Discover Traditional Plain Paratha at Clay’s Kitchen
When exploring authentic Indian cuisine in Reading, Clay’s Hyderabadi Kitchen stands out as a destination where traditional flavours, thoughtful cooking, and warm hospitality come together. Founded by chef-owners Nandana and Sharat, the restaurant is known for its dedication to regional Hyderabadi cuisine and its passion for sharing the culinary stories of India. Among the many dishes that complement the restaurant’s rich and flavourful menu, traditional Indian breads such as plain paratha play an important role in completing the dining experience.
A Restaurant Built on Passion and Authenticity
Clay’s Kitchen began with a dream shared by Nandana and Sharat. In 2017, they took the bold step of signing a lease for their own restaurant space. After months of determination and hard work, the restaurant opened its doors in June 2018, bringing authentic Hyderabadi food to the people of Reading.
Their approach has always been rooted in authenticity and creativity. The chefs use spices and distinctive ingredients sourced from India, while also working closely with the best local and British suppliers to ensure quality and freshness. Each dish at Clay’s Kitchen is carefully crafted, with every spice blend created specifically for its recipe. This attention to detail allows the menu to reflect the diverse culinary traditions of Hyderabad, from the opulent dishes once served in the courts of the Royal Nizams to the vibrant street food and regional cooking of Andhra.
Through these carefully developed recipes, Clay’s Kitchen brings the flavours and heritage of India to life for its guests.
The Role of Traditional Indian Breads
In Indian cuisine, breads such as plain paratha are an essential part of the meal. Soft, satisfying, and versatile, paratha is often served alongside curries, rice dishes, and small plates, helping to balance bold spices and rich sauces.
At Clay’s Kitchen, traditional breads accompany a menu filled with flavourful dishes. Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s John’s mixed basket, which includes a selection of three freshly prepared rotis that complement a variety of dishes on the menu. These breads provide the perfect way to scoop up curries, savour sauces, and experience the full depth of each dish.
A simple bread like plain paratha might appear modest, but it plays a crucial role in traditional Indian dining. Its warm, comforting texture pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s carefully crafted dishes, making every bite more enjoyable.
A Menu Full of Regional Flavours
While traditional breads form the foundation of many meals, Clay’s Kitchen is particularly celebrated for its diverse and creative menu. The restaurant offers an array of starters, small plates, and main courses that showcase the complexity of Indian regional cooking.
Guests might begin their meal with small bites such as Indian-style hot pickles, available with cauliflower, green chilli, or chicken, or explore dishes like Phool Makhna with curry leaf masala and corn ribs with Clay’s signature spice powder. Other tempting options include tapioca papad with Keralan onion chutney and idli fingers served with podi and peanut coconut chutney.
The menu also features vibrant appetisers such as aloo tikki chat, heirloom tomatoes with pachadi salad, and grilled chillies stuffed with rice and roasted chana dal. Seafood lovers can enjoy crispy tilapia with Apollo fish sauce, while those looking for something different might try pork and octopus skewers with ginger, jaggery and tamarind glaze or miso chicken tikka skewers with yoghurt, lime and coriander dip.
For main courses, Clay’s Kitchen offers a range of rich and satisfying dishes. Highlights include bhuna venison slow-cooked in its own juices, Clay’s chicken ghee roast with fiery and earthy flavours, and saag paneer kofta served in a creamy tomato sauce. Other standout dishes include patra with tamarind-jaggery glaze, grilled jumbo king prawns slow-cooked in tokku, and braised beef short ribs with luxurious nalli nihari sauce.
Classic rice dishes also feature prominently on the menu, including lamb shank biryani and baghara rice, a Hyderabadi-style pulao that pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s curries.
Bringing Clay’s Kitchen to Homes Across the UK
Like many restaurants in the hospitality industry, Clay’s Kitchen faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the restaurant is small and intimate, with no outdoor seating, reopening immediately was not a safe or practical option.
Rather than closing completely, 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 quality and flavour.
After a successful local trial, Clay’s launched nationwide delivery in August 2020. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with excellent reviews and coverage in national media. Food critics, including Jay Rayner, Tom Parker Bowles, and William Sitwell, praised the restaurant’s approach and the quality of its dishes.
A Restaurant That Continues to Welcome Guests
After sixteen months, Clay’s Kitchen reopened its restaurant in July 2021. The updated menu combines beloved classics with new dishes developed during the closure, alongside a carefully curated wine list created by consultant and wine expert Zeren Wilson.
Today, Clay’s continues to offer both its restaurant dining experience and nationwide delivery service, ensuring that guests can enjoy its food whether they are visiting Reading or dining at home.
Experience the Flavours of Clay’s Kitchen
From rich curries and aromatic rice dishes to traditional breads such as plain paratha, Clay’s Kitchen celebrates the full spectrum of Indian culinary traditions. Every dish reflects the passion, dedication, and creativity of its chef-owners.
For anyone looking to discover authentic Indian cuisine in Reading, Clay’s Kitchen offers a dining experience filled with flavour, warmth, and unforgettable dishes. Whether enjoying a meal in the restaurant or exploring the menu at home, guests can experience the rich stories and traditions of Hyderabad through every bite.
