• Indian Restaurant Tunbridge Wells Kent Menu Essence by Atul Kochhar
Menus

Atul Kochhar’s Award-Winning Fine Dining with Pan-indian Dishes

A variety of menus feature Atul Kochhar’s award-winning fine dining with pan-Indian dishes discovered by the chef on his extensive travels across the Indian sub-continent, re-interpreted in his inimitable style with modern European flourishes and techniques with dishes suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

  • A La Carte

    APPETISERS
    MAKALI FRY

    Crispy fried squid rings with chilli and lime dressing

    £11.95
    JALPARI (d)

    Hand dived pan-seared scallops, cauliflower, cauliflower pickle

    £17.95
    TANGRA CHILLI PRAWNS (cr,so,gl)

    Kolkata inspired batter-fried king prawns, peppers, spring onions, chilli garlic sauce

    £15.75
    KHASTA MURG (d,gl)

    Atul’s signature chicken tikka pie with mixed berry compote

    £12.95
    GILAFI LAMB SEEKH KEBAB (d)

    Fine spiced minced lamb coated with peppers, onions and feta cheese skewered in the tandoor

    £13.95
    VENISON KEEMA PAO (d,gl)

    Spiced venison mince slow cooked with whole spices, bun maska, kachumber salad

    £16.95
    MURG TIRANGA (d)

    Lehsuni malai tikka, Punjabi murg tikka, chicken 65

    £13.45
    TANDOORI RATTAN (d,cr)

    An assortment of signature kebabs: chargrilled king prawn, lamb chop and lehsuni malai tikka

    £20.45
    SUBZ KA KHAZANA (d)

    Achari paneer tikka, broccoli malai tikka, parmesan shavings

    £12.75
    TOKRI CHAAT (d) ⓥ

    Regal street food, straw potato basket, sweet potato and broad beans chaat, splashed with mint and tamarind chutney, sweet yoghurt, Mumbai Sev
    and fresh pomegranate

    £12.45
    MAIN COURSES
    ESSENCE KEBAB PLATTER (d,cr,mu)

    A selection of kebabs: chargrilled nilgiri king prawn, lamb chop, mustard salmon, lehsuni malai tikka and Punjabi chicken tikka with baby leaf salad

    £27.95
    TANDOORI NIMBU JHINGA (d,cr)

    Tandoori grilled king prawns marinated with fresh mint, coriander baby spinach and kafir lime, grape and citrus salad

    £24.95
    KUZHAMBU SEAFOOD CURRY (cr,m,d)

    Pan-seared king prawns, sea bass, scallop, mussels and asparagus served with an aromatic kuzhambu sauce with fresh tomatoes and coconut

    £25.75
    MONK FISH NIHARI (d

    Chargrilled Cornish monk fish tail, marinated with saffron, hung curd & fresh green peppercorn, nihari broth , caramelised onion ring

    £25.75
    HUNTER WOOD PIGEON (d,c)

    Roasted wood pigeon breast, wrapped in chard and pigeon mousse, celeriac, jus and beetroot

    £25.95
    STEAK MADRAS (d,mu)

    Chargrilled Angus fillet steak, with beef Madras curry, gunpowder chips

    £29.95
    TANDOORI MURG (d)

    Chargrilled half spring chicken, mace and dried chillies marinade, roast baby potatoes, makhni sauce

    £19.45
    DAK BUNGALOW CURRY (d,gl)

    Pan-seared lamb rump curry, lamb samosa, masala roast potatoes

    £24.75
    DHUNGAR LAMB SHANK ROGAN JOSH

    A delectable lamb shank cooked in a brown onion gravy with saffron, sundried ginger and fennel

    £24.95
    ELAICHI BHUNA GOSHT

    Boneless leg of kid goat cooked with onions, peppercorn, cardamom – A Nawab Lucknowi speciality

    £24.45
    CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA (d)

