Masala Zone Covent Garden

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the bright, casual surrounds & breezy young staff mean Masala Zone isn’t serious about cooking. Far from it – this chain, after all, hails from the same stable as high-end Indian fine diners Chutney Mary, Veeraswamy & Amaya. The idea is that you eat traditional street food for starters, & order a thali – a platter of assorted curries & condiments – for your main. Masala Zone also adheres to a philosophy of healthy eating & fresh ingredients, making it a far cry from greasy curry-house clichés: vividly spiced chicken samosas are baked (not fried), yoghurt raita comes studded with pomegranate seeds & fresh coriander, & tangy Goan prawn curry is also packed with chunky vegetables. Even sweetly spiced rasmalai is lighter than you’d expect. ‘A great place to indulge in Indian food without all the calories’.