The Foodie Compass An absolutely brilliant meal at Chilis South Indian & Asian Restaurant on Kings Walk in Reading. If you are a fan of authentic spicing, this place is a total gem. It is one of those spots that feels like a real find, tucked away on the first floor of The Village with a warm, bustling atmosphere that instantly makes you feel welcome.
Excellent variety on the Indo-Chinese menu, which is a fantastic addition to the more traditional South Indian fare. I usually go for the Gobi Manchurian, but this time I opted for the Chicken Manchurian. The flavours were spot on, tangy, spicy, and deeply savoury. My only tiny bit of constructive feedback would be the texture of the chicken. I was expecting it to be batter fried before being tossed in that sauce to give it a bit of crunch, and I think using thigh meat rather than breast would have made it even more succulent. That said, it was still a very tasty starter that disappeared quickly.
The absolute star of the show for me was the Mutton Fry. It was sensational and exactly how I hoped it would be, cooked down until the meat was tender and the spices had intensified into a rich, concentrated coating. It was bursting with flavour and easily the best dish of the night. We also went for the Lamb Biryani, which was another high point. I loved that the aromats and spices were beautifully layered rather than just stirred together.
I did find myself wishing for a few more South Indian breads like appams or hoppers to mop up the mutton fry, though I completely understand they are a bit of a logistical challenge to prepare fresh to order. However, the quality of the cooking we did have was top notch.
The service was impeccable throughout our visit. The staff were incredibly kind and pleasant, with genuine smiles all around that made the evening feel special. When you consider the generous portion sizes and the high standard of the food, it represents excellent value for money. Whether you are a hardcore foodie or just looking for a solid curry, Id highlyrecommend Chilis.
