RAJAH ROWING

Authentic Flavors and Friendly Service Shine

Nestled in the bustling heart of Clapham lies a curious little gem of an Indian restaurant that has, for better or worse, garnered quite the reputation among local curry buffs and occasional passerby critics alike. Heading into my review with expectations carefully tempered by alarmingly mixed online opinions, I was nonetheless charmed by an aroma weaving potently through the air as I stepped inside. The interior doesn’t scream extravagant — it's the kind of place that feels like a well-loved secret, walls bearing curated sufferings of time while resonating an authenticity many high-end spots clamber to mimic.

Seated under warm, personable lighting, the evening unraveled piece by piece over a flavor-rich dance on the palate. Highlights include vegetable side dishes brimming with freshly kneaded spices and a delightfully flavorful twist on lamb that expertly contradicts naysayers cawing about stodgy flavors online. Even humble queries regarding ingredients were met with cheerful service, showcasing a memorable camaraderie from the attentive staff. True, perfection isn’t all-encompassing here; a fleeting, disgruntled note from traditionalists may arise, akin to finding staple items mysteriously missing from deliveries or inconsistency in poppadom textures from time to time. Yet despite these quirks, the pulse of this establishment beats steadily onward, reinforcing its spot in the community's affections one curry at a time. Worth a return visit and then some, particularly if that vegetable ensemble is involved. — Milo Tastemaker