Seemor
Bombay RickshawB+Worth Trying
172 Archway Rd, London N6 5BB
· Indian restaurant, Indian takeaway
· 4.4/5 Google (114 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Reliable North Indian and Bangladeshi-leaning curries with friendly service and BYOB policy; great value, but sweetness in some dishes and delivery delays appear occasionally.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Bombay Rickshaw delivers solid neighborhood curry-house quality with warm, attentive service and reliable food quality anchored by well-executed biryanis and tandoori work. Inconsistent execution—particularly delivery delays and occasional sweetness imbalances—prevents a higher grade, though strong local loyalty and excellent value keep it competitive with respected area favorites. Worth visiting if you're in the neighborhood or seeking dependable Indian comfort food.
Restaurant Summary
A neighborhood curry house that feels warm and welcoming, Bombay Rickshaw draws locals with friendly service and straightforward comfort. Diners talk about being greeted by name and quick, attentive pacing, while one regular summed it up: "fast becoming our local". The room is simple and clean rather than flashy, and the BYOB setup keeps nights easy on the wallet. The kitchen leans classic with a few regional flourishes—think shatkora citrus tang, naga heat, Goan fish, and solid tandoori work. Most praise the biryanis, jalfrezi, and value, though a minority flag sweetness in some sauces (chilli paneer, masala) and occasional delivery delays. The culinary approach reads elevated traditional: familiar curry-house comfort with some Bangladeshi and Goan signatures rather than high-concept fusion. Families should do well here: there are plenty of mild, recognizable dishes like Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka, rice, and naan, plus an ice cream sundae literally marked for kids. Portions are shareable, and spice labels are accurate—when they say spicy, they mean it—so cautious eaters may want to stick to the milder side or ask for guidance.
At a Glance
- BYOB keeps total spend down without sacrificing choice
- Strong local following with consistently friendly service
- Good value for portions and frequent delivery promotions
- Some dishes skew sweet; chilli paneer draws the most criticism
- Delivery can run late at peak times; dine-in is more reliable
What Sets It Apart
- BYOB_policy
- Bangladeshi_specialties_like_shatkora_and_naga
- Strong_local_regular_base
What People Love
- Feeling known by the team and welcomed
- Reliable biryanis and jalfrezi
- Tandoori items done right
- Neighborhood prices with generous portions
Points of Concern
- Delivery delays ranging from 15 minutes to well over an hour appear intermittently; temperature can suffer
- A subset of dishes trend sweet (notably chilli paneer and some masalas), which divides opinions
- Occasional service missteps reported in 2022-2023, though outweighed by recent friendly-service feedback
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£22-32 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Select "spicy" dishes (e.g., Roshni Miric/Naga, Jalfrezi) only if you enjoy real heat
- Choose biryani or karahi for a more savory, less sweet profile
- Vegetarians: Begon Ka Achar, Tarka Dall, Chana Massala, and Vegetable Biryani offer range
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight curry with friends
- Value-focused BYOB dinners
- Local takeaway night
- Spice-curious diners who want regional specials without fine-dining fuss
Location Insights
Area: Mixed residential and local high street near Highgate/Archway; attracts neighborhood diners and casual takeaways.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked arterial road with evening activity typical for North London.
Nearby: Near shops, bus routes on Archway Road, and a short ride from Highgate and Archway Underground stations.
ArchwayArchway is a bustling urban neighborhood with a strong local community feel. It offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual cafes to multicultural restaurants, reflecting the area's diverse population. The social atmosphere is lively yet approachable, with good transport links making it accessible and popular among commuters.
Highgate HillHighgate Hill is a more residential and upscale micro-neighborhood within Archway, known for its leafy streets and historic homes. Dining here tends to be more refined with boutique cafes and gastropubs catering to a discerning clientele.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–23:00
Tuesday17:30–23:00
Wednesday17:30–23:00
Thursday17:30–23:00
Friday17:30–23:00
Saturday17:30–23:00
Sunday17:30–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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