Chatora City London

I was scheduled to review Chatora the City in London situated on a charming side street called Great St Thomas Apostle. It is located in the financial district, also called the City of London. Owner Jamshed Rahman has created a warm and inviting restaurant. The space is quite expansive and also features a lovely private dining room for a large group.

Chatora The City London

Chatora City London — Chatora the City London; Photo by Kathy Leonardo

We were greeted by Saanj (the manager), who seated us by a window. Soon our lovely server, Deepika arrived and made some excellent suggestions. While my sister enjoyed a vodka and lemonade. I began with a Pulenta Estate Malbec, Argentina 2022. This Full bodied red offered notes of cherry to the nose with a round rich flavor with a tinge of oak.

Appetizers

My sister is a vegetarian, so we ordered mostly veggie dishes, with the exception of one chicken appetizer, which was recommended for me to try. We began with Assorted Papad. We dipped these crunchy delights into various tasty chutneys such as a sweet mango, mint/cilantro as well as a tamarind option. Soon additional appetizers arrived at our table. Tuk Aloo Namak Pare Chaat (see image above) included crunchy potatoes with a zesty white sauce. The dish was both savory and tangy with a bit of sweetness too.

Since both the server and manager suggested that I try the Sexy Chicken, I did. Wow! I am so glad they nudged me to try it. This appetizer is listed as a the owner’s Pick (Jam’s Pick). It was bursting with flavor. The dish utilized both gochujang (a Korean spice with quite a kick), as well milagai podi (a South Indian spice which is also quite hot). Together they created a magical spicy wonder.

Entrees

The Chatora Black Dal was another great recommendation made by both Deepika, and Saanj. The slow-cooked lentils melted in my mouth. Soaked in an excellent buttery sauce, this dish also had so much flavor. The garlic naan was a perfect choice. The chewy warm bread had a glorious wild garlic and cilantro bite.

Then Deepika brought out the Organic Vegetable Biryani on a side serving table to prepare the dish for us. It was a beautiful presentation (see the ETG Instagram video). The dish featured a golden pastry top, which she slowly cut open, and delicately revealed the rice below. I was so excited to taste it after she placed it before us. The aged Himalayan basmati was so fragrant. My mouth was watering in anticipation. Once again we chose a vegetarian option. It was so delicious.

*A Vegetarian version of Keema Aloo Mater; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

Next the Keema Aloo Mater (without the lamb) arrived. This was exquisite. It was so aromatic with a nice jolt of spice. The peas literally popped in my mouth tingling my tastebuds…so good!

Dessert

This was a sensational meal, which we thought was over, however Saanj surprised us with a special dessert. The Gulab Jamun was unbelievably scrumptious. The sugary soft delicacy was paired perfectly with the vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream and the warm pastries were an exceptional ending to a thoroughly wonderful meal.

If you find yourself in London, be sure to reserve a table at Chatora City. In addition, the restaurant has a Richmond location as well. Chatora City, 4 Great St Thomas Apostle, London EC4V 2BH, UK; 100 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PQ, UK; https://chatoracity.co.uk