Introduction
London’s Indian food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas, with a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences waiting to be discovered. While many popular Indian restaurants in London are well-known, there are also plenty of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to uncover London’s best-kept Indian food secrets, from family-run restaurants to street food stalls and everything in between.
Family-Run Restaurants
One of the best ways to experience authentic Indian cuisine is to visit family-run restaurants. These eateries are often passed down through generations, with recipes and cooking techniques that have been perfected over time. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Tayyabs (Whitechapel): This Punjabi restaurant has been a London staple for over 40 years, serving up delicious curries and biryanis that are made with love and care. Be sure to try their famous lamb chops and saag aloo.
- Dishoom (Covent Garden): This Bombay-inspired cafe has several locations throughout London, but the Covent Garden spot is our favorite. Try their famous bacon-naan roll and a cup of chai for a delicious breakfast. Don’t forget to explore their hidden basement bar, which serves up craft cocktails with an Indian twist.
- Soho Wala (Soho): This small restaurant in the heart of Soho serves up flavorful Gujarati cuisine that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Be sure to try their khichdi, a comforting rice and lentil dish that’s often served with a side of papadum.
Street Food Stalls
Street food is a staple of Indian cuisine, and London has plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of our favorite street food stalls:
- Bollywood Bites (Brick Lane): This colorful stall serves up delicious Indian street food, including samosas, kachoris, and chaat items. Be sure to try their pani puri, a flavorful street food snack that’s perfect for hot summer days.
- Spice of Life (Camden Market): This stall has been a Camden Market staple for over 10 years, serving up flavorful Indian curries and snacks. Try their vegan thali, which features a variety of plant-based dishes served with rice and naan bread.
- Tandoori Nights (Wembley): This street food stall in Wembley serves up delicious tandoori chicken and naan bread, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Be sure to try their garlic naan, which is cooked to perfection in a tandoor oven.
Hidden Gems
In addition to family-run restaurants and street food stalls, there are also plenty of hidden gems in London’s Indian food scene. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The India (Clerkenwell): This small restaurant in Clerkenwell serves up flavorful Indian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Be sure to try their lunch thali, which features a variety of dishes served with rice and naan bread.
- Gujarat Bhavan (Harrow): This small restaurant in Harrow serves up flavorful Gujarati cuisine that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Try their khichdi, which is served with a side of papadum and chutney.
- Tamil Nadu (Tooting): This small restaurant in Tooting serves up flavorful South Indian cuisine that’s perfect for adventurous eaters. Try their idlis, which are steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutney.
Conclusion:
London’s Indian food scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas, with plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood for family-run restaurants, street food stalls, or hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in London’s Indian food scene. So why not embark on a culinary journey and discover London’s best-kept Indian food secrets for yourself? Your taste buds will thank you!
