Chillies Epsom Downs review: 'I already know I'm going back'

For anyone craving authentic Indian flavours with a unique touch, a visit to Chillies is well worth considering.

The restaurant presents a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and from the moment I walked in, I felt the promise of a memorable dining experience.

Indian cuisine is often known for its vibrant spices and comforting flavours, and Chillies delivered on both fronts, with a few interesting surprises along the way.

I began my meal with the quintessential Indian starter: poppadoms.

These light, crispy delights set the tone for a good meal, and Chillies served them perfectly. But what really intrigued me was the accompanying homemade coconut chutney, a house specialty that immediately caught my eye.

It arrived at the table in a vibrant red colour, a surprising hue for coconut chutney.

Initially, I admit I was a bit hesitant—who could blame me?

The colour alone made me wonder if I’d be met with an overpowering, spicy flavour.

But, as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover.

I took my first dip, and to my pleasant surprise, the chutney was a revelation.

It had a mild sweetness and a nutty coconut base, with just the right balance of spices.

The flavours were unique yet comforting, a refreshing twist from the typical chutneys that accompany poppadoms.

I knew right away that this coconut chutney was something I’d remember long after my meal.

After the poppadoms, I moved on to my starter, choosing the duck tikka masala.

As a fan of the traditional chicken tikka masala, I was intrigued by this variation.

The dish arrived piping hot, and my first bite was rich, creamy, and full of unexpected sweetness—a bit ironic for a restaurant called Chillies, where I had anticipated more of a kick.

However, the sweetness was pleasantly balanced, and the sauce was luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.

The duck was tender and flavourful, offering a slight gaminess that complemented the mild spice blend in the sauce.

Paired with a serving of fragrant pilau rice and warm, soft naan bread, this dish was both satisfying and comforting.

The pilau rice soaked up the sauce beautifully, while the naan provided the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of that creamy, flavourful masala.

For dessert, I opted for something light and refreshing: a strawberry sundae.

The sundae was a nice change after the richness of the tikka masala, offering a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.

The cool, fruity flavours were a perfect end to the meal, providing a balance to the spices and richness that came before.

There’s something funny that seems to happen every time I finish a meal at an Indian restaurant.

I’ll tell myself, “That’s it—I’ve had enough! I won’t be wanting eat Indian food for a while.”

But then I find out I’m lying to myself.

Within days (the next day) I find myself craving those bold, comforting flavours once again, and Chillies is no exception.

The unique touch of that homemade coconut chutney keeps crossing my mind, and I know I’ll be back sooner than later to satisfy my cravings.

Chillies has made a lasting impression on me, and if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit.