Triphal is a small, local Indian restaurant, close to the Merton Road and about five minutes' walk from Southfields underground station. A friend has lived in the area for the long time but never visited, so we decided to try it out. It was fairly busy through the evening, so clearly it is well-known to locals.
The menu is largely familiar, with classic Tandoori dishes with a twist; starters include the usual samosas, pakoras and tikka dishes, but Salmon Dillwala (an Indian take on salmon, dill, yoghurt and spices), Beetroot Chicken Tikka and Haryali Murg Tikka (chicken on a skewer with a green paste of Mint, Coriander, Methi and Spinach Leaves).
We just went for popadoms and dips to start, but the home-made mango chutney with fresh mustard seeds was the best I've ever tasted - interestingly savoury in flavour, rather than just sweet and spicy - quite a revelation. We were provided with water at the start without having to ask for it (always a good sign).
My main Dhangri Matter (peas, mushrooms, cashew nuts and mustard seeds) was delicious, and my friend's more traditional chicken tikka masala also hit the spot, Naans were light and fresh, rather than greasy - another plus. Mains are between £5 and £10 (for lamb shank) though most are around £6-£7. Sides are £3, starters £3.75 to £4.95.
Overall, our popadoms, dip, naans and mains, with two large beers came to just over £30, to which we added service. I'll definitely go back.
Update: 24/02/2019
I visited after a year's gap, and had a slightly less good experience: service was friendly but slow and haphazard (starters and mains arrived together) and although the dips with the popadoms were as good as before, the rest of the food was slightly greasy and my two small samosas were rather underwhelming for the money: I wonder whether they have a new chef? The overall bill came to £40. Overall it was OK, but disappointing after the previous visits. read more