Diwana Bhel Poori

I have been coming to this simple vegetarian Indian café regularly for three decades. It has small, cramped tables and uncomfortable bench seating, and its appeal does not lie in its décor. However its Gujerati snacks are genuinely good – bhel poori with sweet tamarind and zinging with fresh spices, aloo papri chaat with tender chickpeas. The samosas are as good as any in London, and the prices are absurdly low. At a recent meal here we had snacks to share, a sweet lassi each to drink and a shrikand for dessert, all for just under £10 a head. At another we had snacks, a main course, bread, sweets and a drink for £15 including service. You can also bring your own booze along at no charge. 

I would score this place higher if it was not for the fact that you have to order carefully – the snacks and dosas are excellent, but the curries can be relatively disappointing (the mattur paneer is decent), and the bread nothing special. However if you stick to the speciality dishes then you will enjoy some of the best value food in the capital. The restaurant has been trading since the 1970s – long may it continue.