    Chargrilled chicken tikka in a creamed tomato-onion sauce tinged with fenugreek

    £18.95
    CHICKEN DOPIAZA (d)

    Chargrilled chicken supreme , aromatic dopiaza sauce with roscoff onion and charred spring onions

    £19.75
    ESSENCE MAKHMALI KOFTA (d,n)

    Vegetable dumplings stuffed with spiced baby spinach and cottage cheese, awadhi korma sauce

    £16.95
    BHARWAN COURGETTES ⓥ

    Courgettes stuffed with a melange of garden fresh vegetables, Benarasi sauce

    £16.95
    VEGETABLES
    PANEER KADAI (d)

    Cottage cheese batons cooked in a fragrant tomato-onion sauce with mixed bell pepper

    £8.95
    SAAG MAKAI (d)

    Creamed spinach with sweetcorn, tempered with garlic

    £8.45
    ACHARI BHINDI ⓥ

    Fresh okra, red onions, dry pickle spices, fresh tomatoes

    £8.95
    BAINGAN PEPPER FRY (mu) ⓥ

    Baby aubergine, crushed peppercorn, mustard seeds and onion masala

    £9.95
    DAL MAKHNI (d)

    Speciality of the house

    £8.95
    DAL PANCHAMEL ⓥ

    A melange of five lentils cooked to perfection – A Rajasthan speciality

    £8.95
    URULAI ROAST ALOO (mu) ⓥ

    Spiced baby potatoes cooked in a podi masala with roasted lentils, dried red chillies

    £8.45
    PUNJABI CHOLE (mu) ⓥ

    Spiced chickpeas and potatoes cooked in an aromatic onion-tomato masala tinged with caraway seeds

    £8.95
    RICE AND BREAD
    SADE CHAWAL
    £4.95
    JEERA PULAO
    £5.75
    LEMON RICE ⓥ
    £5.95
    GOSHT KI BIRYANI (d)

    Tender pieces of lamb, cooked with saffron basmati rice, served with salan and raita

    £24.75
    KOLKATA CHICKEN BIRYANI (d,e,gl)

    The famous Kolkata inspired chicken biryani cooked with masala potatoes, spiced boiled egg served with salan and raita

    £22.75
    VEGETABLE BIRYANI

    A melange of vegetables, cottage cheese cooked Awadhi style served with salan and raita

    £19.95
    TANDOOR ROTI (gl) ⓥ
    £4.95
    TANDOORI NAAN (d,e,gl)
    £5.25
    PESHAWARI NAAN (d,e,n,gl)
    £5.95
    LACHHA PARATHA (d,gl)
    £5.95
    KEEMA NAAN (d,gl,e)
    £5.95
    CHEESE NAAN (d,gl,e)
    £5.95
    GARLIC NAAN (d,gl,e)
    £5.95
    BREAD BASKET (d,gl,e,n)
    £14.95
    BOONDI RAITA OR SADA DAHI (d,gl)
    £5.95
    PUNJABI SALAD
    £5.45
    PAPAD

    Assorted papad with three homemade chutneys

    £5.95
    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans, (M)- Mussels (D)-Dairy, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N)-Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V)-Vegan, (c)-Celery

    Despite our best efforts and whilst we have strict controls in place, our food and drink is prepared in areas where cross contamination may occur, and therefore, we are unable to guarantee that our dishes are free from any allergens. Not all ingredients are listed in each dish, please inform your server of any allergies, or dietary requirements.

