The place – East London. The year – 1889. Or so we were led to believe by the Flying Scotsman, our guide on the Jack The Ripper Tour. As we were led through the narrow, dank streets of Whitechapel, our guide asked us to open our mind’s eye, then began to paint vivid pictures of poverty, of disease, dirt, smog, rotting teeth, rickets, scurvy, freezing bones, and of course, the Whitechapel murders where Jack gruesomely killed up to 11 women.
chickpea curry
Amongst the sounds of shuffling footsteps, oohs, aahs, and grimaces of wide eyed couples and morbid thrill seekers was heard the muffled rumble of The Duke’s hungry stomach, appetite undampened by descriptions of blood and guts and nastiness. To be fair to him, our little party was starving hungry by the cold walk and the promise of warming curry. The tour ended at the infamous Ten Bells public house which was patronised regularly by many of the victims, and it was here that our own excursion began. We went in search of Tayyabs.
some starters
This Pakistani Punjabi joint is off the main brow of Brick Lane and on this cold wintry Sunday evening, even Curry’s capital was quiet. Not so, Tayyabs; It was heaving! I joined the back of the queue and waited for the maitre d, anticipating a 3o minute wait for a table of 5. I surveyed the surroundings; the odd decor consisted of drapes, caverns and dark corners – kind of like a burleque club crossed with Aladdin’s cave. My analysis of interior design was pleasantly interrupted by the host’s arm around my shoulder and his other arm leading my eyes towards a banquet table in quite possibly the cosiest corner of East London. I was happy and The Duke was ecstatic!
spicy prawns
Those of you who read my review of the Lahore Kebab House would know of that particular dissapointment – fantastic grilled meat starters followed by substandard mains left me choking on my naan. Therefore, when the menu was presented, cautious familiarity made me approach with a sense of trepidation but I needn’t have worried.
Marinated lamb chops, lamb and chicken kebabs, tikkas, samosas were ordered. All were deliciously spiced and all did their job of whetting the appetite. As good as the starters were, the mains were even better; Karahi King Prawn, the oddly named Dry meat (texture was very similar to a beef rendang), Karahi mixed veg, Tarka Dahl (chickpea), naans, prathas, rice all melded to become one curry heaven. Dry meat was mildly nutty and tender, the Tarka yielded on the tongue like garlic butter balls, the veg freshly crunchy and sophistated and all blanketed from the heat of the spicy king prawns. The fluffy naans and crispy prathas completed the meal and ultimately contributed to one of the best curry experiences I’ve had in a long time, especially taking the price into consideration. Total cost was around £70 for the 5 of us including soft drinks, desserts, coffees. It’s an unlicensed restaurant so bring your own alcohol!
9/10 from me with the minus for the average desserts. 9/10 from The Duke, minus a point for having to bring his own beers. 9/10 for the Ripper tour http://www.walks.com/Homepage/Jack_the_Ripper/default.aspx
Tayyabs, 83-89, Fieldgate St. London E1 1JU
Telephone
020 7247 6400 , 020 7247 9543 , 020 7247 8521
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