Babur

First time in The Babur for many years, and it did not disappoint. The star of the show for us was the Swordfish starter, although everything else was pretty perfect too. Very attentive and friendly staff and a great drinks menu. Highly recommended.

We had a lovely evening and enjoyed much of the experience, but a few aspects left us feeling slightly disappointed. The poppadoms were offered to us without any mention of an additional charge, so we assumed they were part of the set meal. Since we were already paying a premium and missed some of the performances, this unexpected surcharge made the night feel a bit overpriced. Clearer communication about what’s included would greatly enhance the experience and ensure guests can fully relax and enjoy. Thank you for an otherwise enjoyable evening.

My favourite Indian restaurant in London celebrates 39 years! . This was my third time at Babur. Hidden gem in Brockley rise serving exceptional Indian food that not only looks fantastic but also offers exciting and creative flavour combinations. For their 39th birthday they offer a 5-course tasting menu with or without wine pairing. Everything we had was executed to perfection. Just the right amount of food not to leave hungry or overstuffed. Selected wine greatly complimented each dish. . 1st course Tandoori tiger prawn, Masala flat rice, garlic butter samphire Swordfish tikka, onion, radish pickle . 2nd course Spiced Jersey potato vada, royal cumin brioche, mint sauce & pickle onion Villagers favourite chicken tikka, Thecha dahi . Rest course Dried Mangosteen and roasted cumin ice lolly . 3rd course Coriander and spinach gram flour cake, Maharashtrian kadhi sauce or Traditional Maharashtrian Halibut curry with mango and fresh coconut . 4th course Western coastal region chicken stew with sautéed onion and kokum, brown rice or Kayastha prabhu style lamb knuckles curry, millet paratha . 5th course Hapus mango kulfi, chia seed & gond katria . 📍Location: Brockley Rise 🚇 Closest station: Honor Oak Park 💰Price: Five course £54.95 with matching wine £85.95

We booked for 2 people 6:45pm on Thursday and were politely welcomed, and seated. The service is lovely and attentive. The food was delicious with big portions. We ordered the lamb and the baby aubergines and 2 sides. Lamb was so flavorful and fell off the bone. We’ll be back!

Great restaurant, think this is another South London gem. Went here for an occasion meal, and treated myself to the tasting menu with wine pairings. Getting a cocktail to start with the currytini is my new favourite cocktail, my friends also were raving about theirs. The food was great, really really enjoyed, after each course we'd be asking what's that spice, flavour the food was super tasty. For me what really makes a difference is good service, it was warm, welcoming, relaxed and professional, each cocktail, dish explained, the notes added to the booking were communicated to the staff. All this combined great food n drink made for a great way to spend my birthday. I can't wait to go back and check out the rest of the menu.

I’ve been coming to Babur for years. The service and the atmosphere in the restaurant has gone from strength to strength. Easily the most stylish Indian restaurant I’ve been in (and I’ve tried hundred in many continents) I’d say tonight the drinks were better than ever (pineapple Hookah a cardoman-y Smokey delight, steering well clear of the traditional sweetness of Indian cocktails) Food a little off its best I felt. Scallops a bit tough and monkfish a bit bland. I’ll still be back though. I like their style and they’ve definitely improved the way they treat female customers - even those who are dining alone (last minute cancellation by my friend but I decided to enjoy the treat anyway)

Beautiful meal here. The lamb marinated for 100 hours was absolutely gorgeous. Scallops perfect. Lovely biryani. Will definitely return.

Babur is always a treat, with something of a family restaurant vibe Lovely food with some really good wine pairings, and friendly and attentive service The Mumbai Negroni was interesting too

Saw really good eating and review so went to their Sunday lunch buffet with a friend. The food is plain mediocre compared to other London Indian restaurants. The buffet size was quite small as well and there were no snacks or desert on the buffet.

Had the lunch buffet with the fam. We are a big group and they managed to get us seated. (We booked ahead tho so if you're also a big group, let them know would make you both happier) The food tastes good but it's refilled very slow so we always find ourselves digging for meat in the pot. Also the food selection isn't the best. My vegetarian uncle can only have rice and salad and one curry cus most others have meat in it. Had a good time there tho.

