Raaz fine-dining Indian a ‘hidden’ gem in London Putney

SPONSORED CONTENT HALAL STATUS Halal food menu exc. beef (cooked & prepped separately) • Alcohol served

While Lower Richmond Road in south west London’s Putney is renowned for its diverse range of eateries, a vibrant new addition has recently made its mark on the culinary scene.

Indian restaurant Raaz, which means ‘secret’ in Hindi, opened in September, and its secret ingredient is none other than accomplished Head Chef Imran Mansuri.

Having worked under such Michelin heavyweights as Atul Kochhar and Rohit Ghai at Benares, Tamarind, and Jamavar, Imran has already stamped his mark on Raaz by attracting huge praise.

The venue is smartly decked out and split into two halves, with seating for 32 at the front, an additional 20 that includes a private room for six towards the back, and tables set outside for a dozen.

Raaz Modern Halal London Fulham fine dining restaurant Michelin chef Imran

Decor to match Raaz’s fine-dining menu

Apart from the beef, Mansuri has created a menu that’s predominantly Halal, with dishes that range from “age-old Indian street delicacies to more contemporary European grills”.

Despite being closed on a Monday, Raaz is open thereafter during the weekdays from 5pm until late, with a two- (£24.99) or three-course (£29.99) lunch set menu available from 12pm during the weekend.

You won’t find dishes of this quality in the Putney area

A fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Putney

Raaz presents a streamlined menu that is focused on dishes designed with intention and energy, and ones you simply will not find elsewhere in the area.

Chef Imran delivers plates marked by balanced flavour, refined structure, and eye catching presentation so as to stand out in a crowded dining scene.

And the sheer variety of Small Plates perfectly encapsulate the uniqueness of Raaz’s menu, including a Truffle Mushroom Kulcha with goats cheese that’s tandoored to a crispy finish.

But it’s the dry Kerala-style Lamb Poriyal on a bed of String Hoppers that delivers both a spicy hit and some vibrant colour thanks to its accompanying coconut sauce.

Don’t you dare look past their selection of mouth-watering Tandoor Grills though, with the Grilled Tiger Prawns’ punchy blend of Southern spices beautifully balanced by the refreshing mango salad.

While the combination of the avocado chutney and a cardamom-infused Chicken Malai Tikka will leave a lasting memory, the delightful Cornish Lamb Chop will enthral the senses, particularly with the addition of a quail egg and the spicious kadai mushroom.

Rajasthani Lamb Shank is unbeatable £18.99

When it comes to Raaz’s mains, then their rich and creamy Rajasthani Lamb Shank is luxuriously satisfying, with gentle spices that linger on the palate, and a lamb that virtually falls away at the merest glance.

If you’re seeking after a deliciously soothing curry, then this is where Chef Imran really shines, especially with his Malabar Fish Curry, where a moist and delicate piece of Seabass happily floats in a tantalising kerala-style coconut curry.

Otherwise, you’ll be remiss not to try the Grilled Pumpkin Moilee, which has a segment of pumpkin – sourced directly from an Essex farm for its quality – submerged in a fragrant and lightly sweet southern coconut curry.

And it should go without saying that if the a la carte menu is this good, rest assured Raaz’s dessert menu will be equally so; in this case a magnificent Mango Kulfi covered in cardamom powder, and a rustic cup of Rasmalai Trifle with fresh mango and mango mousse.

So if the above proves anything, it is that Raaz really is a secret waiting to be discovered and realised by those who truly enjoy refined Indian cuisine.