BYOB — bring your own bottle — is one of the best-kept secrets of London's Indian dining scene. You eat brilliantly, you drink exactly what you want, and you spend a fraction of what you would in a licensed restaurant.
But BYOB comes with its own etiquette. This is what to bring, how to serve it, and what to expect at a halal BYOB restaurant like ours.
How BYOB works
Most halal Indian restaurants in Richmond do not hold a drinks licence — we are one of them. Instead, guests bring their own wine, beer or sparkling, and we provide glasses, ice buckets and an opener.
Some restaurants charge corkage (typically £2–£5 per bottle). At Jaflong Tandoori, BYOB is genuinely free — no corkage, no service charge on the wine.
Pairing wine with curry
Most wines that pair badly with curry are tannic reds and oaky chardonnays. The chilli, the spices and the dairy in Indian food all amplify alcohol heat and clash with oak.
- Tikka masala, butter chicken, korma → off-dry riesling, gewürztraminer or rosé.
- Rogan josh, bhuna, lamb dishes → grenache, pinot noir or a light malbec.
- Biryani and tandoori grills → viognier, chenin blanc or chilled beaujolais.
- Vindaloo and hot curries → ice-cold lager beats any wine — try a hoppy IPA or pilsner.
- Vegetable curries (saag, chana, dal) → albariño, sauvignon blanc or sparkling.
BYOB etiquette
BYOB is a privilege, not a free-for-all. A few unwritten rules will make you a welcome guest at every Indian BYOB in town.
- Tell the restaurant when you book that you are bringing drinks — they need to set glasses and ice.
- Do not bring spirits unless the restaurant explicitly allows it.
- Tip on the food bill as normal — BYOB saves you money, but the team still serves your drinks.
- Take any leftover bottle home; restaurants cannot legally store opened alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge corkage at Jaflong Tandoori?
No. BYOB is genuinely free — no corkage and no service charge on wine, beer or sparkling.
Can I bring spirits or cocktails?
We allow wine, beer and sparkling. Spirits are not generally part of BYOB at halal restaurants — please call ahead if you have a special request.
Do you provide glasses and ice?
Yes — wine and beer glasses, ice buckets and a corkscrew are all provided at no charge.
What wine pairs best with chicken tikka masala?
An off-dry riesling or gewürztraminer balances the creamy tomato sauce without clashing with the spices. A chilled rosé is a safe second choice.