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Pepper Chicken
About This Dish
Pepper Chicken is a bold, aromatic South Indian dish that’s celebrated for its deep black pepper flavour and comforting warmth. Unlike chilli-heavy curries, this semi-dry preparation delivers a slow-building heat from freshly ground black pepper. The resulting spice profile is earthy, stimulating, and incredibly moreish. Juicy chicken pieces are sautéed with curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and caramelised onions for a thick, clinging masala that coats every bite.
What sets it apart is the way it delivers complexity using simple, natural ingredients—no overpowering sauces or excessive heat. Instead, it balances warmth, fragrance, and savoury depth in a way both rustic and refined. For those in the UK who enjoy spice but want something more layered than just “hot,” Pepper Chicken offers a deeply satisfying experience. It’s a versatile dish too—served as a main with parotta or rice, or as a starter at Indian restaurant.
History & Tradition
Pepper Chicken traces its origins to the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, regions famed for their spice cultivation and bold, rustic cooking. Long before red chillies came to India, black pepper was the primary source of heat in cooking. Referred to as “black gold” by traders and conquerors alike, pepper was once a globally coveted spice, central to India’s culinary and commercial history.
In traditional South Indian kitchens, Pepper Chicken began as a homestyle recipe, created to showcase the prized local peppercorns. Over time, it became a comfort food in its own right—served during family gatherings, Sunday lunches, or festive meals. Its semi-dry style made it ideal for mopping up with flaky parottas or crispy dosas, and that tradition continues in modern Indian restaurants across India and the UK.
What Makes It Special
What makes Pepper Chicken at BKC London truly unique is its singular focus on freshly ground black pepper. In a cuisine often known for its use of dozens of spices, this dish stands out for its restraint—showcasing how one spice, when used with skill, can carry an entire dish. The pepper brings a warm, woody heat that deepens as you eat, perfectly complemented by curry leaves, slow-cooked onions, and a touch of tang from the marinade.
The result is an irresistible balance of aroma, texture, and spice. The semi-dry masala clings to each piece of chicken, intensifying the flavour with every bite. Whether paired with jeera rice, layered parottas, or served dry as a starter, Pepper Chicken appeals to both traditionalists and newcomers. It’s rich, fragrant, and unapologetically bold—a perfect example of how minimal ingredients can deliver maximum flavour.
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Ananya Mehta
The Chicken Tandoori Lollypop took me straight back to Delhi evenings. Juicy, smoky, and packed with bold tandoori flavour, every bite was delicious. The marination was just right—spicy but not overpowering. Loved the crispy char on the outside. This is comfort food with flair. Perfect for sharing, though I could easily eat a whole plate myself.
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Oliver James
Absolutely loved the Chicken Tandoori Lollypop. The chicken was tender and the smoky flavour from the grill really stood out. It had just the right amount of spice and the presentation was fun and inviting. Great as a starter or even just with drinks. Definitely coming back for this one. A brilliant twist on classic tandoori.
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Emily Rose
What a flavour-packed snack! The Chicken Tandoori Lollypop was perfectly grilled with a crispy finish and the inside was so juicy. The tandoori spices were rich and warming, without being too spicy. It is the ideal dish to kick off a meal or enjoy with friends. Authentic taste with a modern edge—loved every bite.
FAQs
A: Not in the typical chilli-hot way. It has a slow, warming heat from black pepper that builds gently on the palate.
A: It’s fantastic with parotta, basmati rice, or even as a dry starter with a squeeze of lemon on top.
A: Pepper Chicken is usually semi-dry—coated in thick masala rather than swimming in sauce.
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Monsoon, Maach & Memory — A Feast that Speaks Bengali!
27th July | 1PM Onwards | BKC Soho, London
This isn’t just a meal — it’s a monsoon afternoon in your grandmother’s home. It’s the smell of mustard oil rising from the kitchen. The sound of Rabindra Sangeet through rain-soaked windows. The rustle of wet saris. The taste of home — and everything it remembers. This is more than a seasonal meal — it’s a memory served warm!
