The history of Indian food in London is long and rich, dating back to the early nineteenth century when the British Empire’s colonial presence in India brought back a fascination with Indian cuisine. East India Company employees, known as “nabobs,” often came back to London with a taste for Indian spices and dishes, the knowledge of which they carried back with them. In 1810, the first Indian restaurant opened. This was the Hindoostanee Coffee House, and it was established by Sake Dean Mahomed, who was an Indian entrepreneur. The restaurant was popular with British officers and Indian expatriates but sadly it did not operate at a profit and closed down within a few years.
Rising from Humble Origins
Indian food remained a relatively niche dining experience in London throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The cuisine really started to gain in popularity, however, after World War II, when British subjects from South Asia began to move to the United Kingdom, particularly from Punjab, Bengal, and Gujarat. Soon, London began to see more Indian restaurants, initially catering largely to the South Asian diaspora, but eventually attracting, too, the wider British public.
Later, in the 1970s and 1980s, “curry houses” became an essential part of the British dining experience. Often these restaurants would serve a British version of Indian dishes, for example, chicken tikka masala was purportedly invented in Britain based on flavour profiles from other traditional dishes enjoyed by the British population.
Nowadays, London has some of the world’s most brilliant Indian restaurants, ranging from fine dining to street food. If you are an Indian food enthusiast have a look below for some of London’s most celebrated Indian restaurants!
Amaya, Belgravia
For those looking for an upmarket location and excellent food, Amaya is the place to be. Located in the beautiful Belgravia and very near to the grand Pantechnicon, a famous arts and crafts warehouse turned dining establishment, Amaya is tucked away in a quiet passage and is a bastion of tranquil style and elegance. The dining room is done up in polished dark woods and alluring low lighting. There is an open kitchen with tandoor ovens and tawa grills. Amaya is known for experimenting with herbs and spices in their array of tasting dishes. Their seafood is particularly special, with jumbo-size ocean prawns fired in the tandoor oven, and crumbed oysters in coconut milk serving as menu highlights. Their meats are similarly spectacular, marinated in a variety of intense spices. The restaurant is as well-known for its excellent and speedy service, and its fantastic wine and cocktail list.
Bibi, Mayfair
Located near Selfridges in the beating heart of Mayfair, Bibi is a small but charming restaurant. It features an outdoor heated terrace, extending its small but elegant indoor provision. Inside there is an open plan kitchen and most of the seating overlooks this, so you'll get an outstanding view of the chefs in their element. There are also some small, leather-clad booths for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate experience. Chef Chetan Sharma is known for his experimental fusion-style cooking, but everything here is based in traditional Indian cuisine. The menu features small plates, chaat, and grilled dishes. The desserts are a particularly special part of the menu at Bibi - be sure not to miss the saffron and white chocolate kulfi in the shape of a magnum ice cream.
Gymkhana, Mayfair
Listed in the Michelin guide, Gymkhana is an extra special restaurant. It blends old school elegance with sophisticated, traditional cooking techniques. The dining spaces are a must-see; split over two levels, they are perfect for both lunchtime dining and intimate evening occasions. Private booths are dressed with dark wood and individual street-style lamps that provide a warm glow. The downstairs space is a deep red, with upholstered seating and richly patterned carpet. The restaurant has an extensive menu largely inspired by Northern Indian cuisine. Their tandoori masala lamb chops and kid goat methi keema are must haves.
Veeraswamy, Mayfair
It may seem that Mayfair is overrepresented in this list, but we couldn't leave out Veeraswamy, the United Kingdom's oldest Indian restaurant. The restaurant first opened in 1926 and retains much of that period's opulent style, with red curtains, a pressed tin ceiling, and gorgeous uplighting. The restaurant serves cuisine from all over India and the menu includes a variety of styles of cooking, too, from street-style snacks to contemporary fare. They make a point to use top quality British produce, and their Welsh lamb Kashmiri rogan josh is a standout. Their window tables are highly sought after so make sure you get your booking in advance!
Trishna, Regent's Park
Trishna is the place to go if you are vegan or vegetarian. Their sophisticated, modern menu is well stocked for those on plant-based diets, as well as for those who are not. The menu here is mostly inspired by cuisine from the southwest coast of India. The restaurant offers a variety of tasting menus, which allow you to get a taste of everything they can do. There is also a well-matched wine menu, making this the perfect location for a sophisticated night out. The dining room is elegant with pops of vibrant colour, matching the fresh and colourful produce used in the restaurant's fabulous dishes.
For those visiting London, and even for those just looking to expand their culinary horizons, these Indian restaurants are not to be missed. The city has some of the most exciting and varied Indian cuisine on the map and there is truly something for everyone, whether you want to experience the old-style charm of restaurants like Gymkhana and Varaswamy, or you want to dine at the cutting edge of Indian cuisine at places like Bibi or Trishna. There is a rich history here and it is well worth trying some of this wonderful cuisine.
