Have you ever gone looking for an Indian restaurant in London? You probably found many shops that advertise themselves as North Indian and others that have South Indian menus.
It can be hard to determine the differences in the two styles unless you've been exposed to both as a child. What does that mean? Is the difference simply the spice level? Different types of curries? Or entirely different kinds of food?
In fact, North Indian and South Indian food have some similarities but are also quite different. North Indian food has very rich gravies and a lot of tandoori grilling and butter-based naan. South Indian food uses rice more for the staple ingredient. Their spices tend to be much sweeter, and they use a lot of coconut as an ingredient, plus they have the famous dosa and idli (rice pancakes) as staples.
In this blog, we will share some of the differences between North Indian restaurants in London and South Indian restaurants in London, as well as what to order at each type of restaurant, so you know where to go for your next meal in Indian cuisine.
Understanding Indian Cuisine in London
One of the best things about eating Indian food in London is that you’re not limited to just one “type” of curry. The city has everything from old-school family-run spots to modern fine-dining restaurants serving regional dishes you won’t always find outside India.
If you eat Indian food in London often, you’ll start to notice a pattern. Most restaurants naturally fall into one of two camps, North Indian or South Indian, even if they don’t always spell it out on the menu.
For many diners, North Indian food is the familiar starting point. It’s the style most people grow up ordering: warming Punjabi dishes, Mughlai-inspired curries, smoky tandoori grills, and rich sauces that are made for tearing into with fresh naan or roti.
South Indian cuisine, on the other hand, is usually lighter, spicier, and more rice-based. It’s known for dishes like dosa, idli, coconut-forward curries, and tangy flavours built around tamarind, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
Both are packed with flavour, but they feel completely different on the plate, which is exactly why London is such a great place to explore them.
What Defines North Indian Cuisine?
North Indian food is usually the first thing people think of when they hear the words “Indian restaurant” in London. It’s the comfort-food side of Indian cuisine, the kind you order when you want something warming, filling, and full of flavour.
The dishes are often slow-cooked and rich, but not in a heavy way. You’ll find a lot of sauces built with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices that smell incredible the second they hit the table. And of course, the tandoor plays a big role, because nothing beats tearing into hot naan while the curry’s still steaming.
If you’re visiting a North Indian restaurant in London, the menu usually includes classics like butter chicken, dal makhani, paneer dishes, chicken tikka, and lamb rogan josh. They’re popular for a reason; they’re the kind of meals that feel familiar even if it’s your first time trying them.
Another thing that really sets North Indian cooking apart is the use of dairy. Cream, yoghurt, butter, and ghee show up everywhere, giving dishes that smooth, silky finish that North Indian food is famous for.
It’s bold, satisfying, and made for long dinners, the sort where you order “just one more dish” even though you’re already full.
What Defines South Indian Cuisine?
South Indian food feels very different from North Indian cuisine the moment it arrives at the table. It’s lighter, sharper, and often more aromatic, with flavours that wake up your palate rather than coat it.
Meals are usually built around rice and lentils, not bread. Fermented batters play a big role too, which is why dishes like dosa and idli have that slightly tangy edge people either fall in love with or remember forever. You’ll taste coconut in a lot of dishes, and that curry leaf aroma is hard to miss. Add tamarind for tang and mustard seeds for bite, and suddenly the whole meal has that unmistakable South Indian “kick”.
If you walk into a South Indian restaurant in London, don’t be surprised if the menu looks completely different from what you’d expect at a typical curry house. Masala dosa, idli with sambar, uttapam, rasam, and Kerala-style curries are common staples, and they’re often served with chutneys and spice-packed sides that do half the talking.
That’s the fun part about South Indian food; it’s crisp, spicy, tangy, and comforting all at once. It fills you up, but it doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve eaten something heavy. It’s a style of Indian food that’s perfect if you enjoy vibrant flavours and rice-based dishes that don’t rely on cream or butter.
North Indian vs South Indian: Key Differences
If you’re used to ordering the same kind of Indian food every time, the contrast between North and South Indian cuisine can catch you off guard. One leans into comfort and familiarity, the other into sharp flavours and bold spice, and you can usually tell which one you’re eating within the first few bites.
North Indian food tends to feel more bread-led and indulgent, with naan and roti taking centre stage. The curries are thicker, richer, and often built on tomato gravies finished with yoghurt, butter, cream, or ghee.
South Indian food, on the other hand, leans heavily on rice and lentils. You’ll see dishes like dosa and idli far more often than naan, and the flavours are usually sharper and more intense. Coconut, tamarind, curry leaves, and mustard seeds give South Indian dishes that signature spicy-tangy edge.
How the food is cooked also plays a big role in how these two cuisines feel on the plate. North Indian restaurants often highlight tandoor-cooked meats and smoky grilled flavours, while South Indian meals are more likely to feature fermented batters, steamed dishes, and bold spice tempering.
Vegetarian diners are well looked after in both styles, but South Indian food often stands out here.
Which Cuisine Is More Popular in London?
If you look purely at numbers, North Indian restaurants are still more common in London. They’ve been part of the city’s food scene for decades, especially in areas known for classic curry houses as well as modern Indian dining spots. For many people, North Indian food is familiar, comforting, and easy to order, which helps explain its long-standing popularity.
