5 Haute Indian Eats In London
British cuisine may get a bad rep, but the influx of Indian eats in the UK is thought of very highly. According to he Times of India, nearly 9% of all foreign-born residents in London are now Indians. This sparks one important question; where are all the Indian eats? It would be difficult to go a day in central London without stumbling across an Indian restaurant, but we’ve curated a list of the top five you simply can’t miss out on.
For authentic Indian eats: Delhi Grill
If you’ve ever been to India, you’ve probably seen a “dhaba.” These are casual canteens where people form all walks of life come together to enjoy seriously delicious street food. It’s spicy, packed with flavor and an organized chaos that only Indians could understand. A customer at their local dhaba wouldn’t accept anything less than an exceptionally prepared meal. Most dishes are marinated overnight or slow cooked, with choices varying day-to-day based on using the freshest ingredients. Here you can’t miss out on their Lamb Chops. A 3-stage recipe requiring a lot of care. The chops are slow cooked in herbs and spices then allowed to cool before being immersed in our unique marinade. They are then seared in the Tandoor. Amazing.
21 Chapel Market
For fast-casual Indian eats: Dishoom
Dishoom pays homage to the original Bombay cafes. These cafes exuded an eclectic elegance that welcomed anyone and everyone from rich businessmen to sweaty taxi-wallas. Here is where life happens; where students had breakfast, families shared dinner, and writers found their voices. While Dishoom won’t physically take you to Bombay, it will ensure your palate and mind transcend there. You have to try their Dishoom chicken tikka roll with spicy charred chicken, lavish salad and tomato chili jam.
Multiple locations
For Michelin-star Indian eats: Gymkhana
Remember the British takeover of India that lasted over 100 years? If anything, it brought London some amazing spots that mix British and Indian culture. Gymkhana is inspirised specifically by t his Colonial Indian time period, where gymkhana clubs were all the rage. Set up by the British Raj, members of high society came to these clubs to soxialize, dine and play sport. Much the same, this upscale London hotspot is serving incredible Indian dishes to those who can afford it. The atmosphere and décor are truly representative of Colonial times. Try their Wild muntjac biryani with pomegranate and mint raita.
42 Albemarle St
For modern and Michelin-star Indian eats: Quilon
Spawned from a passion for South-west coastal Indian cuisine, Quilon was born. A quest for perfect ingredients and technique has evolved into dishes that blend old traditions and modern tastes. This spot is so popular amongst Lords, Ladies, Ministers and Members of Parliament that it was its own Division Bell. This way Members can be alerted when they are due at the Division Lobbies. So if eats that are good enough for Parliament are good enough for you, head to Quilon. Don’t forget to order their Prawn masala with prawns marinated and cooked with onion tomato, mustard, curry leaves and coconut masala.
41 Buckingham Gate
For an awesome curry: Café Spice Namaste
This warm and welcoming eatery has been serving hungry customers for 19 years. It is no secret that Londoners love curry, and you can get some of the best ones right here. Café Spice Namaste is a simple spot with flavorful food. Without further-to-do take a look at just one of their amazing curry options:
GOAN PRAWN CURRY & ORGANIC RED RICE **
If there is one combination of food in Goa that is eaten daily come hell or high-water, it is the classic Goan coconut curry. Adaptable mostly to seafood and sometimes chicken this curry compliments king prawns like no other. Cooked here with Red Sea king prawns (This is the White King Prawn and is unlike what we commonly use in Britain & may be slightly smaller but tastier by far, however this one is sustainably sourced). The rice served is unpolished red kernel rice traditionally served with Goan curry (if you prefer Basmati rice instead, please do let us know).