Attention-to-detail, creative presentation and excellently fresh-tasting food are what make Gufaa Raja, Claygate’s new Indian restaurant, stand out from the crowd for Alma Coben
Why is Gufaa Raja, the new Indian restaurant on Claygate Green, worthy of its banner ‘Dining with Distinction’? Owner and experienced restaurateur Pabel Chowdhury – who runs two other Gufaa Rajas in Islington and West Malling – says it’s because the restaurant offers “traditional Indian favourites with a modern twist”.
On first entry, Gufaa Raja’s slick dark interior highlights this mixture of the contemporary and the classic. Modern and stylish patterned seats and classy wood panelling are accompanied by intricately crafted lampshades and photographs from the Indian subcontinent. This atmospheric interior is made all the better by the view onto historic Claygate Green.
It is its food, where Gufaa Raja’s progressive approach to the Indian restaurant really shines. For starters, there’s the Chicken-Tikka Three Ways. In a creative spin on a curry dish adored by Brits, three generous chunks of chicken are each marinated in a different Tikka-style sauce, including one with garlic and coriander. The dish wins plaudits from many Gufaa Raja diners and it certainly deserves the praise.
Also recommended is the Vegetable Potli, a mixture of vegetables, cashew nuts and roasted cumin delicately wrapped in parcels. The crunchy exterior works immensely well with the Indian spices and makes for a deliciously light samosa-style dish. The potli and shaslik were accompanied by a flavoursome tomato and garlic chutney with a careful drizzling of tamarind – a cocktail of complex flavours and five-star presentation.
There are plenty of options for main course, with a large fish, vegetarian and meat selection – even some duck dishes are included. We sampled Salmon Dilbahar, a beautifully tempting portion of clay-oven-cooked salmon in a creamy cheese sauce, garnished with lentils. The flaky fish blends perfectly with the sauce, in what is an exquisitely fresh dish. Another choice, Paneer Makhani – Indian cheese cooked in a tomato and fenugreek sauce – was one of the best paneer dishes I have ever tasted.
Choosing a side dish turned out to be quite difficult – so many sounded delicious. We opted for the Dhingri Palak – garlic tempered spinach with sautéed mushrooms – which, with the garlic flavours carried well by the spinach, was a wonderful addition to the meal. It would also be wrong not to mention the light and fluffy naan, which was indecently moreish.
Old favourites, such as Korma, Dhansak, and Jalfrezi are also on offer. And it was apparent that the friendly staff were more than willing to accommodate any food requests, such as lowering spice levels for people who want a milder curry.
How about the drinks? As well as having the usual popular curry house beers, the restaurant sources wine from acclaimed experts Ellis of Richmond. The reds we tried had a depth of flavour well- matched to the Indian dishes.
The dessert menu introduces Indian flavours into traditional western treats.
Mango Crème Brulee was an excellently refreshing way to cap the evening off, as was the American Style Cheesecake topped with strawberry sauce. A range of sorbets and Mövenpick ice creams offer a joyful fruitiness after the complexly-flavoured savoury courses.
Presentation-wise, each dish was creatively and carefully considered, befitting the slick feel of the restaurant.
The à la carte menu is great value for money in itself, but there are also a number of special offers available at the restaurant, including a Sunday Buffet for £9.99 per adult; Mejban Night on Tuesdays includes a four course meal and piano entertainment for only £12.99 a head. The sizeable restaurant is also more than capable of catering for large parties and functions.
Everything at Gufaa Raja showed fantastic attention-to-detail, from the friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff to the aesthetically pleasing presentation of the dishes.
Dining with distinction is more than apt.
