Nestled in the heart of Brick Lane, Graam Bangla is a culinary haven that promises to take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Offering an array of traditional Bengali dishes, the restaurant is renowned for its delectable Bortha Mix Platter, a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of Bengali cuisine. In this blog post, we’ll explore the captivating experience of dining at Graam Bangla, focusing on their Bortha Mix Platter and the tantalising dishes that make it an unforgettable culinary adventure.
A Glimpse into Graam Bangla’s Ambiance
As you step into Graam Bangla, you are immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rustic decor and earthy tones create a sense of homeliness and nostalgia, evoking memories of traditional Bengali homes. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage is evident in every corner, from the handcrafted artwork to the aroma of the delicious food.
The Bortha Mix Platter: A Symphony of Flavours
The centrepiece of the dining experience at Graam Bangla is their signature Bortha Mix Platter. Bortha, a traditional Bengali preparation, involves roasting various vegetables, herbs, and spices to bring out their rich flavours and aromas. The result is an assortment of mouthwatering borthas that promise a burst of taste with every bite.
Fish Curry: A Treasure from Bengal’s Rivers
No Bengali meal is complete without fish, and Graam Bangla’s Fish Curry is a celebration of the region’s abundant rivers and love for seafood. Prepared with a perfect blend of mustard seeds, turmeric, and other spices, the fish curry boasts a balance of tanginess and spice that is sure to leave you craving for more.
Chicken Curry: A Poultry Lover’s Delight
For those who prefer poultry, the Chicken Curry at Graam Bangla is a must-try. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a luscious gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and an assortment of spices, creating a dish that is both comforting and soul-satisfying.
Saag: A Wholesome Green Affair
Graam Bangla’s Saag, a medley of leafy greens cooked to perfection, offers a delightful contrast to the robust flavours of the curries. Prepared with mild spices, the saag is not only nutritious but also showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Bengali flavours.
Daal: The Quintessential Comfort Food
The daal is a simple yet essential part of the Bengali meal, providing a perfect balance of proteins and complementing the other dishes with its mild and comforting taste.
Our experience
Graam Bangla was evidently very popular amongst the locals as it was absolutely packed in there during lunchtime on Sunday. There was hardly any room to move without bumping into another customer or waiter. There is no menu, but how it works is that you go up to the counter and see what dishes are on offer on the day. We picked the above to try out for lunch. The Bortha mix platter had a good variety that kept our tastebuds on our toes. The chicken curry and saag were decent. And the daal was not the best we had had. However, the standout dish without a doubt was the fish curry. It was Gual fish on the day, and we were all left speechless at how delicious it was. The service was spot on; very friendly and welcoming. All of this came up to £65, which seems a tad expensive to be honest. Our verdict in comparison to its neighbour Amar Gaon? We preferred the options here e.g. the bortha mix platter, and the fish curry was better here, but we preferred the overall taste of the dishes from Amar Gaon more.
Getting there
Nearest station: Aldgate East
Nearest mosque: East London Mosque
Parking: Most if not all the roads behind the East London Mosque are free evenings and weekends, but there is literally a competition for parking spaces. So, be prepared to drive around in circles and wait till you find something to pounce on.
