Kolam (Tooting)

• Instead we were joined again by the unflappable Louise Hitchen who waddled her way from Balham to join us
• On this rare occasion Tom was the first to arrive and cut a very lonesome figure sat inside on his own with only the proprietor as company
• I walked past it every day for the best part of three years and rarely saw anyone inside
• Tucked away as it is very unassumingly opposite the Job Centre Plus
• On our visit only two other tables were occupied &ndash
• First thing to say regarding the food is how usefully descriptive the menu is
• Each sub genre is given a little blurb explaining the defining features or typical time each dish is eaten
• Tom was enamoured with the carrot poriyal shredded stir fried carrot in a dry style
• The highlight of which was the poori which came as a pair
• The range of starters and sides at Kolam is commendable
• The curry followed the form of the starters with generous portions and strong flavours
• The highlight was probably the lamb kolam keerai
• A mild spinach curry with tender meat pieces from the restaurant's speciality menu
• The prawn curry was also tomatoey
• Nonetheless there were plenty of prawns in this dish
• The curries here were a solid offering and well worth a try
• This feels like a family run place and the owners (presumably husband and wife) are very friendly and welcoming
• Each dish came with an introduction and a smile
• The restaurant was in pristine condition
• The only possible criticism is that we waited longer than average for the food
• The absence of hustle was replaced with serene politeness which is often amiss elsewhere in Tooting curry houses
• Family service with a beaming smile and a particular highlight was the lamb and the bread thing the poori that Murphington sic ordered
• To celebrate the final eve of 20days20dinners a group curry in Tooting was on the menu
• As discussed then Tooting is increasingly being seen as a foody haven
• In fact Tooting could be home to the best curry in London
• The venue of the evening was chosen by a friend
• Your usual chicken masala is not what you would expect
• You couldn't tip them enough to get it 3/4 of what it was further up the restaurants on the Northern Line
• The mains on offer have a familiar air with many a South Indian establishment under our belts we're now experienced connoisseurs of the sub continent
• Hungry and lagered up with bottles of Cobra
• Then finally our mains arrive with Pilau rice and Garlic Naans
• Pretty tasty but everything is a similar shade of deep red
• 10 less and probably be happier with your evening

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