With a large Indian, Pakistani and Bengal population, it’s no surprise that London is dotted with curry restaurants. The quality of these curry houses vary wildly, and you need insider knowledge to pick the good ones. A classic and absolute favourite among Londoners is Tayyabs. Ever since 1972 this Punjabi no-nonsense restaurant has been crowded with a multicultural bunch. It’s not the place for a long and quiet dinner. The tables are close together, it’s hectic and loud and if you don’t have a reservation you might have to wait for an hour to get a table, but it’s totally worth it. Dhal baingun, Carahi lamb curry en channa massala are among the favourites. Tayyabs doesn’t serve alcohol - it does serve jugs of fresh and sweet mango lassi - but they have a corkage-free BYO policy.
Address: 83-89 Fieldgate Street, London E1 1JU