In the fast-paced, high-energy environment of London’s financial district, finding a meal that feels like “home” can be a challenge. While fine dining often focuses on complexity and flair, there is a profound, mystical power in the simple classics. At Mumbai Square, located at 7 Middlesex St, we have perfected the “Holy Trinity” of Indian comfort food: the Tarka Dal, Basmati Rice, and Tandoori Roti combo.

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a restorative experience. It is the dish that Indian families turn to for nourishment, and it is the set we recommend to our Aldgate guests when they need a meal that is hearty, rustic, aromatic, and wholesome.

The Alchemy of the “Tarka”

The star of this combo is, undoubtedly, the Tarka Dal. To the untrained eye, it may look like a simple lentil soup, but to an Indian chef, it is a masterpiece of timing and temperature. We begin by slow-simmering yellow lentils until they reach a creamy, soft consistency that is naturally rich in protein and fiber.

However, the “magic” happens in the final seconds—the Tarka. This is the process of tempering spices in sizzling ghee. We take hand-crushed garlic, dried red chillies, and whole cumin seeds, tossing them into the hot fat until they dance and release their essential oils. When this bubbling, aromatic mixture is poured over the lentils, it creates a “burst of freshness” and a smoky depth that is unmistakably rustic. This “Garlic Kick” is the hallmark of an authentic, soul-warming dal.

The Support System: Basmati and Tandoori Roti

A great dal needs the perfect vehicles to carry its flavor, and our combo provides the two best options in one set.

• Fluffy Basmati Rice: We use premium, long-grain Basmati rice, steamed to perfection so that every grain remains separate and light. It acts as a beautiful, porous sponge, soaking up the garlic-infused tempering of the dal.
• Flame-Kissed Tandoori Roti: For those who crave texture, our Tandoori Roti is a game-changer. Made from whole-wheat dough and slapped against the internal clay walls of a 400°C tandoor, it emerges with a beautiful “golden char.” It is thinner and crispier than a naan, providing a sturdy, smoky scoop for the creamy lentils.

The Healthy Executive Choice

For our corporate clients in Aldgate, this combo has become the “Power Lunch” of choice. Why? Because it is perfectly balanced. In a world of heavy creams and rich sauces, the Tarka Dal set offers a guilt-free indulgence.

It is naturally vegetarian and packed with plant-based nutrients that provide a steady release of energy throughout the afternoon. It is “stomach-fulfilling” without the heavy slump that often follows a large meal. When you dine at 7 Middlesex St, you are choosing a meal that respects your health as much as your taste buds.

Tradition in Every Layer

At Mumbai Square, we believe that “simple ingredients done right” is the highest form of culinary art. Whether you are mixing the dal into the rice for a soft, comforting bite or using a piece of charred roti to catch the last bit of garlic at the bottom of the bowl, you are participating in a tradition that spans centuries.

Our Tarka Dal Combo represents the “soul” of our kitchen. It’s honest, it’s authentic, and it brings a touch of home-style Indian hospitality to the vibrant streets of London.