Amongst the winding, romantic lanes of the City of London, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Just a skip from Bank station, or a meandering 10-minute stroll from Liverpool Street, you’ll find Mint Leaf — crowned Asian Restaurant of the Year 2024 — and trust us, it’s worth every step.
You’re instantly greeted with warmth. The service is as attentive as it is friendly, and the food… well, let’s just say you can taste the love. Authentic, homemade South Asian flavours run through the menu, and the space hums with regulars (always a reassuring sign).
But first — cocktails. Mixologist Bart has crafted a playful yet sophisticated drinks list served from an impressive 18ft bar. I kicked things off with a Scarlet Sunset — vodka shaken with hibiscus syrup and kaffir lime, topped with a fun crushed-ice “sunset” and served over a colour-changing light base. Playful, a little sour, and seriously refreshing. Then I spotted someone ordering The Royal Bee — instantly on my list for next time. A creative twist on a drink made for the Royals of India, combining tequila, honey, espresso, orange marmalade, and banana syrup.
Starters set the tone beautifully. The ginger-infused duck kebabs were juicy and tender, while the standout Crispy Kikda (soft shell crab) delivered the perfect crunch, its spicy red dipping sauce adding just the right fiery kick.
Mains were a flavour journey in themselves. The lamb Chettinad, a South-Indian favourite, was a revelation – rich coconut, aromatic spices, and melt-in-the-mouth lamb that left me hooked. The chicken biryani deserves its own standing ovation — delicately layered basmati rice, perfumed with spice, moist, fragrant, and utterly moreish. Add in a comforting dal tarka, fragrant saffron pulao rice, and the ultimate garlic naan (thin, crispy, garlicky perfection) and you’ve got yourself a feast.
By the time dessert rolled around, we could only share. The trio of sweets (Indian dessert sampler) — a light, aromatic sponge scented with cardamom and steeped in rose and saffron syrup, a scoop of delicious ice cream, and Rasmalai, a soft, milk-based pudding with cardamom and saffron — was just enough to leave us satisfied without regret.
Mint Leaf sets itself apart from the usual city restaurants — the flavours stayed with me, and I left already thinking about the dishes we didn’t get to try.
Mint Leaf London, 12 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HB
mintleaflondon.com
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