Sophie Michell — chef and food writer

Giftos Lahore Karahi
"In terms of Indian food, I always used to go to Southall and spend an afternoon there with an Indian friend of mine — we'd have tandoori lamb and Roti (amongst lots of other dishes) at Giftos Lahore Karahi, then go to Ambala (my favourite shop) for amazing Indian sweets to take home. I loved it and you get the best Indian food in this area. Plus, I love buying lots of interesting produce and looking at all the stunning Sari shops.”
Gifto’s Lahore Karahi, Fort Lahore, 162 – 164, The Broadway, Southall, UB1 1NN 020 8813 8669

Tamarind
If I'm in town, it's a special occasion, and I don't mind spending more (a lot more…ahem), I might go to Tamarind. You can watch the chefs cooking the Tandoor, which adds theatre to the evening. Plus, they make a beautiful biryani with rosewater — and I love the delicately spiced plump scallops"
Tamarind, 20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5PR 020 7629 3561

Photo: Courtesy of Sophie Michell; Tamarind restaurant