You need not scrimp for a set lunch here, nor would you have any reason to cringe - not with the fresh and generous menu.

The Venue
It is easy to overlook Veeraswamy's small doorway at the entrance of Swallow street, especially when it is crammed into the corner by the London Textile Co. But when you do discover it, wiggle through its narrow corridor into the elevator and out onto the first floor where an expansive glamourous space overlooking Regent Street sits. Although glamourous, the decor is punctuated with quirk; both chandeliers and colourful lamps hover above simple tables upon which six rose petals are laid out meticulously. Above the benches of the waiting areas, fashionable turbans in fuschia, orange and purple hang to provide for interesting conversation. For a restaurant that claims to be the oldest Indian restaurant in London, they have updated themselves well.

The Atmosphere
Corporate executives like to meet here for lunch, families like to make an event out of a daily meal here, and dates like to snuggle up in one of the corners. Its popularity is not simply due to its undisturbed location above Regent Street but also because, for the most part, comfort is not sacrificed for class. This is most prevalent in the seeming lack of a dress code and the cushions that are strewn across seats. However, if you're sitting in a booth or on any of the benches, you will find that the table might be positioned too close to the seat. You can ask the friendly servers to move it further away from you or ask to move to another table - that is if the tables are not already snapped up and if you are able to get their attention.

The Food
The cuisine at Veeraswamy is traditional although some of the items may seem contemporary with their unfamiliar names. This is because Veeraswamy prides itself on offering classic dishes from the courts and bourgeois homes rarely seen outside India, one of which is the sholay chicken tikka. This is a dish of smoked chicken with Garam Masala cooked in the tandoor, served with a thick and soothing coriander and mint dipping sauce. The strong spices (both herbs and chilli-wise) of the tender chicken and the mildness of the fresh and slightly tangy sauce complement each other well, calming the nerves where needed and raising the temperatures in others.

Unlike the sholay chicken tikka, the prawn curry is thick and mild (chilli-wise). A portion of the curry yields seven fresh large prawns - the amount of prawns may not look like much in the beginning but as you work your way through the meal, it proves to almost be a challenge, especially with the filling portions of pearly-white rice and warm layered naan. Fortunately for Veeraswamy, the freshness of the prawns detracts one from noticing their still-present veins and the rice's lack of fragrance. Not to mention the simple and refreshing dessert - caramelized banana kulfi; chunks of banana are held together by a smooth chilled boiled milk infused with a strong but not overpowering tinge of caramel.

The Drink
The extensive drinks menu implies that stylish cocktails (from £8.95) and well-structured wines (from £4.30) are a commonplace at this Indian restaurant.

The Last Word
If you’re worried about spending too much cash, the prix fixe Sunday lunch menu is well worth it. This is a definite must if you want to experience fantastic Indian food in the capital.

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