If you’re in London and enjoy trying different foods, Indian cuisine is hard to miss. It’s one of the city’s strengths, with a reputation for serving authentic and varied Indian flavours beyond what you might expect outside India. From rich, slow-cooked curries to colourful street food and dishes inspired by royal kitchens, there’s a lot to explore.
What makes it even better is how easy it is to find variety. One evening you might be enjoying a creamy butter chicken, and the next, you’re trying something regional you’ve never even heard of before. That’s the beauty of discovering the best Indian food in London; it never really feels repetitive.
Living here or just visiting, once you start trying different Indian food dishes across London, it quickly becomes an experience in itself. The mix of flavours, spices, and cooking styles is what makes Indian food in London stand out compared to anywhere else in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll go through some of the top Indian food dishes you should definitely try, along with places where they’re done right. You’ll also notice spots like Colonel Saab, known for a more authentic and immersive style of Indian dining where it feels like more than just a meal.
What Makes Indian Food in London Unique?
It’s easy to think of curry first, but Indian food in London is actually a mix of history, culture, and regional diversity that’s grown over time.With such a strong Indian diaspora and long-standing culinary influence, the city now offers everything from simple, home-style cooking to more refined, Michelin-level Indian fine dining.
What’s interesting is how modern Indian restaurants in London don’t really stick to the old “curry house” style anymore. You still find those, of course but a lot of places have moved beyond that. These days, the focus is more on things like:
• Regional authenticity (Punjabi, Rajasthani, South Indian, etc.)
• Traditional cooking techniques like tandoor and slow simmering
• High-quality spices and ingredients, often sourced directly
• Storytelling through food, where each dish has some kind of background
And then you have places like Colonel Saab. Right in central London, it takes things a bit further bringing heritage recipes and royal Indian dining traditions into a setting that feels luxurious, but still comfortable at the same time.
Top Indian Food Dishes You Must Try in London
If you're searching for the best Indian food in London UK, these are the dishes that define the experience.
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Also a global favorite, Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a variation of butter chicken that involves marinating and grilling the chicken before cooking it in the masala sauce. This increases the amount of flavor in the chicken and provides a unique texture combination between the tender chicken and robust sauce.
Flavor: Creamy, slightly sweet, mildly spiced
Why try it: Universally loved and perfect for beginners
Best enjoyed with: Garlic naan or basmati rice
At high-end restaurants like Colonel Saab, Butter Chicken is made using traditional cooking methods that help to give it great depth and authenticity as well as delicious out-of-the oven results!
2. Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani has lots of flavour! You have the beautifully marinated chicken, with saffron mixed in with the rice and all the aromatic spices that come together for a wonderful blend of spicy and aromatic flavours.
Origin: Hyderabad, India
Flavor: Spicy, aromatic, complex
Why it’s popular: A complete meal in itself
Biryani is a very popular search item in London and definitely worth experiencing if you are interested in Indian food!
3. Paneer Tikka
Paneer 'Tikka' is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes that are prepared by grilling Cubes of marinated Indian Cheese in a tandoor.
Flavor: Smoky, tangy, slightly spicy
Cooking method: Clay oven (tandoor)
Ideal for: Vegetarians and starters
4.Old Delhi’s Famous Lamb Curry
The Famous Lamb Curry from Old Delhi, which is one of the most famous Kashmiri dishes, consists of lamb that has been cooked slowly in a very rich and spicy curry.
Flavor: Deep, aromatic, mildly spiced
Texture: Tender, slow-cooked meat
Why you should eat it: It is a real taste of the region's culinary culture.
5. Dal Makhani
A soothing, slow-cooked black lentil dish with cream and butter included.
Flavor: Rich, creamy, earthy
Cooking style: Slow simmered for hours
Popularity: Staple across Indian restaurants
6.Tandoor Chicken Specialities
The classic method of cooking tandoor chicken dishes is by marinating in yogurt and spices prior to cooking in a clay-based oven.
Flavor: Smoky, mildly spiced, juicy
Signature feature: Charred edges with tender interior
Cultural importance: Classic Indian cooking technique
At Colonel Saab, dishes like Murgh-E-Malai at Colonel Saab showcasing the sophisticated version of tandoori-style food.
7. Paneer-E-Pukhtan
Paneer in Pukhtani Style Paneer in a delicious gravy made from spices and cream.
Flavor: Mild, creamy, slightly rich
Ideal for: Vegetarian diners seeking indulgent flavours
Why try it: A refined alternative to classic paneer curries
8. Indian Street Food (Chaat)
Indian street food has become increasingly popular in London, offering bold and tangy flavors.
