Modern Indian dining restaurant and bar De Baga has a new Early Bird Summer Menu and we were invited to their Chapel Allerton restaurant to review it, which was very exciting as their food is stunning!
De Baga captures the British spirit of adventure about food, an appreciation of the freshest seasonal ingredients and a desire to reinterpret familiar dishes with unexpected twists. Their food is for people who care about what they eat! Their Early Bird menu is exceptional.
We received the usual warm welcome and a delicious cocktail while we looked over the menu. We also felt the need to try out some of their unique nibbles; Popcorn Chaat – popcorn mixed with authentic Indian spices , garnished with fine gram flour vermicelli and, Baar Baar Cornetto – cornetto filled with smoked aubergine and topped with soft cheese.
To say these were utterly scrumptious is an understatement. We were in full conversation when we started to eat and the conversation just stopped! Utter silence from us both as we started to appreciate the flavours and textures filling our mouths.
If you eat from the Early Bird menu, make sure you also check out these nibbles – yes, they are extra but oh so worth it!
At £22.50 for two courses and £25 for three courses, it’s a no-brainer to go for the three courses.
For starters we chose Lamb Croquettes – lamb mince mixed with Indian ground spices and, BAGA 65 – fried chicken tossed in peppers and a special De Baga sauce. We shared and thank goodness we did as it would have been a crime not to know just how good each of these dishes are.
Main courses comprised of Paneer Steak with Palak, and Tandoori Chicken with Makhani Sauce, each served with basmati rice or a buttered naan, we got one of each as again, we were sharing.
I absolutely LOVE paneer! This was a generous portion and totally melted in the mouth with that gorgeous Palak (spinach) sauce delicately complementing every mouthful. The Tandoori Chicken was equally as good. The chicken was full of flavour and oh so tender with another genius sauce that was buttery and creamy and just – YUM!
By the time we got to desserts, we realised we couldn’t manage one each, but we were up for the share! A dish of Matka Kulfi. Creamy and delicately flavoured with saffron sauce, almonds and pistachios.
This is an Early Bird menu you will want to visit De Baga multiple times for, yes, it’s that good! Oh and they have some very quaffable new wines too. Even more reason to treat yourself to a visit.
We dined at their Chapel Allerton restaurant, they also have De Baga Headingley which is equally as good. The choice is yours.
Early Bird Summer Menu is available Sunday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm. Last food order 6.45pm.
Check them out at www.debaga.co.uk
