Himalayan Fine Dining: An Elevated Experience

A New Addition to London’s Fine Dining Scene

Nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge, on Beauchamp Place, Vatavaran is the latest entrant into London’s thriving Himalayan fine dining landscape. Led by acclaimed chef Rohit Ghai, whose illustrious career spans Michelin-starred restaurants such as Benares, Trishna, Gymkhana, and Jamavar, this establishment promises an immersive culinary journey inspired by the serene landscapes of the Himalayas. But does it deliver on its ambitious vision?

A Setting That Evokes the Himalayas

Vatavaran, meaning “atmosphere” in Sanskrit, is designed to transport diners to the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. The restaurant spans four levels, each reflecting a different natural element of the region:

• The ground floor, featuring blue hues and floral motifs, represents the flowing valley streams.
• The Orangery, located on the second level, mirrors mountain ridges, with earthy tones and warm lighting.
• The first floor, accented with lush greens, embodies the forests.
• The top floor, known as the summit, is home to the Shikar cocktail bar and lounge, offering a sophisticated space for post-dinner drinks.
  

It’s an aesthetically ambitious space that aims to do more than just serve food – it wants to immerse guests in an experience.

A Menu Steeped in Regional Influence: Himalayan Fine Dining

Under the expertise of Rohit Ghai and business partner Abhi Sangwan, Vatavaran’s menu is an exploration of rare and indigenous ingredients, carefully curated to reflect the flavours of the Himalayas. Ghai’s other ventures, like Benares, offer a Michelin-starred experience with a £139 tasting menu. However, Vatavaran provides a refined yet affordable alternative at £75.

Starters That Set the Tone

Guided by an exceptionally knowledgeable waiter, Fletcher, the meal begins with a strikingly presented Indori chaat – a cloud-like mound of foamy yoghurt, topped with crispy onions and bursts of pomegranate. The unexpected contrast of flavours and textures sets the stage for what’s to come.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the prawn starter packs a fiery punch, while the Kashmiri-chilli lamb chop follows suit, delivering bold, smoky flavours that leave a lasting impression.

Mains That Impress

The main courses maintain the restaurant’s commitment to deep, rich flavours. The kaali daal, slow-cooked black lentils enriched with butter, could easily stand alone as a dish rather than just a side. Meanwhile, showstopper dishes like the rotisserie masala chicken and lamb shank biryani showcase Ghai’s mastery of spice and texture.

Vegetarians and pescatarians will find plenty to indulge in, too. The salmon tikka, infused with beetroot and kokum, offers a unique twist on the classic. Meanwhile, the roasted baingan ka salan showcases the chef’s expertise with aubergines.

Desserts and Drinks: A Perfect Finale

For those with room left, Vatavaran’s desserts are as inventive as they are indulgent. The chocolate hazelnut pudding stands out as both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.

The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring cocktails infused with Himalayan-inspired ingredients such as gulab jamun, saffron, and cardamom whisky. The tequila-based creations are particularly noteworthy.

An Ambitious Concept That’s Finding Its Footing: Himalayan Fine Dining

Beyond the food, Vatavaran also embraces a lively atmosphere, with a DJ playing from Friday to Sunday evenings. The lower levels focus more on dining than drinks. However, the top-floor lounge may soon become the go-to for cocktails.

Chef Rohit Ghai describes the concept as deeply personal:

“The Himalayas hold a profound cultural and spiritual significance, and we’ve worked tirelessly to translate that into a culinary experience that will transport our guests to this magical part of the world.”

With its unique approach to Indian fine dining, Vatavaran has certainly made a bold entrance into Knightsbridge. There is room to enhance the immersive experience even further – perhaps by deepening the storytelling behind each dish or refining the pacing between courses – but the restaurant’s foundation is strong.

For those looking for an exquisite yet approachable Indian dining experience, Vatavaran is well worth a visit. As it continues to evolve, it may just become a standout gem in London’s culinary landscape.