My husband and I will be in London next month and are craving a great but affordable Indian meal for lunch or dinner. What neighborhoods/restaurants should we check out?
A few years ago the Brick Lane area was highly recommended but nowadays many of the restaurants there are tourist traps. One place in the area that still has a very good reputation is Tayyab at 83 Fieldgate Street.
I would second Drummond Street, I would particularly recommend the lunchtime buffet offer at Diwana Bel Phoori House there.
Rather than spending time traveling to some stranger's recommendation that may be hard to find and far from your accommodation, my own recommendation would be to ask at your hotel desk. They're bound to have a good recommendation to a nearby place, and can give you excellent directions to get there.
Places discovered some time ago by other travelers may not even be in business anymore, and locals are more likely to know the best places.
I was just in Whitechapel in April and Brick Lane has tons of Indian and Bengali restaurants. Also, try Commercial street. It passes near the Tower Hamlets area which has a huge indian population.
I live near Southall which is known as "Little India". There are some amazing restaurants (and sweet shops) there, but it isn't in central London. I think the way to choose a good Indian restaurant is to see how many Asians are eating there. If it's all white people I try and avoid it.
Lauren
I eat Indian in London a lot and second Drummond Street.
Details of some, and a map, here
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/tube-euston-square-restaurants.php
I also like the New Tayyab but it is a bit more difficult to get to, and consistently really full.
Cheers
Alan
The first time I ever had Indian food was at a delicious buffet right by the Euston St. tube station. It was also the first vegetarian food I'd ever eaten that didn't, quite frankly, suck. I don't remember the name, and I couldn't even say if the restaurant still exists, however.
Find a Convienent crowded place you will fine. if they ask do you want mild or spicy curry. They are not joking and spicy is about 4+ stars i have been to India 2 times and do eat spicy food and it took my breath away for a momment. Good though