That said, the picture has been changing over the past few years. South Indian restaurants in London are becoming much more visible, particularly among diners who want something lighter, spicier, or closer to traditional regional cooking. Dishes like dosa, idli, and Kerala-style curries have found a loyal following, especially with people looking beyond the usual curry-and-naan routine.
Rather than one cuisine replacing the other, both are clearly thriving. What makes London special is that you can explore the full range of Indian food, from rich North Indian classics to bold South Indian flavours, often within the same neighbourhood.
What Should You Order? (Based on Your Mood)
If you’re stuck deciding between North and South Indian food, the easiest way to choose is to think about what you’re actually craving. Sometimes you want something rich and comforting, and sometimes you want flavours that hit a bit sharper.
If you’re in the mood for creamy curries, smoky tandoori dishes, and that classic naan-and-gravy combo, North Indian food is usually the safe bet. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a proper treat, especially if you’re going out for a long dinner and want to order a few dishes for the table.
But if you’re craving something lighter and more vibrant, South Indian cuisine is hard to beat. A crisp masala dosa with chutney and sambar, or a bowl of spicy curry with rice, feels completely different from the usual curry-house experience. It’s bolder, tangier, and often has more heat, but it still doesn’t feel heavy afterwards.
Honestly, if you’re hungry and want comfort, go North. If you want something punchy and different, go South.
Where to Find the Best North Indian Restaurant in London
If you’re looking for a North Indian restaurant in London that feels a bit more special than the usual curry house,Colonel Saabis worth knowing about. It’s the kind of place people recommend when they want good food and a memorable setting, not just a quick meal.
Set in central London, Colonel Saab focuses on Indian flavours that feel familiar but thoughtfully elevated. The menu pulls inspiration from different parts of India, blending traditional recipes with modern presentation rather than trying to reinvent them completely.
It works just as well for a relaxed dinner as it does for a celebration. Whether you’re ordering rich curries, well-spiced grills, or classic dishes done properly, the experience feels polished without being stiff, which is exactly what many diners look for when exploring Indian cuisine in London.
Colonel Saab: A Celebration of Indian Cuisine in London
Indian food is everywhere in London, but the places people remember tend to be the ones that don’t stick to a single formula. India’s cooking isn’t just North or South; it changes every few hundred miles, and that variety is part of what makes it so exciting to explore.
Colonel Saab taps into that idea nicely. Instead of focusing on one region, the menu pulls influences from across India, mixing familiar flavours with dishes that feel a little less expected. The presentation is polished, but the food itself doesn’t lose its connection to tradition; it still tastes like it belongs where it came from.
If you’re already comfortable ordering the usual curry-and-naan combo and want to try something that feels more considered and memorable, Colonel Saab is a solid choice when exploring Indian cuisine in London.
Final Thoughts: North Indian vs South Indian Restaurants in London
Both North and South Indian cuisines bring something different to the table, and that’s what makes eating Indian food in London so enjoyable. North Indian dishes usually feel richer and more comforting, especially if you’re in the mood for creamy curries, smoky tandoori flavours, and warm naan straight from the oven.
South Indian food is a completely different vibe – lighter, sharper, and often more spice-forward. If you enjoy tangy flavours, coconut-based curries, and rice dishes like dosa or idli, it’s well worth exploring.
Whichever style you go for, London has no shortage of great Indian restaurants , and the best part is discovering what you personally keep coming back to.
FAQs
What is the difference between North Indian and South Indian food?
The main difference between North Indian and South Indian food is the ingredients and cooking style. North Indian cuisine is known for rich curries, creamy gravies, and breads like naan and roti. South Indian cuisine is more rice-based and often features spicier, tangier flavours with dishes like dosa, idli, and coconut-based curries.
Which is better, North Indian or South Indian cuisine?
Neither is better, it depends on your taste. If you enjoy creamy curries, tandoori dishes, and rich flavours, North Indian cuisine may be the best choice. If you prefer lighter meals, fermented dishes like dosa, and bold spice levels, South Indian cuisine may suit you more. Both cuisines offer authentic and delicious experiences.
Is North Indian food spicy?
North Indian food is flavourful but not always extremely spicy. It often uses aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cardamom to build depth rather than heat. Many North Indian dishes can also be adjusted to mild spice levels, making them ideal for all types of diners.
Is South Indian food healthier than North Indian food?
South Indian food is often considered lighter because it includes rice, lentils, fermented foods, and coconut-based curries. North Indian food can be richer due to the use of cream, butter, and ghee. However, both cuisines can be healthy depending on the dishes you choose and portion sizes.
What dishes should I try at a North Indian restaurant in London?
If you're visiting a North Indian restaurant in London, popular dishes to try include Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Lamb Rogan Josh, Paneer dishes, and tandoori grills. Pairing these with naan or roti is a classic way to enjoy the full North Indian dining experience.
Are there good vegetarian options in Indian cuisine?
Yes, Indian cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the world for vegetarian food. Both North and South Indian menus offer a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. North Indian cuisine features paneer-based curries and lentils, while South Indian cuisine includes vegetarian favourites like dosa, idli, sambar, and vegetable curries.
Where can I find authentic Indian cuisine in London?
You can find authentic Indian cuisine across London, especially in Central London areas known for diverse dining options. For a premium and modern take on Indian cuisine, restaurants like Colonel Saab offer dishes inspired by Indian regional flavours while delivering an elevated dining experience.
