No fuss, no trims, just a very simple dining area await you at Mirch Masala in Norbury. Here the concentration is purely on the food and its preparation.

The marbled effect formica tables, cheap cutlery and rather crowded surroundings don't matter a jot when you try the 'food extraordinaire' from the vast menu. There are familiar dishes on the menu and many new encounters, so put your choices in the hands of the owner Mr Sabir.

As you sit at the tables in Mirch Masala you can look straight into the kitchen. It's absolutely fascinating. Pots that look like they were made for a giant, bubble away stacked on top of each other reaching up to the ceiling and a grill flares like a furnace. Kebabs and tikka pieces are spiked and heated on the grill on skewers like stair rods.

Starters, or warmers as they call them here, include light, fluffy vegetable samosas, tender spiced kebabs, mild flavoured chicken tikka, delicate fish tikka, succulent garlic prawns and Jerra chicken wings on the bone.

Mr Sabir often takes his place among the crowd of cooks in the kitchen and is justly proud of his cuisine. Forget about the 'too many cooks' saying, nothing is spoiled coming out of this kitchen!

Main courses are called steamers and their presentation is simple: Karahi dishes are served in metal pots and authentic Deigi dishes are named after the round-bottomed pot they come in. Prime ingredients and fresh spices and herbs are the key to the flavours of Mirch Masala recipes. The naan breads here are to die for, with an overwhelming choice.

Highly recommended are the Karahi Aloo Saag, don't be put off by the colour; Karahi Chicken, tangy and juicy, and the Karahi Methi Ghost

People often are queuing outside to get a table. You must try it, don't dress up, take a beer

or some wine if you want to, the restaurant does not sell alcohol, and indulge yourself in authentic Punjabi cuisine.

Mr Sabir has many famous diners at his venues (a new Mirch Masala has opened in Tooting) he has welcomed Imran Khan, and the Daily Express reporter who went into Afghanistan, Yvonne Ridley, to his Tooting restaurant.

1416 London Road

Norbury, SW16 4BZ

Tel: 020 8679 1828

213 Upper Tooting Road

London, SW17 7TG

Tel: 020 8672 7500

Open: Seven days a week 12pm till 12am

Cuisine: Indian/Pakistani

Vegetarian alternatives available

Buffet, eat as much as you like: £5.99 (Mon-Sat 12-4pm)

Covers: 65

Street parking

Disabled Facilities

All major credit cards accepted/Parties welcome/Booking Advisable/Children welcome

December 6, 2002 15:30