Christoff.ai

Darjeeling Express

restaurants•
London
London

Darjeeling Express

Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Perched on the top floor of Kingly Court, Darjeeling Express has earned its stripes as one of London's most distinctive Indian restaurants. With its Netflix fame, all-female kitchen team, and Chef Asma Khan's personal touch, this isn't your typical Soho curry house - it's a genuine celebration of North Indian and Bengali home cooking with serious pedigree.

Darjeeling Express: Netflix Fame Meets Authentic Bengali Soul Food

Chef Asma's all-female kitchen serves London's most celebrated goat curry from a train-station inspired perch above Carnaby Street

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into this bright, airy corner space, the Indian train-station inspired decor immediately transports you. Cerulean tiles catch the light beautifully, while brass tables and marble tops create an elegant contrast against creamy walls dotted with house plants. The semi-open kitchen adds theatre to the experience, and there's something genuinely special about watching the all-female kitchen team at work. The space manages to feel both stylish and homey - bustling with energy yet maintaining an intimate quality that works equally well for romantic dates or family gatherings. With energy levels hitting 7.5 out of 10 and a sophistication score of 7.0, it strikes that sweet spot between refined dining and comfortable accessibility. The atmosphere is notably inclusive and conversation-friendly, making it ideal for everything from solo dining to group celebrations.

Food & Drink

The kitchen's focus on authentic home-style North Indian and Bengali dishes shines through in every plate. The signature goat kosha mangsho - that Netflix-famous slow-cooked goat curry - is genuinely exceptional and lives up to its reputation. The menu spans from lunch's à la carte offerings including chaats, curries, and grills, to dinner's showstopping Royal Thali experience. Standout dishes include Tangra prawns, methi chicken, paneer korma, beetroot chop, momos, and prawn malaikari. All food is halal-certified, which adds to its inclusive appeal. The cooking style feels genuinely authentic rather than adapted for British palates, and the all-female kitchen team brings a level of care and consistency that's immediately apparent. The Royal Thali dinner experience offers a multi-course journey through the menu's highlights, providing excellent value for exploring the kitchen's range.

Service & Experience

Chef Asma Khan's personal approach to hospitality sets the tone here - she often greets guests personally, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like visiting a friend's home than formal restaurant service. The staff embody this same warmth, though the restaurant does maintain professional standards with structured policies. The 24-hour cancellation policy and £30 no-show fee indicate they take bookings seriously, which suggests efficient operations but less flexibility for spontaneous diners. The service style aligns with the restaurant's 5.5 flexibility score - there's structure here, but it's delivered with genuine warmth.

Value for Money

With mains averaging £15 and the Royal Thali dinner experience at £40-50 per person including drinks, Darjeeling Express sits firmly in the 'special occasion' category. The pricing reflects its Soho location and premium positioning, with additional charges like £35 BYOB and £25 cakeage fees reinforcing its upmarket approach. However, given the quality of ingredients, the Netflix-famous reputation, and Chef Asma's personal involvement, the pricing feels justified rather than exploitative. The Royal Thali represents particularly good value for money, offering a comprehensive tasting experience that would cost significantly more if ordered à la carte. It's definitely 'splurge-worthy' rather than everyday dining, but the experience and food quality support the premium pricing.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the 6pm dinner slot for optimal lighting in this top-floor space. The restaurant operates Wednesday-Saturday for lunch (12pm-2:30pm) and Tuesday-Saturday for dinner (5:30pm-9:30pm), staying closed Sundays and Mondays. Given the strict cancellation policy and popularity, advance booking is essential rather than dropping in spontaneously.

What to Focus On

The signature goat kosha mangsho is absolutely non-negotiable - this is what put the restaurant on the map. For the full experience, opt for the Royal Thali dinner, which showcases the kitchen's range beautifully. If dining à la carte, don't miss the Tangra prawns and prawn malaikari, both Bengali specialties that highlight the kitchen's authentic approach.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The all-female kitchen team is genuinely unique in London's restaurant scene and adds meaningful depth to the dining experience beyond just noveltyDespite being family-friendly, the sophisticated atmosphere and pricing make it better suited for older children rather than toddlersThe train-station inspired decor isn't just aesthetic - it reflects Chef Asma's philosophy about food bringing people together during journeys

The Final Verdict

Darjeeling Express delivers on its considerable reputation with genuine authenticity, exceptional food, and a unique dining experience that justifies its premium positioning. The combination of Chef Asma's personal touch, the all-female kitchen's skill, and the distinctive atmosphere creates something genuinely special in London's crowded Indian restaurant scene. While the pricing puts it firmly in special occasion territory and the policies suggest less flexibility than some might prefer, the quality and uniqueness make it worthwhile for those seeking an authentic, memorable Bengali and North Indian dining experience.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking a sophisticated date night with authentic cuisinefood enthusiasts wanting to experience Netflix-famous dishes and genuine Bengali cookinggroups celebrating special occasions who appreciate unique dining experiences

Quick Details

1

Darjeeling Express

⭐️ Netflix famous
⭐️ All female kitchen
⭐️ Train station vibes
⭐️ Bengali cuisine
🏙️ Soho rooftop

Chef Asma Khan's all-female kitchen team creates magic in this train-station inspired space atop Kingly Court. The cerulean tiles and brass tables transport you to an Indian railway station, while the semi-open kitchen lets you witness the choreographed dance of women cooking authentic Bengali and North Indian dishes. The famous goat kosha mangsho represents slow-cooking mastery that most restaurants can't achieve, while the Royal Thali dinner experience showcases the breadth of subcontinental cuisine. Chef Asma's personal greetings add warmth that makes every diner feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another customer.

What's Great

✓ All-female kitchen team creates authentic home-style dishes

✓ Chef Asma personally greets guests in atmospheric train-station setting

Keep in Mind

× Limited vegetarian options and strict cancellation policies

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book 6pm dinner slot for optimal lighting and try the signature goat kosha mangsho!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Wed-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm (Lunch), Tue-Sat: 5:30pm-9:30pm (Dinner). Closed Sun & Mon."
📍Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW
💷£££
📞+44 20 7287 2000
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Darjeeling Express has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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