“AD” – Why is this here?

I was delighted when the second Tiffin Truck opened in Kings Hedges several years ago. It meant I could access their top-quality authentic Indian cuisine without the stressful battle into central Cambridge. Better still, the food quality seemed to match their popular sister restaurant entirely.

Now, The Tiffin Truck on Kings Hedges is starting to diverge with its own unique specials menu. Their inspiration? South Indian Keralan dishes – some of my absolute favourites!

Still vibrant!

I had forgotten how much I love the artwork in The Tiffin Truck. The walls are plain and white with black trim, but they are illuminated by wonderful Indian-inspired artwork in an abundance of colour. The psychedelic picture of an Indian elephant always makes me smile, and the image of the girl in sunglasses with a big grin reminds me of the fun that is about to approach. The atmosphere is warm, and Cobra beer is served on tap.

Palm Wine

We were given a sample of palm wine, an alcoholic drink made from fermented sap. It is drunk across Asia and offers a tangy and very punchy flavour that really hits the spot. I struggled to drink too much of it due to its bold characteristics but I know several people who would absolutely love it. I was told that this is the only place in Cambridge to try it, so if you are a foodie or someone looking to try something new then it is worth the trip!

Natholi Fry

We started off with a rather exciting and unusual starter called the Natholi Fry. Made from anchovies marinated in Kerala spices and ‘shallow fried’, this resulted in an easy-to-share crispy dish with a satisfyingly salty flavour. A squeeze of the fresh lime provided a zesty pop that really added a zing. Beautiful!

Chicken Varattiyathu

​A stunning follow-up was the Chicken Varattiyathu: a Kerala-style dry-roasted spiced chicken, enriched with roasted coconut and curry leaves. For a newcomer to traditional Indian food, a good description would be similar to a textbook curry, but without the sauce. The chicken was so tender and juicy that it mitigated any potential dryness, and the red chillies really made the presentation more inviting.

Erachi Thenga Varuthathu

​I loved everything about the Erachi Thenga Varuthathu. From the wonderfully soft fried lamb to the subtle sweetness of the roasted coconut and the conservative balance of green chillies, which added a glowing warmth that didn’t overpower. It was ideal for a cold autumn evening.

Beef Ghee Roast

I love a bit of beef, so to have it marinated in spices and pan-roasted really gave it some life with a bold and distinctive flavour. This was another highlight dish for me and something I kept picking at throughout. I honestly think I could have kept eating this forever without stopping 🤣

Kizhi Paratha

This exciting and unusual dish is a handmade Malabar paratha (flaky style) that ‘envelopes’ a large chunk of slow-cooked spiced chicken. The entire parcel is then delicately wrapped in a banana leaf to capture the subtle flavours and aromas inside. If that wasn’t enough, it’s topped with a traditional Indian omelette.

I found this to be a delightfully unique take on chicken in a way I have never seen before. Opening the banana leaves released a plume of steam that gave way to a thick layer of moist chicken. Topped with the omelette and garnished with onion and tomatoes, it was a memorable dish.

Gulab Jamun

We ended a rather heavy and savoury evening with a small portion of gulab jamun, a popular Indian dessert. I was immensely struck by the £1.50 price tag that felt like an absolute steal. While it isn’t very large, to see anything for that price in a restaurant is rare. It’s perfect, as I don’t often want a large dessert but something small and sweet, just to sign the night off.

It is a very simple and straightforward dish made from fried dough balls that are soaked in sticky sugary syrup. It really hit the spot, and you could easily order four to six for the price of a typical dessert anywhere else.

A new menu worth seeking

The decision by The Tiffin Truck, Kings Hedges, to introduce this South Indian Keralan menu is an exciting development. It adds an exciting difference from its sister restaurant while still keeping a lot of the classic dishes on the menu. All are authentic and definitely full of flavour; from the unusual Natholi Fry to the perfectly rich Beef Ghee Roast and the delightfully intriguing Kizhi Paratha. If you are a fan of South Indian cuisine, looking to try it, or are a foodie hunting down something exciting or unusual, then this is a great place to visit.

Thanks for reading