The taste of North India comes to Chiswick High Road at Dusra

Indian restaurant Dusra is a worthy successor to Annapurna

Authentic Delhi dishes at affordable prices will prove to be a winning formula for this friendly family-run restaurant

When you walk into Dusra in Chiswick High Road, the first thing you notice are the happy faces of staff and customers.

Dusra – meaning ‘second’ in Hindi – reflects the fact that this lovely new restaurant is the second Indian restaurant to occupy this space in 55 years.

Its predecessor, Annapurna, which opened in 1970, was a stalwart of the Chiswick dining scene and its absence has left a big gap for those in search of bold vibrant flavours.

Everyone present was so pleased that this new Indian restaurant has arrived.

Dusra will more than fill its shoes with coastal classics such as Crab Malawar and a coconut fish curry, sweet velvety Butter Chicken, tender Lamb Shanks, a fiery Naga Chicken, and lots of succulent dishes cooked in a traditional tandoor oven.

A chutney tray and popadums

Fresh and delicious

The mark of a great restaurant is that the accompanying food is fresh and delicious, too, from the chutneys and popadums to naans and rice to familiar side dishes such as Aloo Gobi, Chana Masala and vegetable samosas. Dusra delivered on all this, and we agreed that the samosas were the best we’d had anywhere.

The head chef was born in India and has over 40 years of culinary experience. Throughout his career he has travelled extensively, working in a number of restaurants, and brings a few global surprises – from Goa and Kolkata – to a menu that is mostly inspired by Delhi’s rich culinary heritage.

Over time, the substantial menu will continue to evolve with seasonal ingredients, new regional Indian dishes and innovative ideas from the chef while retaining the much-loved staples of North Indian and Delhi regions.

A favourite dish, King Prawn Tandoor, easily met expectations; photograph Juliet McDonald

Lots of flavour

I was spoilt for choice and opted for King Prawn Tandoor, which arrived hot and sizzling, and I’d accompanied this with a fragrant pilau rice that was light and tasty. Perfection.

My husband, who is vegetarian, chose lots of sides to sample as many flavours as possible and declared the rich and aromatic chickpea dish his favourite.

Naan bread is ethereal and arrived cut into quarters; photograph Juliet McDonald

Fellow diners, who were regulars at the more traditional Annapurna, commented on the contemporary décor, which has had a complete redesign since its previous owner, as well as the welcoming coolness of an air-conditioned space. The interior featured comfy chocolate banquettes and cream armchairs as well as a pop of colour from the turquoise serving counter.

There are still finishing touches to be added, but I’ll keep these a secret except to say that they will reference the northern Indian city of Delhi.

We enjoyed the subtle music – a carefully curated selection of instrumental Indian music featuring string, wind and percussion instruments – that we thankfully didn’t have to raise our voices over to talk. What a pleasant change from a pop playlist!

A classic non-alcoholic Mohito; spicy side dishes; comfortable seating

All round excellence

At the time of visiting, Dusra was still waiting for its alcohol licence and – subject to approval – will be able to serve wine and beer in the very near future. We settled for a Mohito mocktail, a non-alcoholic Cobra beer and a salted lassi.

As my husband and I debated who would get the last spoonful of his spicy chickpea dish, a customer arrived to collect his phone order.

He was pleased to hear that the takeaway service for Dusra’s launch (with a ten per cent discount on collection orders over £20) will be expanded very soon to include home delivery as well as allowing orders directly though their website.

Dusra in Chiswick High Road is a welcome addition to Chiswick’s vibrant food scene and joins other new restaurants including Nara (Thai), Mirtala (Mexican) both in Turnham Green Terrace, and soon-to-open Doctor Dough (New York style pizza) in Devonshire Road.

Dusra is at 101 Chiswick High, W4 2ED, 07727 637074.  To book a table, visit the website.