QYPE*

I agree with the previous reviewer about the set menu -- it is overpriced and the choice is poor. However the a la carte selection is very broad and also extremely good value for money.

Food is usually presented on a thali, with rice, chipatti/naan, a curry of your choice, as well as three smaller dishes (dahls, etc.) that the chefs change every day. It's a fantastic way to eat for £8-£10. Having said all this, you are by no means obligated to eat from a thali; you can order food presented in a more common anglo-indian fashion if you prefer.

The two curries I've tried at Masala Zone are butter chicken and rogan josh. In both cases the curries were properly spiced and the meat was extremely tender but still well cooked. I was particularly impressed by the lamb.

The starters are very tasty but perhaps not as good value as the thalis. Aloo tikka chaat, and the dabalrotis in particular are worth trying.

Masala Zone is very attractive inside; the are deep red and brown murals on the walls and pleasant lighting. The atmosphere is very relaxed and there is always a diverse mix of people there.

The service is prompt and polite (though perhaps a bit unreliable at times). Later in the evenings it can get pretty busy, but I would consider this a good thing. If you arrive before 6.30pm then you have the option of a cheaper set menu. Don't be afraid of not being able to get a table later on -- as long as you arrive before 8pm there shouldn't be a problem.

It can be very difficult to find a good indian restaurant in London; I've been caught out many times by indian restaurants that look good from the outside, but are in fact overpriced with poor food and service. Masala Zone is, on the other hand, reliable, original and very good value.