Kahani Restaurant review

Kahani feels like quite a find. Open since 2019 we were delighted to discover its existence this week. Ideally located a stone’s throw from Sloane Square in a lovely location tucked away behind Cadogan Hall, convenient for both Chelsea locals and visitors.

The building façade is inviting. Upon entry it is a little bit tight with a small cloak room, and a mere two steps upon entering is a steep staircase which descends into the basement of the huge period house. To one side of the stairs is a tiered display of the restaurant’s accolades which include: ‘Best Restaurant of the Year 2024’, Curry Life Magazine Awards, 2024, ‘Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year’ at the Asian Restaurant Awards (August 2024), 2 AA Rosettes, MICHELIN Guide 2024, and Good Food Guide. Such a display certainly raises expectations before you have even tasted a morsel.

Kahani Restaurant, Chelsea. Image courtesy of Kahani restaurant.

As one descends the stairs you quickly notice this is the least basement-like basement restaurant you will come across. The 90-seater restaurant seems vast compared to what you would expect. To the right is the large, elegant Peacock Room for private dining for up to 14 people, with a pristinely laid table overlooking the double height restaurant below separated by a waist height panel of glass.

The room itself has been cleverly designed with different levels, nooks, and sections—some discreet, others more central to the buzz of the restaurant—ensuring every guest can find their “perfect table.” Six leather string chandeliers descend from the high-ceilinged space, creating a grand yet warm ambiance. A striking wine room doubles as an elevated display on the far side of the room, flanked by two booths that offer views over both the restaurant and the kitchen. The kitchen is framed behind large spotless glass for all to observe the inner workings of the chefs. For those seeking a more intimate setting, there is a cosy nook with a fireplace and a snug on the opposite side of the room, perfect for offering celebrities or anyone wishing to misbehave extra privacy.

Kahani Restaurant, Chelsea. Image courtesy of Kahani Restaurant.

There is a long bar producing some rather delicious cocktails of which we tried two impressive non-alcoholic cocktails (hello Dry January!) I am partial to Pisco Sours hence decided to try their “SHAADEE” cocktail with Seedlip Grove 42 Citrus, Cranberry juice, Red Chili infused Honey Water, Lemon, Egg white which was divine. As a result, we are very tempted to return for a few cocktails on a Thursday to enjoy their regular live jazz night.

The evening’s background music gave me a giggle as it was at times firmly in instrumental “lift music” territory, with inoffensive yet recognisable song choices.  We were sat right below one of the speakers hence noticing the music more than I ordinarily would. There was a certain charm to it and my dining partner said she kind of liked it.

‘SHAADEE’ cocktail with Seedlip Grove 42 Citrus, Cranberry juice, Red Chili infused Honey Water, Lemon, Egg white. Image credit Natascha Milsom.

Where Kahani really excels is the food, both as far as quality and variety are concerned. At the helm is Chef Peter Joseph. Having spent some 13 years working in Britain’s first-ever Michelin-rated Indian restaurant, Tamarind, Peter decided to branch out on his own opening Kahani which means “story” in Hindi.

The menu is cleverly designed offering tasting menus (including vegetarian and vegan), bottomless brunch, and an àla carte menu. While Veganuary may come and go, it’s worth noting that Kahani serves an excellent selection of vegan dishes all year round, making it an ideal spot for groups with varying dietary requirements, as the kitchen is extremely obliging, ensuring that nothing is too much trouble. Organised into small plates, a chargrilled section, curries, biryanis, and accompaniments, the menu is thoughtfully structured. Many dishes are available in two sizes, making it simple to order smaller portions for two or larger ones for groups—eliminating the guesswork that often comes with ordering family-style dishes. 

Tandoori Broccoli Honey, nigella seeds, crushed wheat crisps with tempered yoghurt and Achari Paneer Tikka with peppers, red onion, Kashmiri chilli, royal cumin. Image credit MTotoe.

Service was impeccable and extremely accommodating with many thoughtful touches. A table clip is offered from where you can hang your bag. The waiter unobtrusively checks in to see when you will be ready for the next course. Being the annoying foodie that I am, when I asked about some ingredients in the Berry papdi (salty biscuit) chaat, spiced chickpeas with sweetened yoghurt, berry chutney and purple crisps he kindly brought out three separate ingredients, beautifully presented for me to inspect and taste. The papdi chaat was a colourful and refreshing start to the meal which we accompanied with their truffle roti. How luxurious!

From the chargrilled section we tried Monkfish with browned garlic, ajwain, red chilli & dill leaves; bisi bele bath, the Lamb Seekh Kebab, water chestnut, green chilli, coriander, ginger; kachumber salad and two vegetarian dishes of Tandoori Broccoli Honey, nigella seeds, crushed wheat crisps with tempered yoghurt and Achari Paneer Tikka with peppers, red onion, Kashmiri chilli, royal cumin. All were packed full of flavour and the spices danced on the tongue. The chargrilled items on the menu are perfect if you are looking for a meal less heavy than curry,

Lahori Nihari, lamb shank slow cooked with onion, yogurt, black and green cardamon and the Saag Paneer, spinach and Indian cottage cheese tossed with onion-tomato masala, puréed spinach. Image credit MTotoe.

In the name of research, we also tried two curries: Lahori Nihari, lamb shank slow cooked with onion, yogurt, black and green cardamon and the Saag Paneer, spinach and Indian cottage cheese tossed with onion-tomato masala, puréed spinach. The lamb shoulder was exquisite whereas the Saag Paneer was a little disappointing as I prefer this dish when it is cooked in a way that allows the dish to keep the vibrant green colour of the spinach tending to give the dish a lighter and fresher taste overall.

I would not normally go into too much detail about the rice as it is often seen as just a base on which to put your curry. It was easily one of the fluffiest and lightest rice dishes I have ever had - and as someone who is half Chinese and fussy about rice, that’s saying something. It proves how something so seemingly simple, can be elevated to something truly impressive.

Rose, Pistachio and Jackfruit Indian style ice cream. Image credit MTotoe.

The Gulab Jamun Cheesecake, lemon curd, mango and basil sorbet was an interesting mix of the  traditional Indian Gulab Jamun (which slightly resembling a dense pound cake) with layers of cheesecake filling.  The Medley of Kulfi – has quenelles of Rose, Pistachio and Jackfruit Indian style ice cream served on and extremely cold plate ensuring they did not melt in the slightest while eating. This is the kind of touch which shows a customer they are dining somewhere run by true professionals.

We really were very impressed with Kahani as it ticks all the boxes and then some. It will easily please guests no matter the occasion and  is well worth considering for Valentine’s Day which is just around the corner.

Location: Kahani Restaurant, 1 Wilbraham Pl, Belgravia, London, SW1X 9AE . Instagram: @kahanilondon Website: kahanilondon.com

Review by Natascha Milsom