“Asma’s food is more aromatically spiced that the ‘hot hot hot’ spicing many British palates have come to believe is Indian fare. It’s layered and complex and sophisticated.”

Asma Khan is utterly delightful. Warm and gregarious. Witty and charismatic. Her energy is so contagious that you just want to join her army and do whatever it is she’s doing. This made me a bit nervous the first time I ate Asma’s food.

I first ‘met’ Asma on social media and found her friendly and inclusive. We bumped into each other IRL (In Real Life) at a function for SupperClub hosts. She said she was doing a pop-up in Soho so I promised to come.

It’s not that I thought her food wouldn’t be good, it’s just that I had so hoped it would be and didn’t want to think about the fibs I might need to tell if it wasn’t. No need to fret or prepare fibs. Asma’s food is divine.

Her food is more aromatically spiced that the ‘hot hot hot’ spicing many British palates have come to believe is Indian fare. It’s layered and complex and sophisticated. Yet it slides down so easily that you’ll find yourself ordering another Prawn Malaikari or Tamarind Dal. It’s got the comfort of your Nan and the pizazz of a supermodel.

Go with a group as it’s a lovely convivial space and it’s always great to try a number of dishes. The menu is very moderately priced so you can splash out on a couple of desserts or just come back the next night for round two.

What started as a pop-up has turned into a residency until March 2016. But do get in quick as I’ve noticed many food writers have been equally as bewitched by both Asma and her food, so great reviews are flying thick and fast.

Grab your Kala Channa while you can.

Darjeeling Express at Sun & 13 Cantons
21 Great Pulteney Street,
London W1F 9NG 

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Have you read our review of
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