NE1 visited Khai Khai, the new Indian restaurant on Queen Street that’s combining traditional cooking techniques with modern ingredients to create a melting pot of exquisite flavours and Indian authenticity!
Nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of the iconic Quayside, Khai Khai is quickly becoming one of NE1’s most-loved establishments when it comes to sensational Indian cuisine and elegant cocktails served within a cosmopolitan interior.
A lavish affair that’s raked in national awards and welcomed Harrison Ford through the doors, Khai Khai is one of the newest additions to the Toon’s culinary scene that’s causing a stir with every diner that passes through.
The interior of Khai Khai, similar to the food, is extraordinary. What was once an archetypal Victorian building complete with striking traditional features, the team have transformed it into an ultra-modern dining space with brushed steel furnishings, retained period features and added atmospheric lighting to create a truly glamorous affair.
Having oohed and aahed at the interior (for way too long!), we begin our teatime treat with Khai Khai’s incredible take on the humble poppadom and dips. Here, we’re greeted with a papad basket (£3.95) featuring smatterings of light and crispy Bombay flatbreads, that when topped with tamarind chutney and yoghurt mint sauce, is a special glimpse into the magical mains that await us.
There’s no expense spared within Khai Khai’s mouthwatering menu. The team prepare each dish in a clinical fashion to ensure they're brimming with Indian authenticity. It’s pretty evident to see (and taste!) as the main event arrives at the table. We opt for murgh tikka (£13.95) and the adraki bhuna lamb (£13.95).
Both bubbling pots of goodness provide a joyous tasting experience that oozes plenty of aromatic vibes and standout Indian flavours. The smokiness of chicken tikka and classic tandoori marinade topped with zesty herb chutney serves up a moreish bite, while the braised boneless lamb joint is nestled in a melting pot of fresh ginger and dry-roasted spices to create a rich and truly outstanding dish!
It’s winter, we’re hungry, we’ve promised ourselves that the January diets will come into full effect one day soon and so we order some extra dishes (no judgements please!). We're keen to try the mango and coconut salad (£6.25), lamb seekh kebab (£7.50), chickpeas chaat (£5.95) and Khai Khai’s signature tandoori broccoli (£7.25), so we order them all! The dishes are deliciously refreshing and you're treated to a succulent, magical mouthful with every bite, and the tandoori broccoli is a must-try dish!
Let’s talk tipples. No fine-dining treat to self is complete without a beverage or two and we’re delighted to announce that Khai Khai’s cocktail offering is outstanding. The rose-tinted martini (£9.50) is beautifully aromatic, the Tyne breeze is a fizzy glass of opulence and the fire brick sour (inspired by the Toon’s brick-making heritage we might add!) is brimming with seasonal berries and redcurrant syrup. A delightfully bold tipple at that pairs perfectly when mopping up the last of your lamb bhuna!
Having powered through small plates, tackled the murgh tikka and sent ourselves into a food coma with adraki bhuna lamb, we of course turn our attention to the dessert menu like a true, responsible adult. The Josper grilled pineapple (£6.95) is truly out of this world. It’s an idyllic dish featuring wildflower honey, star anise and topped with a dollop of rich coconut ice cream.
Other spectacular sweet treats include rhubarb and carrot halwa (£5.95), the coconut rice pudding (£3.25) is simple but oh-so-beautiful and the homemade chocolate tart (£6.95) will have you on your merry way down the Quayside. There are no smoke and mirror tricks here at Khai Khai. Just exquisite flavours served up by a passionate team who aim to shower diners with warm, genuine Indian hospitality. A beautiful restaurant befitting of the Quayside, book in with Khai Khai this January for a taste of intimate Indian magic!
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