On 27th July, join us for a soulful celebration of Bengal’s rain-washed rituals, where Ilish and Chingri sit side by side like old stories retold. Gobindo Bhog rice, golden moong dal, begun bhaja, Kolkata fish fry, Mochar Chop — each dish a page in Bengal’s memory. Aam Pora Sharbat that smells like old rooftops. Baked rasgulla and mishti pan that taste like endings softened with love!
This is Bengal — undivided. Remembered. Felt.
Rain-soaked. River-fed. Nostalgia-plated.
📍BKC Soho | 8 Moor Street, London, W1D 5ND
27th July | From 1PM | Limited seats | Book now on OpenTable
#bkcflavors #londoneats #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofinstagram🍴 #tastemade #love #bengali #bengalifood #bengaliculture #bangla #viral #ᴠɪʀᴀʟᴘᴏsᴛ #bangla #bangladesh #westbengal #fish #london #londonfood #eastbengal #bangladesh
The Great British Curry Up — A Midweek Feast Like No Other!
Wednesday nights just got their spark back. BKC’s Great British Curry Up is our bold tribute to Britain’s age-old romance with curry — reimagined with fire, flavour, and a pint of Kingfisher Beer. It all begins with our Mutton Rogan Josh — slow-cooked to soulful perfection, rich with spice, and unapologetically indulgent.
This isn’t just dinner — it’s a weekly ritual. Where the masalas are deep, the gravies are generous, and the beer flows freely. The kind of night that turns midweek into magic — with laughter at the table, stories in every bite, and flavour that lingers long after the last sip.
• Every Wednesday from 6PM | In collaboration with Kingfisher Beer.
📍 BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
#bkcflavors #londoneats #eeeeeats #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #lucknow #viral #indianfoodie #indianrecipes #awadhicuisine #londonfoodguide #londonfoodscene #curry #currynight #roganjosh #currylover
The Great British Curry Up – A Wednesday Feast at BKC Soho!
Britain’s obsession with curry deserves more than a takeaway. That’s why we’re turning up the heat every Wednesday with The Great British Curry Up — a fiery new weekly tradition, served in partnership with Kingfisher Beer. Expect bold flavours, deep gravies, and cold pints to match!
We kick off with Mutton Rogan Josh — a Kashmiri classic where lamb is slow-cooked in yogurt and onions, infused with fennel and warming spices until it falls apart at the touch. Served with steamed rice and a chilled Kingfisher, it’s a dish that delivers depth, heat, and heritage in every bite!
📍 Every Wednesday from 6PM
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
In proud partnership with Kingfisher Beer
#bkcflavors #londoneats #eeeeeats #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #lucknow #viral #indianfoodie #indianrecipes #awadhicuisine #londonfoodguide #londonfoodscene #curry #currynight #roganjosh #currylover
Inside the Handi: The Story of Thalassery Biryani!
What makes Thalassery Biryani unforgettable? It’s not just the tender lamb or coastal warmth — it’s Kerala’s soul in every grain. Made with kaima rice, a short-grain variety that clings to spice like memory, it’s layered with golden onions, green chillies, and just a touch of ghee.
At BKC, we honour the traditional method — slow-cooked so that every layer sings in quiet harmony. No saffron. No colour. Just pure Malabar flavour, sealed in a pot and served with love.
📍Available Friday to Sunday – Biryani Bharat Yatra | July Edition
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
#bkcflavors #londoneats #biryani #desikhana #eeeeeats #vegetarian #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #instafood #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #biryanilovers #keralagram #biryanilovers #dumbiryani #keralagram #malayali #keralafood #viral #viralfood
Whispered, Not Grilled – The Story of Galouti!
Born in the royal kitchens of Lucknow for a toothless nawab, the Galouti Kebab was never meant to shout. It was made to melt. A symphony of finely minced lamb, hand-pounded spices, and BKC’s signature Potli Masala — grilled with finesse until it collapses at first touch.
