Kerala and Middle Eastern Supper Clubs

As April 2025 ended and May began in England's driest Spring on record, a stylish London apartment, situated in one of our capital’s most exclusive squares, was a hub of activity. The scent of exotic cuisine spread around the elegant building on Tuesday April 29th and Thursday May 1st. For days and weeks, in advance, Subita and her merry band of assistants were busy moving furniture, buying ingredients, carting up the finest wines, setting tables and sprinkling their magic on the aprons of two superlative women chefs, Manju Rahim and Farah Hamid.

Both chefs kindly volunteered to cook two delicious suppers - gratis. On the 29th Manju prepared a fine medley of food from the Kerala Coastal Region and on May Day Farah presented a splendid array of Food from the Middle East.

Around thirty guests on each night participated in a magnificent feast with Som providing a fabulous rendition of the origins of some exotic wines, including Rustenberg Chenin Blanc from South Africa and Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling from New Zealand which goes particularly well with Nadan Chicken curry. The dessert wine from Italy - Vin Santo Chianti Piccini - was especially tantalizing. And the Chateau Musar, a Lebanese Wine, went perfectly with the rich oily textures of the Salmon and Eggplant dish. The wine carries spicy and earthy undertones which mirror the flavours found in Middle Eastern dishes while creating a harmonious synergy

Special thanks to all who bought tickets and also to the ‘silent’ donors who contributed over and above the ticket price. Also thanks to the excellent serving staff Beth, Natasha, Palma, Galo, Ivy and Bella who were all so lively, obliging and attentive.

Some quotes from guests on both evenings sums up just how well the event was received:

"The atmosphere - the chatter between new & old friends on different tables - was memorable."

"I have always loved the food from Kerala ever since my youthful encounter with a young man from that part of India. Although he broke my heart, the memory of his mother’s food lives on, so I was delighted to see some of her special dishes on the menu"

"Thank you so much for the most beautiful evening, hosted with such warmth, elegance, and generosity. It was a real honour to be part of the dinner in support of the Rudy Menon Foundation—a powerful tribute to Rudy’s memory and a cause driven by deep love and purpose"

"The Mediterranean meal was nothing short of spectacular. From the cold mezze—labneh, mutabal, and more—gracefully set out in advance, to the comforting hot mezze with falafel, parmesan-infused beans, grilled halloumi with tomato, and that lovely hummus. The main course—an immaculate Imam Bayıldı on a bed of two kinds of rice with za’atar oil—was rich, fragrant, and absolutely delicious. And the dessert—kunafa with ice cream and dates—was the perfect sweet finale. Special thanks to the chef and her assistant for the extraordinary, handmade meal—such a generous gift of time and talent. It was clear how much thought and care went into every dish. From sourcing ingredients to days of preparation, it was a true labour of love by all three hosts—and it showed."

"The evening was full of heart, beautifully executed, yet deeply personal. I feel so lucky to have shared it with such generous hosts and delightful fellow guests. Thank you again for an evening I’ll treasure for a long, long time"