Hankies Marble Arch – Asian Food and Fizz

It appears that more and more restaurants which we are being invited to visit have a strong and growing interest in offering their customers a fine selection of sparkling wines to accompany their meals. Hankies in Marble Arch are very much of the vision that sparkling wines pair very well with the spicy and creamy cuisine from India.

Located just a few minutes walk from Marble Arch tube station on the central line of the underground and leaving behind the busiest street in Europe (Oxford Street) you enter Great Cumberland Place and spot the inviting Montcalm Hotel. An entrance to Hankies can be found within the reception area of the hotel and you at once feel in the mood for some fine Asian cuisine dining as the welcoming staff, joy-filled and relaxing music along with the interior design splendour greets you.

The Champagne list included grower (Bernard Remy Brut Rosé) to the highly regarded labels peaking with the Krug Grand Cuvee. Prosecco was also present with the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Caspene Malvolti and their Extra Dry version. Still wines were also quite varied with a wide selection from France and Italy along with fine options from the new world too.

Rather like the atmosphere at Hankies, the foods are all calming. The rich and fine flavours of the dishes incorporate a relaxing spice taste sensation, enough to enhance flavours of the ingredients and never once annoying the palate. For this tasting I chose from the vegetarian options of which there are many and paired with the house Prosecco (extra dry):

Bhindi Bhel: “Refreshing, sweet and smooth spicy flavours wrapped up in a nicely presented and crispy dish.”

Mutter Choley: “Soft and subtle spices with a creamy taste sensation with fine savoury flavours. Most pleasant.”

Tarragon Paneer Salan: “Light and yet filling. Delicate creamy flavours. Very moreish.”

Hankies Dal: “Smooth and savoury flavours again with elegant spices in the background.”

Kachumber: “Light and refreshing dish with tightly packed flavours bursting alive in the palate.”

Sweet Potato Bomb: “Sweetness meets spiciness, smooth yet containing a welcoming kick of flavours.“