When you move to a new city, especially one as big as London, the idea of home changes. People often say it is the people around you who make a place feel like home, and while that is true, it takes time, particularly if you are new to the city or naturally introverted like me. For me, traditional food plays a huge role in creating that sense of comfort.
Biryani is one dish that instantly makes me feel at home. Growing up, biryani lunches meant a full stomach, a deep nap, and a moment where nothing else mattered. When I moved to London, I kept hearing about East Ham, often described as one of the best places in London for South Indian food. Walking through the area genuinely felt like being transported back to South India, with familiar restaurant names, vibrant streets, and even a temple and mosque on the same road.
That is what led me to compare Seeraga Samba Mutton Biryani in East Ham at two popular South Indian restaurants: Anjappar and Mainland Madras. For context, I have been eating Anjappar biryani since childhood, so expectations were naturally high.
Anjappar East Ham – Seeraga Samba Mutton Biryani Review
At Anjappar East Ham, I ordered Seeraga Samba Mutton Biryani, three mutton kola, and a parotta with salna. From the first bite, the authenticity stood out. The seeraga samba rice was perfectly cooked, aromatic, and packed with flavour. Most importantly, the spice levels felt unchanged and true to traditional South Indian biryani.
The mutton was incredibly soft and juicy, with spices well absorbed into the meat. Every bite tasted rich and comforting. The mutton kola was fried just right, crispy on the outside without being hard or dry. The parotta was fluffy, and the salna was deeply flavourful and comforting.
The entire meal came to £18, which felt like excellent value considering the generous portion sizes. The food was so filling that I had to take a long walk afterward just to let it settle. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and hearing Tamil being spoken added to the feeling of familiarity. Overall, Anjappar delivered one of the most authentic South Indian biryani experiences in East Ham.
Mainland Madras East Ham – Seeraga Samba Mutton Biryani Review
Mainland Madras East Ham offers a more modern and visually appealing dining experience. The interiors were clean and aesthetic, and the staff were warm and welcoming. I ordered Seeraga Samba Mutton Biryani along with a half tandoori chicken.
The biryani arrived looking visually impressive. The rice was well cooked, the flavours were balanced, and the mutton was soft and juicy. However, compared to Anjappar, the spice levels felt slightly toned down. While the biryani was enjoyable, it did not fully hit the same level of traditional authenticity for me.
The tandoori chicken was well cooked and paired nicely with the biryani. Portion sizes were generous, and the total bill came to £16, which again felt like great value. Mainland Madras offers a very good biryani, especially for those who prefer a slightly milder and more polished flavour profile.
Anjappar vs Mainland Madras – Which Has the Best Biryani in East Ham?
If you are looking for authentic Seeraga Samba Mutton Biryani in East Ham, Anjappar takes the lead for me. The focus on bold flavours, traditional spice levels, and authenticity made the experience feel closer to home. The presentation is simple and not particularly Instagram-focused, but the taste speaks for itself.
Mainland Madras, on the other hand, delivers a visually appealing and well-balanced biryani that will appeal to a wider audience. While the spice levels felt slightly milder, the quality of the food was still very high.
Final Verdict
- Best authentic biryani in East Ham: Anjappar
- Best presentation and balanced flavours: Mainland Madras
I would genuinely recommend trying both, as each offers a different take on South Indian biryani. Sometimes, home is not a place or a person. Sometimes, it is a plate of biryani
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