A Culinary Journey Through India at Patri in Northfields
The other night I headed to Northfields to try out the culinarily magnificent Grand Thali at Patri. The restaurant offers an impressive dining experience - the portions are enormous and the flavours are exceptional, with each dish providing a fragrant and delicious taste of India.
The interior design at Patri is a trendy blend of distressed brick, salvaged wood and corrugated iron, creating a chic yet rustic atmosphere. Founder Puneet Wadhwani has crafted a menu that transports diners on a culinary journey from New Delhi Station to Marwar Junction in Jodhpur.
The Grand Thali, traditionally a comprehensive meal in Indian cuisine, has been dramatically reimagined. It includes over 25 different dishes, such as Delhi’s Aloo Tikki Chaat, London’s Boyfriend Chaat, and Old Delhi Pani Bombs. The meal also features a large jug of Mango Lassi and two desserts – English Summer Fruit Cream and Carrot Halva. Pre-booking is essential, and although the Grand Thali takes about half an hour to arrive, the starters are served continuously to curb hunger pangs.
The Thali itself is a behemoth selection, offering tasters of Patri’s best-selling dishes, from vibrant DIY Pani Puri Bombs and Not-Your-Butter-Chicken Samosas to smokey Tandoori Broccoli, Nawabi Seekh Kebab, and Tandoori Chicken Tikka. Signature mains like rich and creamy Butter Chicken, super tender and spicy Rogan Josh, and flavorful and aromatic Kerelan Sea Food Moilee are accompanied by classic and comforting Dal Makhani and Proper Punjabi Kadhi. Sides include puffy and buttery Tandoori Naan and perfectly cooked, aromatic Plain Rice.
For me, the meal's highlights include perfectly cooked Tandoori Chicken Tikka with a smoky flavour, crispy and delightful Popcorn Chicken, succulent and flavourful Samosas and a gorgeous, creamy Mango Lassi that beautifully balances the spicier dishes.
The Grand Thali is also available as a vegetarian meal, and this summer, Patri will launch a version featuring four incredible cocktails made with artisan gins, rums, and other spirits. Patri, which opened in 2018, quickly became popular among local, west London and wider London diners. Puneet Wadhwani created the brand to revive the flavours of the snacks and dishes he enjoyed as a child near New Delhi train station and during India's great rail journeys. From platform-cooked snacks to onboard curries, Patri’s menu celebrates the culinary heritage of India’s railway stations. The flavours are big, bold, and colourful, the service is warm and friendly, and the interiors are bright and bustling.
Wear stretchy pants – you'll need the extra room! Patri in Northfields is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic and immersive Indian dining experience.
Patri, 139 Northfield Ave, London W13 9QT