Swadesh

Our favourite London curry house. Not been for a few months (more's the pity) so we made a special effort to get along. As good as ever, great friendly staff, a fresh and innovative chef and excellent prices. If you're in the Dulwich area, trust me, you NEED to visit this curry house!
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Ben Nias
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, April 18, 2011

There are lots of good curry houses to choose from on this strip of Lordship Lane, and at first sight there's nothing to set the Swadesh apart. But if you're lucky enough to be passing on a Saturday or Sunday when the Swadesh is serving its all-inclusive buffet, then quickly grab a table as you're in for a treat.

A starter of chicken tikka and an onion bhaji shows the chef really cares about food. Not only is the chicken perfectly spiced and beautifully moist but the onion bhaji is light, fluffy and freshly cooked to order - not something you would expect in any run of the mill place.

Before you dig into the buffet itself, make sure you order a roti, naan or paratha. You won't be disappointed as the chef is one of the best makers of Indian bread in the whole of London.

Naans arrive piping hot from the tandoori oven, beautifully light and fluffy and puffed up with air. Both parathas and rotis have that delicious buttery flakiness that's just right for soaking up hot curry sauces.

But of course the star of the show is the buffet itself. Forget those bland offerings of gloopy chicken tikka massala that you'll find in most other establishments. Here you'll find chicken in a piquant sauce, spiced by fiery red chillies (which the waiter kindly points out); melt in the mouth lamb in a rich tomato and coriander broth; and garlicky chana dal.

With gracious and attentive service to match the quality of cooking, the Swadesh gets it right on every level. A real find for curry fans.
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Charlie Stead
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 15, 2011

Four of us went to this resturant at the beginning of December, although the food was of good quality it was served on cold plates and no hot plates on the table to keep it warm.

The service was terrible all main courses served before the rice dishes were served these arrived about 10 mins later.

So due to no hot plates on the table everything was cold.

The waiters didnt seem bothered at all to see most of the food still sitting on the table going cold,in view of this I would not use this resturant again.
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1 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Friday, December 31, 2010