I went to a Sutton café which has won numerous awards, and I’ve decided that it’s a gem that truly lives up to its award-winning reputation.
Going there for brunch, I was welcomed by the owner Ankur, whose warmth and hospitality set the perfect tone for the meal ahead.
LA Cafe isn’t the kind of place that distracts with elaborate decor—the inside is simple and straightforward, allowing the food and service to take centre stage.
The brunch menu had plenty of tempting options, but I was drawn to a starter that sounded both unique and ambitious: an aubergine dish that, as the chef later explained, was quite tricky to prepare.
When it arrived, I was impressed by the delicate presentation.
Aubergine can be a tricky ingredient to get right, but this dish was nothing short of a revelation.
Smoky, tender, and bursting with layers of flavour, it perfectly balanced richness with a hint of sweetness.
Each bite felt like an exploration of textures, and I could tell this wasn’t your average brunch starter.
The chef’s skill truly shone through, elevating a humble vegetable into something memorable and special.
To complement my food, I ordered the LA Coffee.
This warm, indulgent drink—a mix of cream, hot chocolate, and a topping of whipped cream with chocolate drizzle—was like a cosy dessert in a mug.
And that’s exactly what it was – my dessert.
It had a perfect balance of richness and sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
Sipping it between bites of my starter was delightful, and the cream added just the right amount of warmth and smoothness to make it feel indulgent yet comforting.
For my main course, I went with the chicken tikka burger and chips, served with a fresh side salad.
This was the special and Ankur explained his specials are “never repeated”.
It’s always exciting to see cafes putting creative spins on classic dishes, and this burger was a great example.
The chicken was perfectly marinated with just the right number of spices, giving it a depth of flavour that paired beautifully with the fresh bun and crisp vegetables.
Each bite of the burger delivered that comforting familiarity of tikka flavour but with a satisfying, handheld twist.
The chips on the side were seasoned and crispy, exactly how I liked them, and the salad provided a nice, refreshing balance to the hearty main.
Overall, LA Cafe’s brunch was a delightful experience from start to finish.
The straightforward interior, paired with Ankur’s warm welcome and the thoughtfully prepared dishes, made it clear that LA Cafe is all about genuine quality and care.
Each element - from the skillfully crafted aubergine starter to the cosy, chocolatey LA Coffee and the flavourful chicken tikka burger - reflected a passion for good food and a dedication to the details that make a dining experience truly memorable.
I left feeling both satisfied and inspired, understanding why LA Cafe has not only won awards but also the hearts of people all over the place.
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