Last week I decided to start a new journey to discover London’s diverse culinary offer – every month I will be adding a new chapter, selecting restaurants from different countries – from A to Z. And, of course, I will be doing all this with my husband Robert (so I can have a second opinion on my choices – and, of course, taste more dishes!).

Last Saturday, after a busy day visiting various locations at Open House London, we decided to head to Tooting for an early supper at Namak Mandi, an Afghan restaurant.

I booked a ‘table’ – or shall I say ‘cushion’? – few days before, after reading online that we would have experienced the ‘real Afghan deal’. At one condition though: you have to book ‘upstairs’.

After a couple of drinks at the Wheatsheaf by Tooting Bec station, we walked 5 minutes down the road to an unassuming kebab / take away place. I have to admit that I was not 100% convinced about the venue, but it was probably too late to change our plans at that point – so I just hoped that ‘upstairs’ was going to be slightly more appealing.

Luckily I was right… The staff showed us the way up a steep staircase to the mysterious ‘upstairs’ area – this was a nicely decorated room consisting of space different in sizes and closed by bright blue curtains. We were shown a small space for two and asked to take our shoes off – we quite happily took our place on the comfortable cushions after a long day of walking around London.

Inside our area, we found plates, cutlery, napkins and a menu with a wooden cover – the selection of dishes was quite good – not too little and not too much. No alcohol is served in the restaurant (and you cannot bring your own).

We opted for a mixed grill (lamb and chicken) and a lamb karahi, cooked in a garlic and tomato sauce. We also ordered some pilau rice and an Afghan naan.

When the food arrived, I have to say that the star of the evening was the naan – lovely salty bread, more similar to pita bread than to the traditional Indian naan (which is much more oily an thinner), hanging from a metal tree. I think I could have eaten all of it and skipped the other dishes.

The meat was very tasty and well cooked and the rice was fluffy and not too salty. All in all good flavours, but I wouldn’t say it was mind-blowing.

After the meal, I was served a complimentary Afghan tea, with a distinct smell of anise seeds. The bill also came with the tea – £30 for the two of us; a real bargain but not surprising considering location, venue and food on offer.

I would say that this place is good for an informal evening with friends, it’s not very good for a romantic dinner and it could be a little cleaner.

Not sure if I will go back, but it was worth a try!