Upon arrival at the restaurant we received a warm welcome from Robin and his team. The soft, low lighting and cosy feel are exactly the way a curry house should be.
Whilst we looked over the menu, our friendly waiter bought over crisp papadums and a generously served chutney tray to open our appetite.
The great thing about this type of cuisine is the ‘pick and share’ factor for those who like to try a bit of everything and boy, we were not disappointed! When our starters arrived it was with great surprise and pleasure that everything was new to me (and I thought that I was a seasoned curry goer!)
The Piro Prawns were a great size, deliciously seasoned with just the right amount of kick in the spice! The Nepalese starters of Lamb Sekuwa and Chicken Pakora were full of flavour and texture and plated beautifully. But the starter that really stood out was the chicken Chhwela Wochha, barbecued tender pieces of chicken marinated in various Nepalese spices and served on a freshly prepared lentil pancake…. The texture was wonderfully weird and wonderfully delicious!
After trying to not over indulge and run out of room on the starters, we were presented with a variety of different main courses, something to please every taste bud.
The Daa:Kula curry has the most tender pieces of lamb in a mouth-watering thick lamb stock with Nepalese spices, garnished with fresh coriander and ginger.
The Himalayan Cham Cham consisted of Tandoori chicken stir fried with onion, peppers, garlic and ginger in a creamy sauce, full of colour and flavour.
The more traditional Garlic Chicken Chilli Masala, was very well presented and seasoned just perfectly.
The star of the show for me was the Nepalese Fish curry. Not being a huge fan of fish in a curry myself, I am pleased to say that this dish completely changed my opinion! With fish that melts in your mouth, cooked in the chef’s own recipe curry sauce, it is no wonder that this dish comes highly recommended.
Now, as many fans of this kind of food know, you can go a long way to find a good Naan bread… I am pleased to let you know that Gurkha kitchen rose to the challenge…. A garlic Naan with the perfect combination of a crisp bottom, fluffy middle and bubbly top!
The staff are very attentive and happy to explain the different options and ingredients that make up their extensive menu to help you choose the right dish. There is something for everyone with a variety of vegetarian options.
Gurkha Kitchen in Action!
Gurkha Kitchen has a full bar selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The restaurant is open seven days a week and has a terrace for al fresco dining on warmer days.
Perfect for an intimate dinner for two or for an informal get together with family and friends and to share all the delicious flavours on offer.
With so many options on the menu it is easy to see why Gurkha Kitchen has so many repeat customers… I definitely will be (but next time with a stretchy waistband!).
Gurkha Kitchen is located on Rua das Amoreiras, nº 14, in Praia do Carvoeiro.
For further information or to book a table or order a take away, please call 282 185 776 or 920 169 028.
You can also see their full menu online at www.gurkhakitchen.wixsite.com
Samantha Hoather