Hot Stuff

Can I admit to being a bit disappointed after reading all the rave reviews? We had chilli prawns, saag ghost, chicken aloo, masala fish and makhini dhal, rice and bread and everything was fine but nothing was really stand out. The dahl tasted of evaporated milk (which I actually like!) and the fish and chicken dishes were a bit on the bland side. The place was packed, loads of atmosphere and the staff are fab but in my opinion the food was no better than lots of other places but certainly no worse. I guess if I'd only eaten chicken tikka masala in a flocked wallpaper establishment then I would have been more impressed but there are a good handful of places in Tooting which would give this place a run for its money.
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Jane, Borough
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, August 23, 2008

Went the other night for the first time having heard all the rave reviews. Wasn't disappointed! Chilli Paneer was top, all the veggie stuff the waiter selected for me was great. Bought too many beers and the owner said he would buy some back from us. I'll be going back on a regular basis. I now have three favourite indian restaurants in London. Hot Stuff, Kastoori and Vijaya Krishna.
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Al
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 05, 2008

I absolutely adore this place! I used to live close by and went all the time. I have now moved further south now but still make regular trips. Even thinking about the chili paneer makes my mouth water. My favourite restaurant in the world!
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London gal
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 17, 2008

We were put onto this restaurant a few years ago by friends who live locally. One of us is of of Indian origin and comes from a family of great cooks, one of us isn't of Indian origin, and we both love this restaurant, and their food. The restaurant comprises one small room, which can be noisy, and a basic set of tables and chairs - but all done with thought and imagination so that the decor and menus have been designed for Hot Stuff and are not just generic Indian restaurant. The hosts/owners are a lovely generous family who will listen to what you ask for and encourage you to experiment. They're also great with children and will tone down the heat if you ask them. Raj, who is there most of the time is also very funny and if you prefer to ask him to design/select your meal he'll do a great job for you - or pick your own dishes from the menu and ask about the specials. Cannot recommend this place and the owners too highly - we make regular trips from North London to Hot Stuff because there's no where else that's as good. Oh, great, going there tomorrow!...
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Fishface
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 14, 2008

I have to agree with allot of the comments - the food is excellent and the host is friendly and often personalise dishes to your taste. They made up a great range of veggie options for us which were not listed on the menus.

I do have to agree with an earlier review that prices do appear to be creeping up or do not appear to be consistant. In my experience (i have been many times) the price seems to differ at every visit. I think it is because the host takes into account the number of people, if you are new visitors or if he likes you or not.

For example, I went with a group of 6 people, and had 6 starters, 6 mains and a huge nan bread between us all and we only paid £12 each.

On another visit for 2 people we were charged £15 and we only had 3 starters, and 3 main dishes to share with a naan.

On a different visit I went with just myself and another friend and had the same dishes as my previous visit; 3 starters/main and naan and we were charged £8 each.

Overal, its a great place and the atmosphere is buzzing and I reccommend at least trying Hotsstuff once!. I bet you'll return!
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Misc.
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, January 10, 2008

My husband and I have been meaning to try Hot Stuff for ages, and we ended up going two nights ago for my birthday dinner. I could not have had a more delightful birthday meal if I had wished for it! The warm welcome we received was followed by truly delicious raita and chutneys to smother on our poppadums. Not the usual crusty, bland selection - all fresh and tasty and packed with spices.

We left our menu choice in Raj's capable hands and every dish we sampled from the bhajis to the lamb dopiaza, was sensational - fresh, natural ingredients that had zest and were not smothered in oil. The prawns were of a high quality and the breads actually had flavour! It really was a taste sensation, and the incredible food, together with the buzzy atmosphere and fabulously friendly service made for the most memorable meal I have had in London. It seems to be popular with groups, and I can see why - Raj's friendly banter and 'chilli challenge' could make for a most entertaining evening. I have already invited our friends to join us there next week after promising Raj we were loyal customers who would return for a weekly 'fix'. With starters at £1.50 and most main courses at £5 it is almost cheaper than cooking at home!

Congratulations to Raj who attributes his success to good, honest prices and a real dedication to providing his customers with homecooked delights. I wish there were more places like this in the world.
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Antonia, SW8
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, December 06, 2007

I can't agree with the comments below. I've been going to Hot Stuff every week for the last few years and I haven't seen any rise in the bills.

Last night for instance 8 of us went and had more than any of us could possibly eat - the bill was £12 each. I don' t think i've ever paid more than £15 and I eat an awful lot.

My favourite restaurant in London (with the mixed Bhaji's & Chilli Paneer probably my favourite foods in the world)

Just don't take Raj's chilli challenge. It's not big, not clever, and you will regret it.
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Tom Irvin
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November 15, 2007

I love Hot Stuff, but recently prices have been going up. My first visit was £15 for two, but this has gradually crept up to £20 a head for very similar dishes. It's still very good food, but lets not forget that this is a basic cafe.
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el gringo - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Sunday, September 09, 2007

This restaurant came highly recommended by a few websites so being local we thought we ought to check it out. What a gem! Great food, classic favourites on the menu plus some tasty specials. The atmosphere was lovely, we chose to sit outside but inside looked very cosy indeed. The staff were very welcoming and friendly throughout the evening, not minding the latecomers to our group and letting us keep our table all evening despite initially saying they had two bookings that night. The inexpensive food and BYO factor made it great value. I'll definitely be going again.
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Jo
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Friday, September 07, 2007

Easily the best Indian food for miles. Excellent atmosphere with a waiter that not only remembers you time and time again, but never fails to recommend a delicious meal. I definitely suggest letting the waiter do your ordering. A must try is the chilli paneer. Just fabulous!!!!
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Angela
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 23, 2007