Exposed Mag checks out one of the newest additions to the London Road dining scene…
When it comes to underrated foodie destinations in Sheffield, London Road surely must top the lot. Abbeydale Road and Ecclesall Road both receive plenty of eating out plaudits, as do the usual city centre venues and hotspots; but in terms of genuinely authentic, exciting hidden gems, you’ll struggle to match the diverse offering found amongst this kilometre-long cluster of bustling takeaways and restaurants.
There’s an upbeat party atmosphere inside the venue.
Adding nicely to an appealing medley of taste is recent addition Ms Mistry’s Indian Tapas Lounge, taking up a slice of prime foodie real estate in the former bank on the corner of Rossi’s and Urban Choola. Inside vibrant décor matches a lively party atmosphere: local DJs spin tunes and punters sip cocktails and Jaipurs as encouraging aromas emanate from the open kitchen area. Taking our seat, Ms Mistry herself rushes over to accommodate us.
After being sorted with drinks, we are filled in on her family’s intriguing history, which has seen a route carved from the Indian state of Gujuarat to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, before arriving in UK over 40 years ago, first living in Salford and later settling in South Yorkshire. Each area has contributed to the Ms Mistry’s experience, while the restaurant itself is dedicated to her late father, Mr Harshad Kumar, who was a constant driving force for community cohesion and regularly organised local events that promoted inclusion, equality and diversity.
A stunning platter of authentic Indian street food snacks.
The menu does what is says on the tin: authentic Indian food served in small tapas-style dishes, made to encourage culinary exploration and interaction amongst customers. The slogan is ‘like a party in your mouth’, and when our resplendent-looking tasting platter arrived it became clear we were in for a memorable bash. Everything’s strictly fresh and homemade, from the bhaji and samosas right down to chutneys and newly ground garam masala.
Out of the assortment of snacks laid down in front of us, the Pani Piri – an explosion of spicy and sweet flavours – and the succulent spice marinated Ms Mistry’s Signature Chicken stood out the most from its fellow tasty accompaniments: Lamb Samosa, Poppadum, small balls of spicy sauteed potato (Bateta Vada), tangy puffed rice in a crunchy shell (Bhel Puri) and Lamb Meatballs, all rounded off nicely with sweet fried dough balls (Gulab Jamun).
The curries were washed down fittingly with a bottle of Jaipur.
On to the curries, surely the main entertainment at a Ms Mistry’s party, and we plumped for three options – two meat, one veggie – for a nicely rounded experience. The agreed winner was Dad’s Favourite Lamb Curry – soft chunks of lamb shoulder in a delightfully rich and fragrant sauce – but Mum’s Chicken Curry packed an equally flavoursome punch and the smokey, nutty Dhal. Served with the usual additions of naan and basmati rice were a side of Kenyan Masala chips, a local speciality smothered in a secret homemade spicy sauce. Proof, if needed, that family is very much the backbone of the ethos here.
After the carb overload, we were almost too stuffed to accept any more, but Ms Mistry insisted we try out a couple of extra dishes. I’m glad I left enough room to sample the moreish roasted aubergine dish (Bhartu), which packed a nice kick when scooped up with the remaining naan.
The second option our host was particularly keen to get our take on, the Vada Pav, was a popular Indian street food of potato and sauces sandwiched between two buns, which served up a real contrast of tastes and textures resulting in an intriguing and ultimately tasty mix. It was another winning dish to tick off along with a whole host of other foods and flavours that you won’t find at your local curry house. It’s that sense of fun and exploration, backed up by reams of passion and family history, that means this party is one well worth attending when you get the chance (their Mother’s Day Thali Special on 27th March could be a great place to start!).
msmistryindiantapaslounge.com
250-254 London Rd
S2 4LW
Wed-Sun, 4.30pm – 10.30pm
01142 215 178
