Indian Food and Restaurants in London: The Ultimate Guide
- Daniel Weizman
- Jul 15
- 7 min read
Indian food has long been an essential part of British culinary culture, right alongside fish and chips and a cold pint of ale. While the average Brit might classically have a reputation for preferring their food beige, deep-fried, and relatively bland, step inside an Indian restaurant and their taste buds instantly wake up to those rich, aromatic spices. Londoners love Indian food so much that there are actually more curry houses in London today than in Mumbai!
Some History
London's relationship with Indian food and culture runs deep, stretching back to the 19th century and beyond.
The city’s very first Indian restaurant, the Hindoostane Coffee House, opened way back in 1810. It was created for British officers who had developed a taste for Indian dishes during their colonial service, setting the stage for the massive wave of Indian cuisine that would follow.
Throughout the 1800s, curry gradually became a beloved staple. The publication of Indian cookbooks and the rise of working-class Indian eateries (affectionately known as "curry houses") kicked off a brand-new culinary era in London. Then came the massive boom of the 1970s and 80s, permanently cementing Indian food as a cornerstone of British culture, both in London and across the country.
So, What Exactly is Curry?
You might be wondering what actually makes a curry. Generally, it's a slow-cooked dish utilizing a blend of at least five to seven of the following spices:
Turmeric: Adds a bright yellow color and a warm, earthy flavor.
Ground coriander seeds: Gives a mild, slightly citrusy touch.
Cumin: Brings a warm, nutty aroma and flavor.
Fenugreek seeds or powder: Adds a subtle bitterness and deep complexity.
Mustard seeds: For a gentle, sharp kick.
Chili powder: Used in varying heats, from mild to "for pros only."
Ground ginger: Contributes a warm, slightly sweet, and peppery zing.
Garlic powder: For savory depth.
Ground cardamom or pods: Offers a sweet, floral note.
Ground or whole cloves: Delivers a powerful, warm punch.
Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth.
Dried, ground bay leaves: Adds a delicate bitterness and depth.
Fennel seeds: Brings a sweet, subtle hint of licorice.
These spices are used to create rich gravies and stews, usually served alongside rice and naan bread (similar to laffa). They can feature veggies, lentils, cream, meat, or cheeses.
In North India, this blend is often called Garam Masala (typically added near the end of cooking to boost the aroma and flavor, featuring cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander). Down south, it’s known as Madras Curry Powder (usually bolder and less delicate than the northern counterpart, often featuring curry leaves and mustard seeds).
London's Indian Food Scene – Way Beyond Dishoom
While towns all over the UK boast incredible Indian food, nowhere quite matches London when it comes to variety, regional diversity, and pure creativity. In London, you can taste flavors stretching from the far north of India all the way down to the coastal vibes of Kerala - and the quality is world-class (the city actually boasts seven Michelin-starred Indian restaurants!).
Honestly, it is hard to go wrong with Indian food in London, and if you wander into a random spot, chances are it will be pretty great. But some places are truly on another level. And no, we aren't talking about the wildly popular Dishoom - which definitely deserves its respect, but is far from the final word on the city's Indian food scene.
Tip: If you're already familiar with Indian food and want to try something slightly different but in a similar lane, check out London's fantastic Sri Lankan, Burmese, and Pakistani spots too.
A Beginner's Guide to the Indian Menu
Experiencing Indian food is an absolute must when visiting London. To help you navigate the often-massive and slightly overwhelming menus, here is a breakdown of the ultimate classics to order:
Chicken Tikka Masala: Often dubbed Britain's true national dish. It features tender, heavily spiced grilled chicken simmered in a creamy, tomato-based curry sauce. Its origins are highly debated, with many claiming it was actually invented right here in the UK.
Biryani: A fragrant, layered rice dish packed with aromatic spices, typically made with chicken, lamb, or veggies. It’s often served with raita (a cooling cucumber yogurt designed to soothe your palate after all those spices).
Saag Paneer: A delicious vegetarian dish featuring dense, squeaky paneer cheese cooked in a spiced spinach puree that absorbs all those rich flavors.
Dal Makhani: A rich lentil dish made with black lentils, kidney beans, butter, cream, tomatoes, and spices, served alongside naan and rice. Unlike the more common red lentil dal, black lentils release a natural starch during their long cook time, making this dish incredibly creamy.
Aloo Gobi: A simple yet deeply flavorful vegetarian dish made of potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) cooked with turmeric, cumin, and other spices.
Pav Bhaji: A classic Mumbai street food featuring a spicy, mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft, toasted, buttery buns (pav). It's a fun, crowd-pleasing starter.
Prawn Malai Curry: Plump prawns simmered in a rich, velvety coconut milk sauce spiked with turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. The natural sweetness of the coconut milk pairs beautifully with the prawns.
Our Absolute Favorite Indian Spots in London
Gunpowder (Multiple Locations)
What started as a tiny family-run joint in Shoreditch has grown into a small, beloved local chain. They specialize in big, bold flavors and a rich menu showcasing dishes from all over India. The grilled tandoori chicken and Kashmiri lamb chops are absolutely outstanding, and they do amazing things with veggies too, like their grilled sweet mustard broccoli.
