So, if your remember, in my last post I was talking all about London’s “Little India,” Southall. Well, when I go to Southall, though there might be many exotic places to eat, there is only one place that I ever really want go: Shahanshah. In English, the name of this restaurant translates to “kings of kings.” Quiet frankly, that is exactly what their samosas are. I double dog dare anybody reading this blog to find more delicious samosas than these on Planet Earth. Seriously… they are that good. Here’s the funny thing, I always feel that because I don’t live in London, I’m missing out. All the London foodies pretty much get to try everything before I do, and that really sucks… yeah, it sucks arse big time. Shahansha is relatively undiscovered by my fellow food bloggers. Well… until now, cause Moi is spilling the beans.
Actually, it’s Mr P who discovered this place, and he discovered it way before he met his beloved housewife. Mr P grew up in the area, and after school him and his friends would come here and then buy a bunch of samosas, eat them, walk home, then eat after school cakes, and then play video games until dinner was ready. Actually, come to think of it, I don’t think Mr P’s life has changed all that much LOL. Shahanshah has been around a long time, and it has always been a huge favorite among the locals. In fact, the place is always packed with customers. Back in the olden days, hubby remembers that samosas used to cost 25p, and now they are only 35p (that’s only like 50 cents!!!). I’ll tell you what daaaahlings, I’d gladly pay 10x that amount for these golden triangles of crispy deliciousness. No kidding!
Shahansha is run by several generations of a very lovely Sikh family. Religious Sikhs do not eat meat, so all the food there is strictly vegetarian.They have some vegetarian curries on offer, sweets, and little fried goodies, but when we come, it’s for the samosas.
Okay, so what’s so great about the samosas? Well, the filling is excellent. We always get the potatoe/ veggie filling (though they also do a paneer one), but actually it’s the pastry that makes them so excellent. It is just so flaky and crispy and goooooooooooood. It is also the only samosa I’ve ever tasted that tastes good cold, though of course hot is way better.
They also put these samosas together in a wonderful street food style dish called samosa chaat. Basically you get one or two samosas, depending on what size you order, and on top of the samosas is a delicious chickpea curry with imblee (tamarind sauce) and yogurt. It is divine. Divine, divine, divine. I can’t tell you if I like the samosas better on their own, or in this style. On the one hand, having them on their own, you can really enjoy the crispy goodness, but on the other hand, the curry, tamarind and yogurt is just awesome. Because I can’d decide, I like to have a little of both (okay, a lot of both)…
I will admit though, if you are not used to eating curries, the samosa chaat can get pretty spicy. Of course that never slows me down, daaaaaahlings. You can always get a lassi. They are a great antidote for that feeling of heat you get if a curry gets too intense. Lassis are thick milkshake-like drinks that are made of yogurt. Here at Shahansha they come in two flavours, sweet and salty. Stay away from the salty ones 
. Isn’t that flourish of pistachios on top pretty?
If you are in the London area or plan to visit, I couldn’t recommend this place enough. It’s not a fancy place. It’s more of like one of those hole in the wall places that Anthony Bourdain discovers. Shahansha prides itself on the freshest of food, cooked to perfection. Hubby actually saw the owner tell one of his employees to throw out a batch of samosas which didn’t meet his ideal of golden perfection. A customer was illegally parked outside and was in a hurry to get to his car, because he saw a meter man walking around. The owner was so loathe to give him less than perfect samosas that he told the man to go to the car while he redid them, and an employee would bring it out to him. Now, that’s how you know it’s good! A tiny place like this doesn’t stay in business in a recession like this for no reason.
This is one amazing place to eat. Housewife’s word of honour!!!
I was in London a month ago by now….You shoud ‘ve posted this BEFORE ;D
Well…..a must for next time….
Thanks for the tip !
Un beso,
Cristina
OMG! I think I died and went to heaven. Looks wonderful. It is great to find a place to call your own before everyone else finds out about it.
If I am ever in London, I will be sure to touch base with you so that you can remind me this is where I need to go-
What a fab read HH, made my mouth water form the get-go. The street-style serve looks absolutely delish! Such a great find…are you sure you want to be spilling the beans?
I love your new look. You are truly the Sophisticate Lady, despite the donuts and delirium. Congrats. You did a great job.
I LOVE samosas – if we are ever nearby I HAVE to go here!
Indian food is one of my faves! That bean dish looks so delicious.
I need to make my way over the pond and meet you and go out for Indian
I miss my London Indian food! Ahhh… samosas.
My friend Kate makes the best samosas. She also has a twisted version in which she adds lobster and cream, shocking I know but heavenly.
Duchess
I liove samosas. This looks good. Inspiration for a blog post i think. I love changing the fillings and surprising people….
Smothered samosa? Seriously? Never heard of such a thing, but sounds incredible and will keep my eye out. And those lassis look incredible. I remember one hot summer in Boston when I was in graduate school and it was too hot to cook and lassis were the only thing that sounded good to me. Brings back memories…