Queen Victoria's favourite curry

A favourite with British diners today, Indian cookery was given a boost in Great Britain when Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1877. The queen developed an interest in Indian culture, learning Urdu and even decorating a room in Osborne House, her Isle of Wight residence, according to Indian fashion. Furthermore, Queen Victoria was also keen to explore the country’s cuisine, and had two Indian servants gifted to her who could prepare authentic dishes for the monarch. It’s claimed that by the end of the 1880s, different varieties of curries were a staple of Queen Victoria’s weekly menu.

At The Curry Room at The Rubens at the Palace, diners have a chance to enjoy an Indian feast for themselves. Chef Arun Kumar heads up the kitchen and has worked closely with The Oyster Box Hotel’s Head Chef, Kevin Joseph, famed for his Curry Buffet, to create an authentic and utterly delicious menu. Snack on starters of Keema Samoosas and poppadums served with the traditional pickle, chutney and raita. Fragrant mains include a Natal lamb curry, butter chicken and a spicy beef Vindaloo. Round off your meal with a cooling Kulfi ice cream or fresh papaya sorbet.

Located just opposite Buckingham Palace, where Queen Victoria lived during her reign, The Curry Room at The Rubens at the Palace has its very own royal atmosphere. To experience the kind of Indian dishes that Queen Victoria would have enjoyed, learn how to make curried mutton cutlets with this historic recipe, thought to have been one of the Queen’s favourites.