If most of the curries you know come from the north of India, Chettinad will be a revelation. It is the cooking of a small corner of Tamil Nadu, in the far south, and it is famous for one thing above all: spice that is bold, aromatic and unapologetically peppery. At Koyal it appears twice on the a la carte menu.
Where Chettinad comes from
Chettinad is the home of the Chettiar merchant community, traders who for centuries moved goods - and spices - between southern India and South East Asia. Their kitchens had access to the best of everything, and their food reflects it. Where northern curries lean on cream, butter and slow-cooked onion, Chettinad cooking builds its depth from freshly roasted and ground spices: black pepper, dried red chillies, fennel and coriander seed, with curry leaves and coconut for freshness.
Chettinad Chicken
Our Chettinad Chicken uses chicken thighs - the cut that stays juicy through a long simmer - cooked in Chettinad spices with curry leaves and fresh coconut. Chettinad spicing is fragrant and peppery rather than creamy, and the coconut rounds it off. It is a main course for anyone who likes their curry with real character.
Pulled Duck Pepper Fry
The Pulled Duck Pepper Fry takes the same spice tradition and turns it into a starter. Duck leg is slow cooked until it pulls apart, then tossed with curry leaves and Chettinad masala. It comes with Malabar porotta - the flaky, layered flatbread of Kerala - which is exactly what you want for scooping up rich, peppery duck. Duck and pepper is a classic pairing, and the richness of the meat carries the spice beautifully.
How to order them
Start with the duck to share, then follow with the Chettinad Chicken and some steamed basmati rice or a lasooni naan. If you enjoy the regional side of our cooking, try the Bhangjeera Chicken next - a Himalayan dish from the opposite end of India - or read about India's two great seafood coasts.
Come and taste them
Both dishes are on the a la carte menu at Koyal, 59-63 Brighton Road, Surbiton. Book a table and take a trip to the south of India.
Experience it in Surbiton
Reserve a table at Koyal - 2 AA Rosettes, Brighton Road, Surbiton
