Kennington Tandoori sets itself apart from the many Indian restaurants in London. This recently renovated spot, a favourite with politicians, offers high quality food and memorable service without the high end prices.

The Venue
Decor is modern, minimalist and sleek in this somewhat small restaurant which seats about eighty people. Dim recessed lighting and bare, light green coloured walls are a refreshing sight. The carpet is a geometric pattern of shapes in earthy shades of green and grey. Dark grey cushions line the walls and the tables are covered in simple white cloths. To add some colour, dark vases are used to hold bright and exotic flowers. As you dine, above you there is a huge skylight which seems to open up the room and add light. There is a private room in the back of the restaurant, lit with purple tinted lighting, which seats a maximum of eighteen people. The room can be closed off from the main dining room if desired.

The Atmosphere
To set a relaxing mood, a mixture of Indian pop and soft instrumental music is played. The wait staff are very professional, polished and willing to offer advice or explanations of the menu. Although it's famed for its political clientele, Kennington Tandoori is perfect for anything from a date to a private party. The staff will make it their priority to ensure you enjoy your dining experience.

The Food
The menu is divided into starters, charcoal grills, seafood specials, chicken delicacies, lamb specials, vegetarian specials, tandoori dishes, biryani and balti, vegetable sides, KT weekly specials and desserts. There also is a monthly special set menu for £25.00 per person.

Poppadoms, which are served warm, are light, crunchy, and fresh. The four dipping sauces served with the poppadoms are in square porcelain dishes instead of the usual silver pots which add an elegant touch. The KT platter (£6.95) is a starter of chicken tikka, sheek kebab, onion bhajee, and samosa, artistically decorated with several brightly coloured sauces. Chicken tikka is grilled in the tandoor, well seasoned with just the right amount of heat. Sheek kebab is flavourful minced lamb with herbs that’s been char grilled in the tandoor. The onion bhajee is perfectly sliced, deep fried in batter with mouth-watering seasoning. The lamb samosa is mildly spiced, crispy and light with fresh vegetables.

The KT vegetarian platter (£6.95) is another starter consisting of sev puri, vegetable pakora, onion bhajee and vegetable samosa. This dish not only tastes amazing but looks amazing as well, neatly arranged on a long rectangular plate and decorated with sauces drawn into flower shapes. The sev puri is an interesting dish of sweet and spicy chickpeas on mini puris (unleavened Indian bread), whilst the vegetable pakora is thick and hearty with shredded mixed vegetables battered and fried. The vegetable samosa is packed full of potatoes and other mildly spiced vegetables.

Tandoori king prawn masala (£13.95), a main course of about five king prawns, have been butterflied, char grilled and cooked in a creamy sauce of tomato and coconut. The sweet coconut and tangy tomato balance each other well. The sauce in the navarathan korma (£7.95), a vegetarian south Indian dish of green beans, potatoes, cauliflower, onions, peas, carrots, cashews and chickpeas is also good, sweet, rich, creamy and mild. It’s best paired with some pilau rice or dipped in naan and is rich and satisfying even though there’s no meat.

For dessert, try the vanilla toffee (£4.50), a delicious mix of vanilla and toffee ice cream rolled into a wafer basket and toffee sauce. Sweet vanilla and toffee ice cream are great at cooling your taste buds after the spicy and savoury main dishes. For something more traditional, gajar ka halwa (£4.50) is a homemade Indian dessert of sultanas, shredded carrots and saffron served with mango kulfi (Indian style ice cream). This rich, buttery and out of the ordinary treat is served warm in a martini glass. If you’re looking for a dessert you’ll remember, be sure to try this.

The Drink
You can choose from either red, white, rose, or dessert wines from France, Italy, Austria, Spain and Australia. The Montresor Valpolicella from Verona, Italy (£16.95) is highly recommended, and prices start at £15 a bottle and £4.25 a glass for the house wine. There are also several beers, Champagnes, liquors, mixed drinks and juices.

The Last Word
Kennington Tandoori is a culinary delight for your taste buds and a visual delight for your eyes. With stellar service, exceptional cuisine and affordable prices, this restaurant cannot fail to impress.

View®  Card offers venue information venue map view london review user reviews (6) image gallery (4) venue videos order a delivery book a table