Opened in 1971 as a basic cafe style restaurant selling predominantly Gujarati (Western India) and South Indian vegetarian food and, as I understand it, pioneered Bhel Puri and other Bombay pavement snacks in this country.

Although my acquaintance with the restaurant does not go back to it’s early days I doubt whether very much has changed. It is still cafe style with most seats being wooden benches. It seats about 100 on two floors and, despite being unlicensed (as many in this area are) it still gets crowded. (Although not licensed they are happy for you to bring your own. No corkage charges. As there is a convenient off license nearby selling chilled Cobra lager the lack of license is not a problem).

The menu includes a variety of South Indian dishes - Dosas, Idli, etc. - although surprisingly they do not serve Uthappam. Also a variety of snacks as starters or appetisers, including of course, Bhel Puri. This is almost compulsory when here and a plate of this plus a plate of Gol Goppas (light, puffed up crispy biscuit like things served with spiced water), which are not commonly found, make excellent appetisers. Dosas all good but I like the Paper Dosa which is eye-catchingly served standing upright as though guarding the pots of Sambar and Coconut Chutney with which it is served. The Thalis, particularly the house speciality of Annapurna Thali, are also very good. Although I’m not a sweet eater myself (as you may gather from other reports which seldom comment on this area of food), I am told their Kulfi is wonderful.

Daily specials are also offered and all in all it offers excellent value and a good, authentic Indian veggie meal, even if the seating can become a bit ‘bum-numbing’ after a while.

Malcolm Wilkins - October 2001