Khans of Brixton

Brixton. The new foodie paradise, who'd have thought it? When I was living in Brixton it was pretty much a choice between KFC or the Satay Noodle Bar, Brixton Village used to be known as Granville Arcade and all you could buy there was tupperware or chicken's feet. Ah them were the days.

Still, we weren't here to rate Honest Burgers' triple-cooked rosemary fries, or Mama Lan's pan-fried dumplings. No, this was October's curry night, and we were to start off a night exploring the exciting and ever-changing Brixton with, well, a curry. But where to begin? A quick bit of online research restricted the options to two: Curry Paradise, on Brixton Hill, or Khan's, on Brixton Water Lane, close to the delightful Brockwell Park. (Elephant in Brixton market is very highly recommended, but they don't take group bookings so that was out).

Firstly, the pre-curry pub, of which we enjoyed two. The first broke a cardinal rule of not being a stumble away from the curry house, but we wanted to try the new Craft Beer Company Bar, on Brixton Station Road. I know this place is all about the beer, and you certainly can't fault it for choice, with literally hundreds to choose from, but it had very little atmosphere. I wonder whether this place will last beyond the current fad for craft ale.

We then took the ten minute walk up Effra Road to Khan's, stopping on the way for a quick one at Hootenanny's, more about which later.

From the outside Khan's is underwhelming, to say the least. The exterior just doesn't do the place justice, looking like more of a run-down takeaway joint. But when you step inside, the place is actually quite smart, which is a pleasant surprise. We were led downstairs to our table - which even had napkins!

The dips were all present and correct - mango chutney, raita, lime pickle, and that hot runny red stuff no-one really likes much. These came with a plentiful supply of crisp poppadoms. The menu at Khan's was unusual, in that there were a number of dishes none of us recognised, such as Murgh Handi Laziz. I went for the Mirchi Lamb, which was delicious and spicier than expected. By the end of this dish there were beads of sweat on my brow and only the Kingfisher bought from the off-license next door could cool the flame (this place is BYO). There were similar murmers of approval from the rest of the group, with the Chicken Bhuna, Nawabi Murgh Tikka and Lamb Ceylon (very hot) getting rave reviews. The naan breads were all delicious, particularly the peshwari and keema naans.

Khan's is a hidden and unexpected gem, you can't really go wrong with what you order, although our friendly and funny waiter did warn us away from butter chicken (like pudding) and Murgh Tikka Masala (boring) which is very honest of him and probably very true - this place does spicy food excellently so don't order something lacking in heat. I must apologise for my photos - I forgot my camera and my phone images really don't do this place justice.  




Feel the heat

 With our stomachs and hearts full we managed the good one minute's walk over the road for a post-curry beer at Hootenanny's. This being Friday night things rapidly went downhill, but much fun can be had at this rough and ready, unpretentious and very friendly live music bar. 

Curry: 9/10
Beer: 6/10 (Craft Beer Co.) 8/10 Hootenanny