BOOK ONLINE 0161 233 1090

Zouk - Biryani Supper Club Preview

Zouk have launched their new Biryani Supper Club, and we were fortunate enough to be invited down to be amongst some of the first people to take a closer look at what customers can expect! 

We were greeted with a Gol Gappay; a hollowed out puffed ball that's been filled with spiced veg and herbs, sat on top of a zingy shot, which you pour into the ball and then eat in a single bite!  Delicious and a wonderful snack to get things started.

Zouk's Biryani Supper Club also includes a welcome cocktail from their list, so we went with a Pink Flamingo; Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Liqueur, Yuzu.  Sweet, full of flavour and suited the occasion perfectly.  Next up was the Sunset @ Zouk, which reflected the weather outside. This was made with Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Homemade Hibiscus Syrup, Cranberry, Orange and Redcurrant, so huge flavours and totally refreshing.

Mix Pakora was next on the table for us to share.  A variety of veg coated in delicately spiced batter.  It's a dish which everybody loves, and Zouk's version was superb.   Crispy and light, with the perfect spicing levels, and a lovely dip to add yet more flavour.  This disappeared in no time.

Nargis Kofta was reminiscent of an Asian Scotch Egg, and something which we loved to see on the menu since it's such a rare sight in UK restaurants.   A well-cooked boiled egg enrobed in spiced kofta meat, but Zouk put their own spin on things and breadcrumbed/deep fried theirs, rather than just poaching them in gravy!  They were topped with a lovely spiced gravy and a scattering of fried curry leaves to finish the plate.  You really need to try these!

Our second starter was Zouk's Lasooni Prawns, which were sensational, and took me right back to a dinner at the 2 Michelin Starred Gymkhana in Mayfair, earlier in the year.  I'm not sure that our photos do the scale of these any justice, but they were absolutely huge prawns, grilled perfectly to create a wonderful smoky back note, wonderfully spiced, and served simply.  Without doubt, one of the table favourites of the evening.

But the main event was the Lamb Dum Biryani.  Guests gathered as Chef removed the pastry sealed lid to reveal what lay within, which was that signature fragrant rice, tempered with spices and slowly cooked lamb.

The smell filled the whole dining room, and guests were left in awe as Chef mixed all the components together before serving on platters for each of the tables.   Raita, tomato chutney and gravy were then served at the tableside too, to complete the showpiece. Absolutely wonderful and a great bit of theatre too.

No feast would be complete without some sweet treats, in which we duly indulged.  Pistachio Mess started the desserts.  Delicately creamy and smooth, with loads of pistachio flavour.  It's no wonder that pistachio is currently such a hot ingredient.

Om Ali was our other dessert, and is a new dish to us entirely, but one which we'd happily order again.  Think a super rich and creamy bread and butter pudding, topped with almond and pistachio.  Delicious.

And as, Zouk's Biryani Supper Club also includes a couple of drinks before you bid farewell.  There was a classic Desi Chai was the perfect way to end the meal, but for those with a sweeter tooth, there's also a Pistachio Latte which was like a second dessert!    Clearly we ordered both and so should you!

It's the perfect way to spend a Friday evening; eating great biryani, meeting new people in a communal supper club s etting, and sampling new dishes which dont appear on Zouk's main menu!