Gandhis

After learning that my Indian restaurant of choice in London had a 1.5 hour wait, I spun the Unilocal wheel to find Indian food in the neighborhood I was staying in. I chose Gandhis in the Holborn area. It is a cozy space, with a relaxed atmosphere and soft ambient and jazz piped in. We started with Darjeeling momos, a light tasty chicken dumpling, and the crispy lamb (a little TOO crispy, for me). Entrees included butter chicken. This was very good and, as the name implies, was smooth with just the right amount of spice. Also had the dhaba murgh, a flavorful chicken dish, mild with a hint of lemongrass. Lastly, had nilgiri gosht, a harmonious mix of spinach and mint with soft chunks of lamb. This was very delicious, I just wish it had a little more lamb, as some of the pieces were overdone/​crispy. Sides of okra and mushrooms were rendered in the spicy Indian way and were quite good. The garlic and cheese naan really weren’t very cheesy or garlicky as advertised. Desserts were Indian doughnuts in syrup (yummy) and a pedestrian ice cream dish the name I can’t recall. Disappointments for me were: 1) even though there were many seats (it seemed slow for a Saturday night) we were seated near the rear by the kitchen and toilets 2) the four-​top we were seated at was small and cramped. 3). My daughter asked for a Long Island iced tea as advertised on the menu, only to be told they didn’t have it… what self respecting bar doesn’t have the essential staples necessary to make one? 4)
My wife had to go through 2 «we don’t have its» on the dessert menu to finally arrive at one they did have! To their credit, the 2 gentlemen team-​serving us were cordial and although a bit slow did their best. Some of the food was absolutely delicious, but with a tab for 4 with 7 drinks and service fee being 157 GBP ($ 227 USD) they need to tighten things up somewhat. If I hanker for Indian cuisine again during my stay in London, I’d have to search elsewhere.

Sehr gutes indisches Restaurant mit einem exzellenten Service. Alle Gerichte die wir bestellt haben waren überdurchschnittlich gut. Die Naan Brote waren wirklich hervorragend. Nach dem Essen gab es ein warmes Tuch für die Hände und ein Stück gute Schokolade für jeden. Von uns aus keine Kritik.

I had a lamb dish with rice and garlic naan — some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had. The lamb was cooked so perfectly that it literally fell apart when I stabbed it with my fork. From my mojito to the main course to dessert, everything was delectable. I highly recommend.

Amazing indian food and excellent customer service if you go to London you have to go to this place I am happy they offer us an amazing deal so we stopped there

Nice, friendly little Indian/​Bangladeshi place with modern decorations on Gray’s Inn. What I found great about Gandhi’s is that about 25% of their menu is Bangladeshi. For example, they have balti curries, and Chicken Nezame, a curry centered around hot Chinese mustard (which is very good — I didn’t have it here, but I’d love to come back for it).
Service was very quick for lunch. But my brother tells me it gets busier and slower in the evening-​time, as people order takeaway and their kitchen gets backed up.
Prices seemed very reasonable for the portion sizes… And the amount of herbs and spices used seemed generous.