The world may normally talk about other topics when it comes to Afghanistan, but one of its best talking points is the food. Masa, one of the few Afghan restaurants in London, offers delicious, diverse cuisine pitched somewhere between central and south Asia, all kormas, pilaffs, kebabs and stuffed vine leaves. Masa might look plush, but it’s also remarkably good value, providing generous portions of homely Afghan dishes such as quabli palow, spiced basmati rice garnished with raisins and grated carrot. The open kitchen, ornate carpets and granite flooring give it an elegant feel, whilst its status as one of the few restaurants of its kind in the capital affords it a certain air of justifiable superiority.