When two of the nicest blokes in the biz team up – you know you’re on to a winner. Meet Vivek Singh’s latest restaurant from the Cinnamon group – Cinnamon Bazaar. You’ll find incredible street-food inspired Indian cuisine paired with exciting cocktails from the WORLD’S BEST BARMAN, otherwise known as My Lyan.
Located on Covent Garden’s Maiden Lane, Cinnamon Bazaar is inspired by the hustle and bustle of bazaars from around the world, making it just a little bit different to Vivek’s other restaurants and the one he describes as the most enjoyable restaurant he’s opened so far.
The menu is full of the most delicious treats so make sure you go hungry. Start with some snacks for the table – the chicken Haleem on masala sourdough toast being a particular favourite.
If you’re not familiar with the term ‘Chaat’ you soon will be. Vivek has dedicated a whole section to the savoury street food snacks. He describes them as the perfect food for when you shouldn’t be eating – for example 11am, 4pm, midnight. But we think they are the perfect alternative to a formal starter. The Papdi Chaat is perhaps the most well-known with crisp wheat and tangy tamarind but our favourite was the Dahi Bhalla chaat – a chilled lentil dumpling with spiced yoghurt and fragrant toasted cumin.
Of the more substantial dishes, the tandoori Kentish lamb is a must-order. Served in a creamy masala cashew cream it was heaven alongside the chilli & garlic potatoes. Sometimes simple is best and we’d have happily eaten bowl after bowl of the house black dal. When I asked Vivek why it was so bloody delicious he explained – ‘butter’.
Obviously with Ryan Chetiyawardana aka Mr Lyan doing the cocktails you will be going home drunk and happy. We fell in love with the Gajar Army & Navy – containing carrot-infused Colombo Gin, honey-cashew orgeat & lemon it was creamy, fragrant and unexpected. We drank about 15 just to be sure it paired perfectly with the food – it does. The Bazaar Old Fashioned with coconut washed Indian scotch, coconut sugar and burnt cinnamon also went down a treat.
Early risers and lazy brunchers will love the new breakfast menu. Tuck into a selection of Indian parathas – warm, homemade flatbreads stuffed with fillings including Bollyflower Cheese (cauliflower and Keen’s Cheddar) and Meetha (coconut and jaggery brown cane sugar). Traditional kedgeree and spicy masala omelettes will also brighten up any morning.
A super fun addition to the group – well done boys!
