Kayal Herb, Granby Street, Leicester
A sister restaurant of Kayal that celebrates south Indian food. This restaurant dedicates itself to pure vegetarian and vegan dishes from this region of India.
I do like to dine out Indian however food from the south is something we don’t have or make in our homes as much so for me it’s a treat. In particular I enjoy a 'dosa', a crispy rice flour pancake that is usually filled with spicy potatoes however there are a few more variations on this classic dish and many modern twists available now. This is eaten with a ‘daal’ but not as its known like a lentil curry but it is made with the lentils boiled until the grains have completely dissolved in the water. Also added to this thick soup like consistency is a array of vegetables such as peas, aubergine, carrots, potatoes and one that many people may or may not have heard of or used, it is called drumsticks. Drumsticks are green, long, stringy veg and usually goes well in a daal as the daal coats and flavours this veg and its thick consistency holds onto the veg well, like pasta sauce that sticks to the ridges of pasta. This can be poured over or the dosa can be dipped into it and added coolness and texture comes from the coconut chutney its served with. I am not keen on this chutney so I leave it out but it is a good combination so do try it together.
Being in Kayal Herb means I have more options and so do vegans, the first time I went I have these vegetable cutlets, that comes in the shape of hearts. The golden brown coating is crispy and it had a mushy and soft centre. If I remembered correctly it was served with a tamrid dip, as the sourness really balances out the spices and flavours of the cutlets.
I have been there three times now and had something different every time as well as learning and picking up knowledge and ideas about South Indian cuisine, that I didn’t know too much about. There are many flavours of South Indian cooking beyond what I have described so far and many dishes are the creamier, sweeter than classic Indian dishes and uses a range of veg and ingredients and one prominently being coconut.
All in all South Indian food is a must try and Kayal Herb is the place to go! I won’t tell you about the décor as it’s something with a wow factor and instantly visible as you enter.
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