FOOD + DRINK
KENT ' S HOTTEST RESTAURANTS CONT .
Atul Kochhar ’ s Indian Essence , Petts Wood & Riwaz , The Pantiles , Tunbridge Wells
Award-winning chef Atul Kochhar claims that ‘ quality , ethically sourced and finely preserved ingredients create the most fantastic food .’ This being his passion and strongest belief when it comes to cooking , guests at Indian Essence in Petts Wood can expect vibrant flavours , subtle spice blends and incredible aromas or as Atul himself would call it , ‘ a first-class taste of India ’.
A proud recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2016 – 2019 , Indian Essence pays homage to Atul Kochhar ’ s love of traditional Indian cuisine at the same time as exploring innovative and modern British touches , bringing gourmet excitement to the heart and neighbourhood of Petts Wood near Bromley .
The success of Indian Essence has now also led to Kochhar ’ s confirmation of the opening of his brandnew venture in The Pantiles , Tunbridge Wells . Set to open in November this year on the iconic promenade , Riwaz will now be the second gem in Kent that boasts of Kochhar ’ s innovative touch . This innovation was recognised at last year ’ s British Curry Awards winning Best London Restaurant in the Pandemic 2020 , after adapting their services to takeaway and also back in 2001 when Atul received his first Michelin star with London restaurant Tamarind . One of the very first Indian restaurants in the world to achieve this prestigious recognition , it took him just one more year to earn a second Michelin star with Benares in Mayfair .
www . indianessence . co . uk
The Raja of Kent , Tenterden
Owner of The Raja of Kent group , Rezaul Raja made it his restaurants ’ mission to ‘ provide excellence with the very best Bangladeshi and Indian cuisines , served by attentive and professional staff within a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere .’ After many years of success , The Raja of Kent has firmly established this reputation with a myriad of awards to solidify this , including Best Kent Restaurant and the Bangladeshi Caterers Association ' s Winner , South East ( www . bca1960 . com ). The Tenterden restaurant
is the current holder of the Best Indian Restaurant in the Taste of Kent Awards ( www . tasteofkentawards . co . uk ) and was also named in the top 100 Indian Restaurants by the British Curry Awards . Adding to this long list of prestigious recognitions , Raja was recently honoured at a special seminar and dinner in the House of Commons for his contribution to the UK economy and has also had the pleasure of being asked to judge in Channel 4 ’ s ‘ Secret Supper Club ’.
Essential to their success and seamless high-quality cooking is the fact that Raja personally trained each and every chef he employs at his restaurants , most of whom have now been cooking with The Raja of Kent group for many years . Served exactly how they would be in Bangladesh , guests can get a real taste of India when trying the speciality dishes , which include : mozadar mangosh ( diced beef and aromatic Bangladeshi spices ); chicken raan ( flawlessly cooked chicken leg ); lamb shank ( slowly cooked perfect for the season ); mozadar sea bass ; and kudu goost ( sweet pumpkin with lamb ).
www . therajaofkent . com
INDIAN ESSENCE
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