"An excellent paratha, like the one at this South Indian restaurant in Peckham, is something we’d go out of our way for. Ganapati is a snug neighbourhood restaurant with a menu of traditional dishes done extremely well, like thaire vadai, a savoury lentil doughnut soaked in yoghurt, poppadoms with spicy garlic pickles, and rich mattanchery chicken curry. Our favourite place to sit is the greenhouse-like area that feels like it’s outside while being totally covered. When it’s raining outside, there are few things more therapeutic than tucking into their meaty chembra lamb curry while hearing the rain hit the glass roof. Sharing benches and cosy corners mean that even if you don’t get a seat there (you usually have to book ahead for dinner), you’ll have a comfortable meal whether you’re in a big group or solo. Dinners are lovely here, but come on a weekday afternoon for the thali and you’ll get one of the most filling, delicious lunches around for under £15. And whatever you do, make sure to order the flaky, doughy Kerala paratha. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Chicken Thali Meal This lunchtime-only tray is the ultimate steal. You get a decent portion of comforting chicken curry, rice, crispy poppadoms, an excellent raita, and a mung bean salad. It’s the main reason why we’ll always choose lunch over dinner here. photo credit: Rianne Shlebak Chembra Lamb Curry As soft as butter, the lamb pieces in this thick, brown curry don’t require a lot of chewing. We’re very into this meat curry. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Kerala Paratha Finally, a paratha that’s big enough to last more than three bites. It's flaky, it's salty, it's layered. If you don’t get at least one per person, you will regret it." - Rianne Shlebak
