Chef Karnavar At Home: Collect the best the best that Tindli has to offer

The dedication of one South London chef to his army of loyal fans is quite remarkable.

When an electrical fire recently forced the closure of Manoj Karnavar’s West Croydon restaurant, Tindli, he quickly looked for a solution to serve his regular customers. Refurbishment is underway but Chef Karnavar continues to feed diners, from an outpost in Penge.
Chef Karnavar At Home is open for collection and delivery. With Mothers’ Day fast approaching, many will breathe a sigh of relief that a special menu will be available from March 4-11.
There is no need for anyone to get behind the stove that week, apart from chef, but certainly not, mum.
The Mothers’ Day set menu starts with a Papad basket (poppadoms), with spiced ripe mango chutney. Next up are starters, Kerala Fish Cutlet, Malai Chicken Tikka, and Samosa Chana Chaat.

Three curries follow Mushroom and Green Pea Masala, Chicken Lababdar, and Prawn Masala, on a bed of saffron-infused vegetable pulao rice, mopped up with Kerala Parotta. Two desserts finish proceedings Swiss roll and foxtail millet payasam.

Three courses for two people will set you back £60 for the meat option and £56 for veg-only.
Chef Karnavar has a CV spanning 30 years, full of world-renowned restaurants, including stints in Michelin-starred kitchens.This latest venture in South London is an all-day affair, open for breakfast – Indian and Western – from 7am. Aloo paratha with Greek yoghurt and pickle sounds rather appealing from the Indian selection. Perhaps a Full English is your thing or for a sweet start to the day – French Toast, with Caramelised bananas, berry compote, maple syrup, vanilla ice cream.
There are plenty of healthy breakfast options as well, including Overnight Oats, topped with fresh fruit.
From noon, there’s a range of lunch combinations available. North Indian (non-veg) Combo looks like it will hit the spot in taste terms and price point.
Old Delhi-style Chicken Makhani, Basmati rice, tadka dhal, cucumber salad for £9.50 sounds pretty good.
A range of small plates and street food is available to order all day.
Paloma was a guest of Chef Karnavar At Home. www.chefkarnavar.com

This weekend to March 2, Fairfield Halls, Croydon plays host to The South London Beer & Cider Festival.
Tap & Spile Events brings more than 40 varieties of beer, stout and cider. If there’s nothing in this list that takes your fancy, Inspire and Create Cocktails has its mixologists making bespoke drinks.
It’s open Friday and Saturday from 6pm until 11pm. There is live music on both days, including Mike Gill, Yusuf and DJ sets.
Tickets on the door are £20 and includes a commemorative glass to use and keep, plus a free pint of beer/ale or cider of your choice on arrival.
Beer and cider is priced at £4.00 a pint or £3.00 a half pint with pre-paid tokens.
Alternatively, pay on the day by card £5.00 a pint and £3.50 a half-pint. This event is for people 18 and over only.
Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR0 1JD.

At the end of the month, it’s time for the Wandsworth Common Easter Beer & Cider Festival 2024. It’s on at Le Gothique, The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, SW18 3SX.
This modern French restaurant plays host to one of the capital’s finest beer and cider festivals twice a year.
It’s on from March 27 to 30.0 The next event taking place at the end of October.

Pictured top: Great takeaway food Pictures: Paloma Lacy