Whitechapel, Indian Restaurant Guide

“You come to eat, not dine” at this “loud and popular” 500-seater, which “lives up to its reputation as the go-to curry house in (well, near to) Brick Lane”. Top Menu Tip – “the lamb chops are meatilicious and the dry meat curry is rich and very tasty”; BYO.

2022 Review: East London’s oldest Indian (established 1939 in Whitechapel) briefly found fame in late August 2020, when it was reviewed by Marina O’Loughlin for The Sunday Times. Run by four generations of the same family – and with somewhat antediluvian decor – it’s not the place to uncover the latest in food fads; or as Marina eloquently put it: “it tastes like the past, deliciously”. Reports please!

2021 Review: Whitechapel Punjabi BYO that’s a real match for its better-known Pakistani competitors in the East End due to its “grilled meats at bargain prices” and other “fantastic, freshly made dishes” from the sub-continent.

“Tops for combining punchy tastes and value”: this Indian street-food trio – in Spitalfields, near Tower Bridge, and – since late 2021 – now in Soho too – offers a “distinct” and “modern spin” on Indian cuisine. Although the plates are small, “it’s amazing how they deliver such big flavours”.

“Still the best authentic Pakistani grilled meat and curry” is to be had at this grunge-tastic Whitechapel legend of 50 years’ standing, where “tastes are genuine” and prices “cheap as chips”. Top Menu Tip – “love the lamb chops”.