Press & Accolades

Guides

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.

Press

The London Economic - August 2023

“Overall this is serious food from a serious chef served in a stylish but welcoming environment by staff who bring pride and professionalism to the whole evening, and what an evening. I don’t care if you have to look up Forest Hill on a map (in the interests of disclosure, and never having lived outside zone 1, I confess I did), if you are interested in Indian food, or really unusual haute cuisine and do not make it to Babur then you are simply missing out on one of London’s more unusual and interesting places. So don’t miss out. Just go.”

The Nudge - January 2023

“Fantastically inventive cocktails aside, Babur is first and foremost a restaurant – and if you’re wondering how the food can measure up to a drinks list that good, trust us when we say this is some of the most delicious Indian food in London.”

Secret London - August 2023

“A popular South London spot, the Forest Hill-based Babur has been keeping peoples’ bellies satisfied since it first opened its doors all the way back in 1985, and for good reason. The food at this critically-acclaimed gem is absolutely out of this world. No wonder then that it features on our roundup of 50 of the best restaurants in London…

Metro - August 2023

“A succulent slow-cooked lamb curry is testament to the chef’s skills and wisdom of Bihari cooking techniques. Fragrant lotus flower pudding with green cardamon and rose brings a gentle end to the feast.

There’s also an entire list of smoked cocktails, infused at the bar and served in your own personal bottle. The pineapple Hookah, with dark rum and salted caramel notes, tempered with woody smoke, is not to be missed.

This family-run destination just gets better with age. If you’re not local, it’s more than worth the trip.”

Design My Night - December 2022

“Having gained almost legendary status among my friends for its gourmet dishes, I decided I couldn’t wait any longer to try it. My friends weren’t wrong – Babur is an absolute delight. From the service and quirky cocktails to the dishes and even the toilets, this babe had all the fixings of an upmarket eatery but without the exclusive pretense and price tag.“