EARLY on Saturday evening we arrived at the award-winning Haweli restaurant in Wargrave,
writes Karen French.
An array of bright lilac-trailing fragrant baskets hung beautifully outside.
As we entered we were greeted warmly by Shez and his team.
Bright and vibrant, the newly opened restaurant interior has been carefully modernised following Haweli’s recent move to larger premises in High Street, Wargrave.
We were surprised to see that most of the tables already had guests and the restaurant was fully booked throughout the weekend.
The menu offered a wide range of freshly cooked authentic dishes such as Bangalore duck, classic Madras snapper and Nepal king prawns — not forgetting old favourites such as the korma, madras, bhuna, dansak and dupiaza options.
For our starter we had the mixed platter for two — a selection of tandoori delicacies including king prawn suka made with fresh king prawns in a garlic and tamarind sauce, lamb and BBQ chicken tikka and other chicken and lamb dishes.
There were many options for our main, so we left the decision to the chef.
My companion David Lamming was presented with an amazing theatrical dish of lamb shank with a perfectly spiced sauce.
The lamb was so tender and deliciously infused with the most authentic spices.
My main, the murghi mowchak, was one of the best chicken dishes I have ever tasted — large pieces of chicken with the most amazing delicately spiced and seasoned sauce. Our mains were accompanied by vegetable dishes and a garlic roti — a light flat bread baked in the clay oven.
The service was impeccable with the team including Shez at hand for all requests.
The food was unique and truly delicious.
I would highly recommend Haweli for a fine dining experience and I will most certainly be returning soon.
Book in advance, as they were fully booked throughout the weekend. Call 0118 932 0939 or visit the website at www.haweliwargrave.co.uk
