There are few things more magical than celebrating Christmas with great food, and this year Chook Chook in Putney has created a festive menu that feels like a railway journey through India—rich in flavour, colour, and warmth. For £40, diners are treated to a three‑course feast, complete with a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival. It’s a menu that manages to be both celebratory and deeply comforting, the perfect antidote to winter’s chill.

I visited with a friend on a crisp December evening, and from the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was buzzing with festive cheer. The restaurant’s interiors, with their nods to Indian railway heritage, set the stage for a culinary adventure. We toasted with our chilled prosecco, crisp and fabulously celebratory, before diving into the starters with glee.

We couldn’t resist ordering the meat platter to share, alongside a plate of samosas. The platter was a carnivore’s dream: succulent lamb chops spiced with cracked pepper, juicy chicken tikka, sizzling prawns and smoky, buttery soft salmon carried just the right amount of heat. Each bite was perfectly balanced, the spices warming without overwhelming, and the presentation was as elegant as it was generous. The samosas, meanwhile, were golden parcels of joy—crisp pastry giving way to a fragrant filling that was both hearty and delicately spiced. It was the kind of starter that immediately set the tone for the meal: indulgent, festive, and deeply satisfying.

The Christmas menu offers a choice of mains, including Duck Vindaloo, Nawabi Chicken Korma, and Tawa Vegetables, all served with House Black Daal, naan, and pilau rice. But we couldn’t resist adding two of Chook Chook’s house favourites: the lamb curry and butter chicken. The lamb curry was a revelation—tender pieces of meat in a sauce that was rich, aromatic, and layered with spices that unfolded like a story. It was warming, soulful, and exactly what you want on a winter’s night. The butter chicken, meanwhile, was pure comfort: velvety, creamy, and indulgent, with a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the fluffy naan. Together with the daal and rice, the mains created a spread that was both abundant and refined, a true celebration of Indian cuisine.

What impressed us most was the way Chook Chook’s chefs managed to balance tradition with innovation. Each dish felt authentic, yet elevated for the festive season. The Nawabi Chicken Korma, sampled from the Christmas menu, was regal in its richness, while the Duck Vindaloo offered a bold, fiery counterpoint. The Tawa Vegetables were vibrant and fresh, proving that vegetarian options can be just as indulgent. It was a menu that catered to every palate, without ever compromising on quality.

No festive meal is complete without something sweet, and Chook Chook’s desserts were the perfect finale. We shared both options: the chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream, and the pistachio kulfi. The brownie was decadent, its richness offset by the cool, creamy ice cream, while the kulfi was a revelation—nutty, fragrant, and refreshing, a lighter yet equally indulgent way to end the meal. Both desserts captured the spirit of celebration, leaving us content but not overwhelmed.

Of course, no Christmas menu would be complete without cocktails, and Chook Chook has crafted a range that’s as inventive as their food. We sampled the Spiced Colada, a tropical twist with warming notes, and the Cuban Toddy, a rum‑based delight that felt like Christmas in a glass. At £12 each, they were not only delicious but also excellent value, adding an extra sparkle to the evening.

Dining at Chook Chook this festive season is more than just a meal—it’s also a nod to the renowned culinary artistry of Indian railway cooking. The staff are warm and attentive, the atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, and the food is consistently outstanding. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or colleagues, this is the ultimate destination for a Christmas with a twist.

Chook Chook has managed to capture the essence of Christmas—celebration, indulgence, and togetherness—while taking diners on a journey through India’s culinary heritage. It’s festive dining at its finest, and a reminder that the best gifts are often shared around the table.