Himalayan Kitchen

A godsend for the inhabitants of Penge, this no-frills, family-run eatery is a spice-laden local asset worth knowing about. The chef honed his craft at Indian hot spots including Benares, and he serves up a wide-ranging menu of fresh, flavourful and aromatic curry-house classics leavened with Nepalese specialities such as momo dumplings. The garlicky Goan fish curry (made with tilapia) is a top shout, and we can also recommend the bhindi dopiaza and masu aloo (diced lamb and potato with Nepalese herbs, spring onion and tomato sauce). Service is exceptionally friendly, even if you’re simply ordering a takeaway – and you can always sit outside with a mango lassi while you’re waiting. Otherwise, a bottle of Gurkha beer should hit the spot.