At TiffinBites, they believe that the only way to enjoy authentic Indian food is by cooking and serving it in the same way it has been done in India for centuries. The name of the chain (which has restaurants in Canary Wharf, Russia Row, Liverpool Street and Moorgate) refers to the tiffin boxes (round metal dishes) in which the three-part meals are served. In Bombay, boys known as Tiffin Wallahs have been delivering hot home-cooked food to hungry office workers in this way for years. It’s a great way to taste a variety of light, tasty dishes without waiting for ages or over-eating. This is fast food, Tiffin style!
The dishes are made using traditional and authentic cooking methods, and cooked in Tandoor ovens. The smaller portions make the restaurants an ideal choice for lunch and you can also phone ahead to order a takeaway. If you’re only peckish, the menu offers a great selection of light bites including tan door rolls, samosas, aloo tikki (potato patties with onions, peas and spices), and freshly baked naan breads.
The tiffins themselves are served as a trio of dishes in the stackable metal boxes. For something familiar; there is creamy chicken tikka masala with lamb rogan josh and pilau rice or Mumbai aubergine masala with rice and Bombay potatoes. Vegetarian diners should try the delicious Paneer cheese curry with tarka daal (garlic lentils). There are also a range of traditional Indian sweets and drinks to try, as well as their exotic Bollywood cocktail - Bombay sapphire gin, cointreau, lime juice and grenadine shaken and served in a Martini glass.
Why not visit the TiffinBites restaurant on Russia Row and then do a bit of sightseeing at St Paul’s Cathedral? The Old Bailey is also nearby, and the public galleries there are open each day for viewing of trials in session.
For a bit of culture, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is just ten minutes away from St Paul’s. The theatre is a reconstruction of the original playhouse complete with wooden timbers, thatched roof and outdoor stage and seating. The season usually runs from May to September, mixing Shakespearian classics with other Renaissance playwrights, and the standard of performance is consistently high. For a truly Elizabethan experience, you can buy tickets for standing room in the pit in front of the stage, but remember to bring a raincoat - just in case!
