Gizzi Erskine — food writer, chef and TV presenter

Tayyabs
“Tayyabs; it's fast, franetic, with the grumpiest service but great honest and authentic Punjabi food, famous for its grilled meats and dry curries at a bargain price. The lamb chops, paneer and giant prawns are TO DIE FOR and the daals are worth going for alone. A proper East London institution.”
Tayyabs, 83-89 Fieldgate Stre, London, E1 1JU 020 7247 6400 http://www.tayyabs.co.uk

Rasa
“Rasa; I live on the Clapton/Stoke Newington border and having two Rasa Restaurants (one meat and one vegetarian) on my doorstep is just perfect. Its Kerelan food — so, lots of vegetables, street food and curries. If I’m wanting to eat light I go to Rasa N16, the vegetarian restaurant, for one of their amazing Dosas and Puris. And if I’m feeling more like a hearty meal Ill go to Rasa Travancore, right across the road, for my fill of slow cooked meat and fish curries.”
Rasa Travancore, 56 Stoke Newington Church street, London, N16 0NB 0207 249 1340
Rasa N16, 55 Stoke Newington Church street, London, N16 0AR 0207 249 0344

Skinny Weeks and Weekend Feasts by Gizzi Erskine is published by Quadrille, £19.99

Photo: Courtesy of Gizzi Erskine; Rasa