East West is an Indian Italian pizzeria at 135 Fortess Road in Tufnell Park. Its central idea is to place the sauces, spices and tandoor cooking of India on pizza made with 48 hour cold fermented dough. The result combines a crisp Neapolitan style base with toppings that range from familiar tomato and mozzarella to paneer, tandoori chicken, lamb keema, pickle and chilli.
Diners who want a recognisable pizza can choose a simple Margherita or pepperoni with jalapeños. The Masala Margherita introduces paneer and coriander over a spiced tomato base. Chicken tikka masala pizza layers tikka sauce, mozzarella, tandoori chicken, roasted pepper, crisp onion and coriander, with spiced paneer available as a vegetarian alternative.
The Original brings butter sauce together with tandoori chicken, mushroom, pesto and coriander, while Fickle Pickle uses achari sauce, olives and jalapeños. Vegetarian pizzas include spinach sauce with paneer and artichoke, or makhni sauce with paneer and peppers. Vegan choices use pulled jackfruit or spiced soy mince with dairy free cheese, and the Afterburner is designed for diners seeking a much hotter combination.
Small plates, arancini, sides and crust dips make the menu work well for sharing before the pizza. The kitchen uses its tandoor for additional dishes and carries the same Indian Italian approach into the snacks rather than treating them as an afterthought. Desserts, cocktails, beer, wine and alcohol free drinks complete a lively neighbourhood meal built around an unusual but carefully developed fusion.
Address: 135 Fortess Road, Tufnell Park, London NW5 2HR, United Kingdom