Turmeric Gold

You'll find this place tucked along Spon Street's historic stretch, where the medieval timber frames give way to some genuinely good curry houses. The menu here doesn't mess about with overly sweet kormas or fluorescent orange tikka masalas – instead, you get properly balanced dishes that actually taste like they're meant to. The biryanis are the real draw, arriving as towering fragrant mountains of rice with tender meat buried within. Their lamb karahi has the kind of depth that comes from proper browning and patience, while the dal maintains that perfect creamy consistency without being heavy. Staff know their spices and won't automatically tone things down unless you ask, which is refreshing. It's the kind of place that's earned its reputation through consistent cooking rather than flashy presentation.