This World Kebab Day, we honour the kebab that defined Awadhi culinary elegance — a legacy now part of India’s bid for UNESCO Gastronomy status. From the gullies of Aminabad to the heart of London, BKC serves the most authentic taste of Lucknow — no shortcuts, no frills, just royal memory on a plate.
Only at:
• BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
• BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
Celebrate World Kebab Day with a bite of heritage!
#bkcflavors #londoneats #eeeeeats #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #lucknow #viral #viralreels #recipereel #indianfoodie #indianrecipes #awadhicuisine #londonfoodguide #londonfoodscene
Monsoon. Maach. Madness. – The Feast That Divides a State, But Unites the Soul!
When the skies burst open, Bengal doesn’t hide — it cooks. It fries, it simmers, it debates. From the crunch of Kolkata Fish Fry to the fiery depth of Tel Jhal, from the mustard-laced Sorshe Ilish to the silken seduction of Chingri Malai Curry — this is nostalgia plated hot. Every bite takes you back — to muddy school shoes, boat races, Ma shouting aar ekta bhaat dao, and the smoky kitchen where stories were stirred into every dish!
This 27th July, BKC Soho becomes your monsoon adda — with hands in rice, fish on fingers, and hearts full of memories. And yes — the poll that defines all Bengali pride will be live: Illish vs Chingri — which one are you?
📍 BKC Soho | 8 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
One-day-only feast | 27th July, 1PM onwards
Tables filling fast. Book now on OpenTable. Come hungry — come home!
#bkcflavors #londoneats #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofinstagram🍴 #tastemade #love #bengali #bengalifood #bengaliculture #bangla #viral #ᴠɪʀᴀʟᴘᴏsᴛ #bangla #bangladesh #westbengal #fish #london #londonfood #londonfoodie #fishinglife
Secrets from the Masala Box – The Kebabs London Loves!
Yes, London’s fallen in love with our kebabs — but what makes them truly unforgettable? It’s the spice science passed down from the kitchens of Lucknow. Our masala box holds centuries of craft — from stone-ground garam masalas to the iconic Potli Masala, a delicate bouquet of rose petals, vetiver, cubeb pepper, stone flower, and mace, used in Awadhi cooking to layer depth without overpowering.
At BKC, every marinade tells a story. Our Burrah Lamb Chops are soaked in yoghurt and Kashmiri chilli overnight. Our Seekh Kebabs carry smoky heat and soft succulence. And the Dahi ke Kebabs — gentle, creamy, with a whisper of clove and cumin — are an ode to restraint. No bottled shortcuts. Just spice, memory, and mastery.
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
#bkcflavors #biryani #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #eatdelicious #foodies #tastemade #yummy #love #weekendindulgence #flavoursofindia #heritage #tribute #reverence #viral #viralreels #viralvideos #halalfood #halal #kebab #masala
Lucknow in a Handi – Celebrating World Biryani Day!
In Awadh, biryani wasn’t just cooked — it was composed. Each grain of rice perfumed with saffron, each strand of meat marinated, slow-cooked, and folded in with care. Born in royal kitchens and perfected by rakabdars, Lucknowi Biryani is a quiet, fragrant art — not fiery, but deeply flavourful.
At BKC, we stay true to the dum-pukht tradition — sealing our handi with dough, letting time and steam weave magic. It’s not just a dish. It’s a story of patience, balance, and legacy — the kind that deserves to be celebrated every single day.
Only at BKC Soho - 8 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
& BKC Marble Arch - 7 Edgware Road, London W2 2ER
On World Biryani Day and beyond – experience biryani the Awadhi way!
#bkcflavors #londoneats #biryani #food #foodie #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #biryanilovers #foodstagramming #foodiesofindia #instafood #foodlovers #biryanilove #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #foodies #tastemade #biryanilovers #lucknowibiryani #dumbiryani #viralreel #viralpost #halal #lucknow #unesco #viralfood