Thattukada

Thattukada is one of the most celebrated Kerala restaurants in East London and is described by Londonist as "arguably the best Kerala restaurant in London." Ranked number two of 12 restaurants in East Ham on Tripadvisor and recognised by OpenTable as attracting "diners from all four corners of London," Thattukada brings the authentic flavour and ambience of Kerala roadside eateries to High Street North in East Ham. The name itself -- thattukada (roadside stall) -- captures the spirit of the place: unpretentious, community-focused and committed above all to the real flavours of God's Own Country.

The menu is a genuine celebration of Kerala cuisine. Signature dishes include para pollichathu -- a large fish generously rubbed in spiced tomato paste and steamed whole in banana leaves -- alongside kaka fry (fried mussels), crispy chicken, a deeply satisfying vegetarian thali, and the breads that Kerala cooking is famous for: buttery parotta and spongey appam. The ideal way to eat here is to mop up your curries with the breads, order the fried mussels as a snack, and finish with a cold Kingfisher beer. Open daily.