In my old job I used to walk past this unassuming restaurant every day on my way home. Transported for a few brief moments by a heavenly smell that hinted of warmer countries, divine flavours and took the chill out of the winter air, but I never had the courage to go in.
Finally, the other day, I ventured fourth. The autumnal air had a chill in it, and I wasn't quite sure what I fancied to eat. Down Kingsland road I walked, battling the wind, my friend by my side dithering, until a sharp chill hit my bones and I knew I needed a curry. My friend was not best pleased to be leaving the safety of the main road, dodging down side streets until I re-found this tiny, single story addition to the street. From the outside it looks as though someone has very quickly and cheaply put up a shed, but the smell that wafts out through the partially open windows... even the memory of the smell makes my mouth water.
Despite the smell I hesitated, still unsure, despite years of walking past the place, that this was a real restaurant. My friend, emboldened by the smell, took my hand and led me through the door. Inside there are only two or three tables, and if you are more than four people you will be unlikely able to sit in. However the food is great.
I am not much of a fan or connoisseur of Indian food so I cannot say if it was good or bad for its genre. However it was really good and I would go back or even order take-away. They very proudly said that they will deliver anywhere in London. They currently have customers who order take-away from as far afield as Leyton or Crouch Hill so I would assume that these people know more about curry than I do and think it's pretty special. The staff were really friendly and attentive, chatting with us about the youtube videos they were playing to pass the time. All the people who came in to order or collect take-away were also friendly, the whole place has a family vibe to it.
However I will say that if you don't like talking to people this is not the place for you. Conversely, if you are looking for a great place to eat, even if you are dining alone I would recommend Spice Island. read more