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The Kentish Towner - Food Critic scored HAZRAJ 9/10

Critics & Customers Reviews

Review: Mumbai Street Food at Hazraj, Kentish Town

By Kentishtowner on March 8, 2012 in Food, Midweek Dinner

Catch her off-guard, and Mrs Kentishtowner will slyly admit that her favourite hobby is to epater les bourgeois. And she has awarded Hazraj, a low-key diner on Fortess Road specializing in Mumbai street food, an exceedingly rare 9/10. These two facts may, or may not, be related.

Hazraj is unassuming, for sure, but its intriguing menu yielded unexpected delights. A sharing Chaat (£6.50) of street food came with little flags sweetly instructing us to scoop up all the ingredients together, thereby maximising the crunch and twang of the different textures. Bhel Puri’s combination of layers – puffed rice, lentils, chick peas, chutneys and salad – was our favourite, whilst Papdi Chaat replaced rice with crispy wafers. And accompanying these were Crispy Puri and Dahi Puri – mini round flatbreads gulped down with tamarind in a mouthful.

For mains we were served colourful tiffins (£6.95, pictured above), the first with a tender lamb rogan josh, lemon and mustard rice, and garlic nan; the other a nicely-spiced chicken jalfrezi with pulao rice and a sweet carrot nan. All the flavours swam together: we couldn’t recall more impressive Indian food at these prices in Kentish Town – or even north London.

In fact Mrs Kentishtowner, a veteran of the backpacking scene, began to recount tales of cockroaches crawling over raw squid on a beach in Kerala, inedible meat served to her in an orphanage near Mysore, and a seafood lasagne in Goa which damn near destroyed her innards-

Enough already! As we polished off our BYO bottle of Fleurie we cornered the owner, Raj, for some facts: 1) his Dad ran the legendary Covent Garden restaurant ‘Last Days Of The Raj’; 2) he named his own by adding his wife’s name (Haz) to his; and 3) they wanted originally to open in Belsize Park, but took a chance in a slightly tricksy spot in NW5 (Go Raj!) Oh, and as of tomorrow, it’s licensed, too.

So why the 9/10? Because if you take all the important things into account – taste, value for money, service, ‘returnability’ – it’s right up there. Our only caveat? Perhaps the decor could be more atmospheric. But how brilliant that NW5 is becoming a hotspot for budget international restaurants: Lahore Masala House, Queen Of Sheba, E.Mono, Satuma, Guanabana, Meze Ocakbasi: all these are worth investigating.

As we stepped outside, the sky overcast, the rain hitting us cold and hard, Mrs Kentishtowner appeared to be wiping a tear from her eye. ‘Where do we go from here?’ she asked, cryptically.

By way of answer the winds howled, and the litter swirled, for a moment, like a dervish – before disappearing back into the kerb.

Words & Pictures: Stephen Emms

Hazraj, Ia Fortess Road NW5. A meal for two, without wine, costs around £20-25. Kentishtowner Rating: 9/10

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London’s Best Indian Cuisine: Marvellous Mumbai Street Food at Hazraj

April 9, 2012 in Drink, Food, London Top Tips | 1 comment

Most of my friends back up north don’t really understand how I cope living in London as they perceive it to be so cripplingly expensive. I am inclined to grumblingly agree, although most of the things that take a wedge out of my wage are standard stuff like rent, travel, bills & brogues. (Ok the last one slightly more me-specific) I think the danger when you live in a capital city is that the ££ can really stack up is when you eat/drink out. This shouldn’t mean you have to spend your evenings home along nibbling cream crackers though…I really believe you can find numerous places to eat out for a reasonable non-crazy-inflated-London price if you hunt hard enough.

I find the Kentish Towner one of the best sources of new (cheap and cheerful) places to sample in North London. In fact I visit this blog so much that I recently switched to Google Chrome and it’s the only website that comes up on my frequently visited tab. Stalker! It was there that I first read about my new #1 favourite Indian restaurant Hazraj. As you may have gathered from even casting a glance at my blog I’m a totally hopeless romantic, so it actually wasn’t the glowing review or the reasonable prices that made me determined to take a visit to Hazraj. It was when I read that the owner Raj had named the restaurant by adding his wife’s name (Haz) to his name (and first too, good man!) therefore creating Hazraj. Doesn’t that just make your heart swell?

The day my boyfriend and I headed to Hazraj had been pretty work crazed for both of us and I remember we ummed and ahhed about where to eat, what to do, cuisine type etc as we were both too screen-fatigued and zombie-faced to make anymore decisions! He suggested Hazraj and I am so glad he did, as every scrap of bad day and work stress was soon a distant memory, replaced with cheery grins, messy mouths and wide eyes!

