Seemor
Curry CartelB-Worth Trying
55 Newington Green Rd, London N1 4QU
· Indian takeaway
· 4.4/5 Google (323 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Boldly flavored Indian takeaway with many devoted regulars and standout biryani, but chronic delivery delays, sweetness-leaning sauces, and communication gaps mean collection is safer than delivery.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Curry Cartel delivers solid neighborhood takeaway quality anchored by strong food quality in signature dishes like lamb biryani and onion bhaji, with generous portions and loyal repeat customers. However, inconsistent execution and frequent delivery delays stretching 60–150 minutes undermine reliability, while communication gaps and missed items create frustration. Best experienced through collection during off-peak hours rather than peak delivery.
Restaurant Summary
Curry Cartel reads as a local favorite with a lively takeaway rhythm—drivers coming and going, phones buzzing, and boxes stacked for pickup. Regulars talk about generous portions and a biryani that hits the spot, while others describe delivery windows that stretch well past the ETA. One diner summed it up as, "When they are not slammed, it is brilliant; when busy, it frays." Expect warm interactions from drivers but be prepared for operational hiccups at peak times. The cooking leans elevated home-style rather than flashy fusion, with an innovation level that feels comfort-forward. Fans rave about lamb biryani, onion bhaji, and well-trimmed chicken pieces, while detractors call some sauces too sweet or tomato heavy, especially butter chicken and certain dals. If you enjoy a slightly sweeter profile and hearty portions, you will likely be happy—those craving fierce, restaurant-grade spice should consider asking for extra heat or choosing dishes like madras and railway lamb. Families can make this work: mild mains like korma and tikka plus naan and bhaji tend to be kid-friendly, though the sweetness that pleases some children may turn off others. Without a formal kids menu noted, the safest route is collection for quicker service and ordering milder items, while avoiding peak hours to reduce wait times and missing-item risk.
At a Glance
- Lamb biryani and onion bhaji earn frequent praise from locals
- Portions are generous and packaging is tidy
- Delivery delays of 60–150 minutes reported, especially at peak times
- Sauces skew sweet for several dishes; authenticity mixed by reviewer palate
- Communication gaps (phones unanswered, shifting ETAs) lead to frustration
What Sets It Apart
- neighborhood_biryani_favorite
- generous_portions_for_takeaway
- engaged_owner_offering_make-goods
What People Love
- Emotionally satisfying biryani that tastes like a treat night
- Crisp, generously portioned onion bhaji
- Polite, friendly drivers when deliveries land right
- Packaging that feels neater and easier to recycle
Points of Concern
- Delivery timing is a recurring pain point with many reports of 1.5–2.5 hour waits and cold food on arrival
- Phones and status updates can be unreliable, making issues hard to resolve in real time
- Several dishes, notably butter chicken and some dals, are described as overly sweet or lacking depth by a subset of diners
- Occasional wrong items or substitutions reported; replacements sometimes offered, but refunds not always straightforward
- Review patterns show signs of mixed credibility (some short, generic five-star posts and templated owner replies) which may not capture typical experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£22-35 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Based on review patterns, prioritize biryani, onion bhaji, tikka; request added spice for mains if you prefer less sweetness; consider madras for heat.
Perfect For
- Ordering a hearty curry night with collection pickup
- Casual weeknight takeout when you want big portions
- Mixed groups where some prefer milder, sweeter curries
- Regulars who know which dishes shine and when to order
Location Insights
Area: Trendy North/East London pocket with a mix of long-time locals and younger professionals; lively high street feel with indie eateries.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked, standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near Dalston/Stoke Newington dining clusters; strong delivery demand; residential streets with evening takeaway traffic.
IslingtonA trendy and cosmopolitan neighborhood with a mix of historic Georgian architecture and contemporary urban living. Known for its progressive atmosphere, independent restaurants, cafes, and a sophisticated dining scene.
Newington GreenA small, historically significant area with a reputation for radical thinking and community activism. Features charming period properties and a tight-knit, culturally aware community.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday16:30–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday16:30–23:00
Saturday16:30–23:00
Sunday16:30–22:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →