Review of RAAZ: Inventive Indian Dining in the heart of Putney

Tucked away on Putney’s Lower Richmond Road, RAAZ—meaning secret in Hindi, is a vibrant new addition to London’s modern Indian dining scene. With a bold cobalt façade that turns heads and an interior of rich walnut, floral wallpaper, and glinting gold accents, RAAZ sets the tone for what lies ahead: tradition wrapped in elegance, with a whisper of mystery.

At the helm is Chef Imran Mansuri, whose pedigree includes some of London’s most acclaimed Indian restaurants—Tamarind, Benares, and Jamavar, where he helped earn a coveted Michelin star. At RAAZ, he unveils recipes passed down through generations, reimagined through the lens of contemporary gastronomy. The result? A menu that fuses India’s regional heritage with modern flair.

Cocktails here are treated with the same reverence as the food. I began with the Golden Hour—a spirit-free tequila creation with mango and a chilli-dusted rim. It was a vibrant, fiery start that awakened the palate for what was to come. Other highlights include a turmeric gin and tonic, warmly spiced and made to pair perfectly with crisp poppadom and tangy chutneys.

The wine list is smartly curated, focusing on bottles that can stand up to heat and spice—think crisp whites, structured reds, and celebratory bubbles. My companion opted for a glass of Cielo Brut Rosé, its delicate pink hue and clean finish dancing well with the spiced dishes to come.

Then, the feast began. We started with the Truffle Mushroom Kulcha, stuffed with creamy goat’s cheese and perfect for scooping up the luscious juices of the Prawn Chettinad—a bold, southern-style dish layered with spice, savoy cabbage, and a punchy house tomato chutney.

For mains, we couldn't resist the Malabar Fish Curry: a whole seabass bathed in a silky, Kerala-style coconut sauce. The fish was fresh and flaky, the curry subtle yet deeply satisfying. But the standout was the Overnight Beef Ribs Nihari—a dish I might have skipped without our waiter’s enthusiastic nudge. I’m glad I listened. The meat slid cleanly off the bone, with no trace of fat—just richness, depth, and that unmistakable slow-cooked magic.

Sides of pulao rice, mixed vegetables, and warm roti completed the experience. Every element sang in harmony. Chef Imran’s reputation is well earned, and RAAZ showcases his creativity and precision in every bite.

Though we were full, the dessert menu was irresistible. The Chocolate Delice hit the perfect balance—intensely chocolaty yet light, tempered by a scoop of coconut milk ice cream.

Meanwhile, the Mango Kulfi, infused with cardamom and presented as an elegant ice cream stick, stayed true to the restaurant’s theme of spice-meets-sweet.

RAAZ is not your typical curry house. It's a sensorial journey through India’s culinary soul—refined, surprising, deeply satisfying and very well priced. My dining companion, a seasoned traveller in India, declared it one of the most authentic yet imaginative Indian meals she’s had in London. A secret this good deserves to be shared.

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Words and photography by Claire Bloom