Authentic curry can be hard to come by in rural France. Luckily, if you’re within striking distance of Angoulême, the Jardin de Kashmir restaurant has got you covered. With all the Pakistani favourites on the menu, plus a real willingness on the part of the owners to adjust the spiciness to suit your palate, there is something for everyone.
An Angoulême Institution
Every time we have been to Jardin de Kashmir it has been busy. It seems it is a bit of an Angoulême favourite for the locals, as well as drawing a crowd from further afar. The base curries are flavourful and rich, and the proprietors are happy to adjust the spice level to your palate. When I asked for “plus épicé s’il vous plaît”, they asked “are you sure”? But once assured of my hardy palate, they delivered an incredible, super charged butter chicken!
The Food at Jardin de Kashmir
Starters
The starters at Jardin de Kashmir are definitely show-stoppers. Alongside poppadoms and sauces / dips, the starters include all the usual suspects. The onion bhajis win for me, they are small and crispy and are perfection with the mint yoghurt sauce. I’d never had potato pakora before, but the ones at Jardin de Kashmir were substantial and held up to the hot pickles well. Starters are served on these large platters, with edible garnishing.
Mains
Every main curry dish we have tried has been brilliant. From the simple butter chicken and korma, to the speciality Pakistani karahi curry – there are enough varieties to satisfy beginners to connoisseurs alike. I appreciated the varieties of meat to choose from, and the quality. Not to mention the traditional vegetarian options available too.
Express Lunch
One of my favourite ways to dine at Jardin du Kashmir is by having their express lunch. Served on a lunch tray, you get a portion of chicken, meat or vegetarian curry, a couple of bhajis or samosas, and some rice and naan. It is a great way to be introduced to this style of food, or to eat in a rush (not that you should ever do that in France – lunch is meant to be savoured). The curries on offer were a bit plain for me, but they made me some extra hot sauce to accompany mine!
If you’re a foodie, then fine dining in Availles-Limouzine should be on your to-do list!
Takeaway Curry
Jardin de Kashmir offers a takeaway curry service out of a shop opposite the restaurant. There is also delivery options available within the city of Angoulême itself.
I wish they’d deliver to us (1 hour away), but alas I suppose that’s a bit much to ask. I’ll just have to visit Jardin de Kashmir as much as possible to get my fix!
Hours of operation
The Jardin de Kashmir restaurant in Angoulême is open every day of the week 12h00-14h30 & 19h00-23h30.
After exploring Angoulême, why not continue down into the Dordogne to visit Brantôme, and perhaps the Valley of Five Châteaux or Sarlat!
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