Shahjahan

Exquisite Indian Cuisine, Delightful Ambiance!

Descending into the hustle and bustle of London’s food scene, I found myself nestled in the cozy environs of a restaurant promising an authentic yet whimsical Indian dining experience. Blissfully unaware of its controversial history under the moniker Noorjahan II, I ventured forth, coaxed by the tantalising reviews dropped like sweet breadcrumbs online. Our dishes arrived with theatrical flair - bursting with flavors both bold and delicately nuanced, a noteworthy highlight being the quintessential Butter Chicken. Its rich, creamy eloquence might just make a romantic out of the sternest critic. The Tandoori Lamb tried its best to keep up, flaunting a robust spice profile while a vibrant mishmash of Vindaloo dared us with every bite. All this goodness sat a tad too comfortably amidst charming decor that seemed to wrap around everyone, authorizing no complaint but ensuring satisfaction.

However, the quandary arose as soon as our dining delight had ended. A concert apparently conducted among the servers revolved around inventive billing practices. The ‘enticement’ to leave a tip notwithstanding the service charge felt akin to a droll stage-manager prompting a skittish actor-off script. Perhaps this slight tarnish upon leaving slightly overshadowed our dining glees. For one does dwell on price discrepancies as any discerning dabbler in peculiar Londonesque dining would. But fidelity to the cuisine? Stellar – daffily exotic, whistling through now-conditioned nostrils with promise; though some usual suspects like miniature veggies left a trivially chewy echo, better served sauntering in sauces. Would we go again, treading softly or loudly applauding fare? The compass — good food navigating an unusual landscape is difficult not to follow twice at least. — Milo Tastemaker