Nowhere in the food landscape of London does the paradox of choice loom larger than the all conquering, all encompassing genre of cuisine from the Indian sub-continent. From Sri Lanka, through Bangladesh and on to Pakistan, London’s got it covered. With the myriad of options on offer, we’ve whittled it down to just 5 of the best. Here are IDEAL picks for great Indian food in London.
Amaya
Amaya specialises in sub continental Indian food with a heavy focus on all things charcoal and ember. It is awesome. Plates are small and choice large, which leads to the possibility of sampling a great range of flavours, textures and techniques. Theatre is provided by the large open kitchen – expect to see flames licking the ceiling – and the plates dressed with art and vibrancy in mind. The décor is also reflective of this eye for detail. If you love Indian food or like the idea of a tapas style Indian restaurant then definitely check out Amaya next time you are in London.
Cinnamon Club
Imagine an Indian restaurant as a gentleman’s club and you have Cinnamon Club. It is suave, sophisticated and the food is absolutely champion. The restaurant has lead the way in elevated, fine dining Indian cuisine for a long, long time and their presentation is unique and visually stunning. It tastes stunning too. However, if you want some great Indian food but don’t feel like your dressed for occasion or just want a night in then why not order something to be delivered through a service like Deliveroo. They’ll bring it straight to your door and can even use a ‘takeaway near me’ feature. Their blog also recently had an interview with the head chef from Indian restaurant Motu, so curry buffs should definitely check that out.
Apollo Banana Leaf
For authentic Indian food, there is nowhere better than Apollo Banana Leaf. Generous portions, finely crafted flavours and service that is lovely as it is competent, Apollo Banana Leaf really has it all. If you’ve haven’t been yet, then you should definitely do something about that. They specialize in South Indian and Sri-Lankan food, helping to set their flavours apart from other restaurants. Any Indian food addict will be right at home with the delicious dishes made here.
Hoppers
Since its October 2015 opening on Frith Street in Soho, Hoppers has been making big waves in London. Its no reservation policy only serves to drum up free marketing, with the queue snaking round the block every night of the week. Sri Lanka hoppers are the main draw, a bowl shaped savoury crepe alongside deep rich curries and chutneys, and are sensational. Seating is tight and space at a premium even on the tables, but the long wait and the shared conversation with other diners is worth it for the gloriously moreish (and very reasonable) Sri Lankan fare on offer.
Tayabs
A much-loved, Punjabi London institution, serving lamb chops famous the city over, there is little not to love about Tayabs. Located in a contemporarily stylised building in east London’s Whitechapel, the place has been open since 1972 and recipes haven’t changed much in this time. When the quality is this high and the dishes this addictive, why would they need to? Add to the mix that it’s BYOB and there’s really no reason not to visit.
Image source: Tayabs