Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Dishoom, Leicester Square, London


Wada Pav
Black Dal
The BEST Indian Food in Central London (that I've tried.. and trust me, I've searched hard)! Dishoom offers an amazing menu that contains everything from Wada Pav and Bhel to Black Daal and Roomali Roti. And surprisingly, each dish tastes magnificently authentic with a delightful flavour and spice level. I've been to Dishoom four times in the past month (and I don't even live in London yet)! Every thing I've tried was delicious - Paneer Tikka, Wada Pav, Crispy Okra, Black Dal, Roomali Roti, Garlic Naan, Rose Lassi, Chai, etc... The service is also quite good with friendly waiters that may offer you free chai if you appear to be a "frequent customer." For now, Dishoom remains my top pick for authentic Indian cuisine in London. 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Novikov, Green Park, London

Crispy Shitake Dumplings
Sushi Rolls
Currently, one of London's most talked about restaurants... Novikov is enormous, pricey, and delicious! The place offers two restaurants with different cuisines: the Italian Room or Asian Room. Purely based on recommendation, I opted to try the Asian Room and was delighted with my experience. We didn't order much, but somehow managed to have a full and satisfying meal. For drinks, we had the Plum Sakes which were excellent. To eat, we tried the Crispy Shitake Dumplings which were so delicious that we ordered a second round! We had a few other vegetarian Sushi rolls which were great as well - (refer to photos). Looking forward to trying the Italian Room the next time I'm in London town! 

Rosa's Thai Cafe, Spitalfields, London

Rosa's Green Curry
Fresh Summer Rolls
Garlic Brown Rice

Vegetable Pad Thai
I randomly discovered this restaurant online and suggested it as a dinner option with a group of 5 friends... It definitely exceeded expectations by offering a fantastic menu and a cute and cozy ambiance in the Spitalfields area. We tried the Fresh Summer Rolls, Papaya Salad, Fried Spring Rolls, Vegetable Pad Thai, Rosa's Green Curry, and Garlic Brown Rice. Everything was splendid, but I particularly enjoyed the Papaya Salad and Pad Thai. Slightly on the expensive side, but worth a try if you enjoy authentic Thai food!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Cafe Pacifico, Covent Garden, London

Vegetarian Burrito
Quesada Grande
My favoriteeeee Mexican restaurant in the world!! Cafe Pacifico was a weekly haunt for me when I lived in London, and I continue to eat at here whenever I'm in town. The food quality has remained consistent for years (at least for the dishes that I order). Despite being tucked in a hidden lane near to Covent Garden tube station, there will always be a wait during the weekend so plan accordingly! The Pacifico Margaritas (on the rocks) are amazing and I also highly recommend ordering the Quesada Grande (no longer on the menu but made on request)! A must visit if you're into Mexican Cuisine and lively ambiances!

Busaba Eathai, Bond Street, London

Pad Thai Jay
If you're fond of Thai food, you will really love Busaba Eathai! One of my London favorite's, the decor and family-style seating make this restaurant a great place for Lunch or Dinner. I order the same dish pretty much every time: the Pad Thai Jay (rice noodle, broccoli, tofu, courgette, french bean, peanut, bean sprout and lime). If you're lucky, you may even spot an Indian celebrity while you're there! I've bumped into Sachin Tendulkar in the past and some friends have met other famous Bollywood actors as well!