    All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% willl be added to your bill

  • Tasting Menus

    TASTING MENU

    £76.95 |+ Wine Pairing £49.95

    Tokri Chaat (d)

    Regal street food, straw potato basket, sweet potato and broad beans chaat, splashed with mint and tamarind chutney, sweet yoghurt, Mumbai sev and fresh pomegranate

    Jalpari

    Hand dived pan-seared scallops, textures of water chestnut and truffle

    Chapel Down Brut Reserve, Kent, England
    Monk Fish Nihari (d)

    Chargrilled Cornish monk fish tail, nihari broth, caramelised onion ring

    Riesling, Scheifer, Steillage, Mosel, Germany
    Exotic Sorbet
    Chicken Dopiaza (d)

    Chargrilled chicken supreme, aromatic dopiaza sauce, with roscoff onion and charred spring onions, lemon rice

    Pinot Noir, Wildsong Organic, New Zealand

    Or
    Hunter Wood Pigeon (d,c) (£10 Supplement)

    Roasted wood pigeon breast, wrapped in chard and pigeon mousse, celeriac, jus and beetroot

    Primitivo di Manduria ‘Talò’, Italy
    Textures of Lamb (d,mu,gl,e)

    Fennel scented lamb chop, elaichi bhuna gosht, garlic naan

    Rioja Reserva, Monte Real, Spain
    Dessert Platter Chef’s Choice
    Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest, Hungary
    PESCATARIAN TASTING MENU

    £76.95 | + Wine Pairing £49.95

    Tokri Chaat (d)

    Regal street food, straw potato basket, sweet potato and broad beans chaat, splashed with mint and tamarind chutney, sweet yoghurt, Mumbai sev and fresh pomegranate

    Jalpari

    Hand dived pan-seared scallops, textures of cauliflower, cauliflower pickle

    Chapel Down Brut Reserve, Kent, England
    Tangra Chilli Prawns (gl,cr,so,e)

    Kolkata inspired king prawns batter-fried with peppers, spring onions, chilli garlic sauce

    Sancerre Rose, Domaine Les Chaumes, France
    Exotic Sorbet
    Kuzhambu Seafood Curry (cr,m,d)

    Pan seared king prawns, sea bass, scallop, mussels and asparagus with kuzhambu sauce with fresh tomatoes and coconut

    Albariño, ‘Genio y Figura’, Spain
    Monk fish Nihari (d)

    Chargrilled Cornish monk fish tail, marinated with saffron, hung curd & fresh green peppercorn, nihari broth, caramelised onion ring

    Riesling, Scheifer, Steillage, Mosel, Germany
    Dessert Platter Chef’s Choice

    Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest, Hungary

    VEGETARIAN TASTING MENU

    £76.95 + Wine Pairing £49.95

    Tokri Chaat (d)

    Regal street food, straw potato basket, sweet potato and broad beans chaat, splashes with mint and tamarind chutney, sweet yoghurt,
    Mumbai sev and fresh pomegranate

    Textures of Cauliflower and Broccoli (d)

    Chargrilled cauliflower florets and broccoli marinated in fresh cream, hung yoghurt, parmesan shavings

    Chapel Down Brut Reserve, Kent, England
    Achari Paneer Tikka Tawa Masala (d,mu)

    Chargrilled cottage cheese batons marinated in pickle spices, served in a rich tomato-onion sauce

    Albariño, ‘Genio y Figura’, Spain
    Exotic Sorbet
    Bharwan Courgettes

    Courgettes stuffed with a melange of garden fresh vegetables, Benarasi sauce, tamarind rice

    Pinot Noir, Wildsong Organic, New Zealand
    Essence Makhmali Kofta (d,n)

    Vegetable dumplings stuffed with spiced baby spinach and cottage cheese, Awadhi korma sauce

    Primitivo di Manduria ‘Talò’, Italy
    Dessert Platter Chef’s Choice

    Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest, Hungary

    VEGAN TASTING MENU

    £76.95 | + Wine Pairing £49.95

    AMUSE BOUCHE

    Chef’s choice

    Tokri Chaat

    Regal street food, straw potato basket, sweet potato and broad beans chaat, splashed with tamarind chutney, Mumbai sev
    and fresh pomegranate

    Chapel Down Brut Reserve, Kent, England
    Aloo Tikki Chole Chaat

    Cumin scented potato cake, spiced chickpeas, tamarind chutney, Mumbai sev, pomegranate

