Do you remember when you were a kid and your mum used to bring out her best china when the important guests were invited round? I hated that. It never felt comfortable. I’ve never felt at home with the idea of saving anything for the best occasions. I’m the kind of guy that feels comfortable with routine and am not particularly fond of unecessary frills. That is why I love Shikara.
This is the best everyday curry house that I have ever come across. Supremely friendly wait staff that are always smiling, fantastic food and never that busy that they can’t find you a table at short notice. I eat here so often they gave me a three foot christmas card last year. Brilliant. I was touched. I cried chilli infused tears it was that moving.
Most times I come here I see the same old faces eating the excellent curries on offer. I would hazard a guess that 70% of customers are regulars here and that is a great sign. Shikara is relatively unknown among the crowds that move in Fitzrovia. I have no idea why either. Great Titchfield Street is a busy street and Shikara is surrounded by Italian and Turkish restaurants that seem to get way more custom than they do. I feel a little sorry for the proprietor to be honest. He should be way richer than he is.
It’s pretty enough inside and always looks very clean and tidy but this is a no nonsense establishment. Everything is as it should be. No over complication and you just know that they are secure in the knowledge that their food is excellent. This is an excellent curry house. I honestly can’t praise it enough.
Ratings
Poppadoms and Pickles – Top notch. Crispy and light. The pickles are fantastic, especially the mixed pickle which is something special.
Beers – Cobra 660ml and for some reason it tastes better here than anywhere else. Don’t ask me why as I haven’t got a scooby.
Sides – All brilliant. No frills to be seen here either. Just pure unadulterated taste
Curries – A reasonable selection yet everything is great. Sauces are thick and full of depth. Not a dodgy choice to be had here and I know because I’ve tried them all. More than once. Superb. If you’re feeling brave, go for the Bangalore Phaal. The waiter told us that he was scared of it when we ordered it. Nearly put me out of action but I would have died with a smile on my face and an arsehole that looked like Don King disappearing into quicksand
Vindictiveness of Waiters – As mentioned above, they will give you fair warning if they say they are going to make it hot. Good lads.
Face Towels – Quality towelling, hotter than the direct centre of the sun and more lemony than the mess left over from a nuclear strike on Sicily.
Complimentary Chocolate With the Bill – A single square of orange chocolate, perfectly chilled. Marvellous
Price – 4 poppadoms, 2 cobra 660ml, 2 curries and 1 Sag Aloo will come in around £45. Brilliant value as I’d pay another tenner on top of that and still be happy. Shhhh, don’t tell them.
Final Score – 8.8 out of 10. I would give it a 9 but Gaylord just pips it.
One Sentence Summary – One of my all time favourites and I’m sure it will be yours too if you pay them a visit.
thanks for this great review! We´ve been there just a few days ago, it is absolutely fabulous! I´ve been kicking myself ever since for not asking the chef about his recipe for the pickles (hot and nice) to the poppadoms!
Cheers, Olli
Hi Olli
It really is a great restaurant isn’t it. Actually, I haven’t been in about a month. Think I might pop along again soon. Next time i’m in I shall ask about the recipes for their mixed pickle and post it back here if he comes up with the goods and is happy for his skills to be displayed so publicly.
that would be appreciated! i´m quite sure there were capers in it… thanks in advance!!
Olli
I feel I should apologise for not getting back to you until now. I have been to Shikara a few times since writing the last message and I did ask for the recipe for the mixed pickle. The manager is a great guy and seemed slightly embarrassed when he told me that he couldn’t give away any of the chefs secrets and I can grudgingly respect that. He did however give me a gift wrapped box of after eights by way of apology. I’m not really a fan but still….
Soory to have kept you waiting for so long only to offer you so little.
thanks for trying. I suppose that makes it even more desirable to visit them again! My next trip to London is not too far away…
[...] You’d be way better off having a few beers here and then heading a few yards up the road to Shikara. At least that way you’ll not want to fight a copper come [...]