Let’s be real: Brick Lane is a tourist trap in many ways, but it’s also a living museum of Britain’s love affair with South Asian food. The first Indian restaurants here opened decades ago, run by Bengali immigrants who adapted their grandmother’s recipes to suit London tastes. The result? A hybrid cuisine that’s neither fully Indian nor fully British, but something magic—like a spicy, creamy love child of two cultures. You want authenticity? It’s here, but it’s simmered in a pot of history and hustle.
The best place I’ve found is Aladin, a no-frills spot that’s been serving since the 1960s. And yes, I know every blog says their favourite is the best, but hear me out: Aladin doesn’t have a website that works, the napkins are paper, and the decor looks like a 1970s wedding reception. That’s exactly why it’s perfect. The food arrives fast, the portions are absurdly generous, and the chef doesn’t mess with tradition—unless you ask him to, and then he’ll give you a side-eye that says, “Fine, but don’t blame me.”
What to Order (and What to Avoid Like the Plague)
You must start with the onion bhaji—crispy, golden, and so light they practically float off the plate. Pair it with a cold Kingfisher beer (the only acceptable drink here, sorry wine lovers). Then, for the main event: the lamb rogan josh. It’s not just any rogan josh; it’s deep red, fragrant with cardamom, and tastes like someone’s grandmother spent all day stirring it. Do not order a chicken tikka masala. Why? Because every tourist orders it, and the chef will secretly judge you. Let him be impressed by your adventurous spirit—order a bhuna or a karahi instead.
Great Indian food - Review of Brick Lane Tandoori, London, England
Oh, and about that “spiciness” level? When the waiter asks “medium or hot?” they’re not asking about temperature. Say “hot” if you enjoy sweating through your shirt and feeling alive. Say “mild” if you want a creamy, comforting hug that won’t fight back. Pro tip: ask for a side of the house-made mango chutney—it’s sweet, tangy, and cuts through the heat like a tiny superhero.
