Hason Raja

84 Southampton Row

London
WC1B 4BB

It's not everyday a restaurant is named after a 19th century Bangladeshi poet come playboy, but there's more than a famous name to grab your attention at Hason Raja. Rafu, the soft-spoken manager, has concentrated the experiences of his 28 years in the industry into creating a substantial menu of self-styled Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, as genuine as any served this side of the Orient. Whether you like your food hot, mild or Westernised there's plenty to choose from, such as shamdo chicken (medium hot) and ramo chicken (hot), cooked in an iron souk - both recommended by the chef. Children might prefer the very mild malai chicken tikka, created with their younger palates in mind. Painted mainly in mint green with matching and immaculate suede Italian furniture decorated with fresh flowers, there's a modern feel to the place. So why the name of an old celebrity? "I admire Hason Raja's truth. I love him," says Rafu.

Average Price: £25

Cuisine: Indian

Underground: Covent Garden / Holborn