Tikka Nation St Albans

You're walking down Waxhouse Gate towards the Clock Tower and Tikka Nation feels like the kind of place that's been quietly doing excellent work while everyone else is chasing trends. The menu reads like a greatest hits of Indian restaurants done properly—there's no pretension here, just straightforward curries, tandoori dishes and breads that actually taste like they matter. What keeps locals coming back (593 reviews speak volumes) is consistency and the fact they're not charging London prices for what you're eating. It's the sort of spot where you can bring your mates for a casual Friday night or grab something after work without breaking the bank.