Vegetarian restaurant situated in the small Indian enclave of Drummond Street close to Euston Station. There are a number of Indian restaurants and cafes in this street but this one, which has modelled itself on the nearby Diwani Bhel Poori House, offers excellent value even if it is marginally more expensive than the Diwani. However, unlike the Diwani and many others in Drummond Street, this one is licensed.

Seats about 50 in cafe style surroundings - wooden tables and chairs - and serving first class, authentic food including a variety of Dosas, Idli and Uthappam from South India. They also serve several types of Bhel Puri. You don’t get any of these in your average high street curry house so it’s worth making the most of.

Starting with their excellent Bhel Puri is a must although Dahi Vada (fried balls of spiced split black lentils and served with a sweet/sour sauce) - also a speciality of Bombay - also makes a good preliminary snack. Starters also good, particularly Potato Bonda (spicy mashed potato and lentil deep fried). Their Dosas are superb - my favourite is the Mysore Masala Dosa which is served with a pot of Sambar and a coconut chutney. The more familiar vegetable dishes - Mixed Vegetable, Bombay Aloo, Cauliflower Bhaji etc. - are all spicy and delicious.

A good inexpensive restaurant and their Thalis (traditional Indian set menu selection of veg) offer good value. The Mysore Thali comprising dal, mixed vegetable curry, potato & pea curry, bhajias, rice and chapattis or puri and complete with a desert is particularly good at under £5. They also offer a daily special (about £3 midweek and slightly more at weekends) which look good. (Note: If you have the Indian Masala Tea afterwards be warned that they put milk in before serving. If, like me, you prefer it without then be sure to make it clear when ordering).

10% service is added to the bill, but it is still reasonably priced for a good meal.

Malcolm Wilkins - November 2000