South Indian Feast at Woodlands, Marylebone
Style Points: 3/5
Price: ££
Overall: 4/5
Woodlands in Marylebone is one of three branches in London, all with a rich heritage dating back to 1938. Over the years Woodlands has established itself as the go to destination for authentic and delicious South India Food.
Hidden away in a corner just off Marylebone High Street, this branch of Woodlands has a low key interior with a simple dining space at the front and the back of the restaurant.
Would I Want Seconds?
The menu at Woodlands extenuates Indian food’s natural allegiance with vegetarian cuisine, and despite not serving any meat or fish there is much variety on the menu.
A highlight of South Indian food is dosa, and Woodlands serves many versions including traditional to rava and ragi. They also have a selection of thalis which encompasses several popular South Indian dishes in one and give the diner the opportunity to try various dishes.
To start, I ordered a favourite dish of mine, dahi bateta poori, which was served as puffed hollow wheat biscuits filled with yoghurt and tangy chutneys – a mouthful explosion of flavour. I then ordered the Delhi thali which included a special fried dish called, bhajjia, followed by channa masala and vegetable jalfrezi all served with naan bread. It also included paneer tikka masala and tarka dal to go with pulao rice. For dessert the thali included a juicy and sweet gulab jammun to end the meal.
As a thali is designed to include everything from starters, salads, accompaniments and dessert, this was more than enough food!
Could I Afford Seconds?
Woodlands is a fairly priced restaurant for the quality of food on offer. Starters range from £5-£7 and thalis are all £19.50 and include all you would need from a meal.
Overall?
Woodlands is a restaurant with a history to it. As it is so well established it doesn’t need to create a hype or buzz around itself, which means that many new-age foodies may not have heard of it. However for those seeking an authentic taste of South India unchanged by trends and fads, then Woodlands is the place to go.
Website: www.woodlandsrestaurant.co.uk
Address: 77 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PS
Closest Tube Station: Baker Street
