The unassuming first-floor dining room of this popular Indian restaurant has all the curry-house trademarks (rich colours, subtle lighting, simple, modern fittings), but visitors don’t single this place out for its interiors: it’s all about the excellent cooking. Fans of Anand George’s top-flight ‘nouvelle’ Indian cooking at Mint & Mustard (also in Cardiff) will know what to expect here: fresh ingredients, fresh flavours and fresh ideas (alongside a few trusty favourites).
Located in Canton, two miles west of Cardiff city centre, Purple Poppadom is a neighbourhood Indian with a difference. People travel from far and wide, either because they’ve been before and loved it, or because they’ve read about the numerous accolades and awards it’s received over the years. And it’s not just the food that people love about Purple Poppadom – the staff are as friendly and welcoming as can be, whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or dining with friends on a special occasion.
At the heart of Purple Poppadom is the chefs’ passion for creating imaginative Indian cuisine, Specialities such as Bombay chaat, Keralan calamari, Kashmiri rogan josh and Malabar biryani (cooked under a flaky pastry crust) show the kitchen’s regional scope, while one reader singles out “the most incredible soft-shell crab” (dusted with curry leaves and garlic). Also don’t miss Anand’s signature ‘tiffin sea bass’ served on curry leaf-infused mash with a raw mango, ginger, coconut sauce and beetroot pachadi.
The seven-course tasting menu – a recent addition – promises a grand tour of the taste experiences from around India. Coming in at under £50 per person (plus an additional £20 if you’d like matched wines), it’s a bit of a bargain and an excellent way to sample the best of what the kitchen has to offer. If you can manage, try the renowned ‘chocomosa’, tandoori pineapple or a brace of exotically fragrant crème brûlées for dessert. “Best Indian in South Wales”? We wouldn’t disagree.