The Cook's Tale Restaurant
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Indian Classic Menu
Indian Classic Menu
Discover the true essence of India with our Indian Classics Lunch Menu at The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury — a fresh, modern celebration of regional flavours rarely found outside the country. Each dish is handcrafted to showcase India’s rich culinary heritage, perfect for solo indulgence or sharing with friends. Explore bold spices, diverse textures, and timeless traditions in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Available Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Takeaways are not permitted. Please inform us of any dietary requirements, allergies, or special diets — including vegan, Jain, Kosher, or others — at the time of booking. As all dishes are freshly prepared, at least 24 hours’ notice is kindly requested for dietary requests.
Vegetarian Dishes
Pani Poori
Crispy puris filled with spicy mint water, tamarind chutney, and potatoes. Allergens: Gluten, Mustard, and Sulphites.
4 pieces
£5.45
8 pieces
£9.95
Masala Dosa
Crispy rice crepe filled with spiced mashed potatoes. Allergens: Gluten
Small
£8.95
Large
£18.95
Onion, Fenugreek Leaves and Spinach Pakoras
Crispy fritters of sliced onions in gram flour batter. Allergens: Gluten
£6.95
Beetroot Samosa
Stuffed vegetable pastry parcels deep-fried to golden crispiness. Allergens: Gluten
£6.95
Samosa Chat
Crushed crispy samosa topped with spiced chickpeas, yogurt, tangy chutneys, and fresh herbs. Allergens: Dairy
£9.95
Butter Paneer Masala
Creamy tomato-based curry with soft paneer cubes. Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Small
£6.95
Large
£14.95
Tadka Dal
Yellow lentils tempered with garlic, mustard seeds, and ghee. Allergens: Mustard, Dairy
Small
£5.95
Large
£9.95
Tandoori Paneer
Chargrilled spiced cottage cheese served with onions and peppers. Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Small
£7.95
Large
£15.95
Potato Chop
Allergens: Mustard
£7.95
Dahi Baigana
Dahi baigana is a festive Odia dish prepared using aubergine and yoghurt. Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
£7.95
Smoked Aubergine Mash
Allergens: Mustard
£7.95
Bread and Rice
Indian Naan Style Mini Flat Breads 3 PCS
Plain/garlic coriander/ chilli/ sundried tomatoes and rosemary (Allergen: Gluten )
£5.95
Chapati
Allergen:Gluten
£5.95
Jeera Rice
£3.95
Lamb Dishes
Mutton Chop, Coriander Chutney
Juicy spiced lamb mince skewers served with refreshing coriander chutney.
£8.95
East India Lamb Curry
Slow-cooked lamb in a traditional East Indian-style onion and spice gravy.
Small
£11.95
Large
£23.95
Duck Dishes
Duck Kosha, Onion Salad, Garlic and Coriander Naan
Rich Bengali-style duck curry slow-cooked with onions and spices, served with garlic and coriander naan. Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
£10.95
Chargrilled Duck Tikka
Chargrilled duck tikka served with onions and peppers. Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Small
£7.95
Large
£15.95
Chicken Dishes
Crispy Chicken Cutlet with a Chilli Raita, Fresh Salad (2 pcs)
Golden fried chicken patties served with mint yoghurt and fresh salad. Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
£9.45
Bengali Chicken Puff, Salad, Butter Chicken Sauce (1 pc)
Flaky pastry stuffed with spiced chicken, paired with butter chicken sauce. Allergens: Gluten, Mustard, Milk.
£8.45
East India Chicken Curry
Fragrant chicken curry with warming spices and mustard. Allergens: Mustard, Dairy.
Small
£10.95
Large
£21.95
Saffron Chicken, Butter Naan, Makhani Sauce
Tender chicken in a creamy cashew and yoghurt marinade. Allergen: Dairy.
£9.95
Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Salad, Garlic and Coriander Naan
Classic tandoori-roasted chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices.
