On this occasion I was heading to The O2 Brixton Academy. I don’t know the area, and most of the places near the venue seemed to be the usual fast food suspects. 

So imagine my surprise when I discovered Brixton Village. Set in the market, there are food outlets offering a variety of cuisines to fulfil the most discerning palate and, best of all, some of the cafés even allow you to bring your own alcohol. 

On this occasion I visited Elephant Café, which serves authentic Pakistani street food. I choose the Thali, which was really flavoursome and fabulous value for money.

The staff were attentive and provided friendly service, to the degree that you felt that you were visiting their home. I am now just waiting for the next gig in this area so I can return.

British-Pakistani blogger Mariam Sheikh, a London-bred communications specialist and food enthusiast joins our World in London challenge, to talk about the joys of savouring Pakistani cuisine in London.

Where can you find Pakistan in London? Well, with the Office for National Statistics stating there are around 180,000 Londoners of Pakistani descent, the answer to that question is “just about anywhere!”

Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest are where you can find the largest Pakistani communities in the city. Pockets in West and South London such as Tooting and Wembley are also home to thriving Pakistani communities.

Like other Londoners of South Asian decent, considerable numbers of Pakistanis have set up their own businesses, including grocery stores and newsagents, as well as myriad restaurants offering tantalising and mouth-watering Pakistani cuisine.

Pakistani cuisine is not all that different from Indian cuisine (it was once the same country after all) and restaurants in London have often marketed themselves along the lines of the traditional Indian curry house. But there are slight differences; Pakistani cuisine is likely to have lots of barbequed and grilled meat, with some – but less – sauce dishes than other South Asian restaurants and hardly any fruit or coconut used in curries.

Today there are many Pakistani restaurants that are gaining confidence to break the mould of the “curry house” image; some market their food specifically as Pakistani and most offer a modern, contemporary and affordable dining experience. Areas in London have developed where entire streets are full of South Asian restaurants, and many of the most popular ones offer Pakistani cuisine.

Some of my top Pakistani restaurant picks are:

• Lahore Karahi and Spice Village in Tooting
• Tayyabs in Whitechapel
• Bandu Khan in Aldgate
• Raavi kebab in Euston

Biriyani, masala fish, seekh kebab, tandoori lamb chops and falooda are all typical on a Pakistani menu and are sure to have your lips smacking at their appetising aroma. So next time you’re in these areas be sure to make your way down to the nearest Pakistani restaurant and savour the delectable flavours for yourself!

http://www.myspace.com/mariamsheikh

What’s your experience of Pakistani culture in London? Tell us in the comments below.