What a brilliant restaurant to have in the local area! Honestly, the menu and the food is like a restaurant in Central London. It is not your typical Indian restaurant, it is more authentic than dishes typically made for the western palette. A nice touch is that the menu has a suggestion for a wine pairing, which I thought was brilliant. Although the prices of some of the bottles of wine are quite pricey. My friend and I decided to share our dishes so that we could try more. They do offer a set tasting menu but we ordered from the a la carte menu. We were given a complimentary dish to start which was a nice touch, and we had poppadoms with home made chutneys. Normally I don't go for poppadoms but when they arrived I was really impressed. We got all different types and the dips were tasty, some were very spicy! For our starters we ordered the Afghani chicken tikka and Hiran Ki boti (red deer), both dishes were delicious and the deer had a really kick to it, it was a bit spicy for me. The portion sizes were good, so we were both able to have a decent amount each with us sharing. For the main event, we went for Chicken Biryani and the coastal Mutton Masala. Both dishes came with rice, so you don't have to order anything on the side. We just went for a cheese naan and a roti. The biryani was definitely my favourite, it was so full of flavour and it was delivered steamed in a clay pot. The mutton was cooked perfectly, very tender and you got plenty of big chunks of meat. Again that dish was a bit spicy for me, but all dishes are marked with their hotness rating, so it was to be expected. The portion sizes were again, a really good size. We were definitely full when we left! The restaurant has a vast wine list and cocktails available to really make a night of it. I would definitely visit the restaurant again, but it isn't the sort of restaurant I would go to every week. I will probably return when I have visitors to impress with my local area! I would like to try their takeaway, Babur to go, further down the road. The restaurant is quite expensive, I think our bill came to £85 for two people, with a bottle of the cheapest wine they sell. If you are looking for something different than your Korma and Tikka Marsala then try here! I think we are lucky to have something so good nearby. Don't be put off by the giant tiger statue on the roof of the restaurant!! Also, I would suggest booking as the restaurant was full on my visit. We made a booking at 6:30pm on a Friday evening and by the time we we left it was full and there were people waiting.

Our cocktail and canapes by Chef Jiwanlal's included poultry, vegetarian, savoury and sweet... plus we also took up their 50% off offer in the restaurant that night. Would be ashamed not to! chukandri venison £7.95 - quite a heavy spiced and the venison was a little dry. clove smoked lamb chops £8.25 - the infused flavour of cloves is so subtle yet quite distinct. I have never had cloves as the main flavour in lamb and thought that this works well. Brilliant! ostrich soole £8.50 dal makhni £5.50 - the creamy black lentils was such a hearty warming dish but I thought it was quite a small portion. lamb dum briyani, boondi raita £15.75 - the scent of perfectly cooked basmati rice is just unbeatable and the sealed pot was opened at the table, the smell of those spices was just delectable! Service is as attentive as always and once again enjoyed Babur's meal. I felt that the meat starters that we had was a little dry and the spice was quite intense, bordering excessive but I am sure that Chef Jiwanlal will come up with something interesting soon. Looking forward to our next meal, Babur!

Very upmarket Indian food. Lots of deep flavours, surprising twists and beautifully plated delicacies! This really is so much more than your usual Indian restaurant, I wouldn't be surprised if they were in the running for a Michelin recommendation. It's not cheap, but then again it's not your average Indian takeaway, it's more like a journey through the subcontinent by taste, smell and texture.

Came for the Sunday lunch buffet. There were about a variety of 8 different dishes, a salad bar, and naan with rice. The curries were all good, but not exceptional (it's a buffet after all), but I'm taking off a star because there wasn't a single dish that was actually spicy. The drinks are delicious though, and I would highly recommend!

Out of nowhere just off the South Circular is a house with a giant papier-mâché Tiger on top. A closer look reveals a high-end Indian restaurant serving exciting and ambitious food in a white napkin style with art-adorned brick walls and sculptures. It's a surprising and rewarding find, but given the rave reviews already here and in press, the real surprise is why everyone in London doesn't know about Barbur. I highly recommend a trip. The OG to HOP is the way to go (overground to Honor Oak Park) and from there it is only a short walk East. You'll need to have a reservation for your table and to have no reservations for your menu choice; there are wild mixes of flavours throughout which excel when combined with the high quality of ingredients on offer.

