Grand Trunk Road in South East London was founded by Rajesh Suri, who you may recognise as a guest on MasterChef: The Professionals, to celebrate the diverse and wide-ranging cuisine of India. Running from Bangladesh to Afghanistan, the Grand Trunk Road is Asia’s longest road and represents an age-old stretch of culinary techniques and cuisines. Indeed, it’s this broad influence that diners can expect to see on the menu via dishes that bring together the road’s many regions.
The décor inside feels upmarket and comfortable, sporting wooden furniture and smart tables that bring an elevated feel to a standard curry house. This not-too-fancy approach creates a space that feels welcoming and laid-back. Indeed, this ‘everyone’s welcome’ approach is cemented through a range of menus, from brunch to a la carte to parties, which makes dining here suitable at any time of day.
Dishes showcase a modern take on traditional cooking methods. Appetisers include potato and pea cakes with roasted sultana, ginger, coriander, chillies and tamarind chutney, and lamb medallions with split lentils, aromatic spices and a yoghurt dip. There’s a full list of grills and tandoors, as well as meat, fish and vegetarian mains. Look out for Amritsari Butter Chicken made with fresh tomato, honey, cream and dry fenugreek, and the Royal Lamb Shank which claims to be an 18th-century revived recipe from the royal kitchens of Lucknow. The freshly-baked tandoori breads are another must-try, with options such as smoked cheese or truffle and mushroom.
At the weekend, guests can dine from the all-day brunch menu (with the options to add bottomless cocktails or prosecco), which includes three courses and a side dish. Vegetarian menus are also available, along with nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes.
Don’t miss a refreshing selection of bespoke cocktails, as well as a generous wine and spirits list, or sweet lassis if you’re going booze-free.