As someone who genuinely loves Indian cuisine, I knew that, after trying various restaurants in south London, one in Sutton wouldn’t let me down.
But to visit Indiya-Indiya, the oldest Indian restaurant in Sutton, which has been serving diners for an incredible 35 years, was something special.
Indiya-Indiya has struggled in recent months due to a misunderstanding in its hygiene rating, but the restaurant has maintained a five-star hygiene rating for years.
Walking in, the atmosphere immediately felt both classy and inviting.
Indian restaurants tend to carry a sense of occasion, like a feeling of being somewhere special, and this is no exception.
But unlike some high-end establishments where you feel slightly out of place if you’re not dressed to the nines, Indiya-Indiya manages to strike a perfect balance.
It’s sophisticated yet relaxed, and welcoming to everyone.
The owner Raj engages with all his customers, and he makes you feel like a valued guest, not just a customer.
No Indian meal is complete without poppadoms, and these were excellent.
Crisp, fresh, and served with the usual trio of accompaniments (mango chutney, mint sauce, and onion salad) along with a fourth element I couldn’t quite name but still loved.
For my starter, I ordered the lamb chops. I must admit, I’ve only recently discovered a love for lamb chops, and this dish confirmed that my taste buds are in very safe hands here.
They were tender, perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and generally a delight.
They were so good that in my excitement, I completely forgot to take a picture, which is a rare and regretful slip on my part.
For the main, I went for (maybe my favourite) the butter chicken.
If there’s one dish I’ll always judge a restaurant by, it’s butter chicken, because when it’s done right, it’s unforgettable.
And Indiya-Indiya absolutely nailed it with its rich and creamy serving, and I am proud to admit that this butter chicken was, without exaggeration, the best I’ve ever had.
The generous Peshawari Naan was perfect for scooping up every last bit, and even as I started to feel full, I couldn’t stop myself from enjoying every mouthful.
Julia Child once said that anything is good with enough butter, and this dish proved it completely.
Portion sizes were generous without being overwhelming, and it was clear that everything, from ingredients to preparation, is handled with care and expertise.
Unfortunately, dessert had to be skipped because I was genuinely too full, which, if anything, shows how satisfying this meal was.
From start to finish, Indiya-Indiya treats you to a dining experience that is both high-class and approachable.
The service is attentive without being intrusive, the food is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and buzzing with life.
I can see how Indiya-Indiya has lasted 35 years in Sutton, and I’m optimistic that it’ll be here for many more years to come.
Five stars all around, for the food, care, service, and sheer joy of dining at a restaurant that clearly knows what it’s doing.
