Dhaba@49

"It’s hard to believe that quiet, sleepy Maida Vale hides a pukka Punjabi dhaba — albeit a slightly trendified version complete with cocktails, unconventional lassis, and knowingly kitsch murals of decorative trucks, an old bicycle with fairy lights, and a vintage telephone with rotary dial. The vertical presentation of chaats here is fun: crisp, battered spinach leaves stand upright like soldiers in a battlefield, and samosas with thin ‘patti’ pastry are piled up on a spike. Chunky, coriander-flecked dhaba roti is perfect for scooping up highway chicken curry, fresh and dried fenugreek leaves cooked with sweetcorn, and lamb keema in a hearty onion-tomato sauce. King prawns are grilled very simply in a tandoor, but retain their natural flavour and only require a wedge of lime to neutralise their smokiness." - Sejal Sukhadwala