Gunpowder Restaurant – An Indian Tapas Shoreditch Sanctuary

It’s not very often you are absolutely blown out of the water when you visit a restaurant. Beautiful shabby chic interiors; friendly, knowledgeable and passionate staff; and knock your socks off food are just a few of the awesome things that made our visit to Gunpowder so incredible.

Just around the corner from Liverpool Street and Shoreditch you are invited to enter into a cosy exposed brickwork room where every detail has been crafted. The lampshades created from the previous Indian takeaway curry pots, the bar fashioned from their old chairs, the menu reminiscent of a Bombay café.

We were greeted by Harneet who instantly brightened our day with enthusiasm and passion. We left our Gunpowder dining experience in their hands as they know the place better than anyone!

We were treated to the best tasting menu ever! Our first stop on the Gunpowder train was Rasam ke Bomb, an exquisite semolina bomb twist on a traditional tamarind base Indian soup. It was crunchy, spicy and the two textures really complimented each other.

Next we tried the Spicy Venison and Vermicelli Doughnut. Wow again! A crispy outer doughnut shell with warm, spicy venison which oozed warming flavours.

Then it was time for the sweet Chettinad Pulled Duck, sandwiched in a light and fluffy Oopthappam. We tried a side of grilled mustard broccoli in a tangy tomato sauce which added some pleasant heat.

One of the stand out dishes was the guys Maa Kashmiri Lamb Chops. The lamb was seasoned to perfection, oh gosh so great. So crispy on the outside with deep, tastebud tantalizing salty flavour running all through the meat. Served with a cooling minty dip.

For me (Aspen) I adored the Aloo Chat. A creamy yogurt ‘Gunpowder’ spice mix and spiced tamarind chutney layered upon crispy fried potatoes. An almost sweet dish which added a whole new dimension to potatoes. Yum tum delish.

Lastly we tried one of their larger main options; Saag with Tandoori Paneer. Again they had the spices and texture down. Hot tandoori paneer and a warm and creamy saag. We were just so beautifully full and contented.

But then there is always another stomach for pudding!!

So we tucked into an Old Monk Rum Pudding, reminiscent of a bread and butter pudding with rum soaked raisins and vanilla bean ice cream; and a Molten Spiced Chocolate Cake with Masala Chai Custard. Oh my gosh. The Old Monk was creamy, warm, then, cool, then you would receive a hit of rum. The Molten Cake oozed chocolate, and when you poured over the custard it swam in a creamy pool of spice chai.

A-mazing.

Not only was the food INCREDIBLE, the staff and vibes were outstanding. Head chef Nirmal popped out and had chat sharing that his cooking inspiration had come from his mother. It is evident that so much love goes not into not only the food but the whole restaurant. Each aspect is exceptional, from the guys being friends with local suppliers; sourcing all their produce with not only the end meal in mind but where it is sourced; and the intricate attention to detail (nearly all the spices they use are fresh, as the health benefits of them are then retained!).

And all for a very reasonable price! (Each tapas dish varied between £3 and £9, mains £11-£17)

I count a restaurant as an absolute corker if I:

a) would take my mum there, and

b) they source their produce responsibly and with heart

I can safely say I will be taking her to Gunpowder, and am proud of the relationships the guys have with their suppliers!

10/10. Totally get yourselves down there guys.

Aspen Glencross and Lonneke Spierings ¦ @AbiAspen

Gunpowder

11 Whites Row

London

E1 7NF

Closed Mondays & Sundays