Choosing how to describe your restaurant and its style of cooking can be a tricky thing. Masala Wala Cafe is a case in point, describing itself as a Pakistani restaurant on its website. This is notable in of itself when so many South Asian restaurants in the capital still describe themselves as Indian when they’re essentially Pakistani (or Bangladeshi) for many intents and purposes. The short menu, which changes frequently, usually focusses on dishes from the Punjab, but all this geography-based categorisation is largely kept in the background when you step through the door and are seated inside the small, cosy dining room.

It’s a Friday night, I’ve just stepped off the train from my daily commute and can’t be bothered to cook, what do I do? I head to Masala Wala Cafe of course. Run by mother and daughter, serving Pakistani cuisine this is by far the best place to eat in Brockley, South East London. Oh… and its BRING. YOUR. OWN. BOOZE!

Masala Wala makes it simple for you by having just four dishes to choose from and you can add sides and condiments. I’ve been here a couple of times and the menu differed from my first visit. This is good. Everyone likes a bit of variety.

Baingan gosht, an aubergine and lamb curry was my favourite of the evening. The whole dish was full of flavour with each spice working its magic in your mouth. Once you have enjoyed the spices, bang, the heat kicks in from the chilli. It isn’t stupidly hot, though and they offer a fresh raita, which helps if you’re not great with spicy food.

Palak murgh, a chicken and spinach curry was more subtle in flavour, but a good bowlful of comfort food goodness. The chicken comes on the bone and you can tell this has been cooking away for hours, as it was so moist and the meat just fell away from the bone. Especially good when mopped up with the delicious homemade rotis they have.

I’ve never had dessert here as I’m always happily stuffed by the mains. They offer kulfi ice cream, again, homemade and I believe the flavours change often, too. The options all seem inviting and a great way to cleanse the palate after your savoury dishes. Flavours include pistachio, mango and lychee. 
 

The lady, I’m assuming was the daughter (if not, then I need to know her skincare routine) was extremely friendly. We had a good chat with her and she went over the menu with us, as it was different from before. The venue itself is small, very relaxed, yet buzzy. I’ve never seen the place not busy, always a good sign. With the added bonus that it is BYOB, you won’t be denting your bank balance either. They currently do not take card, so remember your cash. I think this may be my favourite curry place joint at the moment.

One of my friends is a curry fiend; she’s like the Curry Queen. She can suffer from upset stomach, but that doesn’t stop her, she motors through them anyway. Dedication, I say. I need to bring her here because I know she’d absolutely love it. If she doesn’t, then I clearly don’t know her at all.

Even the likes of Professor Green have been spotted here. So, you know… I must be cool, right?

The perfect place to catch up with mates over a beer and a ruby.