Restaurants

This recent addition to the Masala Zone chain is especially popular with hip youngsters who come for the buzzy vibe, reasonable prices and decent pan-Indian and regional Indian food. Distinctive in looks, the place has an eye-catching decor themed around colourful 1930s-style posters, retro artefacts and colourful lampshades. The menu is notable for its earthy curries, thalis and zesty street snacks, but also offers spicy burgers and chilli-flecked noodles – a sample of modern Indian tastes. Opting for traditional dishes, we gave our gold star to gol guppas: puffed pastry globes filled with delicious tart tamarind water spiked with black salt. A main course of smoky lamb korma had tender morsels of meat in a robust onion masala. Equally memorable, chicken lazeez, the meat simmered in a broth-like curry, had been delicately infused with fragrant floral notes and citrussy cardamom: a great rendition of royal palace cooking. Always a safe bet are the thalis, which take the stress out of ordering and include daily specials of dhals and side dishes. Backed by the Panjabi sisters – who also run the fine-dining Amaya , Veeraswamy and Chutney Mary – this chain looks destined for continued expansion.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009