Paratha Inn: what is it like?

Paratha Inn is a street food café and take-away in Croydon. It’s a small space, a few tables, fitted in a nice piratey (is that a word?) utilitarian vibe. The lights are especially cool, all wire cages, naked bulbs and rough rope. They go perfectly with the bearded pirate of Paratha Inn logo.

Paratha Inn is named after what they sell most of: parathas in several variations. (For those who don’t know, a paratha is a type of flat bread very popular on the Indian subcontinent and beyond. It may be plain or stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings, and it’s delicious.)

At Paratha Inn, the parathas come in two versions: paratha rolls and stuffed parathas, including a couple of vegetarian/ vegan options, and a sweet one for dessert too. They also have breakfast deals, and a variety of sides. To wash it all down, they sell a range of drinks, including homemade lemonade and yummy lassis.

Prices are extremely purse friendly (most of the menu is £5 or under). Service is friendly and fast, and portion sizes are generous.

I’ve had (at various times) the samosa chaat, the mango lassi, several vegetable paratha rolls, and the lemonade, and it was all absolutely fresh and delicious and packed a punch in the flavour department. (For what it’s worth, I found the spice level just right, not too spicy, not too bland, but obviously that’s subjective.)

Paratha Inn practical information (and one handy tip)

Address: 244 High St, Croydon CR0 1NF

Opening Hours: open daily from 11am (12pm on Sundays)

Website: https://parathainn.co.uk/

Nearest public transport: George Street tram stop

Eat in? Yes

Take away? Yes

Outside seating? No

Toilets? Yes

Handy tip: the vegetable paratha roll is advertised as vegan, but it comes with a (non-vegan) yogurt dip. Just so you know.

Where next?

After visiting Paratha Inn, how about spending some time exploring Croydon? Or maybe you could try a different kind of wrap, at Utopia in Farringdon? And Crystal Palace, just up the road, is home to Roti Brothers. They don’t serve rotis, but they have wonderful burgers. And rosemary fries. Ohhh, the rosemary fries…