Pimlico Tandoori is a popular neighbourhood restaurant, loved for its spectacular home cooking.

The cuisine is provided by the Meah family and patronised by peers, politicians and famous faces.

Prices are amazingly reasonable for the quality, as London restaurant prices seem to go through the roof.

Mr Meah’s daughter, Mita, is now at the helm and has redecorated in a soothing apple green.

We started with a half Tandoori Chicken, which was even better than its usual high standard. Mita told me she sources organic chicken whilst working with as much organic produce as possible.

With me was London’s favourite travel agent, Nigel Dean, who is a mad fan of good Indian food.

We tried a new dish, King Prawn Butterfly, which was deep fried and dipped in bread-crumbs (pictured), at a reasonable £5.10, with the half Tandoori a mere £5.25.
Next we wanted a very hot curry, so ordered a Lamb Phall; robust lamb with cardamom and capsicum and all the spices bringing out the flavour at £5.95. We were advised to try Chicken Jalfrezi at £5.95, and we were not disappointed. Mita was right; it was stunning. Large piece of skinless chicken with tomato, onion and green chilli and it was very hot as was promised.

Offsetting this we had the sweet and creamy Lamb Pasanda at £6.30, and a personal favourite, Taka Dal, at £3.45. This is a fried lentil with garlic dish, and in my opinion is one of the best dishes on the Indian menu.

Indian restaurants are great for vegetarians with 20 to 30 dishes from which to choose. There are spices and garlic, onions and herbs. My favourites are Onion Bhagee and Bombay Aloo, both about £3.30. We also tried the special fried rice, which is Pilau rice mixed with chickpeas and egg. Being the first time I’ve had this dish it made a pleasant change.

The wine menu is especially interesting as it’s so inexpensive. A full bodied, very decent St. Emilion was only £14. This has always been a great little restaurant, and it’s actually getting better.

Average cost per person: £18+service.

Pimlico Tandoori
38 Morton Street,
London
SW1
Tel: 0207 834 3375
Fax: 0207 976 6331
www.pimlicotandoorirestaurant.co.uk
Open 6-midnight Mon-SUN