£9.95
Seafood Dishes
Soft Shell Crab, Tamarind Chutney and Pickled Samphire
Crispy soft shell crab served with tangy tamarind chutney.
£10.95
Hake Steamed in Banana Leaf, Coconut Malai Sauce 2PCS
Delicately steamed cod fillets wrapped in banana leaf with mustard marinade. (Allergen: Mustard)
£10.45
Odisha-Style Coconut Fish Malai
Creamy Bengali-style fish curry cooked in coconut milk with subtle spices. (Allergen: Fish, Dairy, Mustard, Mollusc, Crustaceans)
Small
£8.95
Large
£20.95
Chutneys and Pickles
Coriander Chutney
£2.95
Coconut Chutney
£2.95
Green Mango Chutney
£2.95
Tamarind Chutney
£2.95
Elephant Apple Chutney
£2.95
Date Chutney
£2.95
Shrimp Chutney
£2.95
Dum Biryanis
Dum Biryani is a fragrant, layered rice dish slow-cooked with marinated meat and spices, originating from the royal kitchens of Odisha, India.
Chicken Biryani
Butter chicken sauce with seasonal vegetables, yoghurt raita. Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Mustard.
Small
£14.95
Large
£24.95
Lamb Biryani
Cinnamon flavoured lamb sauce with seasonal vegetables, yoghurt raita. Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Mustard.
Small
£17.95
Large
£26.95
Vegetable Biryani
Lentil dahl, yoghurt raita. Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Mustard
Small
£12.95
Large
£21.95
Thalis
A Thali is a traditional Indian meal from regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and South India, served as a round platter with a variety of small, balanced dishes.
Odiya Vegetarian Thali
Pakhala rice, dal, aubergine, paneer, potatoes, badi chura, chapati, chutneys, yoghurt, popadums, gulab jamun. Allergens - Not suitable for people with Allergens
£26.95
Odiya Meat and Seafood Thali
Pakhala rice, chicken, lamb, mackerel curry, potatoes, chapati, chutneys, yoghurt, popadums, gulab jamun. Allergens - Not suitable for people with Allergens
£29.95
Maharaja Thali
Kent’s Biggest and Most Royal Indian Feast This thali can also be enjoyed by 1, 2, 3 or 4 guests. Includes complimentary Mango Lassis per table. Guests are invited to personalise their thali experience by selecting from a Vegetarian Thali, Vegan Thali, Meat Thali, or Seafood Thali. For those looking to explore a variety of flavours, our Mixed Thali offers a curated selection from all four options – a perfect way to enjoy a balanced and diverse Indian feast. Please note: The Maharaja Thali contains allergens. Meat Thali: Dairy, Gluten, Mustard Vegetarian Thali: Dairy, Gluten, Nuts Vegan Thali: Gluten, Nuts, Mustard Seafood Thali: Fish, Dairy, Gluten
Regular Maharaja Thali
£99
Bottomless Maharaja Thali
£130
Desserts
Chenna Poda
Chhena poda literally means burnt cheese in Odia, referring to its caramelised crust exterior and soft, spongy texture with slightly smoky notes. It is often described as the Indian counterpart to a cheesecake due to its rich, creamy taste and baking process. Allergen advice: Directly contains: - Milk, Gluten
£8.95
24 Carat Gold Jumbo Gulab Jamun, served with a Creamy Cardamom and White Chocolate Sauce
Classic dessert from the Indian subcontinent flavoured with cardamom and rose. Allergens: Milk, Gluten.
£8.95
Chocolate Samosas
Served with fresh berry ice cream and chocolate sauce. Handcrafted by our dessert chefs, these moreish nuggets of sweet pastry and milk chocolate were introduced to Kent by us in 2005. Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Egg, Soya.
£8.95
Parfait/Sorbet/Ice Cream Mango Kulfi
Served with mango puree. Traditional Indian Ice cream popular during hot summer months. Allergen: Milk.
£7.95