Indian cuisine may very well be my favourite, so whenever I have a restaurant visit in my calendar, it becomes my main motivation to get through the week.
I was eager to try Princess of India in Morden, a spot with a reputation for loyal local diners and a buffet that seems to steal the show.
Walking in, however, it quickly became clear that my excitement might have met a few unexpected bumps along the way.
Regular diners seem to know exactly what to do, heading straight for the buffet, which appeared to be the main attraction during my visit.
For first-timers like me, however, the lack of guidance made the experience feel slightly confusing at first.
On arrival, we were shown to a table with a simple gesture rather than a greeting.
Staff were polite but clearly busy, with one on the phone, and it took a moment to feel settled.
Observing other diners, it was clear that those familiar with the restaurant simply walked to the buffet, while newcomers like us were left unsure of what was expected.
We were offered poppadoms, which arrived with the usual accompaniments of mango chutney, mint sauce, and salad.
They were slightly cold and a touch stringy but still enjoyable, showing that poppadoms are hard to get entirely wrong.
The staff’s consideration in asking how many we wanted was a small but appreciated gesture.
The real uncertainty began when it came to ordering our main courses.
Unsure whether to stick with the à la carte menu or join the buffet, we waited around 20 minutes before asking for guidance.
It seemed the staff assumed we’d be going for the buffet.
Once a staff member approached, it became clear that either option was available, but better communication upfront would have helped first-time diners feel more confident.
I opted for chicken tikka masala with peshawari naan, and we also ordered a lamb dish.
While both dishes were acceptable, they fell short of the rich, vibrant flavours I had been anticipating.
The lamb, in particular, was a touch dry, and my curry lacked the depth of seasoning I expected from a modern Indian restaurant.
It seemed apparent that the kitchen’s focus may lean toward buffet service rather than à la carte precision.
Dessert, however, was a highlight, and this time, we asked the manager to give us his recommendations.
He suggested the frozen coconut and pineapple, which made for a refreshing, playful finish, reminiscent of a non-alcoholic piña colada served in its own shell.
It was a charming touch and one of the few moments that genuinely delighted during our visit.
The buffet itself, which we explored only toward the end, seemed impressive.
There was a wide range of dishes, from tikka masala to tandoori chicken and more, and the expansion of the restaurant into additional space has clearly allowed for a more extensive selection.
Speaking to the staff, it was obvious that this buffet experience is what keeps locals returning time and again.
In reflection, my visit didn’t fully capture what Princess of India seems to do best.
My à la carte experience was underwhelming, but the restaurant’s atmosphere, attentive staff, and popular buffet indicate why it has remained a beloved spot in Morden for decades.
Perhaps on another occasion, following the lead of the regulars and opting for the buffet would reveal the full appeal.
For newcomers, a little more guidance at the start could make the experience far smoother, and I’ve learned that sometimes it is better to just follow the crowd.
