Masala Zone Soho

From the people behind glamorous London Indian's Veeraswamy and Chutney Mary comes this Wagamama-esque take on Indian cuisine. Masala Zone is a bright, canteen style restaurant where fresh ingredients, good value and speedy service are prioritised. There's loads of unusual stuff...this is one to watch. (Note it's non-smoking)

This spacious place with outside seating set back from Upper St in Islington is one of the best Indian budget options in London. Thoroughly modern in design, it serves up meals centred on its famous thalis, as well as tandoor and grilled dishes. There's also a Soho branch ( M04A6; 7287 9966; 9 Marshall St W1; ;Oxford Circus) serving equally authentic fare. Service can shake when it's busy, and there can even be people queuing for a table, but these are minor gripes in an otherwise excellent establishment.

Masala Zones aim is to provide the real flavours of India at very, very affordable prices. A good plan, executed greatly.

Its owned by the same people who run the rather more upmarket Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy. While those places are opulent and relaxed, Masala Zone is basic and efficient, with a simple but varied menu placing the traditional Indian emphasis on balanced meals, fresh vegetables and healthy eating. Vegetarians will also be delighted to know that the chefs from Gujarat and North India means they now operate out of their own separate vegetable kitchen.

Food covers one stop options great Thalis and Noodle / Rice Bowls and assorted snacks. Particularly good are the small plates of street food as the menu calls them. Bhel, a traditional crunchy salad with chutneys and peanuts is simple and flavoursome, Sev Puri are wholewheat biscuits piled with spiced mash and three fresh chutneys. Theyre extremely tasty, with a satisfying mix of textures.

The Thali platters are excellent value, with a choice of main curry (Konkan Chicken incidentally packs an impressive punch), an Indian canape, two vegetable dishes (depending on whats good at the market that morning), a dal, raita, Indian salad, papadums and chutney, wholewheat chapati and rice. For less than a tenner.