    Chardonnay, Kingstone Estate, Australia
    Exotic Sorbet
    Bharwan Courgettes

    Courgettes stuffed with a melange of garden fresh vegetables, Benarasi sauce, tamarind rice

    Pinot Noir, Wildsong Organic, New Zealand
    Baingan Pepper Fry (mu)

    Baby aubergine, crushed peppercorn, mustard seeds and onion masala

    Primitivo di Manduria ‘Talò’, Italy
    Dessert Platter Chef’s Choice

    Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest, Hungary

    Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest, Hungary
    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans, (M)-Mussels (D)-Dairy, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N) Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V)-Vegan

    Despite our best efforts and whilst we have strict controls in place, our food and drink is prepared in areas where cross contamination may occur, and therefore, we are unable to guarantee that our dishes are free from any allergens. Not all ingredients are listed in each dish, please inform your server of any allergies, or dietary requirements.

    All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.

  • Diwali

    £46.95 per person

    20th October (dinner only) 21st October (lunch and dinner)

    AMUSE BOUCHE
    Masala Paani Puri

    Streetfood canapé platter – chef’s choice

    STARTERS
    Makali fry

    Crisp-fried squid ring with chillies and lime dressing

    Textures of Lamb (d,gl)

    Best cuts of chargrilled leg of lamb, lamb seekh kebab, lamb samosa, mint chutney

    Amritsari Murg Tikka (d)

    Chicken breast marinated with dried red chillies, yoghurt and garam masala, baby leaf salad, mint chutney onions, peppers, chilli garlic sauce

    Raj Kachori (d,gl,v)

    regal street food, large wheat bubble splashed with mint, tamarind, sev and sweet yoghurt

    MAIN COURSE
    Kebab Platter (cr,mu,d)

    Lime scented king prawn, lamb boti, mustard salmon, hariyali chicken tikka, amritsari chicken tikka

    Jhinga Kalimirch (cr)

    King prawns cooked with crushed peppercorns, tomato onion masala, curry leaves and dried red chillies

    Patrani Machhi (d,cr)

    Steamed sea bass coated with an aromatic chutney, fresh coconut, green chillies, coriander and raw mango wrapped in banana leaves, shrimp dhansak

    Delhi Ka Butter Chicken (d,n)

    Pulled tandoori chicken pieces cooked in an aromatic creamed tomato and fenugreek sauce

    Lamb Nihari (d,gl)

    Pan roasted lamb shank cooked in an aromatic nihari sauce – a Lucknow delicacy

    Mirch Baingan Ka Salan (n,v)

    Stuffed baby aubergine, jalapeno served with a tangy salan sauce

    DESSERT
    Mithai Platter (d,n)

    A special platter created by our chefs

    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans, (M)-Mussels (D)-Dairy, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N)-Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V) Vegan

    Please inform your server of any allergies or dietary requirements. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary 12.5%
    service charge will be added to your bill.

  • Weekday Lunch Menu

    2 Courses £24 | 3 courses £28
    Monday to Friday 12:00 pm – 2:45 pm

    STARTERS
    Punjabi Samosa Chaat (d,gl) ⓥ

    Crispy vegetable parcels, splash of chutneys, Mumbai Sev, fresh pomegranate

    Makali Fry

    Crispy fried squid with chilli and lime dressing

    Gilafi Lamb Seekh Kebab (d)

    Fine spiced minced lamb coated with peppers, onions, feta cheese crumble skewered in the tandoor

    Murg Do Tarike (d)

    An assortment of lehsuni malai tikka, Punjabi murg ka tikka and baby leaf salad

    Mains
    Butter Chicken (d)

    Chargrilled chicken supreme, creamed tomato-onion sauce

    Sri Lankan Lamb Sukka (mu,gl)

    Diced leg of lamb cooked with onions, curry leaves, peppercorns, served with Malabar paratha

    Fish Khuzhambu (d)

    Pan-seared sea bass, beetroot and potato mash, fresh coconut and tomato sauce

    Makhmali Shahi Kofta (d,n)

