A Slice Of India In London
I do remember a time when going to an Indian restaurant meant a basic, very white deco, a menu mostly limited to classics: korma, masala, biryani, vindaloo. In London, though, the experience can be a real travel for the senses. I have selected the best places in town would you wish to add a little spice to your day!
Dishoom
Dishoom is the first Bombay Café in London serving aromatic food from breakfast (start the day there with their fabulous chai, spiced omelette and roomali, a roti bread with mascarpone, fresh fruit and honey) to dinner. They definitely have put the festive part into back Indian dining, putting accent on the most atmospheric decoration too. You will be enthralled by their special calamari, grilled masala prawns, chicken berry biryani, and house black daal.
Sheba
Brick Lane may be the most famous place to enjoy a curry but can be a little daunting with each restaurant trying to get your attention and convince you of having lunch with them. With 35 years for experience, though, you can put Sheba at the very top of your list. Try their signature dish, the Lamb Lucknow: the meat is ever so tender there is no need for a knife and the amazing mix of cardamom, pine nuts and saffron is sure to make you ‘mmmmmh’ in delight. Their Modhucash Murgh, a creamy honey and cashew nuts chicken is also worth trying, just be sure to order lots of naans to fully indulge in the rich sauce.
Imli
Imli welcomes children very warmly and if you have toddlers you know how priceless this is. The menu offers beautiful assortments (vegetarian, chicken or lamb) presented as a plate of little bowls. The Dahl is infused with fennel seed, the paneer curry is unctuous, and tamarind sauce brings a tangy note to the samosas… If you are in a hurry, you could ask for their naanwich (yes, you guessed right, a naan sandwich), fluffy and generous and more satisfying than the basic wrap. The dessert list has quite a few surprises too like the carrot fudge: a deconstructed carrot cake, flavoured with cardamom, cinnamon, raisins, melon seeds with a scoop of pistachio ice cream. This is worth stopping in the middle of the afternoon for if you are having a tough day.
Namaste
Descriptions at Namaste are particularly mouth-watering, explaining the cooking process and textures. After a few lines you just want to order the whole menu. The seafood section is worth section is worth applauding too – some are steamed in a banana leaf, others marry coconut milk and curry leaves or why not try crab vindaloo? Not to be missed is their pistachio korma, a fabulous twist to this classic. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. A second address has also opened in Camden with stylish touches such as a bread oven and an open space to see the chefs at work.
Moti Mahal
If you are looking for a wow address for a romantic dinner, Moti Mahal is just the place to go. Indian gastronomy at its most elegant, offering a real travel through the country specialties. If you are a barbecue fan, no hesitation, order the Murghi Nazakat. A mini tandoor is brought to our table with three brochettes warm: dill pepper, mint and basil, chilli and poppy seeds. An alternative could be the Khass Nalli Gosht: lamb cooked with ginger and cardamom then glazed with orange juice but crunchy on top. Presentation is worth of a Michelin restaurant.
Go to Southall
Southall is not a restaurant but a neighbourhood and the closest you will get to “real” India. Just take a train from Paddington station to get there – you will feel like stepping in another country altogether. Sikh and Buddhist temples, silky fabric in stores, amazing exotic fruit and vegetables in the store and of course street food like the panipuri, crunchy cup of bread filled with chick peas, with sugar coated fennel seeds, rose petal jam, coconut.
Masala Zone
Masala Zone might be a chain but flavours definitely are on the menu. I particularly love their address in Covent Garden with the collection of exotic puppets suspended from the ceiling, as if flying. They cook a wide variety of dishes but their street food inspired treats are a favourite: Gol Puppa (warm lentil and tamarind stuffed whole-wheat biscuits), chana dabalroti (tangy chickpea curry, lotus root with hunks of toasted bread), sev puri (whole wheat biscuits filled with spiced mash and three fresh chutneys). So much more original than your usual korma!
Carom at Meza
Fancy an exotic cocktail? Stop at Carom at Meza in Soho. Its colourful and nightclub like vibe will beat even the rainiest day. Sip on Maharaja Fizz (saffron infused vodka with homemade rosewater) or lychee and coco margarita and you will feel on holiday…The menu also proposes Indian wine and whisky which are sure to surprise your taste buds!
Do you have any favourite Indian treat in London or your city? Share your tips with us in the comments below and look out for great deals on Indian restaurant on Groupon.
I love a vindaloo chicken with pilau rice. Have tried a phal curry a few times which is not often on menus but can get if you ask for it. BEWARE it is hotter than a Vindaloo. I have tried lots of meals on the menu from the Moonlight Tandoori restaurant and Cinnamon takeaway. Both of them in Turriff, Aberdeenshire.