Somewhere in town where you’re guaranteed a good Indian!
Authentic food in city centres is often hard to find. Indian curries can taste mundane and predicatable to some extent wherever you go, and that is why it is is a delight to find you can in fact eat exciting Indian food in London without going out of town to East or West Ham for example (where there is an extensive Indian population). There are six Masala Zone eating houses in London, and within easy reach by tube, foot, or bus; the first one which is still there was opened in Soho, and five others followed. Every Masala Zone showcases different forms of popular, folk or tribal art and the one in Bayswater which I visited has vivid pictures of calendar art from the fireworks town of Sivakasi in India. It is a light, spacious and clean modern eaterie. The others are in Camden Town, Covent Garden, Islington and Earls Court.
As well as an array of interesting food which covers many thali dishes including vegetarian, fish and meat dishes served traditionally in a stainless steel high round tray containing individual smaller dishes in steel containers inside, the choice of curries with rice or another carbohydrate is extensive and mouthwatering. Starters are extensive too with 2 prices for 1) Starter and 2) Grazing portions. I chose Goan Crispy Fried Prawns at the starter price of £5.25 which comes with a vindaloo mayo dip. Happily the prawns in a gentle batter did not have any additional shell on them which is often the case with deep fried battered prawn dishes. To follow I chose Malabar Green Chicken – a Keralan recipe with fresh chicken breast pieces cooked in coriander and cloves – the flavour was a wonderful mix – the green sauce with a hint of heat was of the consistency of unwhipped double cream, not like the more turgid flavourless gravy- like sauces which some curries sport. The rice at £2.30 had been delicately flavoured and the curry at £9.00 was worth the slightly higher price than one might expect at a more “traditional” curry house. Now before I go any further, I need to say that many people prefer or most definitely enjoy the curries they have on every high street high and low across the land, so please do not be offended that I have itemised Masala Zone as being more authentic. Chacun a son gout. You can order chutney and pickles and get 3 fresh ones for an extra £1.20 including a green chutney made of coconut, cashews, boiled curry leaf and coriander, all liquidised into an exotic green pulp which is highly exciting to the taste buds.
To accompany your food, there is a plethora of enticing cocktails available and I chose the Masala Ginger Mojito comprising a 12mm measure of dark rum, with ginger ale, sugar syrup, complete with not only crushed ice and straws but also small wedges of lime and lemon and plenty of fresh whole mint leaves mixed into the cocktail. The price of £7.10 is not cheap but with the fresh ingredients and the care and attention with which it was made, it was worth the money. If you choose the Bombay Iced Tea, it has vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec and cola in it with a hint of masala spice. The measures for the heady alcoholic component are 5mm each. The Pomegranate Cooler includes pomegranate juice, absolut citron vodka and lime juice and there are many other interesting mixes on offer.
If you have space for desert (and you may do if you do not have a starter) feast your eyes on a range of choices including the traditional Indian ice cream which in India is sometimes served in a human-friendly fresh leaf. Choosing the Calcutta Fruit Cup with honeyed yoghurt, meringue pieces and a fresh fruit (sliced strawberries round the edge) sundae (in a “sauce” similar to custard) I found the dish a little sweet and heavy after two courses. But if you starve yourself or have a light lunch, a three course meal would not be too filling and the fresh ingredients are invigorating to the health and spirit.
In all branches of Masala Zone there is a selection of coffees (I had an espresso with “foamed” milk at £2.35) and three liqueur style drinks available to finish your meal – Baileys, Sambuca and Courvoisier VS.
My total bill came to £36.34 with a discretionary service charge of £4.04 included. Your bill could be of course a lot less if you order “London Water” – water from the tap – and only have two courses, and choose cheaper dishes – nearer, say £20 at the most. The waiter who served me – Torje Miah has worked in more than one of the Masala zone chains and was courteous helpful and discreet. You can find more details about Masala Zone eateries on the website. I hope you find the same excitement and good dining that I did. Do let the Saturn Herald know how you got on if you have time.
For more information google www.masalazone.com
Penny Nair Price