147 Earls Court Road,
Earls Court,
London,
SW5 9RQ
0871 971 3481
The ViewLondon Review
Where do you take someone who likes Indian food, but rarely sways from the safety zone of Chinese? Here, to Masala Zone, an incredibly accessible 'Indian for beginners'.
Fresh from the owners of Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy – two of the most famous and well-established curry restaurants in the capital - but far from diluting the true Indian experience to meet market demands, Masala Zone promotes real Indian dining. Even “masala” translates to 'Spice' – "the very heart and soul (and for some, terrifying taste bud time bomb) of Indian cooking."
Indian food then, if we are to believe their menu, is meant to be much healthier and more appetising than the post-pub chutney-fests passing as cuisine today.
Thali dishes are a speciality: extensive platters of vegetables, salad and chapatti, tallied up with any curry to create a banquet fit for a sultan.
Indian aficionados, however, will immediately note the noodle selection. Apparently the dangly delight originally hailed from the Subcontinent, only for the Chinese to steal the Indians’ culinary thunder and claim it as their own (others claim Italy invented it – but wars have begun over less than pasta…). Whatever the history, the mixture works.
The fusion of cultures extends to the décor; a medley of Indian folk art, generous bamboo, earthy red walls and simple wooden seating combine to create a fresh (if slightly confused) blend of ancient eastern culture.
Whether strictly authentic or conveniently contemporary, Masala Zone's casual, warm attitude, simple but succulent food and budget-friendly prices mean the deceptively large eatery is crammed every night. After one try, you'll swap chicken balls for biryani and never look back.
Masala Zone has been reviewed by 1 users