London is a multicultural city where people from different countries around the world live. That’s why Londoners have a mixed taste in food. They are always eager to try new foods and cuisines. Curries and spicy foods have become some of the favourites for British people. According to 2020 Foodhub data, 11% of British people eat curry three to seven times a week, and 22% eat it weekly. British people love curry so much that Chicken Tikka Masala has become the national dish of England. There are more than 8,500 Indian restaurants in the UK, and around 80% of these are owned by Bangladeshi people. From these many restaurants, I’ve picked 10 of the best in London, so you can experience authentic curry flavours in the city.

1 The Coriander

The Coriander is an Indian restaurant chain in London. They own seven branches under the Coriander group, most of which are in Essex. Their branches are located in Wanstead, Amersham, Vauxhall, Buckhurst Hill, Bourne End, Oakwood, and Blackheath. They serve Indian fusion food at all their locations, including traditional Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, and Madras, as well as special curries like Murug Hara Jul and Hariali Chicken. All Coriander branches are open seven days a week and on all bank holidays. I’ve tried their food, and it’s great—highly recommended! You can try their lamb chop masala with some chapati; it’s a great combination.

2 Bibi

Bibi is an award-winning restaurant led by chef-patron Chet Sharma. Located in Mayfair, London, we could say that Mayfair and Soho are the heart of Indian cuisine in London, as most of the famous Indian restaurants are in these areas. Their recommended dish is buffalo milk paneer. Bibi also has a great environment for family gatherings.

3 Gymkhana

Gymkhana is inspired by an old gymkhana club in India. This fancy, reputed restaurant in London’s Mayfair has been open since 2013 and has served exceptionally high-quality food since its opening. While the food is pricey, the atmosphere and service make it worth it. You can start with their mutton samosas and finish with cardamom kheer. Their lamb chops with walnut chutney are a must, as is the kid goat keema, served with salli (crispy shoestring fries), diced onion, and miniature buns, making it one of London’s standout dishes.

4 Trishna

Trishna is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant located in Marylebone, London. Their must-try dishes include Aloo Tokri Chaat and Makai Sagg. Aloo Tokri Chaat is a popular North Indian recipe, especially in Delhi, made with a basket of grated potatoes filled with chutneys, yogurt, spices, and papri. Trishna’s atmosphere is minimalist and modern, featuring whitewashed brick walls and wooden chairs, with attentive service that’s both friendly and knowledgeable. The wine list highlights unique, emerging regions, and cocktails like the Gujarat Cosmo and a refined gin and tonic add a special touch.

5 Gunpowder

Gunpowder is a small, family-run restaurant. They opened their first branch in Spitalfields in 2015, and now they have three branches in total, with additional locations in Soho and Tower Bridge. The newer branches are much larger than the first, allowing for bigger group bookings. Their specialties include Kashmiri lamb chops and spicy venison with a vermicelli doughnut. Their must-try dish is Gunpowder Aloo Chaat, a perfect way to start with small plates. Note that they don’t serve naan bread.

6 Babur

This popular Indian restaurant has been serving the locals of Forest Hill since 1985. Babur won the ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ award at the 2023 Asian Curry Awards. For starters, you can try clove-smoked lamb chops, griddled scallops, and crab bonda. For the main course, I highly recommend the garam masala duck and the Punjabi stone bass fish with chana masala yogurt kadhi.

7 Tayyabs

Tayyabs is a traditional Punjabi restaurant in Whitechapel, East London, serving delicious Punjabi food. While most people visit restaurants to relax and enjoy quality time, Tayyabs is constantly busy, with people flocking to taste their mix grill and karahi dishes. Their must-try dish is Karahi Chicken Saag. They are open seven days a week from 12 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., so you can enjoy authentic Punjabi food anytime.

8 Dishoom

Entering Dishoom Cafe feels like stepping into Bombay, with spinning ceiling fans and vintage magazine prints on the walls. You can order their lamb biryani, bhel (puffed rice with a tangy tamarind chutney), and the famous black dal. Dishoom is very popular for breakfast, with people visiting to enjoy Indian breakfast options. Dishoom is a chain restaurant, with the Covent Garden branch as the original location. Other branches are in Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Kensington, Carnaby Street, and Battersea. They also have branches in Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

9 Cinnamon Kitchen

Opened in 2008, Cinnamon Kitchen brought a new wave to modern Indian dining. Chef Vivek opened this pan-Indian restaurant, which is part of the Cinnamon Collection, including other restaurants like Cinnamon Club and Cinnamon Bazaar. Cinnamon Kitchen stands out for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques and presentation. They have two branches, one near Liverpool Street Station and another at Battersea Power Station.

10 Tamarind

Tamarind of Mayfair is one of London’s most celebrated Indian fine-dining restaurants. It holds a special place in culinary history as the first Indian restaurant in the world to earn a Michelin star, which it received in 2001. Located in the upscale Mayfair neighbourhood, Tamarind is known for its sophisticated ambiance, elegant decor, and elevated approach to North Indian cuisine. Signature dishes include tandoori lamb chops, Malabar prawns, and saffron-spiced biryanis. They also offer a variety of vegetarian dishes and tasting menus, popular for a more curated dining experience.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or contact Habit England for more information.