South London is full of sun traps with views of the Cote d’South London roads.  Find one on a main road in Brockley where Pakistani feasts greet you whilst cars beep on by and you’re onto a winner.

Masala Wala is the foodie love-child of mother and daughter team Nabeela and Saima who are on a mission to celebrate Pakistani cuisine in South East London. We ventured down on a Saturday night for an early evening nosh up before heading to the O2 to see Leftfield (#ravefinger) so we needed filling up.

#SELB tells you more…….

Service:

Saima (the sister who stayed :)) and the team are clearly a happy bunch, welcoming, willing and ready to share stories of Masala Wala.  It is a cosy independent restaurant, so you’ll never have to wait too long to get served.  We chatted to a couple of diners and staff, it felt like we were a part of a bigger group which was welcoming.  We left having made a new pal, always a winner!

Eats:

From the reassuringly short and seasonal, refreshed monthly menu (always 2 meat 2 veg) we ordered the Baingan Gosht (slow cooked lamb & aubergine), Murgh Aloo (on the bone chicken and potato), Homemade Roti, Basmati Rice, Kachumber Salad and Raita. For pud we shared a creamy pistachio and cardamom kulfi ice cream.  Saima is willing to share how the curries are cooked and I’m pleased because they were delicious.  The chicken and lamb, cooked to perfection in Masala spices, started off with garlic, ginger and onion, cooked off with dry spices turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chill and coriander.  No secrets, just an abundance of lovingly home-made food with lots of patience.  As of this week, MW is fully licensed selling Brockley brewery beers.

Looks:

Easy on the eye, wooden benches, not overly packed and with a basic decor which is what we liked about it.  No over the top statements here.

Book: 

Reservations  needed for 5+ only otherwise walk in.  Address:  5 Brockley Cross, London SE4.  Open:  Tue-Thur 5.30-10pm Fri/Sat 1-10pm Sun 12-6pm.

Cost:  We paid £42 for a meal for two including corkage and service charge optional at 12.5%.

What’s cool:  Saima and her team, this place is chilled with a cool South East London vibe serving delicious home-made Pakistani food.

What’s not so cool: Not much really, we’d have liked a bit more Raita for the £2.90 cost.

#SELBFood Chain – Saima recommends Silk Road in Camberwell

#SELB OVER AND OUT