HALAL 1939

First Impressions:

If you arrive early and your table isn't ready, you get to sit in the brightly lit waiting area and browse the complimentary Harrods and Hare and Hound brochures on display!

The hand dryer here is fashioned out of a prop from Roger Corman's Battle beyond the stars!

Starters:

It's a no frills menu here. Random onions, and a complementary pakora are brought to get you in the mood!
It's a 4 star Bhaji here!
All good so far.

Mains: 

The waiter has his finger on the pulse here and suggests we have a Tandoori Chicken Tika and Lamb Rogan Josh. No surprises on the menu here so it has to be the old faithfuls!
Both dishes deliver the message luckily!
The naan bread was delightfully fluffy!!

The Verdict :

A pleasant experience
I was annoyed that I didn't get a discount after I loudly dissed Tom Hanks! They did bring me a slice of fresh orange though...

Likely to dine here:

Dudley Simpson and friends...

 

Directons :

Halal

2 St Mark St, London E1 8DJ

Nearest Tube: Aldgate/ Aldgate East

NAWAZ

First Impressions:

Beware, no Alcohol is served here!

Don't worry though as the friendly waiters are more than happy to direct you to their cousin's corner shop which in this case was a 10 min walk due to the several beers I had already consumed!

Starters:

Standard fare for the Papadums and pickle tray, 16.5 out of 20 for the Bhajis.

21 extra points for humoring my Trivia question about having a preference for 80's pop star Sonia!

Mains:

Chicken has great smokey flavors with just the right amount of spice.

The Lamb is also great but not amazing; It's like Friday the 13th part 4 but not like Part 1! Naan and rice also good.

The Verdict:

I have eaten here several times and it has always been of the highest standard. Very affordable prices as well!

The only downside is that the Impact hand dryer sucked!

Likely to dine here:

Noel Gallagher and Gloria Estafan's new power duo.

 

Directions: 

Nawaz

92 Snowsfields,  London  SE1 3SS

Nearest tube:  Borough / London bridge 

CAFE SPICE NAMASTE

First Impressions :

We are seated in a huge Bohemian dining room by non Indian waiters, which gives this place an unauthentic vibe. Flowery ornaments decorate the room.

No quirky Indian Muzak is heard here. Silence for meditation. Hippie Shit!

Starters :

First class Papadums and accompanying pickle tray. The Bhajis are slightly burnt but with a good flavor. A bizarre pot noodle soup is brought which I presumed was complimentary but I guess I didn't read the small print!

Mains:

The Chicken Tika is the blandest thing I have tasted in a long time. The Lamb is tender but also bland. Rice and naan also very average. I should say at this point that the waiters are quite rude and snobby here as well.

The Verdict:

Extremely over priced bland food. Avoid this edgy cosmic hippie crap!!!

Likely to dine here:

The Dave Mathews band and Russell Brand.

 

Directions:

Cafe spice Namaste 

16 Prescot St,  London E1 8AZ

Nearest Tube: Aldgate  East ) Tower Hill 

SALAAM NAMASTE

First impressions : 

This is a stylish, modern looking restaurant so If you are after the authentic British Del Boy experience, this ain't for you!

Starters :

You get a selection of Papadums here, with a choice between spicy or plain. The pickle tray has some great sauces, different to the norm. No onions unfortunately.

The Bhajis are that good; they are delivered by mid 90s Geri Halliwell,  dressed in her Union Jack outfit, she sits on my lap and feeds them to me!

The starters are also accompanied by an additional complimentary mystery potato dish!

Mains:

The Tandoori mixed grill here is some of the finest food I have ever had. The Salmon is incredible! The Lamb Xecuti is also of a high standard. Naan and rice similar.

The Verdict  

A great restaurant with all round good food and service. Have returned several times, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Likely to dine here:

Joan Collins and Meatloaf.

 

Directions :

Salaam Namaste 

68 Millman St,  London WC1N 3EF

Nearest Tube : Russel Square