Conventional wisdom has generally held that anyone in London seeking the most delicious and authentic Indian food heads to Brick Lane or nearby. But, as it turns out, Cafe Spice Namasté can be found at Royal Albert Wharf in the historic Docklands and is definitely one of the best Indian restaurants in London, let alone East London. Having moved from its City location two years ago, this 27-year-old institution just gets better.
Perched next to the water, you can choose to sit inside in view of the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen, or on the terrace, al fresco, while sipping a Rajasthani spiced margarita and drooling over the menu.
Highly-credentialed chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala has given all the familiar dishes an imaginative twist and every dish here is an ace. It’s pretty much impossible to pick the wrong thing, but the friendly staff is happy to advise on spice level, whether rice or bread best compliments which dish and number of plates to share per table. Service is intuitive and educational with Cyrus’s charming wife Pervin at the helm, also a trained chef. In 2020 she was presented with the ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ award at the British Curry Awards.
We loved the delicious kale, onion and beetroot bhajia from the day’s special menu and the succulent ginger seasoned lamb cutlets were to die for. Then a silky Parsee lamb Dhaansaak served with rice and the Goan pork vindaloo served with a sourdough flatbread – highly recommended by loyal and long-standing customers at the next table. The rose and cardamon kulfi made a perfect ending to the meal. We’d keep coming back to Cafe Spice Namasté, even if it ceased to serve anything but the Goan Pork Vindaloo – but happily the menu is slightly more extensive, and we look forward to making our way through all the dishes.
Café Spice Namasté
1-2 Lower Dock Walk Royal Albert Wharf, London E16 2GT (Just a few minutes walk from DLR, Gallions Reach)
cafespice.co.uk
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