Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket in Trafalgar Square, London

Fluid Eating's Review of Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket

Being half Mauritian, I eat Indian cuisine all the time, so when I found out I was reviewing the Mint Leaf, I didn’t show much of a reaction. I’d already visited on previous occasions (albeit for fashion shows, DJ nights, and private parties) and was primarily looking forward to a good chin wag with my dinner guest. Surprisingly, though, I discovered that despite all the fashion shows and club nights held here (and as enjoyable as they were), the highlight of venue is actually its culinary offerings.

On first viewing, both the exterior and the interior have a minimalist but glamorous feel with soft pink lights and black sofas. The slated wooden wall dividers throughout the restaurant section off certain areas yet still create the feeling of being part of something more. It’s easy to peep through the dividers to keep an eye on what is going on in the bar area or even spy on other diners! Soft background music ensures that conversations can be conducted without having to shout, adding to the conducive atmosphere needed for a perfect dinner date or catch-up with close friends. 

Location is everything and with the Mint Leaf being hidden away at the far end of the West End’s Haymarket, parking options are not too bad either, if you prefer to drive (depending on the time of day).

Being in-between the Christmas and the New Year, it wasn’t that busy when we arrived. However, we were assured by the restaurant manager that this was only because of the time of year. Despite this, the Mint Leaf still retained its atmosphere, which I would describe as chilled, laid back, but still retaining the buzz I remember from times gone by. There were numerous couples dotted around the bar and quite a few ‘upwardly mobile types’ enjoying dinner and the abundance of cocktails on offer.

All drinks in the bar are served with wasabi peas, and a firm word of advice here: you really do need to have acquired taste buds to appreciate them. Unfortunately, I don’t. There were a good number of items on the menu that I did have the taste buds for, though, and my personal recommendations would have to include: the signature ‘Porn Star Martini’ cocktail which comprises vanilla vodka, passoa, passion fruit and a shot of Champaign (great for those with a bit of a sweet tooth); the non-alcoholic Apple Mojito (if you prefer something with a sharper bite); the stuffed paneers starters (my mouth is practically dribbling as I think about these creamy, cheesy little babies. They go down really well with the tangy contrasting flavours of the mango chutney and plum chilli sauces); and finally, the curried ‘Black Tiger Prawns’ and the ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’ with chicken and saffron mains (which are both flavoursome, but not too heavy on the stomach).

The customer service was good, but not excellent, and was perhaps a tad rushed in the restaurant. Oh yes (with emphasis), last but not least: The Wine List. I like to think of myself as a bit of a wine expert, so upon the discovery that they stock 150 different types, I concluded that this alone could keep the Mint Leaf in good stead. If, for no other reason, this alone is why you should pay the Mint Leaf a visit. From my perspective anyway...

Reviewed by Danielle Aumord

Description: Mint Leaf, Haymarket, has over the last 5 years enjoyed critical acclaim for its ability to reinterpret classic Indian dishes in a contemporary fashion. Diners have enjoyed signature dishes, such as Methi Machli Curry, in a refined and stylish environment that reflects a sophisticated dining experience. Head Chef Ajay Chopra has continued to innovate and has created dishes such as Saunfiya Paneer Tikka, and Lehsuni Jhinga to diner’s acclaim.

May 2008 saw the launch of an exciting new menu at Mint Leaf. Head Chef Ajay Chopra has spent time travelling around India during early 2008. He visited the coastal regions of the sub continent where all the major spices are grown and also typical west and south Indian homes where many dishes originate before hitting the commercial market. This journey was driven by the demand for fresh, clean yet native flavour here in London in order to widen his knowledge of authentic regional Indian cooking and find new inspiration for the new Menu.

Ajay said: “I wanted to get back to the old provinces of India and look for some really great cooking ideas and revisit the amalgamation of textures and flavours. I found a tawa fry lobster in a local shack and my friend’s mom gave me upma with a tangy coconut sauce, we combined it to make the Braised Lobster”.

The new menu offers small and large dishes to choose from with a wide variety of fish and shellfish such as Monk Fish tail and Seared turbot. Also meats and game feature strongly, including Rabbit and Guinea Fowl. As always there a high proportion of vegetarian dishes, giving the option to experience more variety and flavours at one sitting. The new menu also encourages more sociable dining where patrons can order multiple dishes to share.

Ajay explains the challenge: “Working with the Indian team of chefs we have at Mint Leaf we wanted to develop traditional Indian flavours but for these flavours still to work with the expectations of a western palate, without losing the sensory experience of real Indian food. The key was to not dumb down the flavours and essence of the dish but instead to choose the right dishes to start with. We are also pleased to be, where possible, using more fine local British produce as a base for our dishes. This, combined with the traditional tandoor ovens, griddles, tawa plates and open grills we use, is helping to create a pretty unique dining experience.”

For the new menu, each dessert, including poached pear with mixed spices and chocolate sorbet, is paired with a drink in shot size to compliment the dish. The idea here is to match flavours and textures with a particular drink to accentuate flavour and experience? For more adventurous diners, the Dessert platter for two includes coconut brulée, pistachio and chocolate tart, white and dark chocolate mousse and mixed berry ice cream, perfect for rebalancing the palate. (Updated 08/01/2010)

Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

Good quality authentic-flavoured Indian food.
Covers a range of classics as well as exploring some new dishes. A range of sharing platters and individual portions.

Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket Food menu

Our unique 22 meter cocktail bar has a beautiful selection of spirits which are conjured into a dizzying array of cocktails with which to enjoy an evening.

Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket Drink menu

Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket Opening Hours

Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Haymarket Map

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“Excellent restaurant! Ten out of ten!” Rating: — Bean, London (19 Aug 2009)

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