Taste of India’s Chicken Biryani offers rich flavours and aromatic spices, complemented by a vibrant vegetable plate. A delightful culinary experience in Angel Islington, perfect for enthusiasts of authentic Indian cuisine.
There’s something quietly enchanting about stepping into Taste of India on Essex Road. In a city brimming with Indian restaurants vying for attention, this unassuming spot near Angel sets itself apart not with ostentation, but with a quietly confident charm.
The interior strikes a finer balance — contemporary, yet steeped in subtle nods to tradition. Soft lighting and earthy hues envelop diners in a soothing cocoon, while the gentle glimmer from elegant lamp fixtures adds a touch of understated sophistication. The ambience is further elevated by the choice of instrumental background music — unobtrusive, calming, and perfectly pitched to allow for easy, unhurried conversation. It is the kind of place where time seems to slow, where a meal becomes an experience rather than a transaction.
Service here is refreshingly warm. The staff are attentive without hovering, quick to respond but never rushed, creating an atmosphere where diners genuinely feel cared for. It’s a rare blend of professionalism and genuine hospitality that makes Taste of India not just a place to eat, but a place to return to.
The food, it must be said, more than holds its own. The Chicken Biryani, a centrepiece of the menu, is nothing short of transportive. Arriving with a flourish, the dish is a riot of colour: saffron-streaked rice tumbled with tender, marinated chicken, all crowned with the crisp sweetness of fried onions and the freshness of finely chopped herbs. The aroma alone is a prelude to something special — a fragrant promise of the complexity to come.
An inviting space, genuinely warm service, and a biryani that lingers in the memory — Taste of India is a quietly brilliant addition to Angel’s dining scene.
And the biryani delivers. The rice is light, each grain distinct, infused with spices that are robust but never overwhelming. The chicken is succulent, the seasoning measured, the whole beautifully balanced — a dish that speaks of a kitchen where care and craft quietly prevail. Yet, if there’s a niggle, it’s the serving plate — too modest in size for a dish that deserves room to breathe and be mixed with ease. It’s a minor flaw, easily forgiven when the flavours are this generous.
The accompanying vegetable side is no mere afterthought. Vibrant, saucy, and layered with texture, it provides a refreshing, earthy counterpoint to the rich spice of the biryani. Together, they make a thoroughly satisfying pair — a meal that comforts and excites in equal measure.
In a city where high-profile openings often overshadow the smaller neighbourhood establishments, Taste of India is a gentle reminder that genuine hospitality and well-executed classics will always have their place. It may not shout for attention, but it certainly earns it.
