In a city of 8 million with a significant subcontinental presence, a good dosa can be surprisingly hard to find. After a disappointing dosa in a small new restaurant in Brick Lane, we decided to embark on a quest for the best dosa in London. We will trek across London to find that one kick-ass dosa.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Chettinad
16 Percy Street, W1T 1DT
020 3556 1229
www.chettinadrestaurant.com
The journey that the dosa makes from its community heartlands to the city centre appears to be a tricky one. After Tooting, Wembley and East Ham, we headed off to Percy Street (near Tottenham Court Road) where Chettinad, a relatively new South Indian restaurant, had caught our eye.
Like its next-door neighbour, Sagar, Chettinad offers a 'box lunch' that appeared popular (NB, with some Indians amongst the clientele). But we stuck to our guns and went firmly for dosas. The menu was moreover intriguing. It included Chicken Dosas, Lamb Dosas and Prawn Dosas side by side with the regular Masala and Rava.
N went for the Prawn Dosa, but was slightly downcast to find just three prawns embedded in the potato/veg filling. Though the filling as a whole was nicely spiced, the dosa had a less attractive leathery quality that might have meant it had sat around before being served. Our companion J however was happy with his Mysore Masala Dosa. But V who had struck out and gone for Onion Chilli Uttapam felt it lacked character and was sadly bland.
We liked the place. It's pleasantly appointed and the service was friendly although a bit slow. But our bill (including coffee, aviyal and one beer) came to £47.19 and made us long for the homely simplicities of Wembley. 5/10.
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You should check out the masala dosa at ganapati (peckham).
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