Seemor
Bengal Tiger - Indian Restaurant, Old Street, Shoreditch, London. EC1.BWorth Trying
108-110 Old St, London EC1V 9BD
· Indian restaurant, Bangladeshi restaurant, Indian sizzler restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1239 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Old Street curry house delivering crowd-pleasing classics with friendly service and generous portions, though service policies and occasional execution inconsistencies divide opinion.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Bengal Tiger delivers solid neighborhood Indian dining with strong food quality in tandoori and curry execution, backed by attentive, personable service that regulars genuinely appreciate. However, inconsistent execution—occasional oiliness, sweetness, and biryani variation—prevents grade A territory, while moderate review authenticity concerns add slight uncertainty. The comfortable, roomy setting and generous portions make it a reliable choice for central London Indian dining, though it lacks the distinction to rank among the area's premier establishments.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off Old Street, Bengal Tiger feels warm and bustling rather than chaotic, with a roomy dining room that works for colleagues, families, and celebrations. Guests often mention personable servers by name and say things like, "Service checked in at the right moments and made useful suggestions." Expect a classic curry house vibe with friendly energy. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: tandoori platters, paneer favorites, and biryani backed by dependable spicing. When it clicks, you get rich, well-balanced curries and juicy grills; when off, some dishes skew sweet or oily, and biryani can feel more like seasoned rice. Portions are generous and pricing follows central London norms, making it a solid option for those craving comforting Indian staples without high ceremony. Families should do well here thanks to familiar dishes kids actually eat—chicken tikka, butter chicken, biryani, naan, and rice abound. While there is no explicit kids menu, the kitchen can dial spice levels down. Vegetarians are well served with paneer and vegetable mains, though strict dietary needs should be discussed clearly given a few reported mix-ups. If your child prefers very plain food, stick to milder curries and breads for a smooth, low-stress meal.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and solid value for Zone 1
- Friendly staff often praised by name
- Strong vegetarian selection with paneer and veg mains
- Service charge disputes and late-night rushing reported
- Occasional sweetness/oiliness and biryani inconsistency
What Sets It Apart
- large_group_capacity
- broad_vegetarian_menu
- central_old_street_location
What People Love
- Comforting curries and juicy tandoori items
- Roomy, nicely furnished space that fits groups
- Servers who offer helpful recommendations
- Fair prices for central London with hearty plates
Points of Concern
- Service charge handling and bill disputes mentioned by several diners; clarify policy up front
- A few serious dietary mix-up reports; double-check vegetarian orders and allergens
- Some dishes skew sweet or oily; biryani quality varies
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, templated replies) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£30-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Paneer Tikka (£5.50) if you want a lighter vegetarian opener
- Share a Tandoori Platter (£9.95) then follow with Chicken Karahi and naan for value
- Vegetarians: Tarka Daal (£9.95) plus Aloo Gobhi (£9.95) and rice makes a complete meal
Perfect For
- After-work group dinners near Old Street
- Families wanting familiar Indian staples
- Casual celebrations and birthdays
- Tourists seeking a roomy, friendly curry house
Location Insights
Area: Buzzing tech and creative corridor between Shoreditch and the City; after-work crowds and casual dining mix.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked main road with good lighting; typical central London urban safety.
Nearby: Near offices, hotels, and nightlife around Old Street Roundabout and Shoreditch; convenient for business lunches and group dinners.
ShoreditchVibrant and trendy area characterized by innovative dining scenes, street art, converted warehouses, and a dynamic mix of tech startups and creative industries. Known for its edgy, multicultural atmosphere and cutting-edge culinary and design spaces.
Old StreetTechnology and design hub within Shoreditch, often referred to as 'Silicon Roundabout', featuring numerous tech startups, co-working spaces, and contemporary restaurants catering to innovative professionals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Wednesday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Thursday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Friday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Saturday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:30
Sunday11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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