LCB

Introduction

There has been a huge amount of investment ploughed into Battersea recently with the area around the old power station now developed into a retail and leisure hotspot. And what better way to refuel after some retail therapy than with a curry.

There are a few options in the vicinity including the fancier Chokhi Dhani,  Cinnamon Kitchen, and now Dishoom. But there was only one place on top of our list after a cheeky browse in Uniqlo.

That's right, Roti King has opened a sequel to its famous Euston eatery in the heart of the Southwest and we had to give it a go. 

Venue

Like its Euston sibling, Roti King Battersea is somewhat subtarranean, nestled under one of the railway arches adjacent to the power station. However, compared to the Euston basement diner, this feels like a real upgrade. Roti King 2.0 has a light, airy feel despite the rather cramped covers. This is helped by the expansive glass wall, tasteful lighting, and an open (and on-view) kitchen. A threat of lemongrass fills the air signalling the food to come and adds a further freshness to the greenery-filled planters dividing the restaurant.

Roti King has already expanded with its Gopal's Corner outlets at Market Halls, but this feels like a bigger deal. A crown of flourescent lighting in the centre of the restaurant seems to signify this succession to the throne - a throne that is a far more comfortable one for the Roti King dining public.

7/10

Starters and sides & Curry

Mutton Roti Canai

Chicken Murtabak

Nasi Goreng

The Malaysian origins of the Roti King menu make this an outlier on our blog, but the south Indian roots of the roti canai make it a perfectably respectable one. 

The menu here is simple, consisting of Roti Canai, Murtabak, Rice Dishes, Noodle Dishes, Side and Desserts. The former two have a more Indian feel and influence, with the roti canai being the eponymous hero dish of the restaurant. Coming as two pieces of roti perfection served with a bowl of kari (curry) it doesn't really get much better than this. The mutton variety is iconic, with a warming earthy spice and shreddably tender lamb, complimented perfectly by the deliciously crisp and light folded bread.

The murtabak was newer to me and not quite as good. Described on the menu as stuffed roti served with dhal kari, it has middle eastern roots, but felt more likey a spongey, eggy bread to me. Despite this rather lacklustre texture, seemingly devoid of much chicken, it proved the perfect foil to the excellent tarka daal.

Adding further spice was the nasi goreng, a Malaysian stir-fry staple. This firey rice blend of juicy prawn, chicken and egg was a most welcome addition, with a superb garlic chili red sauce on the side adding a slow tickle of heat to the crispy rice melange.

17/20

Service

Service was friendly and efficient if not hugely notable. The restaurant was busy and the staff were accordingly occupied, but no long waits or complaints from us. Like the original, there are no reservations, but walk-ins only, which has its pros and cons. I imagine queues could get quite large at busy times so plan your visit wisely.

7/10

Value for money

There's no competition really to the value on offer here from the roti canai. Yes, prices may be steadily increasing across the board, but for under £10 this is certainly one of London's finest cheap eats. Otherwise, the noodle and rice dishes (that all fall under £11) are well portioned. We were well fed from three dishes between two that, with soft drinks, didn't break the bank - great after some shopping outlay.

9/10

Summary

Having queued in the snow on my first visit to Roti King, Euston, it's been a welcome relief to try its wares at Victoria and Oxford Street Market Halls via their Gopal's Corner spin offs. However, to see a brand spanking new restaurant in SW11, in a slightly more amenable location, is even more fantastic news. Thankfully the product has travelled well and as such brings a London icon south of the river to rival Battersea's legendary power station.

40/50