In my ongoing quest to find the best of the best curries, I’ve come across another worthy contender.
Hazraj has just opened in Kentish Town, and delivers delicious, cheap Indian street food rather than the overpriced, Anglicized curry-sludge that Londoners are subjected to in so many other curry houses round the city.
For £5.95 you can make your own curry tiffin. Apparently the choice of curries started at a 40-strong repertoire, but was skilfully whittled down to six winners (so that customers aren’t overwhelmed by the choice): chicken tikka masala, chicken malai korma, chicken mughal jalfrezi, lamb kashmiri rogan josh, crispy prawn bhuna and saag paneer.
I went for the lamb rogan josh. The meat was tender, and sauce was delicately spiced – the two most important aspects of a winning curry.
There’s then a choice of four different rices and three different nans – as well as a selection of sides (all £1.95) such as and Dhal Makhni (spiced lentils) and mixed vegetables. I also had a delicious chai latte, which I was told are “selling like hot cakes”.
Sadly the interior is a bit bleak, and it is quite out of the way (unless you live in Kentish Town in which case it must be brilliant) - apparently there are plans to open a chain in Belsize and Highgate though. If you find yourself in NW5 though, it’s definitely worth a visit (and if you don’t, then still contemplate a trip) – you won’t get a better meal in London for £5.95.
Turn right out of Kentish Town tube, and walk a couple of minutes until you reach the point where the roads fork into Highgate and Fortress roads - it’s on the corner at the Fortress side. Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (except Saturday when it opens at 9am and Sunday when it opens at noon.)