I cant believe this little indian gem has not been reviewed! Well, here it goes. I found this place by chance and upon studying their menu discovered that they had ostrich, my very favourite meat as well as buffalo. In London thats actually really hard to find. So I reserved a table and a great evening began to unfold. I started with the popadoms, which come with a great variety of sauces, which are all delicious. Then I ordered the sandalwood ostrich, which was a very small, but divinely tasting plate of loveliness. Then I went on to have their buffalo massala dish with peshwari (sweet) naan. Amazing. Rather than a classic indian restaurant, these guys really have taken the time to be creative and cook up some great, exotic, unusual dishes. Try indian food with the perfect execution of great french cooking and a splash of adventurousness. A great place to take a date and to expand your taste horizons. Their cocktails are also absolutely fabulous and their mango lassi is a creamy dream! Enjoy!

I went here with someone who has been frequenting this establishment for a long time and is a big fan. So I let them order while I sat back. I didn't even look at the menu, so I can't say for sure that the menu is not a typical Indian restaurant. But I will say the two dishes I had were certainly unique. One of them, was rabbit and it was brilliant. Just not typical Indian, so I was a bit out of my comfort zone. I can sum up that this is a more formal, Indian fusion restaurant that does stand apart in ambience and menu.

I don't think I have had better Indian food out of India. They make perfect food, every time! Wonderful classic dishes, and great niche dishes that aren't that common, but great nonetheless. They do delivery too, so it's pretty much a win-win situation here guys! What else could you want from an Indian restaurant, there's a dish for everyone, and there's no need to go for the meat dishes if you don't eat it, the vegetarian dishes are out of this world (and that's a high compliment coming from a complete carnivore). Get yourself down there (or call for a delivery) and you won't look back!

As Indian restaurants go, Babur is rather good. There is a greater familiarity with proper Indian food and a respect for it that transcends the bright orange stuff that many places still insist on serving. When we were last there a couple of months ago we received great service (if a touch formal) and great food, from the lamb tikka to the potato bhajia - the mains were darned fine too; passably good mattar paneer and great daal. If you're close by then do go, you won't be disappointed. UPDATED 30/11/08 - Was there again but disappointed by brusque service. Food passed muster but service let things down.

As a North Londoner, it takes a lot to get me south of the river - particularly when it involves stations that, until I searched for Babur, I never knew existed. Is that bad? Anyway, it's a relatively easy commute from my known civilisation of North London to the not-far-from-London-Bridge Babur and it's worth the journey. As a previous correspondent said, this is not your "common or garden beer and balti" place. This is a fine restaurant with a great chef, superb ingredients, an understanding of flavours and, as it happens, some pretty good cocktails. I never thought I'd drink anything called a Curry-tini let alone enjoy it but it had some decent bite, in terms of the vodka and the chilli. There are some unusual dishes here - ostrich, for example - but it's not for novelty: it's because it tastes good. The tamarind-glazed quail is also good - so lovely to see quail taking a proper place in London's restaurant scene - ditto the dum-cooked rabbit. Game and Indian food, does it get much better than that? The wine list is good, I certainly didn't notice the service issues others have mentioned so hopefully that's all been taken to heart and the food was superb. Hard to fault, really. Well, other than location. He adds snobbishly.

First, the plus side: This is a very swish, classy restaurant that serves great food. I was surprised at the very generous prices, and they threw in free appetizers (or was it desserts?), too. I don't have much of a knowledge of Indian food, so I almost always get the same - korma. This was lovely. Second, the negative side: The service was atrocious. There were probably a dozen staff or more, so there was no problem with speed or efficiency. However, our waiter was just rude. He practically grunted, rather than spoke, and he seemed desperate to ship us straight out as fast as we came in. He took my plate away as I was still eating, for God's sake. I couldn't believe the ignorance of the man. He had no class at all. This was disappointing, but I am prepared to believe it was a one-off. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I might have just been the unlucky sod who ended up with the crappy waiter.

