This little shop and take away has been a pillar of the Gujarati community since the 1950s. A temple for every kind of south Asian snack — fried, fresh, frozen or made to order — which all jostle for attention on the crowded shelves. Fresh, crisp cassava chips and potato bhajias are piping hot, moreish and salty, a perfect homage to the founder’s memories of growing up in Uganda. Khandvi, spirals of pasta-like gram flour and yoghurt, are soft and creamy, fragrant with coriander and popping mustard seeds, while the verdant texture and flavour of patra — seasoned rolls of colocassia leaves — is rich and satisfying. Sweets too, are exceptional; fat buttery ladoos are generous on the jaggery, and pastel-coloured pendas melt in the mouth. Chevdos and gathias easily improve any budding Bombay mix.

A real hidden gem, tucked inside one of the neighbourhood’s myriad repurposed archways, Arch Rivals is a favourite with locals and is a serious destination for exciting cooking. A frequently changing menu of well executed dishes that aren’t afraid to globetrot for influence, original cocktails, and great wines make Arch Rivals a must try for anyone in the area. It’s also an excellent excuse to visit Forest Gate in the first place.

A brilliant breakfast stop for a south Asian food fix, options include desi takes on the fry up such as masala omelettes — served with parathas or roti — with chai to drink and perhaps lamb or chicken keema on the side. The chole bhatura, spiced chickpea, served with fluffy puri is excellent, while on Fridays, after 2p.m., catch the daal gosht chawal special, a warming stew of lentils and mutton, simmered to perfection.

Traditional Romanian food is served from 3p.m. on weekdays and 1p.m. on weekends at this restaurant, which also has a garden for outdoor dining. Rich stews come with soft polenta and sour cream, while the grill section of the menu showcases a selection of tasty homemade sausages and different meats. Soups, including bean and smoked ham hock; and creamy tripe with garlic, are also worth a try.

Surrounded by the delicious aromas of the bakery kitchen, which serves both this site and its larger Leytonstone sister, the adjoining café is a pleasant place for a coffee and a snack. The whitewashed walls of the railway arch are decorated with beautiful breads, pastries and delicate origami geese which dangle ethereally from the walls. Local produce and South African-inspired recipes are just two good reasons to order from an expansive menu.

Not only one of the best places in the vicinity to drink coffee or grab a delicious salad, Cups and Jars — Forest Gate’s first organic bulk store — also serves as a zero-waste grocers, where fresh fruit and vegetables lie side by side with beans, pulses and pastas. Pay particular attention to the seasonal specials which are always changing. Other items, such as natural shampoos, soaps and washing detergents can also be decanted and taken home.

A well-liked neighbourhood meeting spot, Familia serves a wonderful selection of cakes and sandwiches. The Guinness cake and gluten-free orange and polenta are both excellent. The serrano, goats cheese and tomato sandwich is also a strong lunch option, while rocket adds a nice peppery kick to smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Seasonal British food, craft ales and an easygoing vibe can be found at this gastropub. It is the perfect place to get a Sunday roast, set to a soundtrack of live jazz, after a walk across Wanstead Flats, or midweek, the delicate smoked haddock fishcakes and Volden-beer-battered cod and chips are also solid. A selection of hot and cold small plates, such as halloumi fries, pork belly tacos and pitta with aubergine dip and pomegranate, hazelnut and sesame dukkah make for brilliant sharing food.

A specialist wine shop and bar which focuses on organic, biodynamic and natural wines, Burgess Hall is an essential for newcomers to the drink or enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of this thriving subsection of the industry. Friendly staff are passionate about what they do and more than happy to talk about all things grape-related, with a roster of small producers ensuring a consistently exciting offering. Frequent restaurant pop-ups and jazz on the first Thursday of every month add another dimension to this brilliant little space.