Tamarai
The lotus, a symbol of the sun of creation and rejuvenation is considered to be the first flower to appear on earth and intrinsic to the folklore of some of the world’s ancient civilizations. Symbolising the eight-fold path to enlightenment in Buddhism as well as in Hindu mythology, the lotus is a form that has inspired art and emotion through the ages and is the design and cuisine inspiration for Tamarai (from thamarai – chettinad/tamil for lotus).
The southern Indian region of Chettinad is located at the coastal line of the Bay of Bengal and is the name for a group of villages where the Chettiars, a prosperous banking and trading community live.
In the 19th Century the Chettiars ventured to South and South East Asia for trade. There was a flow and assimilation of culture that has survived the passage of time. Not surprisingly, the Lotus is one such enduring symbol. The fact that almost every part of this incredible plant is edible, contributes in no small measure to its being a leitmotif for all that is good. From the roots to the stem and the seeds, all have found their way into the culinary lexicon of Asia, leading the Tamarai chefs on the Lotus Trail from Chettinad to Burma, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam - the countries that the Chettiars traded with.
Menu
Tamarai’s head chef, Manish Mehrotra has traveled and trained extensively within these regions and is bringing with him specialists in each cuisine including a master chef from Chettinad and dim sum chefs who will during lunch prepare a larger variety of dim sum to accompany an extensive range of salads and a fresh juice bar.
The menu features dishes such as Grilled Barramundi with Nam Prik Pao Noodles, Penang Curry Sea bass with Spicy Mee Krob, Rock Salt Curried Lamb with Masala Dosai, Vietnamese Caramel Pepper Prawns with Golden Garlic, Burmese Beef Kauk Swey, Sweet Chilli Lotus Stem with Chives and Coriander, Mud Crab and Pomelo Tossed in Bird Eye and Chilli and Mango Dressing.
167 Drury Lane / London / WC2B 5PG Map
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