London Curry

We're spending a few days in London mid June, and fancy treating
ourselves to as good a curry as we can find. There are the well-known
places like the Bombay Brasserie, Red Fort and Chutney Mary's plus,
from a bit of googling, a whole host of other award-winning
restaurants. So who amongst the FOAK knows what's what and can
recommend somewhere to try? FWIW we're staying just off the Bayswater
Road but don't mind travelling a bit.

 

Lahore 2. It's on The Commercial Road, so a bit of a schlep.

<http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/restaurants/lahore-two-restaurant-info-2818.html>

I have not been for a while but I believe that Ogden has been recently.

 

Not that I've been, but if I had the chance this would be on the list

http://www.benaresrestaurant.com/

 

Well, it depends what you're looking for. Your list suggests more at the top
end.

If you want very cheap and cheerful, then Khan's up the road in Bayswater. I
last went there about 10 years ago. Shoot anyone who suggests Brick Lane
( or its surroundings) - I think it's consistently shit and most people who
think it's great would say that as they're lagered up by the time they get
there.

For something different, look at the Cinnamon Club, in Westminster. But it's
not a typical Indian, it's basically Modern British with Indian flavourings
etc. Personally, I think it's excellent.

Someone else mentioned Benares - I ate at Tamarind when Kochar was chef
there and it was great. Suspect Benares will be just as good.

Went to Bombay Brasserie years ago and disappointed. Very dated at the time.
Red Fort is reasonable (although not worth the money IMHO) with a decent bar
downstairs. But it still tends to attract lagered up types later on in the
evening (bang in the middle of Soho) so bear that in mind if it's just the
two of you. Chutney Mary's is great. The other place to have a think about
is Zaika - on High St Ken so not very far away. Personally, one of my
favourites is Cafe Spice Namaste, but it's in the City. They have one in
Clapham but that's nowhere near as good.

 

It's been years since I went to Khans but I felt it was the Indian
version of Wong Keis in Chinatown. Food was passable but the service was
awful and not what I'd guess Colin and Pat are looking for.

I haven't eaten in Brick Lane for years and I'd seriously question
whether there is anywhere decent there these days. As you say it's all
for the lagered up City boys.

Now this I would entirely agree with. An excellent place and I think the
food is sublime. I had the best Chicken Curry ever for lunch a few
months back. The subtlety of the spices and flavouring is excellent.
This is one of my "special treat" places.

Not far from St James Park Tube so Circle Line from Bayswater or else a
148 bus direct from Bayswater Road to Victoria St (DTI stop). Sorry
can't help myself ;-)

I would also like to try this place. Obviously Kochar has now got
television exposure and IIRC a Michelin star so it isn't going to be
cheap but it has a good reputation.

The other option is perhaps to consider a different type of curry! I
happen to rather like the Mango Tree Restaurant which is Thai but very
good in my experience.

http://www.mangotree.org.uk/

Not particularly cheap and also pretty busy so a reservation would be a
good idea. 2 minutes walk from Victoria Stn (Circle Line) and again the
148 bus takes you direct.

 

Bad form etc etc

Here is another take on a curry.

http://www.london-eating.co.uk/5970.htm

This place does Singapore and Malaysian food - tucked into a little lane
off Wardour St (Chinatown end) - and is very popular. We've had a few
top team meals here and the food has generally been well received.

Busy in the evenings so you may need to queue. Not a 5 star service
sort of place but if you were in town and fancied something a little bit
alternative then worth a look.

 

Sree Krishna in Tooting, especially if you like vegetarian food.

 

Colin Irvine wrote:
.. So who amongst the FOAK knows what's what and can

Something a bit different from the usual Bangladeshi tandoori -
Gurkha's in Sydenham. 100 yards from Sydenham BR so easy to get to
from London Bridge.

http://www.yourbestlocal.com/Gurkhas/

 

Went to a Gurkha`s once in Winchester and it was top quality and had a
very varied menu. The only thing was when I asked for a pint of
Strongbow I caught a glimpse of the staff filling me pint glass from a 3
litre plaggy bottle. Did make me chuckle that.

 

Many thanks to all who replied. Some really intriguing
recommendations, and I hope we get the chance to follow up some of
them.

In the meantime we're now booked in to sample the skills of one of the
Michelin-starred chefs - Alfred Prasad at the Tamarind Restaurant.