Atul Kochhar has become renowned across the UK for his collection of restaurants, all of which showcase the culture and flavours of India in a modern style. Vaasu is the second restaurant in Kochhar's portifolio based in the Buckinghamshire town of Marlow, having opened Sindhu in 2014. Located on the charming Chapel Street, Vaasu is all about big flavours, quality produce, and a laidback ambience meaning that it's great for a variety of different occasions.
Vaasu's intimate but elegantly decorated dining room has a feeling of real class to it yet still provides a more relaxed atmosphere than some of Kocchar's more 'fine-dining' ventures. Floral prints decorate the restaurants bright walls, while plenty of overhead lights and a skylight in one corner ensure that Vaasu is anything but a dark and gloomy affair.
The food offering at Vaasu is inspired by a number of different regions in India, with a particular focus on the North, Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan. There's the choice of an unpretentious a la carte menu, a cheaper set lunch menu (£28 for three courses), and a more sophisticated tasting menu with both vegan and vegetarian options available.
Expect tempting starters such as jal pari - pan roasted cauliflower, with cauliflower and kamquats, and a platter of kebabs including lamb cutlet and seabass. Main courses range from old Delhi style classic tandoori chicken supreme, to sauteed New Forest venison and dum biryani served with oyster mushrooms and laal maas gravy. These, of course, can be accompanied by a variety of hearty sides such as tandoor smoked aubergine with green peas, as well as a choice of different Indian breads.
When it comes to drinks, Vaasu offers an extensive wine list which even includes some English whites alongside the more typical regions. There are also a number of different cocktails available to be enjoyed before or after your meal, as well a good selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks too.