To mark the holy month of Ramadan, Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Kitchen in the heart of Battersea is embracing tradition with a modern twist. Every evening from 3rd to 31st March, the restaurant will launch a specially curated Iftar menu designed for sharing and celebration. This nine-dish feast, crafted with a perfect balance of spices and flavours, promises to satiate your hunger after a day of fasting, while offering a delicious journey through contemporary Indian cuisine. Set against the backdrop of the restaurant’s striking industrial-chic decor at the historic Battersea Power Station, this seasonal offering not only elevates the dining experience but also highlights Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea’s ability to blend innovation with tradition.
In the heart of London’s newly revitalised Battersea Power Station development, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea emerges as a beacon of contemporary Indian cuisine. This latest venture from renowned chef Vivek Singh’s acclaimed brand fuses traditional Indian flavours with modern British influences, setting the stage for an intriguing and memorable dining experience. In this review, we explore every facet—from ambience to food, service, and value—to determine whether this vibrant venue truly spices up London’s dining scene.
A Feast for the Eyes: Ambiance and Decor
From the moment you step into Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, the industrial chic decor strikes you as both edgy and refined. The restaurant cleverly embraces its location within a former railway arch, with exposed brick walls, a monochromatic palette, and accents of jade green, marble, and brass that pay homage to the more rugged, industrial past of the area.The main dining area is a visual spectacle, crowned by an open-plan theatre kitchen where diners can watch the culinary magic unfold. The ambience is further enhanced by the presence of a private bar tucked into the space—ideal for those looking to enjoy a carefully curated selection of spirits and wines. For an even more intimate dining experience, the floating mezzanine offers a secluded retreat with a bird’s-eye view of the lively restaurant scene below, making it perfect for small gatherings or romantic dinners.Every design choice, from the lighting to the seating arrangements, exudes a commitment to creating a space that’s as visually stimulating as the food is promising.
Culinary Delights: Food and Drink
Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea is not just about a striking interior—it boasts a menu that takes you on a culinary journey steeped in rich Indian tradition with a modern twist.
Starters: A Promising Beginning
The meal kicks off with a selection of starters that set high expectations:
- Punjabi Samosas: These aren’t your everyday samosas. The pastry is exquisitely crisp, encasing a sumptuous, spiced filling, elegantly paired with a tangy tamarind chutney that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour.
- Tandoori King Prawns: Perhaps the standout of the starters, these prawns are marinated and grilled to perfection in the tandoor, resulting in a glorious smoky flavour that showcases the kitchen’s skill in blending technique with quality ingredients.
Main Courses: A Mixed Spice Bag
The main courses at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea aim to impress and, in many cases, do not disappoint:
- Rogan Josh Welsh Lamb Curry: This signature dish marries tender Welsh lamb with a rich, aromatic sauce that pays homage to traditional Kashmiri cooking, while subtle British influences elevate its depth. Each spice is discernible yet artfully blended—an embodiment of culinary finesse.
- Other meat dishes continue the innovative fusion tradition, although a few vegetarian options seem to occasionally lack the same complexity of flavour that defines the meat-based dishes. Portion sizes are generally generous, though at times it appears that presentation might be prioritised over substance.
A Special Seasonal Offering: The Ramadan Iftar Menu
For the holy month of Ramadan, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea is stepping up its game with a dedicated Iftar menu, available every evening from March 3rd to March 31st. Designed specifically for sharing, this nine-dish feast is priced from £38 per person and is ideal for breaking fast in a convivial setting.
Key dishes include:
- Tandoori Chicken Breast with Dill and Cardamon: A delicate balance of spice and herbaceous freshness.
- Lucknowi Chicken Biryani: Aromatic rice layered with tender chicken marinated in traditional spices.
- Seared Kentish Saddle of Lamb with Keema Saag and Saffron Roganjosh Sauce: A robust and flavourful fusion dish that celebrates British produce with an Indian twist.
- Royal Punjabi Malai Kulfi with Saffron and Cardamom: For dessert, this creamy, chilled treat provides a refreshing, sweet conclusion to your meal.
This special menu is a testament to Cinnamon Kitchen’s ability to innovate while honouring tradition, making it a perfect choice for family and friends to share during iftar.
Sweet Endings & Libations
The dessert offerings, such as the Chocolate Chikki Tart—a fusion of British tart and Indian brittle—provide a delectable finish to your meal with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Meanwhile, the bar, curated by award-winning mixologist Tony Conigliaro, offers a creative cocktail menu. Spice-infused concoctions like the Cinnamon Bellini and a well-curated wine list ensure that every sip complements the bold culinary flavours on display.For those who prefer dining at home, takeaway and catering options are available via Slerp, Supper, Deliveroo, UberEats, and JustEat, making it convenient to enjoy these culinary delights wherever you are.
Service: Attentive with a Dash of Urgency
Service at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea generally aligns with its upscale ambitions. Staff are well-informed about the menu and eager to offer recommendations, ensuring that water glasses are filled and dishes are cleared efficiently. However, during peak dining hours, the service can sometimes feel a tad rushed, which may slightly affect the overall experience. The ability to book online is a valuable addition, keeping the reservation process streamlined and hassle-free.
Value and Accessibility: A Premium Experience
Situated among some of London’s most sought-after dining venues, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea commands a premium price point. A meal for two, including drinks, easily exceeds £100, making it an ideal destination for special occasions rather than everyday dining. That said, the innovative menu and superb ingredients justify the expense for those looking to indulge in a contemporary Indian culinary journey.Located in the thriving Battersea Power Station development, the restaurant benefits from excellent public transport links, including the newly extended Northern Line. However, parking remains a challenge in this busy area, so public transport is indeed the recommended option. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner seven days a week, with the last booking accepted at 10:30 PM (or 9:30 PM on Sundays), accommodating a wide range of schedules.
Conclusion: A Stylish, Flavor-Packed Addition to London’s Culinary Landscape
Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea offers a compelling modern Indian dining experience that brings a fresh twist to London’s vibrant restaurant scene. The striking industrial-chic ambience, innovative menu crafted by Chef Vivek Singh, and generally attentive service combine to create an experience that’s as distinctive as it is delicious.While some dishes—particularly certain vegetarian options—may occasionally fall short of the high expectations set by the impressive meat offerings, the overall dining experience remains memorable. The newly introduced Ramadan Iftar menu is a standout, providing a generous, flavourful spread designed for sharing that’s perfect for festive gatherings.Whether you’re looking to enjoy a sophisticated dinner with colleagues, celebrate a special occasion, or simply explore the evolving world of modern Indian cuisine, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea is well worth a visit. It’s a stylish, flavorful addition to London’s culinary landscape—one that invites diners to enjoy an innovative take on Indian classics with a contemporary twist.
