A Journey Through Tradition & Innovation
I love that I can come to London and enjoy great Indian food and not have to go all the way to India to enjoy. London isn’t just a global city—it’s a vibrant hub of Indian cuisine, where generations of restaurants offer everything from home-style classics to Michelin-starred fusion dishes.
London has some of the best Indian food you’ll find outside of India. What makes the city’s dining scene so special isn’t just authenticity—it’s how chefs have modernized traditional flavors, blending heritage with creativity in ways that feel both exciting and timeless.
From Curry Houses to Culinary Icons: The Evolution of Indian Food in London
Indian food and London have a long, intertwined history. It starts with the East Indian Company ( 18th Century), which brought spices, recpies and new flavours to Britian. These early restaurants catered to British tastes and often toned down the spices and simplified the recipes. This is how dishes like mulligatawny soup started. This was the start of the Curry houses and they have become the cornerstone of British dining. Going for curry is like going for fish and chips it has become a staple meal for many Brits.
Places like Brick Lane are nostalgic places for the old curry houses. Fast forward to today, you are seeing a modernization of Indian food. You are seeing a new wave of restaurants that have elevated Indian food and blending new flavors. Restaurants like Gymkhana and Kricket showcase the modernized techniques that have enhanced the way we view Indian food and flavors. Places like Chettinad and Sri Lankan Hoppers are reinvented and introduced.
Why Indian food in London is unique today: The city preserves a delicate balance between authenticity and innovation. Chefs honor the deep traditions of regional Indian cooking while also pushing boundaries with bold flavors and creative twists. London’s Indian restaurants aren’t afraid to experiment—elevating the dining experience and surprising their guests with dishes that both comfort and challenge the palate.
The range is unmatched, making London not just one of the best places for Indian food outside India, but a city where the cuisine continues to evolve and develop over time.
Here’s what makes London’s Indian food scene truly unique:
1. Diversity Meets Great Quality
London’s food scene has grown into one of the most exciting in the world, shaped by its diversity and constant reinvention. The city caters to every craving—whether it’s comforting street food or refined fine dining. What makes it special is the depth of choice: you’ll find regional specialties, bold flavors, and dishes that surprise and delight at every corner.
What I love most is the accessibility. You can stroll down almost any street and find incredible Chinese dumplings, fragrant Indian curries, or smoky Middle Eastern grills—all at a quality that rivals their countries of origin. London is a place where global flavors aren’t just available—they’re celebrated.
2. A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
It feels like restaurants here honor culinary heritage while pushing boundaries—pairing classic spices with creative presentations.
London’s food scene is doing some remarkable things with Indian cuisine where classic dishes are reimagined. Chefts aren’t afraid to reimagine flavors with modern techniques, seasonal ingredients, and global influences. This balance has transformed Indian cuisine in London into something both familiar and exciting—where a comforting curry can sit proudly alongside a Michelin-starred reinterpretation
3. Legendary Culinary Institutions
London’s old standing restaurants are where tradition meets consistency—places where generations of Londoners and travellers have come together to celebrate the vibrant, enduring flavors of India.
There are many Iconic restaurants like Veeraswamy recall the era of elegant dining since 1926, while new stars like Gunpowder serve inspired, bold, and casual Indian café fare.
What makes them legendary is more than the food. It’s the service, the atmosphere, and the sense of occasion you feel the moment you step inside. Dining at these institutions feels like participating in a story that has been told — and perfected — over years.
4. Michelin-Quality Indian Cuisine
For decades London had curry houses which was the go to- for hearty, no-frills meals centered around tikka masala, butter chicken, and naan. Today, chefs are exploring regional cuisines — from the coastal flavors of Kerala to Sir Lanka — and pairing them with seasonal British ingredients. The result? Menus that are both rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary.
Restaurants like Gymkhana, Trishna, and Benares have earned Michelin stars for their inventive takes on classic Indian dishes. Their dished are beautifully spiced , delicate seafood curries, and reimagined street food that feels both comforting and luxurious. These spots prove that Indian food isn’t limited to the takeaway stereotype — it can sit proudly alongside French fine dining or Japanese kaiseki in terms of artistry and execution.
