A slice of Kerala in the heart of London

If you are in the heart of London and longing for some home cooked South Indian food, head to Oxford Circus.

Tucked away a few meters from the tube station, this unexpected little restaurant serves authentic Kerala food. Don't expect to find a tikka masala or your typical 'Indian' (read 'Bangladeshi') style meals. This is authentic stuff from God's own country.

I've been there a few times, the last being on Friday with baby bro, who was in town between flights. Oxford Street is a favorite haunt for shopping and what better way to start the afternoon than eating rice, sambar, steaming cabbage cooked with mustard seeds and rajma, along with egg curry. The main course buffet costs £6.95. Starters and dessert are extra at about £1.95 for each course. The price is low, but the food is yummy. Whenever I long for good sambar, I think about going there (till I figure out how to make it myself!)

The staff are courteous and unobtrusive. They also make a yummy Mango Lassi! The decor is a mish mash of sarees, earthen ware pots, plants and Yakshagana masks - a pot pourri of Indian decor that manages to blend somehow with the wooden paneling. The end effect is cosy and inviting. Ask for a seat at the back or upstairs if you don't want to look out onto the street.

The only grouse is that they don't make their pricing very clear, which causes confusion and some annoyance with patrons. Their sign proclaims the buffet for £6.95, which is what people see and walk in, not reading the fine print below which says that dessert and starters are extra. Now, the buffet table is all laid out without a break, so unsuspecting diners take it all in and are surprised when the bill turns up much more than expected. I'm sure other people have complained, because I spotted the waiter taking a couple to the buffet and saying, in a strong Malayalee accent, 'This is starter, this is dessert, this is main course. All 10.95. Enjoy your meal' And then he walked away with a smile leaving the couple gob-smacked!! They had to ask the manager to clarify.

Once that is out of the way, you enjoy the food and if you're homesick when in London, drop in for seconds. I know I will.

Take a look inside, here.