Gunpowder

Sizzling Indian Flavors, Cosy Charm Await

Dining at Gunpowder in Spitalfields is akin to stumbling upon a culinary Aladdin's cave - if Aladdin possessed impeccable taste in tweaking traditional Indian fare into something audaciously singular. From the moment I squeezed past fellow diners into this decidedly cozy establishment, it was clear that the gastronomical experience was set to be as tightly curated as the seating arrangement. Granted, the space could test the intimacy boundaries of casual acquaintances, but such minor inconveniences are briefly overshadowed once the food arrives. There’s an unpretentious forward-thinking swagger in dishes like the Rasam Ke Bomb and the infamous venison vermicelli doughnut that duly tickle the adventurous palate while playing delightful havoc with traditions in Indian cuisine.

Mind you, the tight quarters come at odds occasionally, particularly when ordering tapas-style plates, where your table's real estate is surely at a premium. Yet, there lies much vaunted praise in every forkful shared across their petite tables. Standouts include crispy okra fries swathed in delicious assortment of masalas and – dare I trail off into euphoria – the creamy decadence imparted by their bread and butter pudding. Yes, service is on the ball: swift and attentive without on the clock treatment often turning patrons into lunchtime sprinters. But as they slyly inch you towards the 12.5% service tip, one might smile knowingly, for Gunpowder's billing will indubitably invoke the age-old debate: comfort over service; trend over tradition. Ultimately, this undeniable London gem redefines Indian dining brilliance while somehow making the wincing price irrelevant amidst scintillating conversations over delectable dishes plated so close, it's unifying! — Penelope Savory