Lifestyle / London’s Masala Zone Brings Roadside Vibes With Their Delish Street Food

London’s Masala Zone Brings Roadside Vibes With Their Delish Street Food

Lifestyle Feb 26, 2020

by Vallisa Chauhan

Restaurants have been bringing their own versions of Indian street food to the masses. However, when it comes to making authentic street food Masala Zone in London pretty much hits the mark. Check out our experience right here!

Masala Zone is a concept that was created by sisters Camellia and Namita Punjabi and Namita’s husband Ranjit Mathrani. The idea was to bring the real street food of India to London. The main dish that is the most celebrated here is the traditional Thali consisting of small round bowls filled with scrumptious food on a tray.

Camellia was the brains behind the menu for the launch of Bombay Brasserie in South Kensington. She also had a hand in opening Ile de Kashmir in Paris before teaming up with her sister Namita and her husband to work on a company called Masala World. Through this they unlocked a hidden gem of restaurants in London such as Chutney Mary, and Michelin-starred restaurants including the iconic Veeraswamy (London’s oldest Indian restaurant that they acquired in 1997) and Amaya.

Then they decided to open their first Masala Zone in the heart of Soho. Raja Mathrani noted that the trio felt that many restaurants were not really representing the true Indian culinary journey.

London's Masala Zone Brings Roadside Vibes With Their Delish Street Food — **London’s Masala Zone Brings Roadside Vibes With Their Delish Street Food: Masala Zone in Covent Garden**. Photo Credit: www.squaremeal.co.uk

There are now seven Masala Zones around London including Soho, Camden Town, Covent Garden, Earls Court, Islington along with a food delivery service, serving the best Indian food but all with different styles of décor and ambience. The Evening Standard named Masala Zone as one of the top six restaurants in London. They were also recognized by Zagat.

The one I visited was in Islington, located on the main high street around a whole hustle of bustle of smaller restaurant and chains.

Each restaurant’s decor really reflects the neighbourhood it’s located in. The Covent Garden location is whimsical to match the artistic vibe of the area. The Islington location fits in with their setting as well.

It is nice to see an open Indian street style concept with the bar at the back and the tables being spread apart enough that it didn’t feel over crowded, even when it did get busy.

There were some amazing starters on offer at Masala Zone but if I am here to try Indian street food at its best then I have to try the Gol Guppa. My mouth was watering from the moment the plate hit the table and it did not disappoint. They were succulent and tasty and as I write this, I am already looking forward to my next visit to Masala Zone.

For mains there was no question about what was going to be ordered. I just had to decide which protein I would want on my Thali. There was veg, butter chicken, prawn or lamb to choose from. I went with butter chicken because as you know it’s my favourite dish. There are two Thalis: their regular which comes with the curry, papad, chutney, two freshly made veggies, dhal and rice or roti and their Grand Thali which also has a canapé, rice and roti. Being someone who finds it hard to choose I had to opt for the Grand Thali so I got everything.

When the Thali arrived it was everything I expected, it had a beautiful aroma and was presented stunningly. The mix of food on the tray blended really well together with just the right amount of spices which makes it not too spicy and not too bland. The presentation took me right back to India and how one would eat this dish in the comfort of home or at one of the street vendors.

If you are in the area and want to try something different then I highly recommend the Thali at Masala Zone.

Main Image Photo Credit: www.timeout.com, www.masalazone.com, www.tripadvisor.com

Vallisa Chauhan

Author

Vallisa Chauhan (@vallisachauhan) presents the Flagship breakfast show on Lyca Radio 1458. She has scripted and produced a full feature film called "Those 4 Walls" and is currently working on other projects. She loves travel and movies and tries to fit in both as much as she can.

COMMENTS

Pantone Colour Of The Year 2020: Brighten Up Your Haveli With These Classic Blue Touches

Kutir Celebrates India's Wildlife Culinary Heritage In The Heart Of Chelsea UK

Game On! Feed Your Super Bowl Fans These Delish Desi-Inspired Bites

It's Time To Recognize That Depression Is a Serious Problem For Us

Hot February 2020 Tech Gadgets That You Need Now

My Soul-Enriching Experience At The Sivananda Yoga Ashram In The Bahamas

Recipes For Romance: 3 Ways To Give Your Valentine's Day Dinner A Delicious Desi Twist

Looking For Love? These Desi Dating Apps May Just Be For You!

The Desi Rappers Who Are Fighting To Make Bernie Sanders President

Mindful Money: 5 Ways To Keep Your Spending In Check

World Day Of Social Justice: How Nepal & Pakistan Are Fighting For Their People's Future

Soothe Your Soul With These 3 South Indian Soup Recipes

Namaste Trump: The Moments From Trump's India Trip That Mattered

Why Are Pakistani Girls Being Sold As Brides To Chinese Men?

March 2020 Hot Tech Gadgets That You Need Now!

World Water Day 2020: Can A Water Treaty Save South Asian Countries?

#RajGirnThisIs50 Birthday Extravaganza Was A Night To Remember!

COVID-19: 5 Key Ways To Manage Your Mental Health

COVID-19: Ace The Fitness Game With Bollywood Celebs & Their Trainers At Home!

COVID-19: Clinical Psychologist Dr. Monica Vermani Shares Her Tips On How To Survive And Thrive Through This Time

COVID-19: Three Journalists Tell Us What It's Like Inside India’s 21-Day Lockdown

London’s Masala Zone Brings Roadside Vibes With Their Delish Street Food

by Vallisa Chauhan

Vallisa Chauhan

COMMENTS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE