Whitechapel, Indian Restaurant Guide

“Heaving and occasionally rowdy” Punjabi “institution” in Whitechapel that provides “outstanding food year after year” and is a “must-go” even “in spite of the packed lobby to get in and lines out the door”. “It’s not fine dining, but you get the same tastes and authentic flavours here that you might pay double or triple the price for in the West End” – “amazing food that’s really worth it”. “All the favourites are served at reasonable prices, helped along by the fact that it’s BYO”. “It’s large and looks nicer than it did a few years ago (as it has had a ‘glow-up’ over the years)”. “At busy times, you feel a bit like you’re on the conveyor on the service front”, which can feel “brusque” but can also be “extremely friendly”. Top Menu Tips – “you come for the lamb chops and stay for the spectacular lentils and baby aubergine (or many other) dishes”.

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.

“Novel dishes full of spice and intrigue” draw a “buzzy” crowd to this “refreshingly innovative” and hugely successful modern Indian trio: an “elevated street-food experience that’s really good fun”. The “tiny but perfectly formed” Spitalfields original is “still the best”, say fans, but the food also hits the spot at “tapas-style” venues in Soho and Tower Bridge.

“For over 30 years I’ve been turning up here and it always delivers!” – This legendary, ultra-no-frills Pakistani canteen in the East End is “always fun, authentic and consistent” and fans say it provides “the best curry in town… if you are prepared to forgive the service and ambiance”. And “with free BYO, it‘s as cheap as it gets”. Top Menu Tips – renowned for its lamb chops, “tandoori chicken is to die for” and “mango lassi is made with Alphonso mangoes so a much better taste and a much less sweet drink than you find elsewhere”.