London has some of the most diverse dining options in the world. The city is a hotbed of culinary blends, from more traditional British establishments to slightly more exotic European fare. In addition, the city is well-known for hosting its fair share of restaurants from further afield, and thanks to a large Indian population throughout the UK, cuisine from the subcontinent is exceedingly well represented when it comes to London’s culinary scene. With so much on offer, then, which Indian restaurants should you be adding to your list? Read on to discover the best Indian restaurants in London.
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 moving 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 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 local population.
Nowadays, London has some of the world’s most sumptuous Indian restaurants, ranging from fine dining to street food. If you are an Indian food enthusiast, read on 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, close 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 furnished with polished dark woods and alluring low lighting, in addition to 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 also well-known for its excellent and speedy service, and its fantastic wine and cocktail list.
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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 guests are provided with an outstanding view of the chefs. 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 on 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.
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Gymkhana, Mayfair
Listed in the Michelin guide, Gymkhana is an exceptional restaurant, blending 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, while 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 a must-try.
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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. Veeraswamy serves cuisine from all over India, and the menu includes a variety of cooking styles, too, from street snacks to contemporary fare. They make a point of using top-quality British produce, and their Welsh lamb Kashmiri rogan josh is a particular standout. Window tables are highly sought after at this excellent establishment, so make sure to book in advance.
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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 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 bask in the whole Indian experience. There is also a well-matched wine menu, making this the perfect location for a sophisticated night out. The dining room is elegant, with 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 Veeraswamy, or you want to dine at the cutting edge of Indian cuisine at places like Bibi or Trishna, London offers something for everybody. There is a rich history throughout the city’s Indian cuisine landscape, and it is well worth trying some of this wonderful cuisine.
