Clay’s Kitchen: The Best Place for Indian in Reading
For anyone searching for authentic Indian cuisine in Reading, Clay’s Kitchen stands out as a truly special destination. Founded by chef-owners Nandana and Sharat, this much-loved restaurant has built its reputation on passion, authenticity, and a deep respect for the culinary traditions of Hyderabad. From carefully blended spices to inventive regional dishes, Clay’s Kitchen offers a dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavours of India.
A Dream Turned Reality
Clay’s Kitchen began with a simple but powerful dream. Nandana and Sharat always hoped to open their own restaurant, and in 2017, they took the bold step of signing a lease for their first premises. After months of dedication and hard work, they opened their doors in June 2018, bringing authentic Hyderabadi cuisine to the people of Reading.
Their approach to cooking is distinctive and passionate. Each dish is crafted using spices and unique ingredients sourced from India, balanced with the best local and British suppliers. What truly sets Clay’s apart is the attention given to flavour. Every spice blend is carefully created for a specific recipe, ensuring that each dish has its own unique identity.
Through this thoughtful approach, Clay’s Kitchen tells the culinary stories of Hyderabad. Some dishes draw inspiration from the luxurious cuisine once enjoyed by the Royal Nizams, while others celebrate the bold, lively street food and Andhra cooking traditions of the region. The result is a menu that feels both authentic and exciting, offering something new and memorable for every guest.
A Warm Welcome from the Local Community
From the moment Clay’s Kitchen opened, it quickly captured the hearts of the local community. The restaurant received awards from local websites during its first year of trading and welcomed hundreds of guests who soon became regular customers.
Many diners say that eating at Clay’s feels like visiting friends who happen to be extraordinary cooks. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere and personal approach to hospitality have helped create a strong connection with customers. Over time, many guests have come to feel like part of the extended Clay family.
A Menu Full of Flavour and Creativity
The menu at Clay’s Kitchen highlights the diversity of Indian cuisine, with dishes that range from small bites to rich and satisfying mains.
Guests can begin their meal with flavourful starters such as Indian-style hot pickles, available with cauliflower, green chilli, or chicken, or enjoy Phool Makhna with curry leaf masala and corn ribs with Clay’s signature spice powder. Other intriguing options include tapioca papad with Keralan onion chutney and idli fingers served with podi and peanut coconut chutney.
The menu also features a selection of vibrant small plates, including aloo tikki chat, which combines spicy, tangy, and cooling flavours in a single bite, as well as heirloom tomatoes with pachadi salad and grilled chillies stuffed with rice and roasted chana dal.
Seafood and meat dishes add further variety, such as crispy tilapia with Apollo fish sauce, pork and octopus skewers with ginger, jaggery and tamarind glaze, and miso chicken tikka skewers served with yoghurt, lime and coriander dip.
For main courses, Clay’s Kitchen offers rich and deeply satisfying dishes that showcase traditional cooking techniques. Highlights include bhuna venison slow-cooked in its own juices, Clay’s chicken ghee roast, known for its fiery and earthy flavours, and saag paneer kofta in a creamy tomato sauce. Other favourites include patra with tamarind-jaggery glaze, grilled jumbo king prawns with savoury tokku, and braised beef short ribs served with luxurious nalli nihari sauce.
Those looking for a classic rice dish can enjoy the lamb shank biryani, while baghara rice, a Hyderabadi-style pulao, provides the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Traditional breads such as John’s mixed basket of three rotis and comforting sides like smoked tamarind dal complete the experience.
Bringing Clay’s Kitchen to Homes Across the UK
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the hospitality industry, Clay’s Kitchen adapted innovatively. Because the restaurant is a small and intimate space without outdoor seating, Nandana and Sharat decided to bring their food directly to customers’ homes.
They began preparing their curries and dishes using a blast-chilling method, vacuum-packing them so they could be delivered nationwide while maintaining their freshness and flavour. After a successful local trial, Clay’s started delivering across the UK in August 2020.
The response was remarkable. Clay’s at-home meals received excellent reviews and national media attention, with praise from well-known food critics including Jay Rayner, Tom Parker Bowles, and William Sitwell.
A Restaurant That Continues to Grow
After sixteen months of closure, Clay’s Kitchen reopened its restaurant in July 2021. The team introduced a menu that blends beloved classics with exciting new dishes developed during their time away. The dining experience was further enhanced with a carefully curated wine list created by consultant and wine expert Zeren Wilson.
Despite reopening, Clay’s continues to offer its nationwide delivery menu, allowing guests to enjoy their favourite dishes whether they are dining in Reading or relaxing at home.
The Best Place for Indian in Reading
What makes Clay’s Kitchen truly special is the combination of authentic regional cooking, thoughtful ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality. Every dish reflects the passion of its chef-owners and the rich culinary heritage of Hyderabad.
Whether you are visiting the restaurant for a memorable meal or enjoying our food at home, Clay’s Kitchen offers an experience that goes far beyond a typical curry house. For anyone searching for exceptional Indian food in Reading, Clay’s Kitchen is undoubtedly one of the best places to discover the vibrant flavours and stories of India.
