Kohinoor: More than an Indian restaurant in Sofia
Staying a few nights in Sofia means many things to different people. Alexander Nevski Church, Vitosha mountain, NDK (for concerts), Opera house Sofia restaurants and many late night clubs.
But there’s one place that has become my regular Sofia restaurant… it’s the 100% no smoking Kohinoor indian restaurant in the centre of Sofia.
Dining ambiance
A dining room opens up on walking downstairs. It’s a nice harmony of warm lighting and intimacy.. A balance between Indian ethnicity and modernity.
This dining room works and given the number of other diners here on my last visit I could see I was not alone in my view..
A special welcome
Alexander is a very special Bulgarian. A happy smile and enthusiasm for making sure you have the best meal possible and nothing is too much trouble.
Exemplary service
Explaining that the garam masala is Indian chef made from ground from spices from London he moved onto his recommendations.
Starters with a difference
Sometimes making a food decision is a step too far. It was one of those evenings where I was more than happy to be lead by Alexander. A good move.
The vegetable Pakora aubergine (egg plant), onion potatoes, peppers, squash . Light, and with the popadoms ( 3.50lev) includes raita and chutney. Nan breads; 1.50 lev to 3.0 lev.
A spicy mixed main
A chicken madras (12.90 lev), tandoori chicken (11.90), dahl makhmi (8.90 lev) reshmi kebab (11.90) presented on warming lamps.
On second visit the fahl was super hot and produced the required curry sweat for my skiing chums.
Pilau rice (6.50 lev) Alexander ensuring we have a great mix.
Indian food is becoming a little more common (and we have two places in Bansko, Mr Singh’s Curruoke and curry nights at the Avalon) but the concept, and flavours, are only more recently becoming more established in Bulgaria.
About the owner
Now 32, Bogomil, (“Boggy”) went to UK for four years. After studying “A” levels atSt Edmonds College. Herts, he went on to Brunel University to study Economics and Finance.
Taking a two year break from in Bulgaria, Boggy then studied for a further two yrs (University of Portsmouth). In all his times in the UK he took time out to frequent the local curry restaurants.
His passion for cooking in general plus hot and spicy food set the scene for his first venture into the Sofia restaurant scene.
It was 2007. Only two restaurants remained in Sofia.
Boggy realised from his time in the UK, that Indian food in Sofia needed a fresh approach. The moment was after experiencing a less than wonderful Indian meal in Sofia.
Renting premises, and opening 31st March 2008, Boggy needed an Indian chef. So he contacted the Indian Embassy, and with huge good fortune there was an Indian chef keen to start work right away.
After the first taster meal, tastes were not up to standard. After much trial and error, which continues to this day, with regular menu updates — the Kohinoor quality worked.
The Kohinoor: a name of destiny?
The then incumbent Indian Ambassador suggested the name, Kohinoor.
Destiny was discovered much later on after Boggy went back to his favourite Indian restaurant in Uxbridge recently. On entering his local curry restaurant of those past years. The name, not something you remember whein it known as the curry house, was called Kohinoor. A coincidence — or destinay?
New Bulgarian nationals converting to Kohinoor Indian food mingle with Indian national students from the US, studying medicine in Sofia. Then of course tourists to Sofia.
All finding their curry fix.
The good
Great naan breads, proper hot madras, clean flavours. Pleasant ambiance. Impeccable service.
The bad
Some tables where the reception from Globul mobile operator is not good. But who want to be on the phone when the food is this good?
Food: 18/20
Service: 19/20
Overall: 18/20
Web
Address
Sofia 1463, Bulgaria
3 Han Asparouh Str.
Telephone
+359 88 253 254 1
OPENING HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 12:00-23:00
Saturday: 17:00-23:00
Sunday: closed
Central apartment accommodation in Sofia: rentapartment.bg
Tips of the day
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