There are plenty of ways to celebrate Diwali in London – but few taste as good as this. While fireworks light up the sky this Diwali, a sparkle for the senses is coming from Namaste Village in Islington, where vegetarian dining gets the kind of glow-up that could convert even the most committed carnivores.
Tucked just off Islington’s Upper Street, this London outpost of the award-winning Namaste Village group brings together the spirit of India’s festival season with a menu that’s equal parts comfort and celebration. And, we learn on visiting for the first time, this all-vegetarian Indian restaurant is proof that plant-based doesn’t mean pared-back. Instead, it’s a riot of colour and bold flavours – from regional Indian classics to delicious modern twists.
The Namaste Special Chaat is a crunchy and refreshing starter / Credit: Bex April May
Whether you’re here for the Diwali Celebration menu or simply curious about how good vegetarian food can get, Namaste Village delivers the kind of feel-good feast that lights up the season. It feels suitably celebratory and enjoyably indulgent – exactly what Diwali should taste like.
Our dinner begins with a crunch, in the form of papadums, chutneys, and the Namaste Special Chaat, a wonderful mix of textures and refreshing flavours. The chaat comes piled high with chickpeas, chutneys, yogurt and crispy wafers, finished with a flurry of sev that adds a perfect crunch to the cool starter.
Namaste’s Tandoori Paneer Tikka is the perfect drinks companion / Credit: Bex April May
Next up, the Tandoori Paneer Tikka arrives hot from the clay oven, marinated in yoghurt, spiced to perfection and roasted perfectly. It’s fragrant, smoky, and impossible to stop picking at – the perfect drinks companion, if we do say so.
The all-vegetarian Butter Chik’n is a revelation / Credit: Bex April May
For mains, the Chick’n Butter Masala is a joy: tender plant-based high-protein pieces in a creamy tomato-cashew gravy that rivals any classic butter chicken. To our delight, it proves rich without being heavy. Alongside it, the Paneer Labbabdar is a silky slow-cooked affair, with a cashew-tomato sauce that’s warm and delivers a fiery kick – all served with a heap of saffron-scented Gujarati Pulav Rice.
The Black House Daahl is thick, spicy and comforting / Credit: Bex April May
You also can’t miss the Black House Daal, a chef’s special here. Thick, velvety lentils slow-cooked with kidney beans and with a spicy kick make for the ultimate comfort food. Paired with a soft Palak Butter Naan, it’s the very definition of a moorish must-have.
Namaste Village’s Gulab Hamun with ice cream makes for the ultimate sweet finish / Credit: Bex April May
Dessert calls for Gulab Jamun, and the syrup-soaked dumplings arrive glistening and perfectly paired with ice cream – an ideal festive finale. Wash it down with the Cocojungle cocktail, Namaste’s lush twist on a piña colada, blending Diplomatico rum with mango juice, coconut cream and a hint of nutmeg. It’s sunshine in a glass – and an elegant pairing for dessert, we discover, too.
Namaste Village’s special Diwali thali offers up a tempting spread of curries, samosas and rice
During Diwali week (this 16th – 20th October), Namaste Village will turn the celebration up a notch with lights, decorations and a special Diwali Thali: an abundant spread of curries, samosas, rice and sweets. Plus, there’s even a 10% discount with the code DIWALI10.
The Luxe Verdict
Namaste Village is proof that vegetarian dining can still sparkle, and that the true light of Diwali doesn’t come from the fireworks outside – but from the joy shared around a table like this. And from the Butter Chik’n, naturally.
Namaste Village (OmNom), Islington Square, 116N Upper St, London N1 1QP Book at namastevillage.co.uk
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There are plenty of ways to celebrate Diwali in London – but few taste as good as this. While fireworks light up the sky this Diwali, a sparkle for the senses is coming from Namaste Village in Islington, where vegetarian dining gets the kind of glow-up that could convert even the most committed carnivores.
Tucked just off Islington’s Upper Street, this London outpost of the award-winning Namaste Village group brings together the spirit of India’s festival season with a menu that’s equal parts comfort and celebration. And, we learn on visiting for the first time, this all-vegetarian Indian restaurant is proof that plant-based doesn’t mean pared-back. Instead, it’s a riot of colour and bold flavours – from regional Indian classics to delicious modern twists.
Whether you’re here for the Diwali Celebration menu or simply curious about how good vegetarian food can get, Namaste Village delivers the kind of feel-good feast that lights up the season. It feels suitably celebratory and enjoyably indulgent – exactly what Diwali should taste like.
Our dinner begins with a crunch, in the form of papadums, chutneys, and the Namaste Special Chaat, a wonderful mix of textures and refreshing flavours. The chaat comes piled high with chickpeas, chutneys, yogurt and crispy wafers, finished with a flurry of sev that adds a perfect crunch to the cool starter.
Next up, the Tandoori Paneer Tikka arrives hot from the clay oven, marinated in yoghurt, spiced to perfection and roasted perfectly. It’s fragrant, smoky, and impossible to stop picking at – the perfect drinks companion, if we do say so.
For mains, the Chick’n Butter Masala is a joy: tender plant-based high-protein pieces in a creamy tomato-cashew gravy that rivals any classic butter chicken. To our delight, it proves rich without being heavy. Alongside it, the Paneer Labbabdar is a silky slow-cooked affair, with a cashew-tomato sauce that’s warm and delivers a fiery kick – all served with a heap of saffron-scented Gujarati Pulav Rice.
You also can’t miss the Black House Daal, a chef’s special here. Thick, velvety lentils slow-cooked with kidney beans and with a spicy kick make for the ultimate comfort food. Paired with a soft Palak Butter Naan, it’s the very definition of a moorish must-have.
Dessert calls for Gulab Jamun, and the syrup-soaked dumplings arrive glistening and perfectly paired with ice cream – an ideal festive finale. Wash it down with the Cocojungle cocktail, Namaste’s lush twist on a piña colada, blending Diplomatico rum with mango juice, coconut cream and a hint of nutmeg. It’s sunshine in a glass – and an elegant pairing for dessert, we discover, too.
During Diwali week (this 16th – 20th October), Namaste Village will turn the celebration up a notch with lights, decorations and a special Diwali Thali: an abundant spread of curries, samosas, rice and sweets. Plus, there’s even a 10% discount with the code DIWALI10.
The Luxe Verdict
Namaste Village is proof that vegetarian dining can still sparkle, and that the true light of Diwali doesn’t come from the fireworks outside – but from the joy shared around a table like this. And from the Butter Chik’n, naturally.
Namaste Village (OmNom), Islington Square, 116N Upper St, London N1 1QP
Book at namastevillage.co.uk
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