When considering which drinks to pair with your Indian meal, the most commonly considered choices tend to be Indian beers like Kingfisher or Taj Mahal, or perhaps a Spicy Marg for the more adventurous.
Leeds’ Ma-He and Spirit Sisters are on a mission to change this preconception with special series of Tasting Events, where hosts Manoj and Karina pair unique Artisan spirits with West Indian cuisine for a new and exciting culinary experience for their guests.
This first event launching the series, was focused on the unusual pairing of Indian cuisine with Mezcal and Whisky. (Note: the next event in the series will be focused on Indian cuisine paired with British Rum and Mexican Mezcal and will be held on September 24th).
It was held at Ma-He West Indian Coastal, located in the heart of Leeds at 59 Wade Lane. Expectations were high as – since its opening in The Merrion Centre in 2023 – Ma-He has built a reputation for its innovative fusion of traditional Indian flavours with modern culinary techniques. During this intimate and exclusive event, the restaurant’s signature flair was on full display, complemented by the expertise of two hosts: Manoj Varma, the visionary behind Ma-He, and Karina Navarro-Moreno Spittle of @spiritsisters.uk, a renowned ambassador for artisan spirits.
The evening began with an air of anticipation as we were welcomed into the chic, yet warm ambiance of Ma-He. The event, aptly named “Discover the Magic of Mezcal and the Wonders of Whisky,” promised an exploration of these two diverse spirits. With each guest seated, the event started with a carefully curated three-course meal, each dish paired with cocktails that showcased the unique qualities of Mezcal and Whisky.
The first course was a delicious Chicken Malai Tikka, featuring succulent chicken marinated with fragrant cardamom, cream, and cheese. The delicate flavours of the chicken were beautifully complemented by a Mezcal-based cocktail, which highlighted the smoky, earthy notes of Gente de Mezcal. For the main course, we were treated to Paneer Butter Masala, a dish that perfectly encapsulated the richness of Indian coastal cuisine. Indian cottage cheese, or paneer, was cooked in a creamy and buttery tomato sauce, enhanced with the subtle yet distinctive flavour of fenugreek leaves. This dish was paired with a whisky-based cocktail featuring Glen Scotia, whose rich notes added a depth to the experience and was great when balanced with the spicy, complex flavours of the paneer. The final course was a sweet Gulab Jamun, soaked in a saffron and rose syrup, paired with the final cocktail of the night.
Following the dinner, guests were treated to an exclusive tasting session, where Manoj Varma and Karina Navarro-Moreno Spittle shared their extensive knowledge and passion for Mezcal and Whisky. They guided the guests through the intricacies of these complex spirits, highlighting its production process, flavour profiles, and cultural significance. As guests, we were not just drinking and eating; we were learning and experiencing these spirits in a unique way.
It was an evening where the richness of Indian cuisine met the robust character of Mezcal and Whisky, in a setting that was as elegant as it was welcoming.
If you’re interested in attending the next event, this is being held on Tuesday 24th September from 6pm – 9pm and tickets cost £55 for a 3 course meal with a Mezcal based cocktail and a Mezcal and Rum tasting after dinner.
To book contact [email protected].
For more info on the venue for the event, visit https://www.mahecoastal.co.uk
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
