Ganapati

Be prepared to share a table at this small, colourful south Indian restaurant, whose reputation for superb Keralan cooking draws visitors from across London. Backed by a tiny courtyard garden surrounded by banana trees, Ganapati is a surprising oasis on a residential street in Peckham. Everything is made from scratch, including chutneys that zing with the flavours of fresh lime, mango & tomato, & the most buttery of warm parathas. For a tropical treat, try the aromatic crab thoran, stir-fried with ginger, coconut, onion & spices. Also popular are the thalis: small dishes of curries, pickled vegetables, rice & other accompaniments served in metal bowls & presented on a banana leaf. The decent drinks list includes chilli-friendly wines (several from India), beers, & palate-cleansing lassis.