If you’re craving an authentic taste of South India, Tukka Tuk Canteen Cardiff has an enticing array of flavours that promise to transport you to the vibrant streets of Kerala. A meal here promises an experience that tantalises the taste buds and will leave you craving more.
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Indian Restaurant Whitchurch Cardiff
If you don’t know restauranteur Anand George, you’ll be aware of his Cardiff restaurants. He made his name at Mint and Mustard, Chai Street and Purple Poppadom, one of the Michelin-star restaurants in Cardiff, before opening Tukka Tuk, the street food stall in Cardiff Market. Now, there’s also Tukka Tuk Canteen.
Tukka Tuk Canteen Reviews
Located on Whitchurch Road, amidst a bustling culinary landscape including Brother Thai and Vivo Amigo, Tukka Tuk Canteen opened its doors in September 2023. Stepping inside, guests are welcomed by a lively atmosphere infused with the aroma of spices filling the air. The décor pays homage to its South Indian roots, with vibrant colours and intricate designs adorning the walls. The communal bench seating is perfect for sharing a meal with friends and family.
At the heart of Tukka Tuk Canteen is a team of dedicated staff who embody the spirit of hospitality, providing attentive service with a genuine smile. Their profound knowledge of the menu ensures that you are guided through with enthusiasm and passion, catering to seasoned foodies and those new to the cuisine. Ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Tukka Tuk Canteen Menu
The Feast Begins! Of course, with a selection of tempting short eats, as they’re labelled on the menu. We were given beautiful gold side plates, which had been warmed ready for the starters. This included Ulli Vada Bhajee, a deconstructed onion bhajee, lamb rolls wrapped in pastry and served with spiced ketchup, succulent prawns stir-fried with spices, which were soft, juicy and melted in my mouth, and the flavourful beef fry, which we all fought over for the last bite. The tender chunks had been slow-cooked with garlic, ginger and curry leaves, which left a pleasant punchy taste in the mouth.
If you’ve been to Tukka Tuk Cardiff Market, you’ve probably tried the Kerala fried chicken. The diced chicken thigh is marinated in a blend of Kerala spices, which encase the chicken in a crispy crust. Usually, the star of the show, especially when paired with the Bombay fries, got lost alongside the others. Still tasty, nonetheless!
Tukka Tuk Canteen Cardiff Menu
The main courses are small plates, so be thoughtful of that. I wasn’t going to have any sides, but I was encouraged to by the staff – who were brilliant at making suggestions – and because I was caught up in my enjoyment, I did pick two. I was lucky that I did, as they were needed. (Yes, even after all of those starters!)
One party member opted for the lamb banana leaf meal, which is a bit more substantial. It comes with rice, a curry, pickles, poppadom and sides. However, he has a big appetite, so again, was glad that he’d had a few starters. (Hungry, he did try to eat the banana leaf, too – apparently, you don’t do that!)
I opted for the pollicha chicken in a masala-type sauce wrapped in a fresh banana leaf. It doesn’t come with rice or sides, and the recommendations were the dhal and Malabar parotta, a hand-stretched bread perfect for dipping. The Kochi beef rib was a highlight; cooked on the bone, the meat fell off and melted in the mouth. The chicken kothu roti was right up my street. It felt light with shredded cabbage, carrots, spring onion and egg, and still packed a zingy punch in the flavour department.
If you’re a bit wary of spice, the dishes range between a tangy mild and fiery, peppery medium. The hottest dish we tried was the batu moju side; fried aubergine, shallots, garlic and caramelised onion in a sweet and sour sauce.
A Memorable Touch
As an extra special touch, the team at Tukka Tuk Canteen surprised us with a delightful coconut dessert to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Adorned with tropical fruit and a candle to blow out, this thoughtful addition enhanced our dining experience and underscored the restaurant’s commitment to genuine hospitality.
Tukka Tuk Canteen Prices
For a table of five people with a couple of drinks each, our bill totalled £260, just over £50 each. While not a cheap meal out, the quality and authenticity of the dishes more than justified the price.
If you’re looking for something more cost-effective, visit at lunchtime. The lunch menu has a main and a side or tiffin meals, costing between £10.95 and £12.95.
The Verdict
As the menu is designed for social eating, it’s best to go as a group, meaning you can try more dishes. I’d also go for date night, but depending on how big your appetite is (or how deep your wallet is), you may have to make a few visits to try more of the menu.
Dining at Tukka Tuk Canteen was a memorable experience that surpassed my expectations. From impeccable service to exquisite flavours that dance on our palates, from the first bite to the last, each dish had different strengths and showcased different cooking styles and the dedicated authenticity that defines this establishment.
Tukka Tuk Canteen Opening Times
Daily between 12pm – 2.30pm and from 5.30pm – 9.45pm (9pm on Sundays)
Where is the restaurant?
Tukka Tuk Canteen Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, CF14 3LY
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Make a Booking
There’s a book a table button on the website; call 02920 630704 or hello@agtukkatuk.com
Follow them on Social Media
Stay updated on the latest offerings and promotions by following Tukka Tuk Canteen on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TripAdvisor
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