Flora Indica

"Flora Indica is the name of a book published in the 19th century that catalogued plant species discovered by Scottish botanists during the Victorian era. Set over two floors, this cosy, elegant restaurant in Earl’s Court pays tribute to that era, with Victorian glass and brass, Harris tweed, and a subtle yet notable botanical theme that’s most apparent on the extensive drinks menu. Chef Sameer Vasudeva’s cooking turns expectations on their head: a deeply rustic peasant dish of millet roti with stone-ground garlic-red chilli chutney comes on as a masala papad-like crisp, delicate, lacey pancake; and jerusalem artichoke crisps bring smokiness and lightness to an otherwise conventional papdi chaat. There are succulent Malwani king prawns with black radish; rich pulled duck pancakes with red amaranth; clove-spiked spinach and paneer ‘bonbon’; and whole stuffed bitter gourd in pumpkin and yoghurt sauce — with the citric, floral vibrancy of lime leaf pulao bringing all the tastes and textures together." - Sejal Sukhadwala