Today, after a long and exhausting morning of cleaning, my wife and I decided we deserved a break. We spent hours scrubbing the house and bathroom, and by the time we were done, hunger had settled in. My wife was craving something familiar and comforting: rice with Bangladeshi bharta. So, we knew exactly where to go—our favourite Bengali restaurant, Lazeez, located in Forest Gate. You can find it here: Lazeez Restaurant Location.

Our journey started with a bus ride to Harold Wood station, followed by a trip on the Elizabeth Line towards Paddington. From Platform 3, the train was just five minutes away. The air was still fresh, as the rain had stopped just moments ago, leaving behind a soft, nostalgic scent that lingered in the breeze. It was a perfect afternoon—soft sunlight, cool air, and the unmistakable smell of damp earth that always fills me with a sense of calm.

When the train finally arrived, we boarded and watched the rainy autumn world pass by outside the window. The trees, the wet pavements, and the occasional splash of sunlight through the clouds—it felt like nature was putting on a show just for us.

After a pleasant ride and a short walk from Forest Gate station, we arrived at Lazeez. The moment we walked through the door, we were greeted by the familiar aroma of spices that never fails to remind us of home. Lazeez is a simple, unpretentious place, but the food is where it shines. It’s the kind of restaurant that you don’t just visit—you come back to again and again.

My wife stuck with her craving and ordered steamed rice with mixed bharta, while I couldn’t resist their chicken roast and polaw. The food was exactly what we needed. The chicken roast was perfectly spiced and tender, while the polaw was fragrant, fluffy, and packed with flavour. My wife’s bharta—an assortment of mashed vegetables mixed with mustard oil and spices—was as delicious as always, spicy and full of rich, traditional flavours.

The restaurant owner, as usual, greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel like family. His hospitality always adds to the experience, making our meals at Lazeez that much more enjoyable. There’s something special about being treated with such kindness—good food and good company make for the perfect combination.

After our delightful meal, we decided to change things up and head to Camden Town. If Forest Gate feels like a cosy corner of London, Camden is its vibrant, eccentric heart. The contrast couldn’t be starker. Camden is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells. The streets are lined with quirky shops, colourful market stalls, and food vendors offering flavours from all over the world.

The vibe in Camden is unique—there’s a kind of organised chaos that somehow works. Artists perform on the street, locals and tourists mingle, and the atmosphere is electric. We spent the afternoon wandering through the market, getting lost among the endless stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to vintage clothes. The diversity and energy of Camden are infectious, and it feels like a place where creativity flows freely.

As the day drew to a close, we found a quiet spot by the canal. The boats floated gently by, and for a moment, we could simply sit back and soak in the atmosphere. The buzzing energy of Camden was all around us, but at that moment, it felt peaceful.