Paddington has been screaming out for a sizzling, affordable Indian for some time now. Most restaurants in the area cater for the constant stream of transient tourists passing through their doors. This one is for the keepers, the residents who want a favourite haunt to call their own.

The Venue
A mere three minute walk from both Lancaster Gate and Paddington tube stations, Flavours of India is located on the corner of the beautiful Victorian lined street of Gloucester Terrace and tourist hotel central of Craven Road. When you walk in you will see the counter which is cleverly made out of half of a Bombay tuk tuk and stairs leading up to their mezzanine level. There is seating on both floors, but opt for one of their atmospheric booths upstairs.

The Atmosphere
Dim lighting and amazing aromas fill the room. The music is a tad elevator-esque and can be a little annoying, but the over-attentive and knowledgeable staff and buzz of patrons getting their curry fix certainly make up for it. A mixed crowd is in attendance, from travellers of all nationalities to well fed locals.

The Food
The menu is a perfect mixture of steaming hot meat and vegetarian curries with mild fulfilling dishes. Appetisers are bite size and a great indication of what is to follow. Try the extremely tender spring lamb tikka which is marinated in a zingy yogurt and baked the traditional way in a clay oven. If you are saving up for what lies ahead, then opt for the poppadoms, which are not greasy and are made with seeds with a kick of spice, with the gorgeous tasting pots of sauces to dip.

The main course servings are plentiful and it is the ideal place to order family style - three dishes will be plenty for a group of four.The most amazing factor here is the price. Average dishes are £7 for meat and £4 for vegetarian, and a meal for two (without wine, as this is a BYO) is about £18. Recommendations for the main course include the tandoori mixed grill, which is a speciality of theirs. It arrives on a platter and gives you a selection of all of their signature tandoori dishes. The chicken jalfrezi is the right side of hot and spicy… tasty without making smoke billow from your ears. The curry sauces are all creamy and perfect for dipping the warm naan into.

Vegetarians will be in veggie heaven here, as there’s so much to choose from: the saag aloo (potatoes cooked with spinach puree and Indian spices) is a front runner! They also have an extensive selection of rice from garlic rice to coconut, egg and mushroom varieties, but with curries this good, all you need is a plain basmati.

The Drink
Flavours of India is currently a BYO, but their drinks menu consists of all of your normal beverages, from the fizzy to the still.

The Last Word
This place will be heaving come tourist season, as word of satisfied mouth will soon travel. This is Indian cooking, East London style in W2.

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