The Finest Indian Cuisine to Discover in London
Babur, fine Indian dining for over 39 years
I really love Indian restaurants. The look and feel, the service and the epic flavours. So, when you hear an Indian restaurant has been going for nearly 40 years, that it’s in a bit of a random neighbourhood, and it’s recommended in the Michelin Guide, you can tell I’m starting to get very excited!
We travelled down to Honor Oak Park from Balham, but I do believe there are more direct routes, this suited my South London location. It took around an hour to get there, but we knew this was a place that was going to be worth the travel, and I highly advise you to visit this restaurant.
As mentioned, the restaurant was founded in 1985 and has really stood the test of time. A mammoth accolade in London’s food scene. On entry, it’s easy to see why the restaurant remains popular. It’s not the fanciest of places, but the scents and sounds that come from the busy kitchen, ensure you’re ready for a taste experience like no other that I’ve experienced in central London.
The menu itself is very creative and definitely contained meats and proteins that you don’t see on every Indian menu, which excited me a lot. I wanted to see the interpretation and marrying of flavours the chefs had creative aligned with authentic Indian cooking. But I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s start with the drinks.
The cocktail menu was inventive and impressive, with touches of Indian culture and flavours too. There was a special called the Santra Pauwa, which has been designed to celebrate the restaurant’s 39th Anniversary. Naturally, we had to try this mix of Hapusa, Himalayan Dry gin, homemade tangerine cordial, tonic reduction, fresh lime and orange oil, and were not disappointed by the delicious citrus flavours. We also tried the Black Spiced Old Fashioned, which was one of the best I’d tried in London, and the Currytini – a twist on the classic, with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Fresh curry leaf, Green chilli, Dry vermouth and Lime cordial.
Now suitably lubricated, it was on to the food. To start, we ordered Crab bonda (Tempered blue crab meat dumplings, mint coriander puree), Bihari kebab (Char grilled lamb strips, Bihari garam masala, cinnamon, smoked chilli) and a special prawn dish. The flavours were BOOM, powerful and impactful. The presentation was also second to none, each dish a work of art in itself.
For mains, we went for the Lucknowi chicken biryani with mustard raita; Garam masala duck and Steamed shoulder of lamb with beetroot rice. We complemented the dishes with a sweet and aromatic Peshawari Nan also. Each dish was cooked to perfection, with a wide range of complex flavours and aromas that just made the experience sing. We were full to the brim and certainly made sure to take our leftovers home to enjoy the meal again.
For dessert, we shared the Mango brûlée which was really fresh and vibrant and couldn’t resist ordering another round of those famous Old Fashioned’s.
Despite its more remote location, which I know is a barrier for some Londoner’s, this is a restaurant I would visit time and time again. It’s very clear to see why this restaurant has stood the test of time. It’s clear a lot of love, passion, care and consideration goes into each dish, and I really hope to be celebrating its 80th year in the late future!
Find out more > www.babur.info
