Sagar (Restaurant)

Good food for a cheap price is a rare thing in London. So it was refreshing to discover the vegetarian Indian restaurant, Sagar in Hammersmith (and soon to open in Twickenham). We were treated to plate upon plate of fantastic traditional Indian cuisine. And do not let the vegetarian bit put you off. We did not miss meat at all. We were quite the reverse, and loved the various vegetarian, lentil and chickpea curries.

Now it might seem like we ate a lot (there were only two of us dining). But that was the great thing. If you have not tried Indian before or you find the different types of kurma and masala alarming or even if you are sceptical about the vegetarian dishes, then you can order a Thali (£8.95 – £11.45) - a selection of six curries, a starter (mine was lentil soup) and a dessert (surprisingly good semolina). The slight error we made was ordering a starter too – not necessary if you have a Thali. But still I was glad to try some delicious poori (£2.75). We were less impressed by the lentil doughnuts (stodgy and tasteless) but that was my only criticism of the restaurant.

The waiters were delightful (all of them come from South India – as does the food). The restaurant was busy but they stayed smiley and helpful, explaining to us Indian food novices exactly what we were eating. You can get a lunch box (two curries, rice, salad and bread) for the same price as a Pret a Manger sandwich. And an indulgent dinner is unlikely to cost more than £12 without drink and can cost as little as £5....read more