Casual Indian comfort food at Oorja

The team’s inspiration behind Oorja comes from family kitchen traditions and the rich flavours of regional Indian specialties. The restaurant itself is a warm, welcoming space with thoughtful touches throughout. For instance, you’ll notice wearable bibs on every chair, so diners can feel at ease when the business of good eating gets messy. In addition, the lights on each table can be tapped to change colour to indicate when you are ready to order.

The extensive menu has an appetising array of small plates, curries, biryanis, as well as breakfast options, and lunchtime specials. It’s a generous menu, filled with classic dishes and little-known specialities we were certainly eager to try.

So, what did we order?

Papad Basket

For much-needed nibbles over their delicious spiced Indian lemonade, the generous Papad Basket is a welcome first offering. For one, this is the amplest papad offering we’ve yet to see at a restaurant, complemented by a selection of appetizing homemade chutneys. There wasn’t a crumb left…

Chilli Chicken

We were recommended this dish from the off, so of course this was our first order. The Calcutta-style dish is a selection of delicate chicken morsels, covered in a sticky sweet glaze with a potent hit of spice, with a crunchy mix of onions and peppers – it’s a delectable, lip-smacking delight. It’s a fiery number too, so we suggest a little raita if you struggle with dishes that are too spicy. However, don’t let that put you off – this is destined to become a classic that must be tried.

Agra Ki Aloo Tikki Chaat

Northern India’s street-style comes alive with this luscious offering: Crispy potato cakes stuffed with aromatic channa dal, topped with chickpeas, fresh yoghurt, masala, tamarind and a sprinkle of mint.

The sheer number of flavour combinations make it a feast for the senses. The spices are all perfectly balanced and never overpower each other. If you want to turn the heat up, however, it works well with the addition of the Chilli Chicken.

Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka, fresh from the tandoor, is a classic traditional dish, and one of our personal favourites. And when the cheese is made fresh (as it is here), there’s nothing quite like it.

The Tandoori smoked Paneer is marinated in a pickle yogurt which gives it that moreish tang. The addition of lightly charred red peppers gives it a contrasting texture and is served with an accompaniment of fresh mint chutney and cucumber. If you’ve yet to try Paneer Tikka, this order is a must, and makes for a great sharing plate, too.

Butter Chicken

This classic, old Delhi-style dish is a familiar favourite and arguably one of the most popular Indian dishes. We were presented with a generous bowl of tender chicken thigh, simmered in a creamy sauce of tomato, cashew and fenugreek gravy, with a final dash of fresh cream. This aromatic, butter-rich dish was a resounding favourite, which was moped up with a generous tear of naan bread. A winner all-round.

Mango Shrimp Curry

Our interest was instantly piqued by the dish as the recipe is one that has been passed down the family for generations, and is a closely guarded secret. We can understand why as this curry was truly the standout of the evening. Succulent, sweet prawns, coated in a luscious, thick gravy of tangy green mangoes, coconut vinegar, Goan chilli, and onion sauce. The contrasting flavours of sweet and savoury are deeply flavoursome and divinely aromatic. If we were pushed and had to choose one dish to recommend…this would be this one.

Awadhi Chicken Biryani

This sumptuous rice dish is aways a special treat and feels almost regal with it’s over the top crisp, puff pastry lid. Part of the fun is digging inside to reveal that puff of steam as you spoon into the flaky long-grain rice, reaching the tender yoghurt-marinated chicken and sweet, caramelised onions. Each component of the biryani works exceedingly well, and this much-beloved dish doesn’t disappoint. It can best be described as elevated comfort food.

Pistachio and Mango Kulfi

Traditional Indian ice-cream is a cooling way to finish a meal, particularly after a wonderful array of spicy dishes. The earthy nuttiness of the pistachio, along with the tropical zest of the mango work wondrously, both exceedingly creamy and never over-sweet.

Perfect for…

Breakfast meetings, express lunches, dinner with friends, family gatherings, informal date nights, quiet catch ups, and large evening parties.

Anything else to know…

Oorja has additional restaurant space downstairs which reveals a beautifully designed room; and don’t forget to look up at the ornate glass ceiling which is a real wow-factor element of the restaurant. This space would be perfect for large bookings and group events. It even has its very own private bar.

Where to find Oorja?

117 Shaftesbury Avenue
London
WC2H 8AD

Website:

https://www.oorja.co.uk/

Nearest station:

Leicester Square