Restaurants

Light, bright and airy, Green Chilli was rather empty on the Sunday lunchtime we visited. This belied its reputation as a popular venue for unfussy yet distinctive cooking (it’s frequently packed in the evenings). Perhaps some of the gloss is wearing off (a chipped plate and a couple of smeary glasses took the shine off an otherwise sleek setting), but the food continues to attract locals. The menu is varied and enticing, including wine-matched vegetarian and non-veg set meals, and the likes of South Indian lobster kalimirch (with lime, curry leaves and a peppery onion and fennel masala) on the à la carte. A dish that shouldn’t work – deep-fried mushrooms laced not just with spices but with strawberry jam – turned out to be delightful. Murg malai kebab was a triumph of garlicky succulence. The only disappointment was methi chicken: dry chunks of meat in a fenugreek sauce puréed to the texture of watery soup, with a bitter edge. Handkerchief- thin roomali roti made a good foil for rich, homely dhal makhani (black lentils). A truly excellent lime rice (with lime quarters and curry leaves) was quite good enough to eat without accompaniment.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008