'I went to an Indian restaurant in Epsom and I’ve thought about it ever since'

For anyone craving authentic Indian flavours with a unique touch, a visit to Chillies is well worth considering. The restaurant presents a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and from the moment I walked in, I felt the promise of a memorable dining experience. Indian cuisine is often known for its vibrant spices and comforting flavours, and Chillies delivered on both fronts, with a few interesting surprises along the way.

I began my meal with the quintessential Indian starter: poppadoms. These light, crispy delights set the tone for a good meal, and Chillies served them perfectly. But what really intrigued me was the accompanying homemade coconut chutney, a house specialty that immediately caught my eye.

It arrived at the table in a vibrant red colour, a surprising hue for coconut chutney. Initially, I admit I was a bit hesitant—who could blame me? The colour alone made me wonder if I’d be met with an overpowering, spicy flavour. But, as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover.

I took my first dip, and to my pleasant surprise, the chutney was a revelation. It had a mild sweetness and a nutty coconut base, with just the right balance of spices. The flavours were unique yet comforting, a refreshing twist from the typical chutneys that accompany poppadoms.

I knew right away that this coconut chutney was something I’d remember long after my meal. After the poppadoms, I moved on to my starter, choosing the duck tikka masala. As a fan of the traditional chicken tikka masa.