Photo: Imran Mansuri’s decades of expertise shine at RAAZ, crafting dishes that are both deeply personal and exquisitely executed, redefining Indian cuisine in London.
A Fresh Take On Indian Fine Dining Blending Tradition And Innovation
After more than two decades honing his craft in the kitchens of London’s prestigious Indian restaurants, celebrated chef Imran Mansuri has embarked on his own venture with the launch of RAAZ, a new dining destination in Putney, South West London. Mansuri, whose distinguished career includes stints at Michelin-starred establishments such as Benares and Jamavar, as well as acclaimed venues like Tamarind, Kolamba, and Annabel’s, brings a deeply personal touch to Indian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the flavours of his childhood and refined by years of experience in London’s top kitchens, Mansuri aims to offer a fresh perspective on Indian fine dining.
True to its name, which translates to “secret” in Hindi, RAAZ invites diners to explore a menu that marries tradition with innovation. Signature dishes include an overnight nihari rib—a classic lamb dish reimagined with beef, slow-cooked until tender and finished with marrow—Cornish lamb chops served with kadai mushrooms and a soft-yolk quail egg, and wild garlic chicken charred to perfection alongside broccoli. Seafood enthusiasts can indulge in the Malabar fish curry, featuring seabass simmered in a coconut-infused Keralan broth.
Vegetarian offerings are equally enticing, such as Essex pumpkin stewed in a spiced coconut moilee and Malai broccoli paired with cauliflower purée and pickled onion. Mansuri also pays homage to iconic Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, prawn Chettinad, and palak paneer, ensuring a balance of authenticity and ambition that remains faithful to cherished flavours while pushing culinary boundaries.
The cocktail menu provides a creative complement to the food, featuring highlights like a turmeric gin and tonic, a fiery guava rani made with chilli-infused tequila, a refreshing lychee royale with sparkling rosé, and a coastal old-fashioned crafted with bourbon fat-washed in coconut and coffee, finished with a hint of maple.
The restaurant’s design blends heritage elements with contemporary touches, featuring a central bar, a glass-roofed dining room, and an intimate six-seat nook. The space exudes a polished yet relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by a state-of-the-art sound system that keeps the ambiance vibrant well into the evening. RAAZ promises to be a standout addition to London’s dining scene, offering a sophisticated yet approachable take on Indian cuisine.
