It’s no secret that Indian food is extremely popular, especially in London. And contrary to popular belief, Chicken Tikka Masala is considered to be the U.K.’s national dish… NOT Fish & Chips! And there’s certainly no shortage of Indian restaurants in London, but Tiffinbites is the UK’s first Indian restaurant chain to serve only “free-range” Halal chicken in all of their chicken dishes. Located near St. Paul’s (and other locations around London), Tiffinbites offers a healthier alternative in the casual dining industry as it uses only the freshest of ingredients and serves their food just like it would be served if you were eating in India — in traditional Tiffin boxes.
Description & Atmosphere
Tucked away in a back street – not far from St. Paul’s Cathedral – Tiffinbites is an imposing glass-fronted warehouse-style restaurant serving very satisfying delicious Indian food to the City types who work in the area. It’s not on your normal tourist trail, but is well worth seeking out for a different type of Indian experience. When we say “seeking out,” we mean get directions, as it is not easy to locate.
Interior has soft ambience, low lighting, comfortable sofas with vibrant-colored cushions in the bar with bench-style/banquette seating in the restaurant.
Food – Light Bites, Main Courses and Desserts
Tiffinbites offers a healthier alternative in the casual dining industry as it uses only the freshest of ingredients and serves their food just like it would be served if you were eating in India – in traditional Tiffin boxes (hence the name of the restaurant). Menu consists of a variety of Light Bites – Vegetarian Aloo Paapdi Chaat (potatoes, chickpeas, onions, Indian crisps/crackers, yoghurt, tamarind sauce and coriander chutney) which has a fruity, interesting mix of textures and tastes; Chicken Tikka Samosas – nicely spiced morsels of chicken tikka, onions, fresh coriander – the first samosas we’ve had which weren’t greasy – really nice.
Main courses we’ve enjoyed include Tandoori Chicken which was… well, Tandoori Chicken; King Prawn Masala – freshwater king prawns cooked in a tomato and coconut sauce. Nice meaty prawns. We recommend sharing the dish as it was quite rich; Lamb Rogan Josh – classic lamb curry cooked with Kashmiri red chillies and fresh ground spices with green pea masala. This was excellent – hearty rich sauce and tender lamb. It was the best dish of the night!
Enjoy a choice of eight freshly-baked Peshwari Naan Breads – the chili and coriander is very hot, so watch out! If you have the appetite and sweet tooth, there are authentic Indian desserts. The traditional favorite Gulab Jamun (golden brown deep fried milk balls in flavored sugared syrup) tastes as sweet as it sounds but good; Rasmalai (Indian cheese dumplings in a sweet-flavored sauce) apparently popular with regulars, however we found them a bit bland, soggy and spongy; maybe stick to Kulfi (Indian ice-cream) Mango or Pistachio flavors.
Tiffinbites Cocktails
Tiffinbites has a variety of cocktails – “Hooray for Bollywood” (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cointreau, Lime juice and Grenadine) is very good… subtle yet with a kick. Or you can choose from a wide selection of spirits, beer and wine. We recommend trying the traditional Mango Lassi made with fresh mangoes from India, blended with yoghurt – very refreshing..
Entertainment
The restaurant features traditional Bollywood/Indian music and video on plasma screens. Enjoy dancing to a DJ on Friday nights – Tiffinbites offers a special all-inclusive dinner and dance downstairs (as an option to regular dining in the main restaurant).
Hours & Service
Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm; Closed weekends. Reservations are recommended during peak times, especially Friday nights. Monday nights are generally quieter than mid-to-late week nights. Service is prompt and friendly. Reasonably-priced.
Underground parking or taxi is best as parking can be difficult. Closest Underground Station is St. Paul’s or Bank.
See you at Tiffinbites!
