One of the slogans emblazoned on Masala Wala’s window reads ‘women are the real architects of a community’ – a reminder that this enterprising street-food café is run by a mother-and-daughter team. The menu is minimal (just four main dishes with some sides and condiments), but the kitchen makes it all worthwhile with “honest, gusty home cooking” at knock-down prices. You might find a chicken curry (on the bone) and baigan ghost (lamb and aubergine masala) alongside a couple of veggie offerings – perhaps sag aloo or gajar mutter (carrot and pea curry), with back-up from wholemeal rotis, rice, coriander salad, pickles and dips. The café is unlicensed, but you can refresh your palate with coconut water, aloe vera juice or ginger and mint tea; otherwise BYOB (£2.50 corkage). Note: cash only at present.
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