Anokha, City of London

Anokha 2 Creechurch Lane London EC3A 5AY Tel: 02072837729 Web: www.anokha-indian.com Cuisine: Indian Fusion style indian with Mughal influences including the decor which come from Persian roots. It was quite quiet, albeit a Monday evening, although it did start to fill out as we were paying the bill. The ambience is usually excellent on a lunchtime and do not be put off by how busy it is at that time as the kitchen can easily turn your table round in an hour and a half. As we sat we tucked in to a few poppadoms and dips, the selection of dips are really good, and different to your usual Indian. You get the standard mango chutney, but after that there is an excellent onion chutney in a chilli sauce, a tasty raita dip with garlic and a very hot lime pickle. With room for only mains and a couple of sides we went straight in. We ordered Sag chicken from the more traditional side of the menu, moist pieces of chicken tikka served with a creamy spinach. Duck mali haash, sweet and sour flavour with a hint of spice, cooked with Mango, yoghurt and tamarind which helps bring the flavour to the fore. Chicken dansak, fresh tasting with a nice punch of heat, served with lentils, an age old classic. We shared a bowl of Mushroom rice which was standard amongst other Indian restaurants. Something I really do like at Anokha is the Onion Bajhi, its like an onion loaf you'd see in the states! Excellent accompaniment with the mains. The Sagg aloo is made with new baby potatoes with skin on, nice and dry dish with spinach so you can taste the flavours enclosed in the dish. Pashawari nan - melt in your mouth buttery bread with sweet coconut With regards to the service it was always attentive and they were always there for when we needed another Cobra or Kingfisher. Also, excellent value, all of this food and more than enough beer for around £90, the three of us left very happy. Pick yourself up a membership card or visit the St Paul's restaurant where you can use your taste card for up to 50% off food for even more value. In my opinion Anokha, Creechurch St, is the best Indian is the square mile. Gastrogreglarr rating: 8/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: the Onion Bahji is a world away from what you would get in a more traditional curryhouse Gastrogreglarr dislikes: whilst the service is good it lacks that extra mile you get in more traditional Indian restaurants