Apr 3, 2025

Tayyabs London

Mind-blasting curries

""Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs..."

Mention curry and the East End in one sentence and many people will think of Brick Lane, also known as ‘Bangla Town’. There’s a concentration of curry houses on the southern end of this iconic street but the touts trying to lure you into the restaurants with special deals are a giveaway; most of these places are mediocre at best.

I’ll therefore swerve Brick Lane and head a bit further south towards Whitechapel where you’ll find the legendary Punjabi run Tayyabs. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of the sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops and shami kebabs that hits you upon entering and you’ll notice a steady flow of waiters bringing these out...  (tip: order the lamb chops!). The curries come out in karahis (small wok-like vessels) and are so incredibly satisfying – rich with ghee and expertly spiced. Aside from the dry keema curry which I’ll often order, the vegetable dishes such as sag paneer (spinach) and dahl with aubergines are superb.  Service is brisk – often a bit too brisk, as they try to turn tables in order quash the queues that inevitably form. It’s also worth noting that as this is a Muslim-run establishment, they don’t serve alcohol, but you can bring your own to drink without corkage. Bonus!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Fieldgate Street 83-89

Curry:

£

7.95

+44

2072478521

Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Caravan

The traveler's choice

"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Claire

Creighton

Apr 20, 2025

Chuku's

North London Nigerian tapas

"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Claire

Creighton

Apr 19, 2025

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Art Deco haven

In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ellie

Swain

Apr 6, 2025

Aux pains de papy

Best croissants in London

They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Apr 4, 2025

Wellcome Collection

Let's talk about health

Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Apr 4, 2025

The Barbary

North African small plates

The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Apr 4, 2025

The Derby

Oval's one-stop pint shop

The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Apr 3, 2025

The Old Dispensary

Noisy neighbourhood nights

With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Harry

Thompson

Apr 3, 2025

Kew Gardens

Botanical garden paradise

"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ellie

Swain

Apr 3, 2025

Canopy Brewery

Beer under the railway tracks

"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Andrew

Bright

Apr 3, 2025

Yum Bun

It's what it says on the tin

"Yum Bun" makes Taiwanese-style buns in London. It doesn't claim to be authentic, but it's absolutely delicious and has great value for money lunch boxes!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Mark

Meyer

Apr 3, 2025

Sambrook's Brewery

Battersea beer station

"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Andrew

Bright

Apr 3, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

222 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite London

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
19
Filters