The ultimate sofa suppers

Forget nipping around the corner to your local greasy takeaway this January - we're all trying to battle the waistline bulge. The problem is, there's nothing like the comforting lure of takeaway food in midwinter.

But a growing London trend is helping to solve this dilemma of finding nutritious yet indulgent carry out meals - without additives, extra grease or thirst-inducing MSG. Posh takeaways are on the rise and you can look to some of the capital's best restaurants for inspiration.

Notting Hill gastropub The Fat Badger is leading the way with the launch of its "badger in a bag service". Each brown bag comes with a freshly prepared meal by head-chef Will Leigh and costs £8. But whether you feel like top-notch sushi, cutting-edge Indian or just great British cooking, many London chefs now offer a take-home service for customers who don't want to skimp on the quality of ingredients. Here we test the top six on offer:

IMLI
Food: Tapas-style Indian bites such as cumin and mint-marinated tilapia, chicken breast on tumeric mash and papdi chaat - a sweet yoghurt and bean-sprout salad with whole wheat crisps, much better than it sounds.

Verdict: Some dishes are high on spice, but high on flavour, too, and they have plenty of options for vegetarians.

Cost: Small pieces start at £2.95, larger meat options from £3.95.

Ordering: They deliver within Soho between 12pm and 11pm, free for orders over £20 (£3 delivery charge if less). Pick-up service only for orders outside Soho. Imli, 167-169 Wardour Street, W1 (020 7287 4243, www.imli.co.uk).

THE FAT BADGER
Food: Haddock, featherblade of beef with parmesan mash or bavette steak with horseradish cream.

Verdict: Great British country house food and the recipe card comes with cooking instructions and advice on what to drink with the meals.

Cost: Each badger in the bag is £8.

Ordering: No delivery, but trendy west London types can drop in for a drink while waiting for their supper. The Fat Badger, 310 Portobello Road, W10 (020 8969 4500, www.thefatbadger.com).

XO
Food: Vegetable and duck thai curries, asparagus with ginger and soy butter, banoffee pie and ginger cheesecake.

Verdict: A pan-Asian triumph - the banoffee pie was fought over.

Cost: Terrific value, with dim sum from £1.75, mains from £4.25 and puddings from £1.25.

Ordering: No delivery service but staff are on hand to talk through any orders at the restaurant itself or over the phone. And they'll hold your order for whenever's most convenient for collection. XO, 29 Belsize Lane, NW3 (020 7433 0888).

THE REAL GREEK
Food: Lamb and chicken souvlaki (flatbreads) with tomato salad. And the usual Greek fare such as tzatziki, taramosalata and lamb kefte.