Yukti The Art Kitchen

The first of two Yuktis, the Old Swan restaurant opened to much fanfare in 2014 and it’s still pulling in the punters with its authentic dishes from India and beyond – Sri Lanka and Nepal included – including tandoori staples, biriyani favourites and popular thali trays.

These boards creaking under the weight of their metal bowls can be shared (the meaty platter for two includes Punjabi samosa, lamb sheek kebab and spicy Norfolk chicken breast kalimirch, among other dishes) or ordered just for yourself. Each one represents an entire meal, with steamed rice, tadak dal lentils, spicy potatoes and onions kadai aloo, cooling raita and tossed salad alongside your choice of main from the likes of chicken tikka masala or Welsh lamb rogan josh, chunks simmered with bone marrow, caramelised onion, fresh tangy tomato and yoghurt.

There’s fish too (Cornish cod, no less) and vegetarian alternatives. The a la carte is where the non-meat and plant-based options really shine, with a starter list fit to burst and mains including vegan pindi chole – chickpeas, caramelised onion, tomato, chat masala and traditional Indian spices – and veggie kaji mutter paneer masala – cottage cheese and green peas cooked with garam masala and ginger, then finished with crunchy cashews.

Meaty mains include a Keralan lamb stew simmered with green chilli, ginger, curry leaves and coconut milk and a fair bit of seafood, including fennel and mustard seed-infused crab meat thokku; perfect with a butter naan or the special zaffarani pulao rice with sauteed onion, cumin and saffron.

Afters have been known to include syrupy rose water-scented gulab jamun and caramelised beetroot halwa. There’s even a half-decent wine list.

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news, tips, articles, guides and updates from Confidential Guides? Sign up here.