The Media Launch of Darbaar

The Media Launch of Darbaar

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Launch Party – Indian in the City

Out of all of the blogger events I go to and invitations I accept, I love launch parties the most. There’s something so special about that first time – everything is so new, the paint is fresh, the linens couldn’t be cleaner and the sense of optimism and expectation is palpable. The same is true at the launch party of Darbaar, a new Indian restaurant that properly looks the business.

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This latest addition to the City’s dining scene comes from Abdul Yaseen, whose prior experience includes 15 years in the kitchens of The Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Soho and Cinnamon Kitchen. Darbaar is Yaseen’s first solo project, and his presence on the pass and in the open kitchen is electrifying tonight. Darbaar is his baby, and we all know it.

Inspired by the banquets of the Indian Royal Court, the food is cooked in traditional clay ovens in the open kitchen before being sent out to be considered, evaluated and then devoured.

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The food comes out hot and fast, subject to about a hundred different pictures and twice as many hands. Greedily we munch through the thick fried layer of pastry that cap the vegetable samosas bulging with stuffing, or pry the flesh of the bones of chicken legs marinated in chilli and cumin.

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There are mains too; hot plates sizzling with the flakiest salmon, lamb or, my personal favourite, the paneer. The menu will change seasonally with spiced guinea fowl in the winter going through to roasted leg of lamb in the spring.

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It’s an exquisitely presented space too, all dusky mahogany and emerald blue, and fine copper and blush gold detailing. Tucked away on the ground floor of Broadgate Quarter near Liverpool Street, Darbaar is the newest kid on the block – one that makes a great first impression.

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Tube: Liverpool Street
Address: 1 Snowden Street, Broadgate West, London EC2A 2DQ
Tel: 020 7422 4100
Website
Tel: I was invited to review

Darbaar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

10 Comments

  • andreaspassions5
    8 years ago

    YUM! I love Indian food so much and wish I’d known about this place last week – went to Cinammon Club and was super disappointed! Lots of love, Andrea xxx

    Andrea’s Passions

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      I felt the same way about Cinnamon CLub when I went a few years ago so wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this launch party. If you do end up going to Darbaar i’s be interested to see how it is on a normal night x

  • I’d LOVE another one of those samosas right about now.

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      I want more of the dhokla – love it and its so rare to find in a restaurant

      • So, Roti Chai Street Kitchen off Oxford Street serve up some scrummy dhoklas. Darbar’s were much better of course but RC is worth checking out if you haven’t already!

        • Mehreen A
          8 years ago

          I love Roti Chai! Never realised they had dhokla, will def check them out – thanks for the tip :)

  • 8 years ago

    This looks delicious!!! Love Indian food done well

    Polly xx
    Follow Your Sunshine

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      It was yummy, and I agree :)

  • 8 years ago

    What a beautiful opening! Loved your shots in this post.

    • Mehreen A
      8 years ago

      Thanks Claire :)

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