The restaurant has an impressive 4.8-star Google rating, so I was really looking forward to my visit.
London has no shortage of Indian restaurants, but menus inspired by regional cooking traditions offer the chance to discover something beyond the familiar curry-house favourites. At Bulbul, the menu features a mix of traditional flavours and comforting classics, with dishes ranging from chargrilled lamb to slow-cooked lentils. We tried three dishes alongside two naan breads, giving us a selection of different flavours to explore.
One of the first options that we went for on the menu was the Jodhpuri Lamb Chops (£30). Made with chargrilled salt marsh lamb marinated in yoghurt, Rajasthani spices and Jodhpuri Mathania chillies, the dish is served with mint chutney. Inspired by the flavours of Rajasthan, the lamb combines a traditional spiced marinade with chargrilling, while the mint chutney offers a fresh accompaniment. At £30, it is a premium option for those looking to try something a little different from the usual tandoori dishes.
The lamb chops were delightful and packed with flavour (Image: Callum Hardy)
We also tried the Dhaabe Ka Butter Chicken (£26), which takes inspiration from the roadside eateries found along highways across North India.
The dish features tandoori chicken in a buttery tomato gravy, inspired by the dhabas that Chef Yash still stops at during long drives across the region. Butter chicken is already a popular choice for British diners, but the story behind this version adds a personal connection to India’s food culture.
For something more traditional and meat-free, the Dal Bulbul (£14) features slow-cooked black lentils. Dishes made with black lentils are known for their rich, hearty character, with the slow cooking helping to develop depth of flavour. It offers a comforting alternative to the meat dishes and adds variety to the meal.
The butter chicken was a great highlight on the menu (Image: Callum Hardy)
No Indian meal would feel complete without naan, and we opted for two varieties to accompany the dishes.
The Chilli Cheese Naan (£5) offers a combination of cheese and chilli, bringing a little heat to the table alongside the richer curries. It is an appealing option for anyone who enjoys a more indulgent take on the traditional Indian flatbread.
We also ordered the Garlic Butter Naan (£4.50), a classic accompaniment that pairs naturally with rich tomato gravies and slow-cooked lentils. Garlic and butter add extra flavour to the bread, making it ideal for scooping up the sauces.
Together, the five dishes offer a varied introduction to Bulbul’s menu, combining regional inspiration with familiar Indian favourites. From the Rajasthani-spiced lamb to the butter chicken’s North Indian backstory, there is a clear emphasis on dishes that have a connection to India’s food traditions.
The Dal was the ultimate comfort dish for me and a firm favourite (Image: Callum Hardy)
With the lamb chops priced at £30 and the butter chicken at £26, the menu sits at the premium end of the market, while the lentils and naan provide additional options to round out the meal.
For anyone looking to explore Indian cooking beyond the usual restaurant staples, Bulbul’s menu offers plenty of inspiration. The combination of meat dishes, slow-cooked lentils and freshly prepared naan makes for a varied spread, with something to appeal to different tastes.
Of everything we tried, the Jodhpuri Lamb Chops were my favourite dish of the meal. Priced at £30, they were the standout choice on a menu that offered a mix of regional Indian flavours and familiar classics.
The Dhaabe Ka Butter Chicken provided a comforting alternative, while the slow-cooked Dal Bulbul and two naan breads rounded out the selection.
The Chilli Cheese Naan, at £5, and Garlic Butter Naan, at £4.50, were also welcome additions, offering options to accompany the different dishes.
Ultimately, it was the lamb chops that left the biggest impression on me. For anyone visiting Bulbul, they would be at the top of my list of dishes to consider ordering.
Dining and Cooking