Chai Pani Indian Kitchen

Set among the buzzy independents of Cotham, Chai Pani Indian Kitchen has built a loyal following for bringing the flavours of Mumbai, Dhaka and Sylhet street food to this pocket of Bristol. It is a small, friendly, bring-your-own-bottle kitchen that trades on bold spicing and well-judged portions rather than fuss, and it draws an easy mix of students, locals and curry devotees after something a cut above the standard takeaway. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free eaters are all properly looked after.

The cooking nods to the busy roadside stalls of the subcontinent, with crisp Pani Puri and other small plates to start before heartier mains such as a fresh, fiery Lamb Jalfrezi. Whether you sit in for the relaxed, colourful room or take a bag home, the kitchen keeps things vibrant and good value. Diners rate it 4.2/5 across 269 Google reviews, with regular praise for top-notch service and dishes that genuinely taste of the streets they come from. A reliable choice for street-food-style Indian in the heart of Cotham.