Rasa Express (Closed Permanently)

A lunchtime-only limited-menu outlet of recommended Indian restaurant mini-chain Rasa, started in 1994 in Stoke Newington by Das Sreedharan. Rasa's second (and more central) full-scale restaurant, located in Dering St just off Oxford St, produces this no-frills establishment's three main options — vegetarian, chicken or chicken biryani, all cooked in the Kerala style — available at this location from Monday to Friday. It's a preprepared, five-part compartmentalised plastic tray with three small hot dishes (varies in pot luck fashion), rice and tasy puddingy dessert (plus a rather soggy roti/paratha-type bread item). Prices in 2016 are still skimpy, with the vegetarian option costing just £5.00 (£6 for chicken). Tube stations: Warren Street and Great Portland Street. Sadly closed 2017. Nearest existing branch is 6 Dering St, just off Oxford St.