Darjeeling Express Supper Club

24 February 2014 — Charlotte

Last week I finally had the opportunity to attend Asma Khan’s supper club (Darjeeling Express) which came highly recommended by several friends and fellow foodies. Set in her beautiful Kensington home, I don’t think the word ‘feast’ does the experience enough justice! As always, my photos probably tell a better story than my words, so here is a glimpse of said feast for your eyes…

Paneer ka samosa with lal mirch red chilli chutney:

Onion bhaji:

Calcutta pani pura shells stuffed with potatoes and chickpeas, filled with spicy tamarind water:

Calcutta chicken (unbelievably succulent) kati roll-a paratha wrap with a layer of egg, thinly sliced red onions and kabab doused with lemon juice and spices:

Hyderabadi mirchi ka salaan (spicy onion and green chillis cooked with ground coconut, sesame seeds, peanuts and tamarind juice) with saffron pulao rice:

The best saag paneer I’ve ever tasted:

Bhopali achaar chicken is a dish that originated in the Palace of Bhopal. The amazingly tender chicken is marinated in yoghurt and cooked with green chillis and panch poran:

Bengali prawn malaikar in a turmeric and coconut milk sauce:

Kala chana are black chickpeas cooked with ginger and chillis:

Khare masale ka gosht – slow cooked lamb with whole garam masala and dried red chillis:

Paneer malaikar cooked in a delicate turneric and coconut milk base:

For dessert, the shrikhand was my favourite dish of the night. A strained yoghurt with saffron, cardamom and pistachios – it was light and balanced just right. I’ve not experienced a dessert like this before, and could have eaten a tub-full more. This was accompanied by fruit chaat (fresh fruit marinated with Himalayan rock salt, lime and brown sugar):

Asma is as kind and generous as she is culinarily gifted. I am very glad to have met her and hope our paths will continue to cross in the future. You can find details of upcoming Darjeeling Express supper clubs and events via Edible Experiences.