Dishoom, London

This café-style chain borrows from Iranian cafés and the pack lunch food of workers in Bombay, India.

The first iteration was such a success, there are now three restaurants in London, and each one is still busy even a few years after Dishoom first burst onto the scene. It’s a fairly trendy place to eat in the British capital and there are no bookings, so choose your moment carefully or be prepared to queue.

Once you’re inside, settle into one of the tables and admire the dark wood interior while well-trained staff buzz around you, carrying a succession of small plates throughout the restaurant. While you can order what looks like a more traditional main meal, the concept is based on small portions of things to share between your group. And it’s well done.

Dishoom is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can come at any time of day. The selection of dishes changes as the clock ticks by, but always draws heavily on the Bombay worker meals, such as kejriwal and Iranian favorites like keema per eedu. There are also signature dishes, such as the bacon naan roll, a breakfast staple for repeat diners.

In the evening, try samosas, vada pau and masala prawns for starters, before digging into some house special black daal and tasty biryani for main course.

Things can get pretty spicy, but there is yogurt for those with a sensitive palate. If you’re feeling adventurous, Dishoom is a great meal out.

Expect to pay around £25 per person for food and a beer or lassi milkshake.