Preem

Located right in the heart of London's famous Brick Lane, Preem is a classic Indian restaurant and balti house that has been serving authentic food to loyal crowds since the early 2000s.

Originally established by a Bangladeshi political refugee, Preem is a bustling Brick Lane mainstay that gets its fair share of customers thanks to footfall, but also maintains a loyal customer base of City workers and other regulars. Once there, it's easy to see why people keep coming back – the restaurant itself is simply furnished yet pleasing to the eye, with the crisp, white-washed setting cut through with colourful artwork and soothing blue tiles. There are a couple of outdoor tables that let you soak up the hubbub of Shoreditch's most famous street as you dine.

It's not just the setting that wins customers over, however. There's a lengthy list of flavourful Indian cuisine to choose from on the menu, with a particular emphasis on balti dishes such as balti chicken tikka or balti meat korma. Other Preem specialities include tandoori butter chicken, a special chicken, lamb, prawn, and vegetable biryani, and all sorts of curries. Vegetarians are taken good care of as well, and different freshly baked breads make mopping up the sauces a particular pleasure. Best of all, the food served at this fully licensed restaurant is very budget-friendly, with set menus available to cut down the costs for groups even further.

With a welcoming atmosphere, accessible prices, and late opening hours, Preem is one of the best spots in East London for refuelling with a nice curry.

Daniel Sheppard