Hazraj specialise in Mumbai Street Food which is also known as Indian Tapas and Tiffin Cuisine. As I mentioned when I wrote about Tayyabs, I grew up in Bradford so a huge proportion of meals I have ever eaten are curry based in some way. However Hazraj got me seriously whipped into a frothy food frenzy as I scouted the menu, as so many items on there I had never ever heard of, let alone tried! And for less daring types there are still delicious versions of all the old favourites (bhaji, samosas, paratha, tikka). Hazraj pride themselves on creating healthy Indian cuisine and use very little oil & salt, which is really clear when your food arrives without a bubble of grease in sight. Relating to this I assume, I noticed quite a heavy focus on veggie options too – in actual fact there were more (V)s on the menu than non vegetarian choices!

Before we’d even started considering our food options, I was in dire need of a drink. The drink menu was extensive, with wines especially selected to compliment the various courses. I squealed in delight (attracting a few stares) as I spotted tequila beer on the menu. It’s a recent discovery of mine (a bit slow considering tequila is my favourite spirit) but I think I might be in the minority group of fans since it’s barely and rarely stocked anywhere! As we perused the food menu and I happily supped on my Desperados, a friendly waitor (who I later learnt was the legendary Raj!) came over and politely asked how my beer was as I was “the first person to ever order one” (!) I thought it was really heartening in such a new business to see a) the owner greeting and serving guests but b) enquiring after their feedback. It also gave me opportunity to beg Raj to keep stocking it, even if I remain the only person to ever order it for the rest of time! He said he has really worked hard on the drinks menu to offer a diverse selection of beers, recently adding Crabbies ginger beer too, which I imagine would work well with the more fiery dishes.

For starters we ordered the Mumbai Street Chaats, having no real idea what they were or what we were doing, we thought it wise to opt for the platter to try a bit of everything and at £9.95 you get more than your moneys worth! When they arrived like this, it evoked another squeal of delight from me (if the food wasn’t SO worthy of it, my boyfriend might have been tiring of the squealing by this point…)

The platter came with 4 types of chaat, with ample amounts for two to get a good few gobfulls of each one! The flags detailed how best to eat and what was included in each chaat. This was my absolutely favourite thing about Hazraj, as when you eat an entirely new cuisine its easy to to feel intimidated by it.. This was such an easy (and adorable) way to help us understand what to do in a non patronising and educational way. It’s a delightful notion and just one of the many ways that makes you feel like more than just another customer to Haz & Raj.

I can’t accurately describe the taste sensation that followed with each chaat as anything but MMMMM! You really have to just go and sample for yourself. It’s messy, it’s crazily healthy (mostly vegetable based and spiced with unusual ingredients to perfection) and its devastating when its over!

For main courses there is an easy meal deal offer. Main, rice & naan = £8.95. Main, rice, naan & veg = £11.95. For the incredibly high quality of the food, this seems insanely cheap. Every item was delicious, in perfect portion size and presented like the starters; with such pride and attention to detail.

As with the starter, the food was faultless other than the fact at some point it had to end. Hazraj was such a pleasent experience above and beyond the food though. Every staff member we came into contact with was so caring and welcoming, the ambience was a buzzy but not busy (although we were there on a Monday night, I believe Fridays & Saturdays can attract a bustling queue – hardly surprisingly!) and the decor created a fairy lit enchanting escape from the noise and turmoil of the busy Fortress Road outside.

We were having such a brilliant evening that we ordered chai lattes to extend our trip even longer (not a second tequila beer for me you’ll note, it was a school night after all…) and even these were the best I have ever had. You are probably starting to think I’ve been paid (or subliminally messaged though the mellow Indian music playing throughout our meal) to write this as it’s such a glowing review, but the Kentish Towner agreed with me and gave it a rare 9/10! So DO believe the hype! And if not, believe the happy look on Nick’s face…

I grabbed Raj for another chat at the end and he was so proud and passionate, it’s clear to see why Hazraj has been such a roaring success without spending a penny on marketing! A brave choice (instead they chose to invest the money into the venue, food and service) which has completely paid off. He is hoping to extend the restaurant to cater for more diners in the future and also planning to offer take away hampers in the summer for Hampstead heath dwellers. With smart ideas like that, you can see that I won’t be the last person to rave about Hazraj.

There isn’t much more to say except hurry up & go, then tell me how amazing it is yourself!

