16 Prescot Street,
London,
E1 8AZ
0871 971 7371
The ViewLondon Review
Cafe Spice Namaste makes a splash with its vibrant swirling turquoise and violet walls, painted Parsee style. The buzz about the place confirms its widespread popularity. "It's pure theatre," says one regular who's been coming since it opened in 1995. From the look of the food, he's not wrong. From the outset, it's a sensory delight. Plain and spicy pappadums accompanied by delectable mint yoghurt and homemade chutneys are served with ceremony by expert staff who have been there forever.
An exotic assortment of starters grace our table - rare and innovative dishes of fish, duck, chicken, venison and ostrich, all impeccably prepared by multi-award-winning head chef Cyrus Todiwala whose reputation is synonymous with excellence. Our favourite though is the Parsee style lamb followed closely by the bhel poori, a combination of puffed rice, chickpeas, coriander, chilli, tamarind and green chutney.
For mains, the chicken tikka is fiery hot and tender while the king scallops with ginger and chilli are to die for. Deep fried okra and Peshawari Naan bread make excellent accompaniments and a rich Sauvignon Blanc balances the blaze.
Be sure to save space for dessert - a startling yet sublime lime kulfi with apricot and toffee ice-cream - this is the stuff Bombay dreams are made of.
More expensive than your high street curry joint, but this is not your high street curry joint.