Tandoor Chop House (Covent Garden)
An Indian-style steakhouse serving up heavily spiced, smoky meats straight out of the tandoor oven that you won't find anywhere else. Think seekh kebab rolls, roasted lamb shoulder, black pepper chicken tikka, and plenty of other surprises. Do not skip their incredibly addictive masala fries!
Address: 8 Adelaide Street
Pali Hill (Fitzrovia)
An elegant and diverse restaurant featuring a massive tandoor grill section on the menu, alongside a curated collection of main dishes from across India - ranging from fragrant biryani to South Indian-style fish curry. Downstairs, you'll find a fantastic basement cocktail bar (Bandra Bhai) serving up fun Indian bar snacks.
Address: 79 Mortimer Street
Brigadiers (The City)
This spot brilliantly pairs a lively sports bar atmosphere (complete with live screenings of UK and global football matches, events, and even a pool table) with top-tier Indian BBQ. The menu is packed with incredible grilled dishes like beef short rib, kebabs, and kathi rolls (think Indian-style wraps loaded with deliciousness). It's also perfect for grabbing a drink and some light bar snacks.
Address: 1 Bloomberg Arcade
Punjab (Covent Garden)
The oldest North Indian restaurant in the UK! Since 1946, they’ve been serving up crowd-pleasing classics from mild chicken korma and rich dal makhani to paneer tikka and butter chicken. They have a massive, diverse menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Address: 80 Neal Street
Trishna (Marylebone)
A Michelin-starred gem that shines a spotlight on the coastal seafood of southwest India. The tandoori mustard prawns are brilliant, but the real star of the show is the Dorset brown crab dressed in coconut oil and curry leaves, widely considered the best dish on the menu.
Address: 15 Blandford Street
Tamarind Kitchen (Soho)
Think Indian tapas with a heavy emphasis on incredible grilled dishes. Highlights include smoky, spicy chicken tikka, watercress salad with onion raita, roasted fish with coconut and chili, lotus root kebabs, and a fantastic crab curry. Everything is served alongside hot, fresh-off-the-grill roti and a trio of chutneys: tomato, spicy eggplant, and peach.
Address: 167 Wardour Street
Darjeeling Express (Soho)
Featuring Calcutta-style home cooking run by an esteemed female chef and an all-women kitchen crew. Expect deeply authentic, beautifully spiced dishes like chicken and coriander momos, eggplant cooked with coconut and tamarind, and prawns with black chickpeas and chili.
Address: Kingly Court
Gymkhana (Mayfair)
With two Michelin stars, Gymkhana is widely considered the absolute best Indian restaurant in London. The ultra-elegant space is designed to feel like an old-school gentleman's club from colonial-era India, spread across two stunning floors (definitely try to book the cozy booths on the ground floor). The extensive menu leans heavily North Indian, featuring masterpieces like tandoori masala lamb chops, kid goat methi keema, wild muntjac biryani, and prawn curry. The service is impeccable, and the staff are happy to guide you through the menu. At lunchtime, they offer a relatively reasonable tasting menu for £55.
Address: 42 Albemarle Street
Fatt Pundit (Soho)
A stylish Indian-Chinese fusion spot. When the Hakka people migrated from Canton, China, to India, they brought their culinary traditions with them, blending Chinese cooking techniques with rich Indian spices. The name "Fatt Pundit" brilliantly pairs the common Chinese surname "Fatt" with the Indian word "Pundit" (meaning scholar). The incredibly juicy, beautifully spiced lamb chops and the momos (steamed dumplings) are absolute must-orders.
Address: 77 Berwick Street
Paradise (Hampstead)
Nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of Hampstead, right across from the beautiful Hampstead Heath, this long-running, unpretentious Indian spot serves up traditional favorites at incredibly fair prices. You’ll find hits like tandoori prawns, a Kashmiri curry made with lychee, pineapple, and coconut, and a South Indian-style Madras curry. It’s got a massive menu and a warm, welcoming family vibe.
Address: 49 South End Road
Kutir (Chelsea)
Tucked away near the popular Saatchi Gallery, Kutir offers a gorgeous dining experience inspired by the Indian countryside. The interior is stunning, featuring lush green walls, wildlife prints, and lights hanging from floral branches. The menu is packed with rich game, meats, and beautifully spiced seafood. Go for the crispy soft-shell crab masala, the velvety coconut sea bass with mussels, and the cumin-spiced lamb.
Address: 10 Lincoln Street
London’s Indian food scene is incredibly exciting and constantly evolving, yet far too many travelers still just default to Dishoom. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with playing it safe, but highly commercialized, Western-friendly spots like Dishoom barely scratch the surface of what Indian cuisine in London truly has to offer. Step outside your comfort zone and explore some of these fantastic restaurants to discover unique dishes and rare ingredients. That’s how you’ll experience the rich, incredible depth of Indian cooking - which goes way, way beyond your standard curry.
