Gold Standard Indian Food @ Copper Chimney

Having been brought up on South Asian cuisine, I rarely expect to be surprised by anything on the menu at an Indian restaurant, but at Copper Chimney, Westfield White City’s latest addition to its food scene, it happened.

Founded by JK Kapur in 1972 in Bombay, at that time the restaurant made history by being the first in India to showcase an open kitchen that boasted a live grill and chefs hand-making breads including its signature handkerchief thin –  the Roomali Roti. Since then it has opened branches across the globe including this new one at Shepherds Bush, where it serves up a flavourful melange of signature Indian dishes alongside a full service bar.

Everything about Copper Chimney oozes charm from the food and drinks to its chilled yet vibrant ambience.  The culinary experience starts as you walk up to the restaurant and can smell delicious Indian spices perfume the air. You’re then greeted by friendly staff as you walk through the glass double doors and are swiftly guided to a spacious table to browse through the extensive menu. The décor is impressive and reminiscent of an idyllic summer’s day in India thanks to its oversized celling fans, tropical upholstery prints, marble tables and geometric floor tiles. A meal here is a wonderful way to spend time in West London, whether you’re here for the shopping or not.

For starters I munched on the Delhi-Style Fried Chicken, £ 7.95, which is a boujee-take on regular fired chicken as it is flavoured with hand-pounded garam masala, cayenne pepper, as well as  a complex array of spices. I can confirm it is finger-licking good!

Seafood lovers will adore Amritsari Shrimp, £8.95, which is carom-flavoured batter-fried shrimp. This was first made popular in the streets of Amritsar and one bite will also have you hooked too.

The restaurant’s tandoori grills are also a must – especially the Lamb Seekh Kabab, £14.95,  which is skewered minced lamb kababs that are infused with hand-pounded spices and fresh coriander. The texture is super soft and like butter in how it melts in the mouth.

If you like seafood then try Chutney Fish, £14.95, which is sea bass marinated in green mint and lemon chutney.

When it comes to mains you can’t go wrong with Butter Chicken, £14.95, which features boneless tandoor chicken that has been simmered in the restaurant’s signature tomato and butter flavoured gravy. Butter chicken is my go-to curry in most Indian restaurants and having tried a fair few in my time, I can say Copper Chimney’s version is now in my top two favourites. 

Red meat fans should opt for Lamb Rogan Josh, £15.50, which features boneless lamb that has been marinated for over 6 hours in a secret 21-spice blend and is then slow-cooked with Rogan – a special Kashmiri spice-infused oil. And yes, it is as amazing and tender as it sounds!

So as I say, I was not expecting to be surprised by anything on the menu, but I was when I spotted Parda Lamb Biryani, £15.50. This is a rice dish that has been sealed by a layer of pastry. In all my years of eating biryani, I’ve never had it topped with pastry. I first thought this was a clever gimmick but it turns out this is the traditional way this famous rice dish in served in Hyderabad.

At this point I was stuffed. But like most people with a sweet tooth, I have a secret stomach for puddings.  It would be impossible to leave without trying the Gulab Jamun, £4.75, which is a golden fried milk dumpling that is steeped in sticky rose scented syrup. Another must-try dessert is the Gajar Pistachio Crumble, £5.45, which is a slow cooked carrot pudding that is served with a pistachio and praline crumble.

The drinks at the restaurant are just as impressive as the food and are inspired by Mumbai’s flavours. You will find all the usual wines, liqueurs, spirits and cocktails. But the mocktails are the real stars of the show. I’d recommend Indian Summer, £6.55, which is made with cranberry, mango and grenadine. This is fruity, flavourful and utterly refreshing. If you like a drink with a milky base then try Rose Thandai, £6.55, which features mango, almond milk, rose milk and thandai spice. 

• Copper Chimney, Unit 1028 Southern Terrace, Westfield London, Ariel Way, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 7GA. Open Sunday to Thursday from 12noon to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from  12noon to 11pm.