Just round the corner from Crouch Hill station, this incredibly cheap Indian vegetarian spot also comes with corkage-free BYOB – so pop across the road to Jack’s off-licence if you need to stock up (they have a brilliant line-up of exotic beers). The decor isn’t much to write home about but the food is delicious and authentic, from dosas, idli sambar, aloo tikki and chana chaat to all sorts of veggie curries – not only the usual cauliflower, chickpeas and spinach but also bitter gourd, mooli and long beans. There’s also a big contingent of so-called ‘exotic dishes’ ranging from chilli paneer to South Indian avial (vegetables with coconut, yoghurt and green chillies) and kalan (involving buttermilk and mango). Thalis (for one or two people) are a great way to sample the full repertoire.