One of Surrey’s most decorated Indian restaurants was celebrating its “biggest achievement to date” yesterday after being awarded two coveted AA Rosettes.
Inspectors described India Dining, in Warlingham, as a “classy thoroughbred” that was a world-apart from usual Indian restaurants.
The restaurant, a favourite with local celebrities, was said to possess a “wholly modern approach to both cuisine and décor”, and a “creative, modern and upmarket” menu.
Representatives of the AA, who visited anonymously earlier this month, also commended the restaurant – which overlooks the village green – for its commitment to sustainable and organic produce.
India Dining is now believed to be one of only a three Indian restaurants in the entire county to hold two AA Rosettes and to feature in this year’s AA Guide.
And it is in the 10 per cent of restaurants nationwide that are of a standard “that is worthy of one Rosette and above”.
Owner Asad Khan, the holder of numerous industry accolades, said the AA award was the “crowning glory” of the last 12 years.
“We have been fortunate to win several awards and many major accolades since we first opened our doors in 2003,” he said.
“But it is true to say that winning two AA Rosettes is our biggest achievement to date. We’ve waited a long time to receive the recognition that we deserve, and we are now among the elite of Indian restaurants in the South East.”
He added: “There are only a handful of restaurants in the area to have two Rosettes, and none of these operate at our price point. This makes what’s happened even more special.”
The Rosette scheme is designed to reward successful cooking, and is awarded by AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors who assess the restaurant overall.
Two inspectors visited India Dining on May 8th when they found a “classy thoroughbred that takes a wholly modern approach to both cuisine and décor.
“From a stylish cocktail bar up front, to black leatherette banquettes and matching chairs, polished-wood tables and highly contemporary artworks and lighting, there’s urbane good looks at every turn.”
Their review, published on the AA website, adds: “The authentic pan-Indian cooking takes an equally creative, modern and upmarket approach, the menus intelligently condensed to allow quality and consistency to shine, while the kitchen is admirably committed to sustainable and organic produce.”
The inspectors notified the restaurant after their visit and awarded India Dining with two AA Rosettes, which shows “Innovation, greater technical skill and more consistency and judgement in combining and balancing ingredients”.
But despite the latest accolade, and the inspectors’ feedback, Khan is determined to scoop three AA Rosettes in coming years.
“Our restaurant and its cuisine is certainly good enough, and we will work tirelessly until we achieve that goal,” he added.