Vicky Bhogal lets U in on her insider secret haunts around the capital...

Roti Chai

I am obsessed with this place and go almost on a weekly basis. Located on a small, quiet side street behind the tourist bustle of Oxford Street, there is a more formal dining room downstairs but the simple and hip buzzy upstairs café is where it is at. Inspired by India’s street hawkers, ‘dhaba’ roadside cafes and ever-popular Indo-Chinese dishes, these are deeply traditional recipes but served with contemporary flair and superb cocktails. Everything is utterly delicious but you absolutely must try the Hakka Chilli Paneer (a fiery warm salad), Chicken Lollipops (moreish Keralan spiced chicken), the mini buns, all the side dishes and finish off with an authentic and refreshing Kulfi stick (mango or pistachio ice cream).

The Brilliant

Brilliant by name, brilliant by nature. If you want to try authentic Punjabi food (as well as shops, markets, grocery stores and temples) then you simply must visit Southall. A very short train ride from Paddington station and you are suddenly transported to a mini Punjab itself. This dining room has been running since 1975 with the slickest service and is modern in décor but the food is deeply traditional and authentic. Surrounded my mostly Asian families, get stuck into delicious starters like Butter Chicken, Jeera Chicken or Aloo Tikki, Fish Pakora and Tandoori Quail and then devour their Methi Chicken, fantastic prawn dishes and Roomali Roti (handkerchief bread), which is expertly made, as is their homemade Kulfi and Halwa for pudding.

Sakonis

I frequently get on the tube to Wembley to visit Ealing Road, the heart of the Gujarati community in London. Here you will find the most incredible sari shops, fruits and vegetables you have never seen before, utensils, market stalls, shimmering bangles and intoxicating incense. I always stop off at Sakoni’s canteen for their mouth-watering, lip-smacking vegetarian plates. The place may feel sparse and utilitarian but the food is full of colour and flavour. In the summer, there is a stall and seating outside too, serving the best Chaat (moreish titbits and chutneys) and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice and there is also a Paan Bar. Highlights are the Mumbai beach snacks, Idlis, Masala Dosas, Kadhi, Nutty Khichadi, Sag Paneer and Sambar as well as all of their chutneys. This placed is adored by the locals and you will see why.

Tayyabs

I never eat on Brick Lane, I prefer to cross the road to Fieldgate Street in Whitechapel, to a place I have been going to since I first came to London at the age of 18. Back then it was a small, modest dining room that had opened in the 1970’s, with a few simple, amazing dishes. Due its popularity it has now mushroomed in size and become a Disneyland of true Pakistani cuisine as people flock to it for the kebabs, rustic roasted meats and breads that are the stuff of dreams. The Lamb Chops, brought sizzling and smoking, I have to eat in silence and reverence. Followed by chomping on succulent Chicken Tikka, spiced Seekh Kebabs and Keema Nan then tearing off soft pieces of Roti to scoop up chunks of meltingly soft lamb cooked in the most intense, rich sauce, whilst sipping one of their iced Lassi drinks.

Hoppers

Prepare to queue to get a table, but it will be worth it. For in the heart of Soho lies this treasure box of Indian flavours from Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, by the same family who brought us the wonderful Trishna and Gymkhana. A Hopper is a bowl-shaped savoury crepe and commonly eaten as a breakfast item. Here they are an all-day and night delight in fun and stylish settings that intertwine the contemporary with esoteric tradition. Served with the Hoppers are exceptional Karis, including Fish, Lamb and Black Pork, whilst the Bonemarrow Varuval, Hot Butter Devilled Shrimps and Mutton Rolls are also not to be missed. Egg Hoppers (with a soft egg) and String Hoppers (steamed rice noodle pancakes) give a real flavour of how fresh and aromatic Indian food can be. Also try the Sambol Garita – green pepper tequila, lime pickle, fresh lime and coconut salt, it is inspired.

About Vicky: Born in the UK to Indian parents, she is an award-winning author of five books, including the global bestseller Cooking Like Mummyji,  sharing the secrets of real Indian home cooking with the world www.vickybhogal.com

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