    Vegetable dumplings stuffed with spiced baby spinach and cottage cheese and Awadhi korma sauce

    All mains are served with Chef’s choice of vegetables and jeera pulao
    Breads £4.5 Each (d,e,gl) (n)

    Naan • Garlic naan • Tandoori roti • Chicken kulcha • Peshwari naan

    Additional Nibbles £4.5 Each

    Samosa chaat (gl,d) • Onion bhaji (d)

    Desserts
    Chocolate Samosa (d,gl)

    Cocoa nibs, orange curd ice-cream

    Date Pudding (d,n)

    Stem ginger ice cream, toffee sauce

    Pineapple Parfait (d)

    Charred pineapple and honeycomb ice cream

    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans, (M)-Mussels (D)-Dairy, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N)-Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V) Vegan

    Despite our best efforts and whilst we have strict controls in place, our food and drink is prepared in areas where cross contamination may occur, and therefore, we are unable to guarantee that our dishes are free from any allergens. Not all ingredients are listed in each dish, please
    inform your server of any allergies, or dietary requirements.

    All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to
    your bill.

  • Weekend Lunch Menu

    2 Courses £30 | 3 courses £34
    Saturday 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Sunday 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm

    STARTERS
    Punjabi Samosa Chaat (d.gl) ⓥ

    Crispy vegetable parcels, splash of chutneys, Mumbai sev, fresh pomegranate

    Tangra Chilli Prawn (cr,so,gl)

    Kolkata inspired batter-fried king prawns, peppers, spring onions, chilli garlic sauce

    Tandoori Rattan (£6 supplement) (cr,d)

    An assortment of tandoori prawn, lamb chop and malai tikka

    Khasta Murg (gl,d)

    Atul’s signature dish chicken tikka pie with mixed berry chutney

    Gilafi Lamb Seekh Kebab (d)

    Fine spiced minced lamb coated with peppers, onions, feta cheese skewered in the tandoor

    Venison Keema Pao (d,gl)

    Spiced venison mince, slow cooked with whole spices, bun maska, kachumber salad

    Mains
    Kuzhambu Seafood Curry (cr,mu,d)

    Pan-seared king prawns, sea bass, scallop, mussels and asparagus with kuzhambu sauce fresh tomatoes, coconut

    Tandoori Murg (d)

    Chargrilled half spring chicken, mace and dried chillies marinade, roast baby potatoes, makhni sauce

    Gosht Ki Biryani (d,gl)

    Tender pieces of lamb, cooked with saffron basmati rice, served with salan and raita

    Steak Madras (£9 supplement) (d,mu)

    Chargrilled Angus fillet steak, with beef Madras curry, gunpowder chips

    Bharwan Courgettes ⓥ

    Courgettes stuffed with a melange of garden fresh vegetables, benarasi sauce

    All mains are served with Chef’s choice of vegetable and saffron pulao
    Breads (d,e,gl) | Additional Nibbles £4.50 Each

    Naan • Garlic naan • Tandoori roti • Chicken kulcha • Peshwari naan (n) • Samosa chaat (gl) • Onion bhaji (d) • Crispy squid

    Desserts
    Pineapple Parfait (d)

    Honeycomb ice cream

    Date Pudding (d,n,gl)

    Stem ginger ice cream, toffee sauce

    Chocolate Fondant (d)

    Orange curd ice cream

    Kulfi falooda (d,n)
    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans, (M)-Mussels (D)-Dairy, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N)-Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V)-Vegan

    Despite our best efforts and whilst we have strict controls in place, our food and drink is prepared in areas where cross contamination may occur, and therefore, we are unable to guarantee that our dishes are free from any allergens. Not all ingredients are listed in each dish, please inform your server of any allergies, or dietary requirements.

    All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.

