Darjeeling Express

Darjeeling Express opened as a small supper club in 2012 and settled permanently in Soho's Kingly Court in 2017. After a spell in Covent Garden, it returned in March 2023 and now marks more than five years serving the neighbourhood. Founded by chef Asma Khan, the Indian restaurant draws on home-style recipes from Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengal. The all-female kitchen prepares North Indian cooking in view of diners, from slow-cooked mutton kosha to royal thalis made for sharing. Lunch brings quick thali sets that suit local office teams; evenings run longer and more relaxed. Staff are warm and happy to explain spice levels, vegan swaps or the story behind a recipe.

The restaurant has earned solid trust. Michelin has listed it since its early Soho days, and hundreds of verified five-star TripAdvisor reviews praise the warm service, inclusive menus and fair pricing. Away from the dining room, Khan mentors immigrant women and funds education projects in Kolkata. The restaurant has featured in the press, including an episode of Netflix's Chef's Table, and takes part in Carnaby's seasonal festivals. Reliable reservations and clear allergen labelling make repeat visits easy for singles, families and groups alike.