London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Brick Lane.  You are at the center of Indiantown, whole collection of restaurants in view, waiters taunting you every couple meters. You are thoroughly tempted but where to start, how to differenciate one place from another? Clearly, you will not have the chance to get a quiet look at the menus. Easier to give up, avoid eye contact, even make a detour.

Result? 7 years in London and I still haven’t had lunch in that iconic street. Shameful, I tel you! So where I was given the opportunity to try Sheba, know as the best address around, I never hesitated a second. 35 years of experience: let’s start at the top….

As in all curry houses, decoration is relatively simple – white table cloth, red sofas. At the back of the room, a big screen plays exotic Bollywood videoclips, so cheerful and full of colours.

A quick look at the menu – so much choice! To be frank, I tend to keep to Tikka Masalas, Kormas and Biryanis. But this is a day to be more adventurous and while snacking on our crunchy poppadums, we decide to order an assortement.

Arrive first samosas (£3.10) filled with lamb or vegetables… Onion Bahjis (£3.10) flavoured with fresh herbs…. a Chicken Chat Puree (£3.95)  which wakes up taste buds with its lovely spices…  Garlic King Prawns (£4.95)… Great and savoury introduction. I personally have a preference for the Kebab Ke Karishma (£8.95, to be shared by 2), a wonderful assortment of kebabs : chicken, lamb, Kofte, lamb chops… Guys will not resist this!

This, my friends, is the mere beginning of the festivities. Little by little, the table gets covered with dishes in warm colours and inviting aromas. So much choice! Get your weapon: naan in hand, ready to be dipped in the nearest sauce…

Am, stram, gram… Fight your way to the Lamb Lucknow (£12.50), their signature dish. No need for a knif, the meat is so tender and well cooked a spoon would do! And what a creative flavour: cardamom, pine flower, saffron… A real poem.

Do try the King Prawns Malabar (£12.50), which presents juicy prawns in an aromatic sauce. Coriander, chilli, curry leave, coconut cream and, more surprising, mustard seeds, an amazing touch. Softer in spices, the Tandoori Korai King Prawn (£12.95) allies prawns, onions, peppers, coriander and can almost be eaten by spoonfuls…

The menu lists a wide selection of fish recipes such as the Kofte Jhinga Bhuna (£12.95), a Bengali specialty. A cheerful mix of tomatoes, herbs, spring onions, melting on the mouth and very addictive.

If you are a Korma-forever type, though, go for this great alternative:  the Modhucash Murgh (£10.50), a creamy honey and cashew nuts chicken is sure to win your heart. I ate most of my naan just digging into the sauce…

A good address fr veggies too. Dahl (£3.10) with a yummy garlic note, delicious Saag Aloo (potatoes and spinach, £3.10) which I will discreetly finish the plate, roasted aubergines (Begun Bahji £3.25) to die for… There is something for everyone!

Amidst the fun of tasting here and there, we quickly forgot which dish was what. Up to you to mix, pile up, rearrange and create you own curry combination… or steal the last prawn or lamb piece from your neighbour’s plate if they are not looking…

Verdict : with this delicious address in my books, why would I even bother to try any other restaurant on Brick Lane?

Sheba
136 Brick Lane
Shoredicth
London E1 6RU