Little sister of Pickle, Sunil Ghai's renowned Indian restaurant on Dublin's Camden Street, this smartly atmospheric venue has brought the colour and flavourful simplicity of Indian home cooking to County Wicklow.
Run by Sunil's wife Leena, with a skilled kitchen team led by Sunil, tradition meets modernity at this unique little takeaway and deli which echoes the spirit of the original 'Tiffin' - a hot Indian lunchbox concept dating back to the 1890s.
Leena makes it a very personal, hands-on service, giving advice about the best choices from the carefully curated menu - which, like all of Suni's cooking, is based mainly on local foods in season as well as the best whole spices specially imported from across India and then freshly roasted and ground as required.
Tiger prawns do feature in the seafood dishes, but meats (mainly lamb) come from Irish Country Meats, the chicken in dishes such as the ever-popular Tandoori Chicken is supplied by Manor Farm, and there's a 'Wicklow Gardens' vegetarian section. Vegans have a dedicated range with plenty to choose from, and there are Kids' Favourites too - also a range of healthy Tiffin School Lunch Boxes filled with tasty things like Chicken Tikka & Cheese Sandwich or Baked Samosa that are suitable for eating cold and can be pre-ordered for collection the night before.
The walls are lined with selected essentials for authentic Indian cooking - including jars of Dollop ghee (made in Co Louth by B;;ymaloe Cookery School graduate Sophie van Dijk, using pure Irish unsalted butter), homemade pickles and chutneys (ask about the Shrimp Pickle made to a family recipe from Pickle's manager Benny Jacobs) and fresh spices and spice blends made to Sunil’s own recipes.
Customers can also have their own spice blends made up to order and, although small, this appealing shop buzzes with people popping in to top up their home supplies of favourite ingredients and condiments.
Definitely one to try when in the Garden County.