Examples: Dahi Sev Puri, Aloo Tikki Chaat, Amrood Chaat
Flavor: Sweet, sour, spicy
Trend: A favourite for sharing and light starters
Colonel Saab’s chaat bar brings authentic street flavours into a luxury dining settingThe demand for this added flavour & stuffing for chaat is becoming more popular.
9. Garlic Naan & Indian Breads
There are numerous types of Indian breads, such as naan and roti, used in traditional Indian meals. All are served to help scoop curries and provide flavor enhancement.
• Types: Garlic naan, butter naan, roti
• Purpose: Scoop curries and enhance flavors
10. Royal Indian Dishes (Signature Experience)
If you want to have a special dining experience, you can try some of the original royal heritage dishes prepared using the style of the Indian royal kitchens. Examples are places such as Colonel Saab, some standout examples include:
Old Delhi Butter Chicken: Traditional style preparation.
These dishes represent the rich history of Indian cuisine but are usually not available in typical restaurants today.
Where to Find the Best Indian Food in London
London has no shortage of Indian dining options, but they don’t all feel the same. Some places lean more towards convenience, while others put real effort into flavour, technique, and the overall experience.
If you’re after something a bit more refined, fine dining Indian restaurants are usually where the difference becomes noticeable. It’s often the small things, the ingredients, the presentation, even how the flavours come together that make them stand out.
A place that comes up quite often is Colonel Saab. It’s based in central London, and what stands out is how it goes beyond just serving food. You get the sense it’s more of an experience than simply going out for a meal.
It’s not really about one thing. It’s more the overall mix of a heritage-inspired menu, thoughtfully designed interiors, and recipes influenced by royal Indian traditions. There’s also a bit of storytelling running through it, which adds something extra without ever feeling too much.
Whether it’s a date night or something a bit special, it’s the kind of place where everything just comes together: the food, the setting, the atmosphere. And somehow, nothing feels overdone, which is probably why it stays with you.
Casual Indian Restaurants
You’ll see casual Indian restaurants all over London, from old-school curry houses to small local spots. They’re easy, affordable, and good for a quick meal, though the food usually sticks to familiar flavours rather than anything too regional.
Street Food Markets
If you just want something quick, places like Camden and Brick Lane are always buzzing with Indian street food. There’s plenty to try, but it’s mostly bold, easy flavours rather than traditional regional cooking.
Best Indian Food in London UK: What to Look For
When you’re deciding where to eat, a few small things can make a difference sometimes more than you’d expect. One of the first things to look at is how authentic the menu feels. Are the dishes tied to specific regions, or do they lean more towards general favourites?
Cooking style plays a role too. Places that stick to traditional methods like tandoor cooking or slow cooking with proper spices just tend to feel more genuine. You might not notice it straight away, but it shows.
Then there’s the chef. Restaurants with Indian-trained chefs usually bring a bit more authenticity, sometimes you only realise it after a few bites. And the overall experience matters to the atmosphere, the presentation, even small details you don’t think about at first.
Places like Colonel Saab tend to bring all of this together quite naturally. That’s probably why it keeps coming up whenever people talk about authentic Indian food in London.
Why London Has Some of the Best Indian Food in the World
London’s Indian food scene has built a strong reputation over time, and there are a few reasons behind it. For one, London has a large and diverse Indian community, so you’ll notice all kinds of regional flavours across the city. It also has good access to authentic ingredients, which you can usually taste in the food.
Another thing is how Indian fine dining has evolved here. A lot of places mix traditional recipes with more modern techniques, so the food ends up feeling a bit different. There’s also a genuine appreciation for Indian cuisine in London, and you can see that in how seriously many restaurants approach it.
In many ways, London now rivals major cities in India when it comes to both quality and variety something you might not expect at first.
Conclusion: Discover the Best Indian Food in London
London’s Indian food scene is pretty diverse. You’ve got everything from classic dishes like butter chicken to recipes inspired by India’s rich culinary heritage.
If you’re trying Indian food for the first time or just looking for something more authentic you’ll always find something new to try.
And if you feel like going a bit more refined, places like Colonel Saab are worth a look. The menu is rooted in heritage recipes, and the space is thoughtfully put together, so it feels immersive without being too much.
FAQs About Indian Food in London
What is the most popular Indian food in London?
Butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and biryani are among the most popular dishes.
Where can I find authentic Indian food in London?
Authentic Indian food can be found at heritage-focused restaurants like Colonel Saab, which specialize in regional dishes and traditional cooking.
What are the best vegetarian Indian dishes?
Paneer tikka, dal makhani, and saag paneer are top vegetarian options.
Is Indian food in London authentic?
Yes, especially at restaurants led by Indian chefs using traditional recipes and techniques.