Babur has speedily shot to the top of my most-frequently-visited restaurants list. The food is always interesting - the menu changes monthly, as does the cocktail menu - and the portions aren't too big or greasy so there is always room for 2 or 3 courses if necessary. The service normally treads the fine line between being neglected and being over attended to perfectly. I say normally as they occasionally get it wrong and hassle/neglect, but I've been enough times to say with confidence that this restaurant knows what its doing and any blips are oddities. The food isn't as cheap as a bog standard Indian, but where else can you get Buffalo curry which is so hot it burns yet so fragrant it makes your mouth sing while burning?! Well worth the extra ££, and nowhere near prices of 'posh' Indian restaurants in central London. Also they have a loyalty card - love it.

Went for my birthday and ordered the rabbit dish.Wow,great flavours and delicate meat,definitely have to go back and have it again!

This is my local indian, and how lucky I am to have one of the best around as my regular. The prices are just above standard, but for the quality of the food, it makes it worth that extra few quid. After ordering from here, I found it very hard to order from else where. The eating in experience is even better, as the service comes with a smile, and they will cater to your personal tastebuds.

Strange little area and this could be easily missed but really very impressive Indian food with deep and rich flavours using local produce. I had the Baby aubergines, peanut sauce, upma - Stuffed with spinach and paneer, satay-style peanut sauce, seasoned Indian semolina cake and it was delicious - the presentation, the flavours, the textures, all so amazing.

One of my favorite London restaurants. So many great things to write about this place. The hospitality is one of the best, the cocktails are great and somewhat adventurous, and the food is cooked to perfection. Little minor details such as the offering of samples while you wait only adds to the experience.

I use to hate indian food as it had always the same taste - overspiced and to hot. But now I am in love with it since my boyfriend took me to Babur. This is really as good as it gets. I visit this place for more then 3 years and never been disappointed. Food is so good you want to marry chef and if you like coctails prepare yourself for the best. They are invented by one of the memeber of staff and they are unbelivable. My favourite one is called currytini. Nothing is very cheap but they are not overpriced either. As soon as you try the food you dont mind paying calling price. People are very friendly and always have time for you. Atmosphere is good with gentle hindu music in the background. Place is clean and cosy. Sunday buffet is one of the best things. For about £11 you can eat as much as you like. And the place is child friendly.

Not what you would expect from an indian rest'. The best i have ever been to out side india! Five stars to food, staff, decor and great wine too. It can be a bit speny but that more to do with the amount we order and drink love it

This restaurant isn't in Thamesmead, it's in Brockley, SE4.

As a local - I'm a huge fan of Babur. Looks great, tastes great and the service is excellent. It's Indian in London done right. Go for the paneer and lamb - or let the waiters guide you, it really feels like they take pride in their work. I'd go so far as to say it's my favourite London restaurant. And I eat a lot! Don't forget to check out the tiger on the roof!

The long established Babur is not your typical `Balti n beer' Indian restaurant often found in these parts of south London. The meals are well-prepared authentic regional dishes with none of the recogisable British conversion foods such as chicken or lamb Korma on the menu. Instead the al la carte menu includes such specialties as Sandalwood Ostrich, Yorkshire deer cutlet and spicy crab cake. The mains are equally interesting with Pan-fried Barbary duck breast glazed with honey and coriander and Tandoor-roasted ribs simmered with Goan Spicer. There are particularly tasty deserts including the delicious candied apple and a more generic chocolate fondant. Prices are up to 15 pounds per head for a main but the excellent quality and attentive service is well worth the money. The interior is classy and elegant and the exterior is easily visible from the road with it's white wash front and model tiger perched over the entrance

Wonderful atmosphere and amazing food. Slightly higher prices compared to other Indian restaurants but worth every penny as the food is absolutely delicious! The staff were very attentive and provided an excellent service throughout our meal. I will definitely be eating here again!

This place is amazing. The food is delicious. The best Indian food I have ever tasted. It is modern and posh, not your average Indian restaurant at all. You might not recognise any of the dishes on the menu, but try them, you will love them. The service, criticised on this page, has never been anything but excellent whenever I've been (and I've made at least 4 trips here). The Sunday buffet is definitely worth the pennies. The food available is of superb quality (compared to many buffets) and again the service is good. Worth booking a table, even for week nights, as it can get very busy.