When Chef Awansih Roy invited my family and me to his new restaurant in Winnersh, Wokingham, we were absolutely thrilled.
Established in Winnersh, Wokingham, Club India was created from a shared vision: to offer a welcoming and refined space where guests can savour authentic Indian cuisine in a warm, modern atmosphere—enhanced by a lively bar, garden areas, and an unmissable touch of something unique.
As we stepped inside, the sophisticated décor immediately caught our eye and set a welcoming tone. A rich medley of cardamom, cumin, and slow-cooked curries wafted through the restaurant, instantly whetting our appetite.
We were met with a warm welcome and led to our table. Chef Roy met us at ur table and explained that many of the dishes on the menu are inspired by his own culinary journey and cultural roots,
Our meal opened with pappadums, paired with an assortment of freshly prepared chutneys and mint sauce, served in elegant copper bowls that added a touch of charm to the presentation.
For our starters, we decided to share a selection of dishes. Firstly curry leaf calamari £8.45 Stir-fried calamari tossed with curry leaves and finished in a sweet-spicy chilli apricot glaze. lusciously sticky with a depth of flavour that made each bite delightful, a big hit with us all.
Next, we opted for the Gilafi Seekh Kebab (£10.95). The Romney Marsh minced lamb arrived beautifully charred and studded with sweet peppers and onions, its richness perfectly balanced by a refreshing coriander–mint chutney and a creamy smoked paprika raita.
Curious to sample the vegan offerings, we chose the Gool Gappa (£5.95). The light, crisp semolina shells gave way to a filling of tangy potatoes, while the accompanying spicy shot added a bold burst of street-food flavour.
Next, it was time for the main course — and we were eager to indulge. My husband, a devoted curry enthusiast, chose the Chicken Chettinad (£14.95), a speciality from Tamil Nadu. The dish arrived rich and aromatic, its fiery sauce infused with the fragrance of curry leaves and the depth of freshly roasted spices. According to him, the curry delivered a fiery hit of chilli, balanced by the earthy warmth of roasted spices and the nutty aroma of curry leaves. Generous portions of tender chicken carried the sauce beautifully, making every bite full of flavour.
I opted for the Dhaba Methi Murgh (£14.50), a rustic chicken curry enriched with fresh fenugreek leaves. The sauce was aromatic and gently spiced, with the distinctive bitterness of fenugreek adding depth and balance. The dish carried a real punch, both in flavour and character, it was quite spicy, so I did need some mint sauce on it! but it was delicious and can be made with less chilli if requested.
My son couldn’t resist the Chandni Chowk Butter Chicken (£14.95). Tender tandoori chicken breasts came in a rich tomato and fenugreek sauce, with a little truffle cream adding a modern twist to this Old Delhi favourite. The speed at which he cleared his plate was proof enough of how much he liked it.
Last but not least, my daughter opted for the Bhatti Ka Chicken Tikka (£9.95). The dish impressed with its beautifully charred edges and enticing smoky aroma. Each piece of chicken was tender and succulent, the yoghurt-and-spice marinade bringing a balance of tang and heat, finished with the unmistakable depth of tandoor cooking. She remarked on how juicy the chicken was and clearly enjoyed every bite.
To accompany our main courses, we enjoyed a selection of freshly baked naan breads — soft, pillowy, and fragrant from the tandoor — alongside steamed rice. We also chose a side dish from the vegetarian menu: Ennai Kathirikai (£6.95), a South Indian speciality of baby aubergines simmered in a tangy tamarind and jaggery sauce. The flavours were bold, with the sweetness of jaggery softening the tamarind’s sharpness, making it a perfect accompaniment.
By this point, my husband and I were far too full for dessert — but the children, of course, still had room for something sweet. They both opted for the chocolate brownie (£7.45), an indulgent and gooey Belgian chocolate treat, served warm and paired perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Club India deserves credit for its inclusivity, with a wide-ranging vegan menu that ensures there’s something to suit every palate, it offers some of the finest Indian food we have ever had the pleasure of tasting, and we would wholeheartedly recommend it.
We experienced excellent service throughout, with staff who were professional yet warm, and thoughtful in catering to our every need. Thank you for making our first visit a memorable experience.
www.clubindia.co.uk
