Rikshaw is an Indian restaurant at 244 Gipsy Road in West Norwood. The kitchen gives particular attention to Kerala and South Indian cooking while retaining a selection of familiar North Indian dishes. Coconut, curry leaves, tamarind, chilli and carefully toasted spices create a menu that moves from crisp snacks and pancakes to seafood, curries, rice and tandoori grills.
Starters include lamb chops with ginger, chilli idli, Kerala beef with curry leaves, fried prawns and king fish masala. Chicken tikka is presented in tandoori, creamy and herb marinated styles, while paneer tikka, cauliflower chilli fry and onion bhaji provide vegetable choices. Rasam offers a lighter opening through tomato, lentils and warming spice.
Regional main dishes include duck simmered with Kerala spices, beef roasted with coconut and curry leaves, chicken in coconut milk and lamb mappas. Seafood ranges from crab and king prawn masala to fish moilee, sea bass cooked in banana leaf and a tangy Kerala fish curry. Avial, thoran, lentils with spinach and aubergine with coconut and tamarind give vegetarian diners the same regional depth.
Masala dosa, steamed idli and lace edged appam are served with sambar or chutney, while Kerala paratha and naan are suited to the curries. Biryani can be prepared with chicken, lamb, prawns or vegetables, and brunch thali gathers several dishes onto one platter. Palada payasam, kulfi and gulab jamun complete a meal rich in coconut, spice and contrasting textures.
Address: 244 Gipsy Road, West Norwood, London SE27 9RB, United Kingdom