Tayyabs : Best Curry in London

Tayyabs is without doubt one of the most fabulous curry restaurants I have ever been to and trust me, I have been to a few.  Two friends who love curry as much as I do took me there last year, which was terrific as I had been reading about it on a number of food review websites.  Here is one for you to read:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/sep/07/top10.restaurants

Since then, we have taken friends and family to Tayyabs on several occasions (I should definitely be on commission by now) and every time it has been just brilliant.  It is located between Whitechapel and Aldgate East tube stations in East London and is a huge restaurant which takes up two levels.  It is so cheap and is always absolutely packed Monday to Sunday, from lunchtime through to midnight.  It does not serve alcohol, however you can bring your own along.

My husband and I went there for dinner this week and had a feast for only £22 which was superb.  The photo quality is not great due to the lighting in the restaurant but the food was absolutely delicious, incredibly fresh and aromatic.  If you ever want to go there: YOU MUST BOOK!!! For two people we still had to make a reservation and could only get in at 6.30pm, otherwise we would’ve had to wait until 10pm. In addition to this, they like to get you in and out as quickly as possible, so if you are wanting a leisurely dinner, this place might not be for you.  It is especially popular with large groups and they have a legendary waiter who can take the order from 20 people including all food and beverages without writing anything down.   If you do just turn up, you will need to join the queue which often stretches well outside the restaurant (to the point where in the past, they have supposedly had to hire security outside to monitor the long queues) and this wait can often last an hour or two.   Everything on the menu is scrumptious; however their signature starter is sizzling lamb chops which are heavenly.  It is a perfect place to eat for carnivores and vegetarians alike and if you live in London or are just visiting, you must go to Tayyabs.  Finally, I recommend visiting off-peak:  try booking a table between 6-7pm if you can, as this will help you avoid the throngs of hungry people waiting in the restaurant or out on the street.

Fortunately after our divine meal, the weather in London was gorgeous and perfect for a post curry walk across the river, back to our abode in South London. 

The queue stating at 6:30pm.

We couldn't stop ourselves and pretty much attacked the poppadams before I could get my mobile out to take the picture.

My husband ordered vegetable samosas and I ordered the onion and vegetable pakoras which are my favourite.  They were served with mango chutney, chilli sauce and mint yoghurt.

Lamb and spinach curry.



Mixed vegetable curry.

A beautiful night in London to walk home.