Zumbura(01 of07)
Open Image ModalThe rise of curry houses that serve excellent small plates is a blessing - before it was either dingy establishments with flock wallpaper or posh places with nose-bleed prices.
\n\nZumbura, set near the parade of boutique shops in Clapham\'s Old Town, is delightful in decor: ceilings painted with colourful birds, exposed brick and minimalist wooden tables flanked by ornate wooden shelves.
\n\nThe food is billed as healthy, home-made nosh by head chef Raju Rawat, and it\'s from the Purab region in North India.
\n\nWhile certain dishes such as the spinach pakoras and okra are exemplary - but not groundbreaking, the real stars are the lamb kullia - a rich, aromatic lamb and turnip stew that melts on the tongue - and the home-made chicken curry that feels both light yet packed with flavour.
\n\nZumbura, 36a Old Town, Clapham, London SW4 0LB, 0207 720 7902 (credit:Zumbura)
Dishoom(02 of07)
Open Image ModalWith a bustling restaurant inspired by Irani street cafés, a speak-easy style Permit Bar and a veranda perfect for lounging, the second branch of Dishoom offers something for everyone.
\n\nTry the refreshing Bhel (puffed rice, Bombay mix and nylon sev tossed with fresh pomegranate, tomato, onion, lime, tamarind, \nmint) or succulent Lamb Raan (a leg of lamb marinated in chilli, garlic and ginger, braised overnight with spices, then \nflame-grilled, sliced and dressed with fresh \nlime).
\n\nTo drink, why not sip on a Chaijito or 1948 Sour in The Permit Bar?
\n\nDishoom, 7 Boundary Street, London E2 7JE (credit:Dishoom)
Tayyabs(03 of07)
Open Image ModalTwo words: lamb chops. Everyone raves about them for a reason.\n
\nBe sure to book, unless you\'re in a very chilled-out mood and can stomach the queue which often snakes around the edges of the restaurant.
\n\nIt\'s BYOB too, which just adds to the charm.
\n\nTayyabs, 83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU (credit:The_Real_Basmati)
Babur(04 of07)
Open Image ModalThe food is a mix of traditional flavours and contemporary cooking techniques, so it\'s a bit more exciting than the usual bhuna and sag aloo combo.
\n\nThe beetroot cutlet and papaya chutney starter is amazing. \n
\nDefinitely worth a visit, even if it\'s just to marvel at their sign (has a life-size tiger on it).
\n\nBabur, 119 Brockley Rise, London SE23 1JP (credit:Babur)
Vijay(05 of07)
Open Image ModalVijay\'s rasam soup is nothing short of miraculous when it comes to curing all ills.
\n\nEveryone knows South Indian cuisine is the best... and this was the first ever in Britain, so they\'ve had a lot of time to practice being the best.
\n\nVijay, 49 Willesden Ln, London NW6 7RF (credit:Vijay)
Hot Stuff(06 of07)
Open Image ModalThere\'s a golden rule when it comes to good curry places in London - the less flash it looks, the better it\'s likely to be.
\n\nHot Stuff is no exception - you\'ll find yourself entering go \'errrr\' but when the food arrives, it\'s heaven on earth.
\n\nCheap as chips and genuinely good, homecooked-style food, the jeera chicken wings are worth the trek alone. The nans and chapattis and spot on, and don\'t leave until you\'ve tried the mushroom pulao.
\n\nAlternatively, you can let them choose the dishes for you - and trust us, you\'re in safe hands.
\n\nHot Stuff, 19/23 Wilcox Rd, London, SW8 2XA (credit:Hot Stuff)
Cinnamon Soho(07 of07)
Open Image ModalLocated an mere onion Bhajis throw from the heart of Soho, is the third modern Indian restaurant from Vivek Singh, who also runs The Cinnamon Club and Cinnamon Kitchen.
\n\nBangla balls (pictured) are one of the restaurant\'s speciality. Our favourites are the Bangla-Scotch eggs - a quail egg wrapped with spiced Bengali beetroot and vegetable.
\n\nTry also the Kentish rump of lamb, Rajasthani corn sauce and stir-fried marrow with fennel and ginger.
\n\nCinnamon Soho, 5 Kingly St, London W1B 5PF (credit:Cinnamon Soho)