Restaurant Review: Talli Joe, Covent Garden (CLOSED)

Okay, I’m just gonna put it right out there and say that I might have found my new favourite Indian restaurant, it’s called Talli Joe. I have a Caribbean heritage where Indian spices are frequently used in Caribbean cooking, such as Curry Goat and roti. As a result I’m quite familiar with the spices of India and have developed a real love of Indian food. Talli Joe is located on the Covent Garden end of Shaftesbury Avenue and has a half-plates, full-drinks concept. Whatever your thoughts are on the small plates trend, I think it’s here to stay and I actually don’t mind it as it lessens the chances of getting food envy if all are eating the same thing.

Snacks: Kela Wafers and Masala Papad

The menu has a concise selection of dishes, which takes you on a culinary journey around India with a few twists thrown in and there’s not a chicken tikka masala in sight. We worked our way through nearly the entire menu including the cocktails – for research purposes of course. And I can honestly say that it was fun, faultless and fantastic. I won’t give you a blow-by-blow account of everything we ate because it was all rather special, but highlights included Devilled Quail Eggs which were tasty little bombs of quails egg wrapped in a delicately spiced crabmeat and potato filling, Scotch egg style.

Rasam Shrimp Shot

Lto R: Gol Barri Kosha Mangsho, Kale Chatt,
Truffle Ghee Kulcha and Raghogarhi Sea Bass

Nihari Nalli

Nihari Nalli (veal bone marrow) with veal curry sauce, however, was the ultimate highlight. The marrow oozed its fatty punchy flavours and there was a slight sourness to the curry, which cut through the richness of the marrow beautifully. I mean hello! Another standout dish for me was Truffle Ghee Kulcha, which was naan stuffed with cottage cheese, brushed with truffle ghee. I liked it because it was different and because it was good. The friend chose Chicken 21 as his star dish, which was tasty stir-fried chicken tossed in spices and curry leaves.

Chicken 21

Black Gajar Halwao, Berry Malai and Gulabo

Desserts were a trio of sweet plates: Gulabo, Berry Malai and Black Gajar Halwa, but by that point I’d eaten far too much to be able to give a proper account.

Holy Basil

And, let’s not forget the drinks, Talli Joe is an all-day drinking joint too. The cocktail to order is Holy Basil. It’s a whisky based drink scented with basil leaves and citrus undertones. It’s refreshing and fruity and one is not enough.

Talli Joe is a colourful, casual and vibrant place. The food is exciting, the staff jolly, and the vibes buzz. Just go, it won’t disappoint.

Half plates are from £3.50.

Food I Fancy dined as a guest.

TALLI JOE
152-156 Shaftesbury Avenue
London WC2H 8HL
Tel: 020 7836 5400