This place couldn’t be more welcome in an area of South London much maligned as run-down, with little improvement since the devastating 2011 riots.

Dig a little deeper into this patch of Croydon, where Broad Green borders West Croydon, and there are a number of great food spots, particularly highlighting the cuisines of South India and Sri Lanka.

Tindli is another bite of the cherry from chef Manoj Karnavar.

His South Croydon restaurant was hugely popular as people flocked to sample dishes from a chef renowned internationally.

He’s once again bringing Croydon flavours from his Keralan homeland.

But not just Croydon dwellers, diners are travelling from miles around to taste his food.

At 6pm on a Saturday, there was barely a free table in the house.

This is West End standard cooking at greatly reduced prices – black daal or daal makhani is just one example – cheaper here, than the famed Dishoom version that continues to draw crowds.

We loved the home-made chutneys served with poppadoms, fish cutlets, Cauliflower 65 – spicy seasoned and crisp fried, lamb byriani, Malai chicken – suggested for my little one, low on chili and high on flavour.

Chef was right, she loved the latter dish.

Byriani has a whole section of its own on the menu and little surprise – it arrived steaming hot, in a clay pot fit for the ceremonious unveiling.

It revealed fragrant rice, that didn’t include too much oil, as is often an issue, studded with crispy fried onions.

Byriani is a must when dining at Tindli.

I was loathed to try it as it’s often one of the more calorific dishes on the menu but this one was about as healthy as it was possible to be.

The breads were next level stuff, garlic naan, paratha were so good that most of it was gone before our curries had reached the table.

Chef, I salute you.

Thanks so much for giving so many people a reason to smile – not easy these days.

TINDLI
 5-7 St James’s Road, Croydon CR0 2SB,
www.tindli.com

---

ROGER’S KITCHEN, CAMDEN

I thought I knew all the best Caribbean restaurants in London but @rogerkitchen had escaped my notice until I attended a friend’s birthday party recently.

The Roger in question was schooled in the art of cooking at much-loved Mango Room, which is sadly no more, just down the road, still in Camden, so he knows what he’s doing.

Chef Roger has brought the secrets of his Jamaican homeland to the menu and there are some corkers on it.

I ordered Tiger Prawns with Pineapple Salsa and Pan-Fried Red Snapper with Pineapple and Mango Salsa and Green Pepper Sauce.

Both dishes were a triumph.

Service was leisurely but that’s okay because the food is great.

See you soon, Rog.

ROGER'S KITCHEN
71 Camden Road, NW1 9EU
https://rogerskitchen.co.uk/

 

 

Pictures: Paloma Lacy