Masala Zone brings an authentic taste of Indian dining to Soho. A stones throw away from the bustle of Carnaby Street shopping and the nighttime lights of Leicester Square, it’s the perfect start to an elegant evening.

The Venue
The decor feels modern, but with subtle cues of Indian design. The walls are decorated in earthy tones and ethnic murals, giving a relaxing feeling. The dining capacity is larger than you expect as you walk in, and adequate to take large groups. Staff are keen to explain the menu, but may underestimate the potency of some curries! The restaurant gets very popular at the weekends, but sadly reservations are not accepted for groups under 10 people.

The Atmosphere
The soft lighting adds to the relaxing feeling of this predominantly nighttime venue. Thanks to the wide variety of tables, you’ll find a mix of people popping in after a hard days retail therapy, and friends starting their night out. The hands-on nature of menu also makes it a great date spot.

The Food
Much of the menu centres around street food starters (£4) and thali dishes (£8 - £11), a kind of mixed platter for one. You choose your main curry dish, and the rest of your plate comes surrounded with nibbles, rice, bread and vegetarian side dishes. It all sits upon a metal tray that encourages you to get messy and mix the flavours together.

The Grand Thali (£9 - £11 depending on the curry), is a popular choice among diners. Your curry comes accompanied by papadums, chutneys, two vegetable curries, a lentil curry, yoghurt dip, salad and chapatti. The malai coconut milk based curry, which claims one chilli on the hotness scale, is uncomfortably spicy but thankfully can be cooled back down by the yoghurt dip.

Although the novelty of mixed dishes is a great talking point, you may find some of them to be undercooked or cold, perhaps because of the popularity of the menu. You can also order a simple curry and rice plate, or even noodles. Don’t expect your usual korma, as here you’ll find authentic Indian favourites like malai, dhaaba roghan josh and undhiyo. The dessert menu (£5) includes kulfi (Indian ice cream) sorbets and other traditional yoghurt based Indian dishes.

The Drink
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the mango lassi (£2), a refreshing yoghurt based drink that cuts right through the overpowering spice of many of the dishes. The wine selection (£12 - £18) is uninspiring and doesn’t complement all of the dishes well. A variety of beers (£3 - £5) including Cobra and familiar favourites from home are available.

The Last Word
Masala Zone gives you a more authentic taste of India, at a great price. You’ll leave feeling very satisfied. But get there early at the weekends, as the service starts to fall apart under the strain of its own popularity.

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