  • Children’s Menu

    £14.95 PER CHILD

    APPETISERS
    Aloo Tikki Chaat
    MAIN COURSE
    Murg Makhni

    Chicken Tikka Cooked In A Creamed Tomato And Fenugreek Sauce

    Shahi Murg Korma

    Chargrilled Breast Of Chicken Cooked In A Saffron Korma Sauce

    Railway Lamb Burger

    Spiced Lamb Patties Burger Served With Thick Cut Chips And Zesty Salad

    Chemeen Manga Charu

    King Prawns Cooked With Raw Mango And Coconut Sauce

    Paneer Makhni

    Batons Of Cottage Cheese Cooked In A Creamed Tomato Sauce

    Nizami Veg Burger

    Spiced Potato And Green Peas Burger Served With Thick Cut Chips And Zesty Salad

    Main Course Is Served With Plain Rice, Naan And Zesty Salad (Except The Burgers)
    DESSERTS
    Hot chocolate brownie

    with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce

    Or

    Mixed Sorbet
    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans ,(D)-Diary, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N)-Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V) Vegan

    All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary service charge of 7.5% will be added to your bill.

    Despite our best efforts and whilst we have strict controls in place, our food and drink is prepared in areas where cross contamination may occur, and therefore, we are unable to guarantee that our dishes are free from any allergens. Not all ingredients are listed in each dish, please inform your server of any allergies, or dietary requirements.

  • Desserts

    Chocolate fondant (d, e, so)

    Molten chocolate cake, cocoa nib crunch, nougatine ice cream

    £9
    Mango Bhapa Doi (d,n)

    Pistachio compote, sweetened yoghurt, condensed milk

    £9
    Rajbhog (d)

    Besan laddu tart, rasmalai, rabdi foam

    £9
    Date Pudding (d,e)

    Stem ginger ice cream, toffee sauce

    £9
    Coconut Mousse (d,e)

    Chocolate shell, lavender dust

    £9
    Kulfi falooda (d, gl, n)

    Saffron rabdi, rose falooda

    £9
    Choice of ice creams/ Sorbet

    Pistachio (n), orange curd, stem ginger, raspberry ripple

    £8.5
    DESSERT WINES 75ML
    Chenin blanc, Baumard Carte d’Or, France 2013
    £9
    Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest, Hungary 2018
    £10
    PORT 75ML
    LBV, Taylors 2011
    £11
    Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port 2011
    £19.5
    LIQUEURS 50ML
    £8
    COGNAC AND ARMAGNAC 50 ML
    Hennessy VS
    £11
    Remy Martin VSOP
    £14
    Baron de Sigognac 10yo
    £15
    Seven Tails XO
    £16
    Hennessey XO
    £38
    Espresso Martini

    Vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, coffee

    £13.5
    Chocolate Martini

    Vanilla vodka and chocolate liqueur

    £13.5
    Floater Liqueur Coffee

    Baileys, Jameson Whiskey, brandy

    £10
    Coffee – 100% arabica coffee beans Italian single estate

    Espresso • americano • cappuccino • latte • flat white

    £4.95
    Chai

    Masala Chai Tea (made the traditional way)
    Green tea • Assam • English breakfast • Darjeeling fresh mint • earl grey

    £4.75
    .

    Allergens: (CR)-Crustaceans, (M)-Mussels (D)-Dairy, (E)-Eggs, (GL)-Gluten, (MU)-Mustard, (N)-Nuts, (SO)-Soya, (V) Vegan

    All prices are inclusive of VAT. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% willl be added to your bill.

HOURS

Open seven days per week

Monday to Thursday
Lunch: 12 noon – 2.30 pm
Dinner: 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm

Friday
12 noon – 2.30 pm
5.30 pm -10.30 pm

Saturday
12 noon – 10.30 pm

Sunday
12 noon – 2.30 pm
5.30 pm to 9.00 pm

CONTACT

01892 614 411
info@essencerestaurants.co.uk

Kickstart your career with us.
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Award winning restaurant Tunbridge Wells Buckinghamshire  Award winning restaurant Tunbridge Wells in Kent