Ravenscourt Park. The leafy west London neighbourhood famous for its centuries old park of the same name, and now an Indian market style kitchen in the form of Potli. From pillows of Peshawari naan to juicy Indian Ocean prawns and wine from the Nandi Hills, the Hungry Nomad investigates this modern market kitchen dining experience.

Potli restaurant

It’s no secret that curry is the staple of the British diet (chicken tikka masala to be precise), but that doesn’t mean London’s run out of space for Indian restaurants. Particularly a restaurant that’s taking Indian dining into the future in the city.

All hessian sacks overflowing with dried chilli peppers, an earthy interior with bursts of colour, retro Indian signage for household products and hippy-esque waiting staff with impeccable manners and knowledge, Potli is a feast for the eyes alone.

When it comes to the food, diners have all the choice of the Indian bazaar. Appetisers dominate the menu and you could get by on a selection of these starters alone. From baskets overflowing with an array of alternative poppadums and homemade sauces to perfectly spiced, fried, baked and griddled meats and vegetables, the most difficult thing about your meal will be deciding what to order.

Full of finesse and staying true to the family traditions bound up in Indian market kitchens, Potli has found a place in London and is loved by all who visit. One thing’s for sure: local and international visitors alike are not prepared to give up Potli anytime soon.

Potli: The Hungry Nomad Verdict

Best bit: The mouth-watering sensation of deciding what you’ll order this time and next time (because there will be a next time), staving off the hunger with sups of the Grover Vineyards wine from India’s Nandi Hills.

Worst bit: Mustard paste seems to be a Potli favourite, featuring in a number of dishes. It brings a great kick and all, but sometimes it can be a little too much.

Potli's Chicken Tikka TrioOur ideal menu for two:

Starters:
Poppadum basket with homemade mint and coriander sauce – £1.50
Chicken Tikka Trio: Suffolk chicken breast double marinated in tandoori masala, malai (cream and cheese) and hariyali (mint and coriander) – £7.50

Mains:
Prawn Narkel Diye: King prawns from the Indian Ocean in coconut, mustard paste and fresh coriander sauce – £9.50
Goan Pork Vindaloo: English pork loin and belly marinated in garlic, chillies, cumin, cinnamon and vinegar, served in a thick rich gravy – £9.50
Pilau rice – £3.75
Peshawari Naan (gorgeous plump pillows of fruity, nutty succulence!) – £2.50

Wine:
Treat yourself to a bottle of Grover Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc – £19

TOTAL: £34.25 without wine, or £53.25 with wine, plus service

The Hungry Nomad Score: 5 out of 5

Visit Potli:

a: 319-321 King Street, London W6 9NH
t: 0208 741 4328
e: info@potli.co.uk
w: www.potli.co.uk