We were recently invited to visit The Mint Room in Bath when we were staying for a couple of days in this amazing city. The Mint Room is an Indian restaurant with style, modern Indian cuisine with a light touch is how I would describe it.
As we were taken to the table, I was impressed with the stylish modern interior, no cliche elephants here, instead a rich gold, cream and brown interior, smart and rather classy. Moe the manager greeted us and explained the menu. There was an A La Carte menu, a lighter set menu for January, with healthier options and a tasting menu. He explained food is sourced locally wherever possible, local meat and vegetables are used and fresh never frozen produce. It makes a difference to the taste said Moe, and of course, I had to agree.
Moe suggested we go for the tasting menu and how could we complain? Now Mr W is a fussy thing and normally doesn't eat red meat, or fish, both foods that were on the menu but we both thought the menu was intriguing so Mr W said he would try it.
The tasting menu was described as "A Tour Of India - No Visa Required", and so we were looking forward to being taken on a culinary tour de force of India so to speak.
Prior to our starter, we were given typical Indian street food. Above is Pani Puri. These crispy little puff bowls were stuffed with an amazing mix of chickpeas, diced potatoes and pomegranate seeds. The idea is to take the tamarind sauce fill up the balls and eat it in one go. A novel idea and one that worked well! Apparently, on the streets of India, they often eat up to 10 of these in one go. The flavours were sweet, salty and sour and a lovely taste sensation. Accompanying the Pani Puri was a plate of tiny poppadoms with a tomato relish and mango chutney.
Mr W enjoying interacting with the food
The next street food dish was Bhel Puri. This is The Mint Rooms version of Bombay mix, crunchy puffed rice is mixed with a hint of chilli, and the freshness of pomegranate. I really enjoyed this take on Bombay mix and it looked so pretty presented in a banana leaf.
The last street food dish was Aloo Papadi Chaat. Another traditional Delhi street dish, crushed pastry balls cooked were cooked with tender potatoes and chickpeas. This dish was mixed with yoghurt and drizzled with mint chutney and tamarind. Light and creamy but not rich this had a slight not unpleasant bitterness, I think this was due to the addition of rocket, but I can't be sure.
A quick sip of our Sauvignon Blanc and onto the main event.
Now, I don't know about you but when I think of a Biryani I think of a mix of meat and rice with a curry sauce. The version presented at The Mint Room is from Hyderabad and influenced by the Mughal empire with a nod to Turkish cuisine. A mix of flavourful spiced rice and tender juicy lamb is hidden under a pastry lid which kept the dish fragrant and moist. A complete triumph. Moe told us that the traditional accompaniment for a Biryani is a cucumber Raita, not a curry sauce and I must admit, I really liked this combination.
With the Biriyani came the rest of the main courses, Keralan Seabass Moilee, Dehli Chicken Makhani, Bengali Tawa Duck and Lamb Lal Maas.
Now I have to admit I was a bit unsure about the fish dish, I never normally eat fish at an Indian restaurant but of course, I was being silly. The Keralan Seabass Moilee was soft, tender, with a delicate flavour. Served in a coconut sauce it had elegance and style.
The other dishes were delectable too. The Delhi Chicken Makhani, probably better known as Butter Chicken, was rich, creamy with an underlying cheeky kick of chilli, slightly hotter than the Butter Chicken I have eaten in the past. One of those moreish dishes that you just want to eat more and more of!
The Bengali Tawa Duck made of Creedy Carver duck had a slightly spicy smokey flavour marinated in Bengali spices and was served with a creamy coconut and cashew sauce. I feel this dish was a little lost with all the interesting flavours of the others.
The Lamb Lal Mass, a traditional dish from Rajasthan was the hottest dish. Spiced with Kashmiri chillies this dish had a strong chilli kick and the tomato based sauce had full on smoke. A traditional spice mix of cardamom, cumin, cloves, coriander and cinnamon imparted great flavours and taste and this was the most distinctively flavoured dish. Slightly too hot for me, Mr W polished it off in no time and highly rated this.
Accompanying the main courses was the most incredible nan bread. Garlic, coriander and chilli added huge flavours, and although not thick like some nan bread, it had a buttery flavour and must have been one of the best naan breads I have had.
At this point we both thought we couldn't eat another thing... then we saw the dessert.
For dessert, a dainty little gateaux was presented with a delicious coconut ice cream and strawberry and vanilla coulis. As you can see it was beautifully presented and while is may seem relatively traditional as a dessert, the surprise was the gateaux, as one of the bottom layers of chocolate ganache was flavoured with cardamom. Certainly different!
Our experience at The Mint Room was outstanding. Everything was presented well and had incredible flavours. So often when we go out for Indian food we come back feeling bloated due to the amount of ghee used. We didn't get that feeling at The Mint Room, nothing was swimming in fat, and Moe mentioned they use olive oil as well as making a conscious effort to use less fat in cooking.
What we also liked about The Mint Room is that, if you are in a more traditional mood, all the classics are on the A La Carte menu too such as Chicken Korma and Lamb Rogan Josh.
The Mint Room is family run and also has a branch in Bristol too. With a number of awards under their belt, and a recommendation from the Michelin guide it's the place to go for excellent Indian food and impeccable knowledgeable service. If you are looking for Indian food packed full of flavour, with a nod to elegance, modernity and with authentic roots I urge you should visit the Mint Room if you are in the area. Highly Recommended.
What we also liked about The Mint Room is that, if you are in a more traditional mood, all the classics are on the A La Carte menu too such as Chicken Korma and Lamb Rogan Josh.
The Mint Room is family run and also has a branch in Bristol too. With a number of awards under their belt, and a recommendation from the Michelin guide it's the place to go for excellent Indian food and impeccable knowledgeable service. If you are looking for Indian food packed full of flavour, with a nod to elegance, modernity and with authentic roots I urge you should visit the Mint Room if you are in the area. Highly Recommended.
The Mint Room
Longmead Gospel Hall
Lower Bristol Road
Bath
01225 446 656
Tasting menu's are always good in new restaurants. I'm hoping to go to Bath in the next few months so I'll be sure to add this to my list x
ReplyDeleteI like tasting all the different courses. They match the wine for you too at The Mint Room.
DeleteLooks like a lovely restaurant with very creative menu. Loving the presentation, especially of the sweets :)
ReplyDeleteYes it has a super creative menu which is so nice to see in an Indian restaurant.
DeleteThis looks like a really nice place. We planned a trip to Bath last year but cancelled so it's back on my list!
ReplyDeleteI love indian food and this place looks like somewhere I would enjoy! The presentation is so unique too!
ReplyDeleteThe presentation is beautiful.
DeleteOh my gosh,
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully is the food presented, looks a shame to eat it in some circumstances!
I miss Indian since going vegan, I know it can be vegan friendly but I haven't dared try it yet, this place looks FANTASTIC though x
You can get some great Vegan food in Indian restaurants. Maybe ring the restaurant to find out what they can do for you.
DeleteI am now suddenly wanting an Indian banquet! What an amazing place to eat and the food looks incredible x
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to find a good Indian restaurant where I am. We have loads of takeaways but in terms of places to sit and watch, choices are few and far between.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame!
Deleteoh wow, so beautifully presented and looks like a really special experience. Yum!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect for a special meal.
DeleteThis looks so delicious.
ReplyDelete