Chef Mehernosh Mody is pleased to announce the introduction of progressive Indian dishes to his already highly acclaimed à la carte menu. Following the success of La Porte des Indes’ eponymously titled cookbook, diners have been eager to sample Mody’s more innovative dishes.

Established in 1996, La Porte des Indes translates as ‘The Gateway to India’. Its discrete corner location betrays little of what you will find beyond its doors. Housed in former Edwardian ballroom
the restaurant is a versatile space spanning two floors adorned with antique Indian artefacts and boasting a stunning white marble staircase, 40ft Mogul waterfall, Jungle Bar and private rooms. Exotic plants and flowers fill the light and airy interior with their alluring scent and provide a visually stunning display.

The mainstay of the menu is the Gallic influenced dishes representative of Pondicherry, a former French colony dating back to the nineteenth century, such as Cassoulet de Fruits de Mer, a rich seafood stew simmered in 'vindai' spices, and Poulet Rouge, shredded chicken marinated in yoghurt and red spices served in a creamy sauce.

However, Mody has enhanced the menu by illustrating the impact of his time in the West with new additions including Chumude Karaikal, seared beef tenderloin served with a roasted cinnamon, aniseed, clove and black pepper sauce, Roast Black Cod marinated in cream cheese, fresh dill, fennel, garlic and honey, wrapped in banana leaf and finished in the oven, Barra Lamb Chops marinated in browned onions, yoghurt and garam masala, char-grilled and served with mint chutney and Jackfruit & Red Rice Crème Brûlée served with caramalised petals of jackfruit.

A visit to La Porte des Indes is a chance to discover the culinary secrets of the “Grande Dames”, of Pondicherry handed down through the generations, and Mody’s own interpretation of how they may cook today and to be enjoyed in the restaurants resplendent surroundings.
On the final Friday of every month the restaurant hosts a cookery demonstration so you too can learn how to recreate La Porte des Indes’ fabulous dishes at home. Advice and tips will also be given on the multitude of different herbs and spices that are used in Indian cooking including how to source, prepare and store them.

Located on the lower ground floor area of La Porte des Indes, the Jungle Bar is a welcome retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street just a stone’s throw away. The inspiration behind the Jungle Bar is the Long Bar, the Raffles Hotel’s famous meeting point in colonial Singapore.
It was the patrons of the Long Bar who first began the custom of throwing their empty peanut shells onto the floor as a show of rebellious appreciation. 

It is a tradition that has been resurrected at the Jungle Bar where guests are encouraged to do likewise.
The bar has been designed to replicate a hunter’s perch with beautiful paintings of animals and forest scenery adorning the walls.  Hurricane lamps, rattan wall coverings, cane furniture, palms trees and tiger skin rugs complete the scene. In the evenings, candlelight and soft background music give the bar a cosy and intimate feel.

Both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails have a unique Indian flavour and include Bollywood Dreams (Absolut Citron, Chambord, fresh strawberries, lemonade), Masala Mary (chilli vodka, crushed coriander, green chilli, roasted cumin, spicy tomato juice), Tamarind Martini (Krupnik Honey Vodka, fresh tamarind, paprika), Rain Forest (freshly squeezed apple, orange, root ginger) or, most refreshing of all, why not try young coconut juice served from its shell.

A delicious array of bar snacks are also available with Bombay Mix with sea salt and lime, Spicy Grilled Salmon Salad rolled in Betel nut leaves, Lemongrass and Prawn Kebab and Tandoori Smoked Cottage Cheese and sautéed wild mushrooms on a rice cracker.

The Jungle Bar is available for complete takeovers and theme parties.

Printer Friendly