I’m already day dreaming about my next visit, as it’s an entirely guilt free experience both on the waist-line and the bank balance. I basically want to eat here every week until I try everything, then start over again… so maybe I’ll see you there.

cm22v07 ‎ - 12 Mar 2012

Really close to Kentish Town tube, I like the concept which is straight forward. Food tasted good and the staff are nice. Try the Carrot Naan!

Camden ‎ - 24 Feb 2012

Joe summed it up nicely. Healthy Indian food freshly cooked, healthy portions and excellent value. I took my wife for a nice dinner there and my colleague for lunch recently and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. A great find.

Joe ‎ - 22 Feb 2012

Very nice place to eat with a good selection of tapas, tiffin, chai latte and lassis. Hazraj is a short walk from the Bull and Gate pub and the Forum and is also close by Kentish Town tube so it's easy to get to. Quick service from friendly, engaging staff and very reasonable prices. I don't know anywhere else quite like it and the chai latte is heavenly, like something from another world. Definitely recommended for a relaxed place to eat with a wide and growing menu of traditional Mumbai Street food (Chaat) that has a more modern 'urban' twist. The freshness of the food has to be tasted to be believed - portion sizes are spot on. Designed with speed of service in mind, you can select a curry, rice and naan and maybe a little something extra on the side for a very reasonable charge. Takeaways available with delivery & premises are fully licensed. Top marks!

Nigel n ‎ - 17 Nov 2011

Good mix of cheap tapas like and mains.

Liked: Food, Service, Atmosphere, Value

Hugely recommend Hazraj. The food is in a different league to most Indian restaurants in London - much more authentic, less oily and with really delicate flavours.

It's unbelievably good value too for the quality and quantity. A real local gem - we'll be making it our regular.
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 01, 2012

Been to Hazraj a few times and never been disappointed. The food is pretty decent and most importantly not swimming in oil. Much more like proper Indian food i'd eat at home. Chaats are very good but the best part is definitely the chai lattes and the various tea flavours. Definitely the best chai latte I've found in london thus far. not to mention, the food is an absolute bargain!

The owners and staff are particularly affable.
Comment on this reader review

Ro C
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Favorite Indian restuarant! I love the curry deal and the way it's served. Incredibly fresh food and great value for money.
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November 17, 2011

Great and consistent food from Hazraj. We've eaten here 10 times now! This is the best. Indian food in North London. Fantastic chats and beach food not dripping in fat and clearly carefully and freshly prepared.
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Simon
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Me and my wife had an amazing meal here this Friday. The food was fantastic and the drink choice very good too.

It was refreshing to have so many non-curry dishes to choose from.

We found the price to be very good, accidentally choosing too much. The Bhelpuri was my favourite.

We will definitely be coming again soon.
Comment on this reader review

Richard
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, November 07, 2011

Hazraj is a joy. It's only been open 3 months and their enthusiasm shows. Amazing menu of curries, snacks, fresh juices, spiced chais and coffees. The spices really are fresh, oil and salt are kept to a minimum. This is intelligent, delicious Indian cooking. The waiting staff were lovely and the bill was low. Am thrilled to have this restaurant on the doorstep
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caroline - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

I went to Hazraj restaurant last night and ate some foods. I ordered one Indian style coffee. Oh my God!! That coffee was very delicious which is unexplainable. Then I had a wrap. Wow!! I never had a wrap like this, simply it was great. The curry sauce inside the wrap was so tasty that you will forget any other foods. I can't wait to tell about the salad. Salad was served nicely with the food. Again the home made salad sauce was delicious. Last not least, food presentation. That was the best Indian food presentation that I have ever seen, which will attract your eyes. Simply I would say best of the best.
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Arif
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, October 24, 2011

Excellent food, friendly staff, great value for money

just what Kentish Town needs! try it now!
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 07, 2011

I've just tried Hazraj and would highly recommend it. Their chai is excellent and the Mumbai Street Chaats are amazing, we had the puris; little crispy shells filled with a tasty chickpea mix and sauce, soooo tasty.

I want to eat here every day until I've tried everything on the menu! go go go!
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Heather Buxton
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tried this new place for the first time last night and was blown away! Excellent, authentic food at a real bargain price. Saag Paneer and two Dahls we had were pariculary good and bursting with flavour. Loads of interesting options to explore on the menu mean I will be eagerly returning shortly!
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Richard H
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, September 19, 2011

Favorite Indian restuarant! I love the curry deal and the way it's served. Incredibly fresh food and great value for money.
Comment on this reader review

10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, November