We try Chef Karnavar’s Peterborough Tindli Indian restaurant

It’s safe to say that I wasn’t disappointed following a visit to Tindli, the new Indian restaurant that has taken over Katana’s former Bubbles Bar.

Headed up by Chef Karnavar, an Indian culinary star with over 260,000 social media followers and three decades of fine dining experience, he has built on the success of his London brand by opening a new venue in Peterborough.

“I wanted to bring the real flavours of India to the city,” he says on a busy Friday night, adding that Tindli makes its own spice blends using the raw ingredients rather than buying anything in.

The mango chutney daiquiri at Tindli in Peterborough (Image: Newsquest)

He has certainly achieved the aforementioned goal: before even looking at the food menu, I was struck by the bold range of cocktails on offer.

Prior to my visit, Saran Raj, who is the director of operations for Katana Peterborough, had told me that “Tindli isn't trying to be your typical Indian restaurant”.

Upon the arrival of my mango chutney daiquiri (which had a kick to it but went down surprisingly smoothly) and later a stronger honey saffron old fashioned Indian whiskey that arrived with a lid on to create a dramatic steam reveal, this was abundantly clear.

It’s worth noting that less daring options are available – and as mocktails too; soft and fizzy drinks are also unique in that they are imported from India.

The Punjabi vegetable samosa at Tindli in Peterborough (Image: Newsquest)

Onto the dishes and there’s a large variety that will please diners across all levels of adventurousness.

Alongside authentic Kerala and South Indian temptations that you might not find at your typical Indian restaurant or takeaway, it’s pleasing to see traditional favourites like chicken korma available for those who prefer to stick with what they know.

My friends and I decided to be bold and expand our palettes – we tried the pre-starter of padron pepper chat as well as the paani puri and Kottayam Kallappam bread – alongside the deliciously crispy onion okra bhaji, tasty saag aloo and Punjabi vegetable samosa.

The mains were all phenomenal: after just two mouthfuls, my friend hailed the prawn biryani as the best she’s had; my prawn masala was delicious and exactly the right level of spice.

The prawn masala, Andhra chicken curry and saag aloo at Tindli in Peterborough (Image: Newsquest)

The Peshwari naans, too, were perfectly crispy on the outside but fluffy in the middle.

Another main that caught our eye was the Tindli Signature sliced chicken burger and gunpowder fries, which we’ll definitely be back to try.

Thankfully, we left just enough room for dessert, as each of them were delicious: the mango cheesecake is light, fluffy and more like moose, while the chocolate cheesecake is just on the right side of rich.

On the recommendation of manager Vikram, who was polite, accommodating and friendly – as were all the waitering staff – we also tried one of the Indian desserts.

The desserts at Tindli in Peterborough: mango cheesecake, Shahi Tukda and chocolate cheesecake (Image: Newsquest)

Not dissimilar to bread pudding, the Shahi Tukra adds sweet milk and aromatic spices including saffron and cardamom into the mix.

While the expertly-presented food and drink is obviously the main focus, the plush decor – think traditional paintings, vintage antiques and velvet chairs – has the desired effect of transporting diners too.

Overall, Tindli is an exceptional addition to Cambridgeshire’s fine dining scene.

The paani puri at Tindli in Peterborough (Image: Newsquest)