.


Gobi Manchurian
Cauliflower - wok fried the Indo-Chinese way.


Onion Rava Dosa
Thin & (too?) crispy semolina crepe, sprinkled with onion.


Chicken Lollypop
Lollypop wings, coated in ITR marinade


Tandoori Lamb Chops


Paneer Pakoda
Batter fried homemade cottage cheese with mint chutney.


ITR Lamb
Lamb cooked in chef’s lamb curry with intense flavours.


Gulab Jamun and Carrot Halwa
Grated carrot cooked in condensed milk.


What I like about The Indian Tiffin Room (and places such as Mughli) is that with their menu and presentation (not just of the food but overall styling) they seem to be trying to stand out from the crowd and move away from (challenge) people’s perceptions of the “traditional” whilst retaining "authenticity".

Thanks to @media011 for the recommendation.




3 comments:

  1. "If" i ever ended up in an Indfian then this is the kind of place i would like it to be. Authentic and very traditional indian comforting food....lovely.
    You`ll have to give Roti Chai a go when youre in London.....Indian street food.
    Cheers and we must catch up soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I enjoyed some of the "street food" but found the curries underwhelming. I would have gone back and chosen just starters (if you are allowed) but staff response to my review on Trip Adviser, which more or less implied I knew nothing about good food or their "concept" means I will not go again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you won't be going again as I like the place and it will be easier for me to get a table.

      Also, the fact that you use TripAdvisor, coupled with your inability to spell it more or less implies to me that you are a "nob".

      Delete

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