Darjeeling Express — Restaurant in London

So, do the dramatized life stories of chefs on Netflix shows, really guarantee good food on the table when a non critic walks in?

In this case, I can confirm - it does.

Before you make the trip, to try out “curry” at this place - please know this restaurant serves predominantly food from eastern part of India - this means the usual curry favorites of Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer or Dal Makhni are not on the menu - instead you have Bengali favorites of kosha mangsho (braised and slow cooked goat in browned onion sauce), prawn malai curry (prawn in coconut sauce cooked in an onion and ginger paste), momo (dumplings commonly eaten in north Bengal and in all mountaineous regions in north India) etc.

The food is good. Perhaps the most authentic Indian meal we have had in London. More importantly, you can tell the dishes are not the result of formulaic, codified culinary school education, instead it is the result of recipes passed from one generation to another, the result of years of cooking with your mother or your grand ma or cooking for your family and friends, It is a place where each cook has her own origin story of what brought them there and what Asma ji’s kitchen means to them. The food on the table has great flavour but even more importantly it has heart.

And may be that is why you should head to this restaurant. Chicken momos will take you back to your summer vacations in Shimla or Darjeeling or Nainital. The chapli kebab will make you think of the traffic in Park Circus’ infamous traffic junction. The Parathas looked and tasted exactly the way maa made parathas for my school meals. And the bhapa doi (or mishti doi), will take you to the tram routes of old Kolkata. The food here will make you nostalgic if you are a bengali, a new fan of the cuisine if you are not.

The service was great too - our server was always smiling and attentive. And the food was being dished out very quickly too.

And then there was Asma ji. Her fame from Netflix notwithstanding, there she was talking to us the way my aunt or an elder sister would in a family gathering. We told her our groups’s Whatsapp group name is “London’s Best Kosha Mangsho” as everyone in the group cooks this dish well. She hurried away and came back to say, I have let the team know that we are competing against London’s best, and then confidently told her she will come back after we ate as she knows we will love it. She could not return but I can confirm this kosha mangsho was right up there.

There are places with great food. There are places that give you an experience. Darjeeling Express gives you both. This is a must do in London. And one my wife and I would return to often.

Asma ji - thank you for representing my (our) region and presenting it to the world with such honesty and flair. This is what great looks like. My only request is to add luchi to the menu when you are serving...

Darjeeling Express in Kingly Court, London, stands as a testament to the power of heartfelt hospitality, exceptional service, and authentic culinary artistry. With a focus on creating an atmosphere that mirrors a traditional Indian feast, the service goes beyond mere food delivery. The bartenders and servers are notably engaging, taking extra time to discuss new ideas and ensuring every guest feels valued and welcomed.

The cuisine at Darjeeling Express is a labor of love, a tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors, meticulously prepared to evoke the essence of India's diverse culinary landscape. It's not just food; it's an experience, carefully crafted to nourish both body and soul, resonating with Asma Khan's philosophy of food being a conduit for love and community.

Asma Khan’s approach to food and staffing at Darjeeling Express is deeply influenced by her personal journey and heritage. Born into a family that valued women's contributions both in and outside the kitchen, Khan has built a restaurant that is staffed by women who are mostly South Asian immigrants without professional kitchen training but with a passion for cooking. This approach not only challenges the conventional restaurant industry norms but also highlights Khan's commitment to providing opportunities for those often overlooked.

Khan’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability and the principles of giving back to the community. At Darjeeling Express, everything from the food sourcing to waste management is handled with a profound respect for the environment and the people. The restaurant promotes the use of seasonal ingredients, minimizes food waste, and supports the community by packing leftovers for guests to share, reflecting Khan’s dedication to compassion and hospitality that extends beyond the dining table.

Moreover, the restaurant originated from humble beginnings, starting as a supper club in Khan’s home, serving dishes based on family recipes passed down through generations. Today, it stands as a celebration of Khan’s Mughlai ancestry and the bustling streets of Calcutta where she grew up. The food at Darjeeling Express, described as a melange of street food and slow-cooked delicacies, invites diners to share in the traditional 'daawat' (feast) style, fostering a sense of community and shared joy.

Asma Khan's achievements and philosophy make Darjeeling Express much more than just a restaurant; it's a movement. From its all-women kitchen team to its commitment to authenticity and sustainability, Darjeeling Express is a place where food is not just eaten but experienced, making it an exceptional recommendation for anyone looking to immerse themselves in true Indian...

This was hands down the best South Asian meal I've had outside my home. For context, I'm Indian, I've lived in NYC and been in London for 3 years and am no stranger to the high-quality meals you find in these big global cities.

There was not a single bad item on our table. Every single thing was so incredibly good and tasty that me and my friend barely spoke throughout our meal, except to say "oh my god I can't believe my mouth right now." The service was also so mindful, all the way from booking to leaving with our doggy bag.

Kasia was so kind that she accommodated our last minute, same day request for a fully booked dinner service and even ensured we got our requested time so that we would have time to make our reservation after work.

Akanksha was our primary server and she was attentive from the minute my butt hit the seat. She made sure I did not consume anything that would aggravate my allergy, and she recommended drinks and the perfect katoris all evening. She was polite and conversational but still very cool. She brought us free chai toward the end of our evening, which we even mentioned to each other would be perfect to make our dessert complete and she somehow read our minds. Jhemil at the bar was also calm and collected during a busy service and supported her in making it possible for us to take home almost a whole bottle of masala chai since they were out of to-go cups.

Frankie, the food runner, is somehow only 17 but one of the sweetest people to have served us. He mindfully walked us through the best way to enjoy our courses and even made sure to perfectly pronounce the name of every dish. He showed us the best way to properly eat each course.

I rarely write reviews or feedback, but I have not been able to stop thinking about this dinner and experience for days. My only regret is eating so much that I was about to explode, and letting my friend take home the leftovers because I have been craving it since. For the experience and quality of the meal in a central London restaurant, the pricing is beyond reasonable. I have paid more for lesser meals, frankly. As an Indian, I can also confirm the authenticity of their playlist (it's like they stole my Spotify).

My friend and I will definitely be back to attend one of the Asma's supper clubs. 11/10 experience. Beat Dishoom by landslide in my opinion....