Discovering the ‘Secret’ of Raaz in Putney
Raaz is Putney’s newest standout, combining Chef Imran Mansuri’s elite fine dining expertise with authentic Indian flavours, elegant ambiance, and an inviting menu that impresses both locals and food enthusiasts alike.
Returning to my old stomping ground in Putney was like revisiting an old chapter of my life, one filled with nostalgia, cherished haunts, and adolescent memories. So, when I learned that Chef Ifran Mansour, with his pedigree of West End elite fine dining establishments such as Michelin-starred Benares, Jamavar, Tamarind, and Kolamba, was opening his own culinary venture here, I knew I had to experience it firsthand.
Raaz, aptly named after the Hindi word for ‘secret,’ is anything but concealed. Within two weeks of opening, it has already drawn in a loyal following, evidenced by a steadily filling restaurant on a Tuesday evening. Chef Mansour skillfully blends the finesse of his fine-dining experience with a more approachable, elevated casual style that perfectly complements Putney’s genteel and laid-back vibe. The result? A dining experience that stands out yet feels utterly effortless.
The Space
The restaurant’s interior is a collage of sophistication and intimacy. From the walnut-paneled walls to the floral wallpaper and gold accents, Raaz’s décor achieves an ambiance of understated chic. The mini-maze layout of seating options includes alfresco tables for smokers; mid-restaurant high stools for casual snacking or sipping cocktails; a glass-roofed rear dining room that transitions gracefully between daylight charm and candlelit coziness; and a small, six-seat nook perfect for private conversations or intimate gatherings – a clever nod to the restaurant’s name. The design maintains a fine balance of heritage and modern finishes, leaving diners with an overwhelming sense of polished relaxation.
The Menu
Chef Mansour’s menu is what truly reveals Raaz’s essence. It draws from the vibrant memories of Indian childhood, the bustling liveliness of street food, and the aromatic mystique of tandoor smoke. Allowing a curated approach, the concise menu skips over complication in favor of simplicity, flavor, and ingenuity.
We began with the showstoppers – dishes so generous we’d initially mistaken them for starters! The Wild Garlic Chicken Chop, a tender, perfectly cooked on-the-bone thigh served alongside chargrilled broccoli, was divine. Meanwhile, the Grilled Tiger Prawn, infused with nuanced South Indian spices and served atop a refreshing mango salad, felt like summer on a plate.
For mains, the Malabar Fish Curry stole the spotlight with its delicate sea bass fillet luxuriating in a richly layered Keralan-style sauce. Then came the Bihari-style Overnight Beef Ribs – an unexpectedly innovative take on a classic recipe. Slow-cooked to sublime tenderness and marinated with nihari spices, yoghurt, onions, and a subtle kick of green chilies, these ribs were a revelation, falling apart into a luscious marrow-based sauce that demanded unhurried savoring.
Complementing the feast was a crisp South African Hartenberg Riesling, pairing seamlessly with the restrained, elegant spicing that characterized each dish.
A Sweet Conclusion
Our evening concluded with desserts that were as indulgent as they were delightful. The Chocolate Delice invited cocoa lovers with its sumptuous coconut undertones, while the Mango Kulfi embodied the freshness and vibrancy of Indian flavors with its creamy texture and light dusting of cardamom powder.
Final Thoughts
Raaz is a restaurant that delivers more than just an exceptional dining experience; it reminds the local crowd of the sheer joy of modern Indian cooking, without the hefty Mayfair price tag. Chef Mansour has managed to create a venue where flavor meets finesse, and where the warmth of Putney feels perfectly at home with fine dining sensibilities. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, Raaz is the kind of “secret” that’s worth sharing with anyone who appreciates good food, good taste, and great company.
