Despite its cheap and cheerful name, Masala Zone serves up tasty Indian dishes that actually resemble the food served across the subcontinent, all in comfortable, clean and modern settings at a very fair price (we’re talking £10-15 for dinner).

The menu focuses on thalis (like a South Asian bento box) with a variety of different Indian chutneys, condiments, rice and curries on the same tray. Street snacks like dahi puri (light, puffy, crisp biscuits filled with chickpea mash) and chana dabalroti (a tangy Sindhi chickpea curry) mingle with light grills (the mixed grill is a carnivore’s delight) and familiar dishes like lamb rogan josh and butter chicken are available for the undecided, albeit considerately and carefully cooked.

The food is light, both on the stomach and wallet. The walls, depending on location, are adorned with ethnic Indian art and marionette dolls, giving the modern room and colours decorative touches evocative of the subcontinent. A great spot for a casual meal or snack, there are several locations across London.

Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 23:00, Sunday: 12:30 - 22:30