Our Editor enjoyed a taste of India at the newly opened Cinnamon Bazaar in Richmond, South West London’s leafy neighbourhood…
Vivek Singh, the man behind some of London’s most popular Indian restaurants, including The Cinnamon Club and Cinnamon Kitchen, has opened Cinnamon Bazaar in the leafy suburb of Richmond. From a Bazaar breakfast with spiced eggs through to a roaming chaat trolley, vibrant sharing plates and spiced cocktails, this is modern Indian dining that packs a flavoursome punch.
The menu is inspired by the hustle and bustle of India’s ancient and modern bazaars where goods, ideas, flavours and experiences were exchanged. Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond’s menu, from Executive Chef Vivek Singh and Head Chef Rakesh Singh, runs from breakfast through to dinner. You’ll love the pan-Indian, street food style dishes, along with a new innovative range of vegan friendly plates, that blend modern cultural influences with classic spices and flavours.
Take it all in over a delicious cocktail and chaats to share
The signature sips pack a flavour punch. Must-tries include the Pink Me with Woodford bourbon, strawberry and orgeat bitters; and the Cinnamon Bellini with prosecco, cinnamon syrup and gold dust. We started our dinner with these recommendations and they were absolutely delightful. The alcohol-free options include a Berry Burst and Mango Lassi – a Bazaar special with mango, yoghurt and cardamon.
We chose two chaats to share, snack or tapas style dishes that are typical Indian street food. The Paani Puri, light semolina shells where you pour a spicy tamarind dressing or a sweet and sour water into. Or both for a really flavoursome combination. Semolina Smash, Punjabi vegetable samosas, curried white peas, onion and chilli were delicate rather than oily and one of my favourites of the meal.
Bazaar Plates worth a revisit
For mains we just had to try the Lamb Roganjosh Shepherd’s Pie, named in Time Out as one of ‘The 100 Best Dishes in London’. I’d agree with them on this! It was the tastiest Sheperd’s Pie we’ve had. Still honouring the traditional dish but the with a touch of cardamon and other amazing flavours. We also shared a Naughty Dreamy Paneer escalope, served in a rich tomato cashew nut sauce and Tandoori Chicken Malai Tikka, cooked with mace and cardamom and served with coriander chutney. Three mains was a little greedy of us and not necessary. However, as the portions are more fine dining than your typical curry house.
There are so many more dishes I’d love to try still, such as the Toddy Shop Pepper Fry with stir-fried shrimps, cracked pepper and curry leaf. And the plant-based version of the Vivek’s new Veganjosh Shepherd’s Pie with root vegetables, soya nuggets and mince, topped with potato ‘chokha’. The Kadhai Mushroom with stir-fried mushrooms, spinach and nutmeg sounds great too.
The puddings are traditional too and far too enticing sounding to forego. We ordered the Rasmalai Tres Leches with soft saffron whipped cream & almond and a Mango & Pistachio Kulfi. Both were mouth watering as you’d expect.
Breakfast like a Raja
Breakfast like a king, or Richmond’s Raja, at Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond with an Anglo-Indian menu that fuses both cultures. Spice up your mornings with the likes of Bombay scrambled eggs and the restaurant’s signature parathas – warm flatbreads with a choice of fillings including smoky spiced minced lamb, cauliflower with matured cheddar and a sweet option with coconut, dried fruits and nuts. For traditionalists, all the brekky classics await with Bazaar’s Big Kitchen Mash-Up, Cinnamon’s take on the Full English, sitting alongside pancake stacks; classic kedgeree; and pastries.
Conveniently located in central Richmond
Located a stone’s throw from the station and Richmond Theatre, Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond is designed to transport you to the colourful markets of India. Interiors are vibrant and playful with bright neon signs, bold patterns and illustrations whilst a spacious al fresco terrace is the perfect spot to while away the day and indulge in a spot of people-watching.
Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond – South-West London’s finest showcase of spice and all things nice!
Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond
31-35 Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 2NQ
T: 020 3928 5608
