Here’s why Paro is your new West End Indian dining destination

Niaz opened Paro in London’s Lyceum Theatre in September and the restaurant has proven a popular new destination for celebrations and pre- and post- theatre dining with Londoners and tourists alike.

The new central London dining destination offers the perfect way to make the most of your visit to the West End, whether you’re catching up over drinks with friends, shopping in Covent Garden or heading to the theatre.

Executive chef Niaz Caan, who also runs the hugely popular City Spice in Brick Lane, has already seen Paro prove to be a big hit with theatre goers, Londoners and tourists looking for a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine in the centre of Theatre Land.

Not only can fans of City Spice expect fantastic food in Paro, but the new restaurant also offers unmissable cocktails, too. In January, Niaz and his team set out to prove that all the cocktails served at Paro taste delicious with the famed onion bhajis, his personal favourite being the Dadi Daiquiri as the sourness of the daiquiri is bolstered by the salty spiciness of the freshly fried, crispy hot snack.

The cocktails at Paro start at £13 with alcohol-free versions available from £8. The team has launched an Indian take on a Negroni, for the ultimate aperitif. Other popular cocktails include Jab We Met Martinis, Lambee Lambee Iced Tea and Chandramukhi. All the cocktails have an Indian flavour twist; the bitters used in the the Jab We Met Martini are based on the restaurant’s 48 spice mix, and the bitter itself includes spices such as cumin, fenugreek and cinnamon.

The smokiness of the bitters used in the Old Fashioned, meanwhile, are made from cardamoms and star anise, and the spirit used is Indian Amrut whisky.

When it comes to the food, diners will be spoiled for choice with the modern Indian menu. Paro brings the love of Calcutta through its modern Calcuttan-Indian a la carte menu. Dishes in each section are ordered from spicy to mild, with the famous 48 spices used throughout – something that has been passed down and revised from generation to generation. Just don’t ask the staff what’s in the spice mix because this is a closely guarded secret, known by only five people in total within this generation!

We recommend beginning with some small plates for the table. The Bang Bang Chicken is a must try; Paro’s mild spice mix comes to life in this dish, with well seasoned / marinaded chicken cutlets grilled perfectly and served with Paro’s unique cream and plum sauce. It’s bold and eclectic, and brilliant!

Of course, Niaz is proud of his onion bhajis – crispy and golden with red lentils binding nicely with the bulb onions. We’d also strongly suggest trying the Prawn Puri – a fluffy and velvety taste sensation with ginger, garlic, turmeric, sweet-paprika flavourings served in a tender puri bread.

The range of mains are mighty with something to suit all tastes and spice requirements. For something different to your usual curry, try Paro’s flagship lamb shank: slow-roasted lamb leg-shank is blended with Paro’s famous 48 spice mix, as well as chilli flakes, charred garlic and coriander. The meat is wonderfully tender and the heat level is just right – if you lean more towards the spicy side.

Seafood lovers – if you want something very spicy then we recommend the Kalibabu King Prawn Curry, and if you prefer your dish mild then go for the Seabass or King Prawn Malaikari where saffron butter, sweet coconut and plum sauce shine through.