Reviews - Babur Restaurant

The AA Restaurant Guide 2023

In business since the mid-1980s, Babur is a pioneer of modern Indian cuisine. Outside there’s a life-sized model tiger on the roof, while inside is an upmarket, contemporary, brasserie-style space decorated with Indian artworks. Ingredients are never less than excellent, and they’re put to good use in exciting, original cooking. Well-chosen, spice-friendly wine list.

The Michelin Guide London

Good looks and innovative cooking make this passionately run and long-established Indian restaurant stand out. Influences from the south and north west feature most and seafood is a highlight look out for the ‘Treasures of the Sea’ menu.

Waitrose - The Good Food Guide 2023

Forest Hill’s beloved Babur recently celebrated its 37th birthday, testament to the fact that it is still the go-to option for locals wanting prettily plated Indian food that’s a cut above your average high-street curry house. Over the years, it has become increasingly stylish and distinctive, with a hand-painted kalamkari horoscope in the foyer, low-hanging lights, exposed brickwork and wooden partitions holding elaborate floral displays. Meanwhile, the kitchen scours the subcontinent for regional ideas while offering dedicated menus for those with special dietary needs. The full repertoire bypasses kormas and dhansaks in favour of more intricate, modern ideas such as swordfish tikka with radish pickle, long-marinated steamed shoulder of lamb with beetroot rice, or sea bream in Malabar coconut sauce with green beans and chickpeas. Vegetable dishes and sides are also full of promise – think spinach and sweet potato shingara pastries or baby aubergines with peanut sauce. To finish, try the black cardamom kheer (Indian rice pudding with caramelised figs and silver leaf). On Sundays, Babur’s ‘help yourself’ family buffet is something of a local institution. The wine list has been knowledgeably assembled with food in mind, but it would be remiss to ignore the zippy Asian-themed cocktails.

Harden’s London Restaurants 2023

“The deft flavours of fine Indian dining” at this “Honor Oak Stalwart” have induced discerning diners to “make the awkward trip” to SE23 for almost 40 years now. “The place maintains its standards” and has a credible claim on being “the best Indian in southeast London” thanks to its “exciting” dishes, “excellent” service and “elegant” interior.