Sweet, Nutty, Pillowy and Prestigious: Peshwari Nan
In the world of Indian cuisine, bread is rarely just an accompaniment; it is a vital component of the meal, a vessel for flavor, and a testament to the baker’s skill. At Mumbai Square, located at 7 Middlesex St, we take our bread very seriously. While our garlic nans are legendary and our tandoori rotis are rustic favorites, there is one bread that stands above the rest as a symbol of indulgence and artisan craft: the Peshwari Nan.
Known as the “crown jewel” of the tandoor, the Peshwari Nan is a sweet, nutty, and “pillowy soft” masterpiece that offers a sophisticated contrast to the bold, “hand-ground” spices of our main courses. If you are dining in Aldgate and looking for a side dish that is truly “stomach-fulfilling” and “soul-warming,” this is the dish that will elevate your entire experience.
Named after the city of Peshawar, this bread has long been a staple of the North-West Frontier. It was designed to provide energy and warmth, combining the hearty nature of leavened bread with the luxury of dried fruits and nuts. At Mumbai Square, we honor this heritage by keeping the recipe authentic and the quality “unmasked.” We believe that the best Peshwari Nan shouldn’t just be sweet; it should be a complex balance of textures and aromas that reflect the prestigious nature of our kitchen.
Creating the perfect Peshwari Nan is an exercise in precision. It begins with our signature dough—leavened until it is light and airy. The secret, however, lies in the filling. Our chefs prepare a “soul-refreshing” blend of finely crushed sultanas, sweet coconut, and buttery almonds. This mixture is folded into the heart of the dough, ensuring that every single bite is infused with a nutty, fruit-filled surprise.
The bread is then hand-stretched and slapped against the white-hot walls of our traditional clay tandoor. Fired at over 400°C, the nan undergoes a rapid transformation. The exterior develops those iconic “golden-charred” bubbles and a subtle smoky aroma, while the interior remains incredibly soft and succulent. To finish, we brush it with a light coating of premium ghee, giving it a prestigious glossy sheen that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
The brilliance of the Peshwari Nan lies in its versatility. While some guests enjoy it as a “stomach-satisfying” appetizer, it truly shines when paired with our more robust, spicy dishes.
- The Spicy Contrast: If you are brave enough to tackle our Chicken Cobra Naga or a fiery Vindaloo, the sweet coconut and sultanas in the Peshwari Nan act as a “stomach-soothing” balm. The sugar naturally cuts through the capsaicin heat, allowing you to enjoy the complex layers of spice without overwhelming your palate.
- The Creamy Companion: For a purely indulgent experience, pair it with our Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala. The nutty sweetness of the bread complements the velvety, tomato-based sauces, creating a meal that is undeniably “soul-lifting.”
- The Vegetarian Delight: Try it alongside our Tarka Dall or Chana Masala. The earthy notes of the lentils and chickpeas are elevated by the fruity highlights of the nan, making for a wholesome and vibrant vegetarian feast.
At 7 Middlesex St, we don’t believe in pre-made or frozen breads. Every Peshwari Nan served in our split-level Aldgate venue is made to order. When it arrives at your table, it is still steaming, releasing a “soul-warming” scent of toasted coconut and warm wheat.
Our commitment to “hand-ground” spices extends even to our breads. We ensure that every ingredient—from the almonds in the nan to the cardamom in your curry—meets our prestigious standards for quality and authenticity. It is this dedication to detail that makes Mumbai Square the heartbeat of the City’s dining scene.
A Treat for Every Occasion
Whether you are visiting for a high-energy corporate lunch or a romantic Saturday night dinner on our mezzanine, the Peshwari Nan is a must-order. It is more than just bread; it is a conversation starter, a comfort food, and a piece of culinary history.
Indulge in the sweet, the smoky, and the extraordinary. It’s vibrant, it’s aromatic, it’s prestigious, and it’s perfectly stomach-fulfilling.