A Taste of India : Discover the Ultimate Hidden Restaurant for Indian Food in London

You can’t visit London and not have a taste of India in one of the many Indian Restaurants.
Indian food is an integral part of London’s culinary landscape, with a rich history that goes back centuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of Indian food in London, some of the most popular Indian dishes you can try in the city and we will tell you all about our favorite Indian Restaurant in London.

For us the two MUST-TRY eats for when you visit London is Pub Food and Indian Food. Of course there is much more to discover. But these two are connected to London Culture the most, in our opinion.

Best Kept Secret : This Indian Restaurant in London will make you come back for more!

After arriving at Heathrow Airport we took the Underground to London’s city center. As always, we were talking about all the amazing food we want to try on this trip. The lady next to us overheard us and gave us the best tip ever for amazing Indian Food at a almost Hidden Indian Restaurant only known to locals. Read on and we will share all the details. But first let’s dig into the history and the most popular dishes.

What is the History of Indian Food in London?

Indian food has been a part of London’s culinary scene for over 200 years, dating back to the arrival of Indian sailors and traders in the early 19th century. These early immigrants brought with them the flavors and spices of their home country, which they used to create dishes that blended Indian and British cooking styles.

Over time, Indian food became more widespread in London, with the establishment of Indian restaurants and grocery stores in the city’s East End. As immigration from South Asia increased in the mid-20th century, the popularity of Indian food continued to grow, and today it’s one of the most beloved cuisines in London and the entire United Kingdom.

FUN FACT: According to the Times of India, London has more curry restaurants than Delhi and Mumbai combined. The term “curry restaurant” encompasses Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani restaurants. There are 10,000 curry restaurants across the UK that serve roughly 2.5 million customers per week and go through 43 million pounds of chicken tiki masala per year.

What are Popular Indian Dishes in London?

Table of Contents

Chicken Tikka Masala – The most popular Indian Food in London

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes in London and is often referred to as the national dish of the UK. It consists of marinated chicken that’s grilled and then simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It’s often served with rice or naan bread.

Biryani

Biryani is a popular rice dish that’s made with basmati rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It’s typically served with raita, a yogurt-based dip that helps to cool the spices.

Samosas

Samosas are a popular Indian snack that’s commonly found in London’s Indian restaurants and street food stalls. They’re triangular-shaped pastries that are filled with spiced vegetables or meat and then fried until golden brown.

Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a flavorful lamb curry that’s often found on Indian restaurant menus in London. It’s made with tender chunks of lamb that are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with spices such as cumin, coriander, and ginger.

Naan Bread

Naan bread is a staple of Indian cuisine and is often served with curries or used to make sandwiches. It’s a flat bread that’s cooked in a tandoor oven, giving it a soft and chewy texture. We always love ordering some naan bread to go with the variety of complementary dips they serve at the restaurants.

Chana Masala – Vegetarian Indian Food in London

Chana Masala is a vegetarian dish that’s made with chickpeas that are simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with ginger, garlic, and cumin. As well as most other Indian dishes, this is often served with rice or naan bread.

Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is another popular Indian dish that’s made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices and then grilling it in a tandoor oven. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a smoky flavor and a spicy kick.

Let us know: What is your favorite Indian dish?

Check out our Guide to the Best Pub Food in London

Hidden Indian Food in London: India Club Restaurant

We promised to share the amazing Hidden Indian Restaurant we found through the help of a local on the train. She pointed us in the direction of the India Club. A small and simple looking restaurant near Covent Garden. In fact the interior hasn’t changed over the last 40 years. Clearly it shows, but that is what we loved about this place. Simple decor, droughty windows, but amazing flavors. What else can you wish for, right?

On the outside you wouldn’t notice this restaurant. There is only a small chalk board and a door leading to a stairway. Once you climb up the stairs to the third floor you will get to the restaurant. Making a reservation might be smart, since the India Club is very popular among locals. India Club is also a great option for when you travel on a budget. The food is fairly priced and you can have a perfect meal for not that many pounds.

Here is the Google Maps link to the location of the India Club Restaurant. You need Google otherwise you will miss the narrow entrance. Also here is the link to the website of the India Club so you can check out the menu.

Indian Food London — India Club in London

Our Favorite Indian Food in London at India Club : Butter Paneer Masala

Since Tim is a vegetarian, he is always on the lookout for new exciting dishes without meat. He found Butter Paneer Masala on the menu and he instantly fell in love. Luckily, he made me taste it too and it blew my mind.
The sweetness of the butter sauce with the warmth of the added masala spices…. amazing!

Paneer Butter Masala is a classic North Indian dish that is beloved for its rich and creamy texture. The dish is made with paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, that is cooked in a tomato-based gravy with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The gravy is then finished with a generous amount of butter and cream, giving the dish its signature creamy and buttery flavor.

Butter Paneer Masala is often served with naan bread or rice and is a popular vegetarian option for those who enjoy Indian cuisine.

Our Favorite Dessert at India Club : Ras Malai

Ras Malai is a popular and delicious dessert in Indian cuisine. It consists of soft and spongy cheese dumplings that are soaked in a sweetened and fragrant milk syrup. The dumplings are made from paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, and are flavored with cardamom and saffron.

Ras Malai is typically served chilled, making it a perfect dessert for hot summer days. The rich and creamy texture of the milk syrup combined with the delicate flavor of the cheese dumplings makes Ras Malai a favorite among dessert lovers. This traditional Indian dessert is not only tasty but also visually appealing, with its creamy white dumplings floating in a golden syrup.

What stood out for us was the cardamom flavor. We can’t get enough of it. Ever since our addiction to Cardamom Buns from Sweden and Sheer Yakh Ice Cream from Afghanistan, this Ras Malai is a new addition to our list of Cardamom favorites.

India Club London Masala Chai — Masala Chai Tea as Dessert

Indian Dessert London — Masala Chai Tea as Dessert

Don’t forget to have a cup of Masala Chai Tea before you leave

Have you ever tasted Masala Chai? We love this tasty milk tea. We will always order a cup together with our dessert at a Indian Restaurant. We definitely recommend you trying it as well. And yes there is also cardamom in it. Can you spot a pattern?

Masala chai tea is a popular beverage in India that has gained worldwide recognition for its unique blend of spices and rich flavor. The tea is made by brewing a combination of black tea leaves and aromatic spices. It has ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, in a mixture of milk and water. The resulting brew is a warm and comforting drink.

The Masala chai tea is known for its many health benefits. Obviously the spices used in the recipe are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its health benefits, the warm and spicy flavor of masala chai tea makes it a favorite among tea drinkers worldwide.

“The Butter Paneer Masala was so amazing and blew my mind. The next day we were at Borough Market and found a Butter Paneer Masala herb mix. Within the first week of being home I made this dish myself. It wasn’t as good as in the restaurant, but I love being able to come close at home.”

Tim

Booking.com

Indian food is a beloved and integral part of London’s culinary landscape, with a rich history that spans over 200 years. From classic dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Biryani to street food favorites like samosas and naan bread, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why not explore London’s Indian food scene and discover the flavors and spices of this vibrant cuisine for yourself?