On the corner of Olympic Way, a stone’s throw from the theatrical grandeur of Wembley Stadium, Masalchi by Atul Kochhar hums with the low, convivial energy of a place that knows precisely what it is. Inside, the mood is modern yet authentic, from the warm tones of the wooden tables to the colourful tiles on the walls and gentle drama of the open kitchen. It is as though one has stumbled into a particularly stylish Indian food bazaar reimagined for metropolitan London. It is a space designed for pleasure, for grazing, for conversation, and for the slow, steady unfurling of appetite.
The menu has been curated by Atul Kochhar – a chef whose reputation precedes him with considerable weight. A twice Michelin-starred pioneer of Indian cuisine in Britain, Kochhar has long balanced refinement with authenticity, never losing sight of the soul of the food in pursuit of accolades. At the helm in the kitchen is Chef Jasbir who has worked for Atul Kochhar for over 20 years – a testament to Jasbir’s culinary and leadership skills. At Masalchi, the food feels personal, almost nostalgic, drawing from travels through India’s provincial markets, where spice, smoke and story collide in the most delicious ways imaginable.
The menu is a love letter to Indian street food culture, but elevated with a deft, knowing hand by Jasbir and his team. Familiar favourites appear – Punjabi samosas with their crisp shells and spiced interiors, onion and kale bhajis tangled and golden, the punchy allure of Chicken 65, and a deeply comforting saag paneer – all anchored by a broader offering of grills, curries and sharing plates. It is food that celebrates abundance and accessibility, yet never compromises on depth or integrity of flavour.
Restaurant Review: Masalchi by Atul Kochhar
A bottle of Blenheim Palace mineral water arrives first at the table with a quiet, almost aristocratic confidence – its provenance as much a part of the experience as its taste. Drawn from an ancient aquifer on the Blenheim Palace estate, the water carries a purity honed over centuries, naturally filtered and untouched, with a crisp, clean profile and a gentle mineral softness on the palate. The Mango Lassi, served to the youngest guest at the table, is a small moment of quiet delight. Thick, cool and luxuriously smooth, it carries the ripe sweetness of mango tempered by the gentle tang of yoghurt, creating a drink that is both indulgent and refreshing.
The rest of the drinks arrive with a certain swagger, none more so than the Old Delhi Fashioned, a theatrical flourish unveiled beneath a smoky bell cloche. Made with Monkey Shoulder, Benedictine and a careful balance of Angostura and orange bitters, it is rich, warming and gently perfumed, the smoke lending both aroma and drama in equal measure. The Guava Colada, built on Ten to One rum infused with cardamom, is altogether more playful, its tropical sweetness of guava and coconut lifted by lime, while the Watermelon Basil Cooler offers a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative for the sober conscious – all bright fruit, herbal lift and a lively sparkle of ginger ale.
Beetroot Chaap is as visually striking as it is satisfying. The croquettes are crisp on the outside, yielding to a soft, earthy interior enriched by the sweetness of beetroot. The accompanying beet hummus adds a creamy, slightly tangy counterpoint that ties the dish together with quiet confidence.
Nadru Chilli offers something altogether more intriguing. The lotus stem, sliced and fried to a delicate crisp, carries a gentle nuttiness, while fresh chilli and lemon cut through with brightness. A glaze of sweet chilli sauce and sesame seeds lingers, creating a dish that is at once light, spicy and faintly addictive.
Pav Bhaji is comfort food elevated to near reverence. The mashed vegetables, slow-cooked with onion, tomato and spices, are rich and deeply savoury, with a warmth that builds rather than shouts. Paired with a butter-toasted sweet potato bun, it becomes a dish of texture and indulgence in perfect harmony.
Old Delhi Seekh Kebab is unapologetically robust. The lamb is smoky and tender, laced with fresh chilli that delivers a measured heat without overwhelming the meat’s natural richness. Each bite feels grounded in tradition, a direct line to the bustling streets from which it takes its inspiration.
Patiala Lamb Chops are a triumph of balance. The marinade of dried pomegranate seeds and molasses lends a gentle sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the lamb. Cooked with precision, the meat is succulent and yielding, with a char that adds depth and character.
Ajwaini Prawns arrive fragrant and inviting. Marinated in yoghurt, mustard oil and carom seeds, they carry a distinctive, slightly herbal aroma that sets them apart. Cooked in the clay oven, the prawns remain plump and juicy, their edges kissed with smoke.
Chicken Makhan Masala is indulgence in its purest form. The sauce, enriched with butter and fenugreek, is silky and deeply comforting, coating each piece of chicken in a luxurious embrace. There is a sweetness here, balanced by gentle spice, that makes Kochhar’s take on Butter Chicken both familiar and irresistible.
Crab Pepper Fry is a study in contrast. The sweetness of the white crab meat is sharpened by crushed peppercorns and lifted by the fragrance of curry leaves. Scooped up with flaky Malabar paratha and cooled by a tangy homemade pachadi, it becomes a dish of layers and interplay.
Gosht Biryani is generous and deeply aromatic. The basmati rice, each grain distinct, carries saffron and spice with elegance, while the ample amount of boneless lamb is tender and richly flavoured. It is a dish that unfolds slowly, revealing nuance with every forkful.
Peshawari Naan offers a moment of sweetness and comfort. Soft and pillowy, it conceals a coconut filling that provides both texture and gentle richness. It is the perfect foil to the more robust dishes, bringing balance to the table.
From the children’s menu, Chicken Nuggets and Chips deliver uncomplicated pleasure. The fried chicken supremes are crisp and golden, giving way to tender meat within, while the chips are exactly as they should be.
There is also a thoughtful nod to more adventurous palates on the Kids Menu with Indian options such as Aloo Tikki Burger and Chicken Makhani, ensuring that even young diners are not excluded from the culinary narrative.
Kulfi with Rose Syrup is both nostalgic and refined. The mango kulfi is dense, creamy and intensely flavoured, melting slowly on the tongue. A drizzle of rose syrup and passionfruit pulp adds sweetness and texture, elevating the dessert into something quietly luxurious.
The Sorbet, passionfruit and coconut, is a fitting finale for those looking for a light dessert. Bright, tangy passionfruit cuts through with vibrancy, while coconut softens the edges with gentle creaminess. It refreshes and resets, leaving the palate clean and content.
Masalchi captures something rare – the spirit of Indian street food, with all its colour, energy and soul, translated into a setting that feels both sophisticated and warmly accessible. Under Chef Jasbir’s assured guidance, every dish tells a story of travel, memory and mastery, making Masalchi one of the most compelling Indian restaurant experiences in London today. Whether you’re visiting Wembley Park for a concert, match day, or shopping spree, Masalchi is your go-to spot for soulful, spice-packed dining.
Masalchi by Atul Kochhar
2 Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, London HA9 0HP
020 3667 9990
masalchi.co.uk
