Restaurants

Against the incongruous backdrop of the commuter trains rattling to nearby Raynes Park station, Cocum is a London outcrop of idyllic Kerala, the culinary paradise of south-western India that is washed by the Arabian Sea and sealed off from the rest of India by the Western Ghats. Three things make it a delight: humble, helpful staff; the decorative touches of a Keralite ceremonial boat and line drawings from the region; and, most importantly, authentic Keralite cuisine, effectively imported to SW20. Thick coconut milk was the base for a deliciously dense, varied seafood soup. A paste of garlic, ginger, turmeric and chilli sparkled in a wonderful spinachy chemmeen cheera kootu (prawn curry). To accompany, a zing of lemon infuses the rice dish naranga choru. There are dosas, too, plus standard stews and curries, but we recommend exploration of the excellent Keralite fish dishes.

Time Out Cheap Eats in London Guide 2007