Dipna Anand at Somerset House

Dipna Anand is the second restaurant from the chef of the same name, and it is clear that she has taken this opportunity to incorporate her personality into an environment rooted in tradition. 

Despite its location at the famous Somerset House, the restaurant is unassuming at first, and no outdoor signage suggests to diners where exactly it is. Yet once it is found, diners are met with a pleasing interior that evocates the ethos behind the restaurant. Splotchy blue paint, in contrast with orange banquettes and copper décor, present a contemporary interpretation of a blue sky, dotted with black-and-white images of India.  

We arrived for brunch around 12:30, and the atmosphere was muted but pleasant, eventually getting livelier later. The waitstaff were kind and knowledgeable, and were more than willing to give suggestions for dishes or drinks.  

Though they were sadly out of the fresh ginger necessary to make their Chai, the cocktails were an interesting replacement. While the Mohabbat Martini was sweet and did not taste like alcohol, rather of fruit punch and pear, the Kesari Dream was an intriguing blend of saffron-infused vodka and sweet vermouth that replicated the fresh and flavorful taste of a chili minus the spice.  

The food offered an equally inventive take on classic Indian dishes. The Chicken tikka naan was tender but not greasy, and its mint chutney and deep-fried puffy chips provided an excellent addition of texture that kept the dish from tasting repetitive. The Masala anda bhurji with crushed paratha was also a delicious brunch option, as well-done scrambled eggs were spooned over a crispy paratha and freshened with pomegranate seeds and a savory sauce.  

While the Aloo phaat chaat tasted homemade (in the sense that it felt like an after-school snack) with its cut-up apples, potatoes, oranges, and mint, we recommend skipping it in exchange for the Mango and feta salad. Made of incredibly fresh ingredients that served as a great palate cleaner from some of the heavier dishes on the menu, this salad was delicious. 

Overall, the dishes at Dipna Anand were incredibly fresh and interesting. Though this probably would not be the place to go if you have very traditional expectations for your Indian food, Dipna Anand’s brunch menu was a delightful change from standard brunch menus, and we are interested to see how her new ideas age. 

For such a beautiful and prestigious location, restaurants occupying Somerset House have expectations to fulfill. Chef Dipna Anand's restaurant and bar in the South Wing thus provides interesting colour and flavours to the space currently occupied by coffee shops and dinner spots.

The restaurant, named after its founder and head chef, heroes the Punjabi and South Indian cuisine that Dipna Anand grew up cooking. Diners can enjoy the contemporary and trendy interior punctuated by hanging black-and-white images that call back to the traditional Indian experience of which the restaurant gets its roots.

Dipna Anand's food selections are vast, and they break down their menus into Thali, A la carte, Weekend Brunch, Biryani and Sides, Drinks, Desserts, and Bar Snacks. Those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine can try friendly fusion options like Dipna's dynamite wings or the Tandoori Chicken Tikka Burger, while those searching for a more classic Indian experience will be satisfied by the Thali and Biryani choices. 

The Weekend Brunch, a newer addition, promises a fresh and intriguing take on some familiar dishes. Try out the Desi English Breakfast with anda bhurji, bacon, sausages, mini naan, tadka beans, hash browns, or the Chicken tikka naan with masala fries featuring mint chutney, desinaise, and imli chutney. 

The creativity extends to their drinks menu as well, which boasts a selection of wines, coffees, and cocktails. Diners can expect the Indian flavours that make the restaurant so vibrant to continue on their cocktails, especially for the Kesari Dream with Saffron infused vodka, red chilli, sweet vermouth, lime, and pink grapefruit, or the Sassy Lassi with Mango pulp, coconut water, yoghurt, and Kraken Rum.