193 Lower Richmond Road,
Putney,
London,
SW15 1HJ
(020) 8785 6004
The ViewLondon Review
Contemporary South Indian delicacies and super-friendly staff combine to make Cochin Brasserie a delicious local dining option and one of the better restaurants in Putney.
The Venue
Often overlooked because of its location, away from the high street and up Lower Richmond Road, Cochin Brasserie is definitely worth a little extra walking. Settled in a cottage-like white building in a corner spot, inside the decor is very simple. A small, modern front room houses tables draped with white tablecloths set with sparkling wine glasses and sleek wooden seats. At the back of the intimate space, a bar lit with blue sparkling lights gives a sophisticated edge whilst vases of fresh flowers liven it up while maintaining a homely, friendly feel.
The Atmosphere
The friendly staff at Cochin Brasserie make the experience of dining in this local eatery a complete pleasure. Polite, obliging and courteous, they give the service with a smile that is so often missing from many of London’s busy restaurants. A guestbook packed with messages from happy diners is testament to the venue’s popularity in the local area, both as a choice for takeaway and eating in. It’s never too busy though, and often it’s a great place for a quiet dinner with friends – although no one would complain if you brought a raucous party along.
The Food
Delicious cuisine from Kerala in southern India is the focus of the menu here. Fresh ingredients, delicious spices and vibrant curries feature across the extensive menu that has options for all.
It’s essential to start with a serving of crispy and light black lentil and rice flour poppadoms (£2.50), crispy cone-shaped morsels that are irresistible when dipped in an array of delicious homemade pickles, chutneys and tzatziki-style yogurt. There is an array of delicious Indian starters like Kerala grilled kingfish in a spicy herb marinade (£4.25) and onion pakoda (golden brown and crispy fried batter of onion and spices for £3.50) but make sure you leave room for the main event.
There are tons of options on this great menu, so don’t limit yourself and be sure to share with your fellow diners. The prawn varattiyathu (£11.95) is deliciously addictive, a generous helping of marinated prawns doused in a mild, light and creamy tomato sauce packed with herbs and spices. A combination of Syrian and Keralan cuisine gives you the Syrian lamb dish (£9.50), a drier mix of shredded tender lamb cooked in ground spices and punchy with peppercorns and poppy seeds. Vegetarians are spoiled for choice (since Cochin is a coastal city in Kerala where the cuisine is noted for its vegetarian dishes) and there are enticing options like potato pea masala (cheap as chips at £4.25) and the paneer pasand (£5.50), a wonderful showcase for the tasty, spongy cubes of Indian cheese, that are served with a spiced mix of cashew nuts in an aromatic tomato and coriander sauce.
The Drink
Wine starts from a respectable £10.95 per bottle and £2.75 per glass. For fish or vegetarian meals, the fresh, light and lemony Tuatara Bay Sauv Blanc (from New Zealand) is a good choice at £17.95. Beers, spirits and bubbles are also on offer, along with a good selection of teas if you need something to settle your stomach after a spicy indulgence.
The Last Word
With guaranteed friendly service and great value for the delicious, top quality meals, Cochin Brasserie is an authentic winner and a great stop on the local restaurant trail.
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