Synonymous with London’s vibrant Indian food scene, Brick Lane draws locals and tourists alike in search of authentic curries, sizzling tandoori dishes and rich, aromatic flavours. Often referred to as England’s curry capital, this iconic East End street is home to some of the city’s most beloved Indian restaurants, each offering their own unique experiences and cooking techniques.
Whether you are after a classic staple like a chicken tikka masala or a fiery vindaloo, Brick Lane is the perfect place to explore the very best Indian cuisine in the country.
Bengal Village
A family-run curry house revered for its delicious dishes and status as one of Brick Lane’s best, Bengal Village is a firm favourite with East End residents and has been for many years. With numerous awards to its name, including the Brick Lane Curry Festival award twice, Bengal Village has also been praised by The Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and the London Evening Standard.
The menu is full of expertly prepared classic dishes with starters like mildly spiced seekh kebabs and crispy onion bhajis, and popular mains like butter chicken and spicy South Indian madras. For something more unique, the shatkora lamb combines citrus tang with tender meat to create a mouthwatering flavour profile.
Sheba
Having been in business since 1974, Sheba, winner of the 2022 Best Curry in London award, is another Indian restaurant that can confidently boast of being one of Brick Lane’s finest. Sheba has been recognised for its quality in publications like Time Out and The Guardian for its extensive menu, which perfectly balances classic and contemporary Indian dishes.
The quality and authenticity of the dishes is a priority at Sheba, with spices being freshly ground, produce sourced fresh and local, and the cooking techniques traditional yet efficient. Standout items on the menu include a deep and flavourful slow-cooked lamb bhuna, a rich and hot chicken rezala from Calcutta and the chitol kofta Bangla which consists of minced chitol fish balls that are lightly spiced and cooked in a rich, Bangladeshi inspired sauce.
Aladin
With such esteemed patronage as King Charles himself and a reputation as not only one of the best curry houses in England but as one of the best in the world according to the BBC, it is hard to find a better Brick Lane Indian restaurant than Aladin. Countless famous faces have dined at this popular spot, from Anthony Joshua to Dermot O’Leary, all drawn to Aladin by the promise of sophisticated dining and excellent food.
The well-filled menu offers a beautiful selection of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani dishes, serving a number of traditional curries from the continent alongside a vegan and gluten-free menu. Well-loved classics like a spicy Chicken Jalfrezi and a slow-cooked King Prawn Bhuna are prepared to perfection at Aladin, as is the popular Lamb Pasanda, a creamy, nutty dish made with tender lamb and aromatic spices. While Aladin does not have its own alcohol licence, guests are welcome to bring drinks of their own to accompany the meal.
The Monsoon
The Monsoon is one of Brick Lane’s largest Bangladeshi-owned restaurants. With a relaxed and casual atmosphere, The Monsoon champions the artistry of traditional Bangladeshi cooking. Unlike most of the area’s restaurants, The Monsoon places less emphasis on classic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, instead opting to take a more contemporary approach to its extensive menu.
The menu is diverse and unique, offering, like Bengal Village, a citrus infused Lamb Shatkora as well as Tandoori king prawns that are marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices then cooked to perfection in a clay oven. Another popular menu item is the garlic chilli chicken, a fiery, flavour packed curry with fresh green chillies and roasted garlic.
Standard Balti House
A Brick Lane institution that specialises in Balti cuisine, Standard Balti House has been serving up traditional dishes for decades. Known for its hot tandoori and flavour-packed balti dishes, it remains a top choice for locals and visitors alike. As the name suggests, Standard Balti House utilises a traditional style of cooking that originates from northern India and Pakistan. Food is cooked in a wok-like balti pan, creating a curry that has a distinctive, deeply flavourful taste.
The menu is split into sections - mild and creamy, medium-spice and fairly hot - making it easy to pick something that suits your tastes. Popular dishes obviously include the chicken or lamb balti, which is cooked in a fragrant spice blend and infused with herbs and tomatoes, as well as the tandoori mixed grill, a platter of perfectly cooked tandoori meats. The creamy king prawn masala packed with warming spices is also a firm favourite.
Preem
Established in 1963, Preem is one of Brick Lane’s longest-standing and most respected Indian restaurants and has built a reputation as a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking a high-quality curry experience.
The menu is composed of traditional Indian and Pakistani favourites, from butter chicken to tikka masala. One lesser-known dish on the menu is chicken Khyber which consists of a roasted chicken doused in an aromatic marinade, a delicacy of rural Pakistani villages. They also have their own Preem Special king prawn curry, taking a fresh approach to the traditional, flavourful seafood dish.
The Famous Curry Bazaar
Another restaurant with an excellent reputation and popularity among celebrities, The Famous Curry Bazaar is quality-centric cornerstone of the Brick Lane food scene. Offering more choices for delicious Indian cuisine than nearly anywhere else, this restaurant has a daily chef’s special to help make the decision easier.
The menu is classic with a distinct contemporary touch, catering to spice lovers and those that prefer milder flavours. The karahi curry can be served with either chicken or lamb and is cooked in an iron wok for additional flavour while the Curry Bazaar special biryani packs tender meat, fresh herbs and spices into a fragrant rice dish.
Brick Lane is a haven for Indian food lovers, offering a diverse range of authentic, flavourful dishes from regions in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Showcasing the rich, culinary traditions of the continent, Brick Lane’s restaurants blend classic dishes and local delicacies with new and exciting takes on traditional cuisine.
