Gunpowder, Shoreditch

What…/ Boom! Gunpowder takes serious aim at London's best Indian restaurants with its opening in Shoreditch. Tell me more…/ Indicative of the changing of the guards that London's Indian food scene is experiencing, Gunpowder has taken over a site that used to be curry house.  The name itself refers to a robust traditional Indian spice mix that includes chilli, curry leaves and Asafoetida.  It's only a small place (24 seats), so there's no bookings, but trust me, the food is WELL worth the wait! On the Menu…/ The sharing style menu created by Head Chef Nirmal Save (formerly of Tamarind in Mayfair) combines traditional Indian recipes and techniques with the best seasonal British produce, and the results are outstanding. Chettinad Pulled Duck with homemade oothappam (a thick lentil and rice pancake) is basically like a Bao buns on heat, with rich and beautifully spiced duck resting in the pillow soft pancake.  Spicy Venison and Vermicelli Doughnut is another winner, again combining delicately spiced venison in a lovely deep fried pastry ball.  And the Lamb Chops… oh the Lamb Chops – I challenge anyone to find a better tasting Lamb Chop in London.  Wild rabbit pulao will complete the perfect meal, with all of the juices and spices deeply working their way into each fluffy grain of rice. We went and here's why you should go…/ Gunpowder shoots into the list of London's best Indian restaurants – and that's no mean feat given the competition. Relentlessly good food for incredibly affordable prices. Price…/ Under £20/head for food. Wine around £5 Where…/ 11 White's Row, Spitalfields E1 7NF www.gunpowderlondon.com