Tayyabs

For decades Brick Lane (in olde-world Spitalfields) ruled as the reliable destination for Indian/Pakistani/Bengladeshi curry. But since the turn of the century it's all gone a bit lazy — ie no one much talks about eating on Brick Lane — and the excitement has shifted slightly eastward to Whitechapel, with family-run Tayyabs taking over from the once-glorious but now expanded and slightly less vital Lahore Kebab House (Umberston St) as the area's (Pakistani) hot spot. The food here is very, very good and not too pricey – the many pluses include the famous grilled lamb chops – but the buzzy noisiness and the waiting during peak hours might put some off, though the downstairs expansion has helped. Best to arrive as early as possible, perhaps after a walk around Spitalfields and/or nearby Whitechapel Gallery [see entry], or Sunday lunchtime after Columbia Road Market [see entry]. Opened in 1972 by a man from Lahore named Mohammed Tayyab. Located just minutes from Aldgate East and Whitechapel stations.