Priya Maamala's

The Best Biryanis in London | Eater London

"This small eatery on the East Ham High Street is unassuming, not just because it’s sandwiched between two shops but because it resides beside the ornate golden gopuram (towered entrance) of the Sri Mahalakshmi Temple. For 10 years now, owner Bhaskar Rajmohan has tried to recreate what it is like to step into a local restaurant in Tamil Nadu featuring a backdrop of Tamil songs. Their biryani is cooked in the dum style for an hour using large aluminium pots, and as a result is moderately spicy, slightly moist, and soft. The chunky pieces of meat and vegetables are cooked just right and are laced with flavours of cardamom, ginger and garlic, a tinge of tomato, and fried onions, served with chicken curry, a boiled egg and onion raita. Maamala’s also offers a 50 percent discount for students on any main course." - Advika Reddy