5. Crowd Favorites & Hidden Gems
Chutney Mary – A London institution since the 1990s, known for blending fine dining with timeless Indian flavors.
Chettinad Restaurant – One of the city’s longest-standing South Indian spots, beloved for its authentic Chettinad spices.
Dishoom offers reliably delicious, Bombay-inspired dishes wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Brigadiers – A vibrant, upscale spot inspired by Indian army mess halls, offering elevated comfort food and top-notch drinks.
Tamil Prince – A gastropub-turned-Indian-dining-sensation, quickly winning over locals with bold flavors.
Brick Lane – From the 1960s onwards, this vibrant stretch in East London became known as the city’s “Curry Mile,” with family-run restaurants serving affordable curries late into the night.
Bengal Tiger – A long-standing City favorite, known for its bold curries and refined take on traditional Indian classics.
Brigadiers – A lively Indian barbecue and drinking house in London, inspired by the amry mess bars in India. Serving up bold curries, grilled meat and a lively pub style atmosphere.
Chettinad– is an authentic South Indian restaurant in London, specializing in the bold, aromatic flavors of Tamil Nadu with signature dishes like dosas, curries, and Chettinad-spiced meats.
My London Favourites: Indian Restaurants That Never Disappoint
Kricket Soho: Small Plates, Big Flavors in the Heart of London
A modern, vibrant Indian eatery blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists. Known for its small plates, creative street-food-inspired dishes, and playful presentation, it’s perfect for sharing and exploring bold, unexpected flavors in a lively Soho setting.
Notable Dishes: Kerelan Fried Chicken with curry Mayo, Grilled Squash with paneers, spices, puffed rice and nuts or claypot black cod with coconut cream.
Hoppers: London’s Love Letter to Sri Lankan Street Food
The food here was excellent. I really loved and want to go back agian. It has great authentic flavors and delish spices. Inspired by Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine, Hoppers is famous for its namesake dish, the delicate bowl-shaped pancakes, as well as flavorful dosas and aromatic curries. Its modern, casual vibe and inventive takes on traditional recipes make it a must-visit for bold, authentic flavors.
Notable Dishes: The lamb shank biryani was excellent and rich in flavour. Jaffna Jackfruit Curry and Mutton Rolls + Chilli Ketchup. Hoppers. Chilli Calamari.
Gymkhana: London’s Michelin-Starred Indian Icon
This was an exceptional experience and one I have never forgotten. The service was impeccable and had an old world rich atmosphere. A Michelin-starred restaurant inspired by the elite clubs of colonial India, Gymkhana offers refined Indian cuisine with bold flavors and meticulous presentation. Known for its tandoori meats, vibrant curries, and elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s a top destination for those seeking a luxurious Indian dining experience in London.
Notable Dishes: Lasooni Wild Tiger Prawns, Red Pepper Chutney and Guinea Fowl Pepper Fry, Malabar Paratha.
Dishoom: Bombay Comfort in the Heart of London
A homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom blends nostalgia with modern flair. Known for its rich breakfasts, small plates, and aromatic curries, it combines impeccable service, beautifully styled interiors, and dishes that evoke the heart of Mumbai in every bite.
Notable Dishes: Tandoori Lambchops, Gunpowder Potatoes, House Chaat
Masala Zone: Colorful, Comforting Indian Street Food in London
A casual, approachable Indian restaurant known for its vibrant thalis, street-food-inspired dishes, and flavors that stay true to regional Indian traditions. It’s a favorite for everyday dining, offering satisfying meals in a colorful, lively atmosphere.
Notable Dishes: Jaipur Gol Guppa Pop, Alleppey Prawn Curry:
Kappad: Coastal Flavors of Kerala in London
This is a good spot that authentically represents Kerala food. The menu features rich, aromatic dishes that showcase the region’s abundant seafood, fresh vegetables, and fine meats.
Notable Dishes: Malabar fish curry, lamb black pepper fry, and a variety of vegetarian options.
There are so many amazing Indian spots in London that you need to check out. No matter what you’re craving—be it a classic curry house, modern fusion, or high-end dining—there’s a delicious Indian restaurant ready to satisfy your appetite. For more foodie guides, tips, and reviews like this, visit HeavenlyTable and discover your next culinary adventure!