12 Nov 2024
Indian restaurants in London you need to go to
Indian cuisine is among the nation’s favourite types of food. In fact, one quick Google search will reveal that chicken tikka masala is the UK’s favourite Indian dish! Although Indian dishes are usually associated with ordering a takeaway (a favourite for some of us here at Dish Cult), today we are dining out and we want you to join us. Here are some great Indian restaurants in London where you can grab a top-notch meal.
With over 35 years of experience cooking Indian cuisine and great reviews from The AA Restaurant Guide (2022), The Michelin Guide London and Waitrose’s Good Food Guide 2020, Babur won’t let you down if you visit. The restaurant is visually impressive and well decorated with striking brick walls and sturdy wooden furniture. The a la carte menu contains a mix of traditional and contemporary Indian cooking. We’d recommends the swordfish tikka, onion and radish pickle starter, the seared Gressingham duck main and cumin chocolate fondant, salted caramel gelato but don’t forget to check out the Sunday buffet and special menus before your visit. There is so much variety to the menu that fish, meat, and plant lovers can all come together under Babur’s roof!
Kricket is a must-visit for large groups of Indian food lovers. There are counter seats and long sharing tables to accommodate such groups, and the restaurant features seasonal sharing menus, including all Kricket’s classic dishes. Some examples include whole grilled mackerel recheado and beef boti kebab. The menus also include plenty of vegetarian options, like grilled butternut squash and Gobi.
The drinks menu includes homemade cocktail recipes as well, which is something we always love to see! Here are two favourites: Dark Matter, which is made of green chilli rum, mango, agave and pink peppercorn, and Mustard Life, which is made of vodka, mustard seeds, lemon and walnut bitters.
Modern Indian restaurant Farzi has celebrated its five year milestone with an exciting menu concept focused on vibrant interpretations of traditional Northern dishes using seasonal ingredients. Highlight small plates include Dal Chawal Arancini with anchar, papad and chutney – a true Dhwani signature dish; Robata Grilled Scallops with tomato shorba and Kali Mirch Bone Marrow dressed in methi kulcha. Mains standouts include Beef Boti Kebab with methi kulcha; Tandoori Paneer and Padron Pepper accompanied with butter masala sauce; and for those seeking a lighter option, the Hariyali Sea Bream with fennel and green apple salad. Must-try dishes from the “Slow” menu include Chicken Parda Biryani dressed in achar, papad, chutney and Champaran Venison with chilli mayo. For those who like to share, indulge in the Lamb Shank Nihari with red pepper coulis or Methi chicken with achar, papad, chutney and Kadhai Paneer with kheema and kulcha, which can be accompanied by sides such as truffle and garlic naans. Sweet–toothed signatures from the dessert menu include Farzi’s interpretation of Apple Tarte Tatin served with ginger bay leaf ice-cream.
Chai Thali brings unique Indian street food indoors, serving all kinds of traditional delicacies like Paneer Makhni and Aloo Karela. The restaurant has a lot of cool and smart décor, like a Union Jack painted on the wall in the colours of the Indian flag and overhead signs with notable word translations from English to Indian.
If you want to make an event of your meal out too, this restaurant also hosts Bollywood nights, which you can book a table at! These take place on the first Friday of every month and require a deposit of £10. So if you really want to absorb Indian culture while filling your belly with delicious Indian food, then head to Chai Thali.
Hichki specialises in Mumbai cuisine. The a la carte menu has tons of variety with starters ranging from beetroot peas cutlet to aloo papadi chaat. There is also lots of choice in the main dishes as well; we’d recommend keeping an eye out for the grilled lamb chops. Or, for our less carnivorous readers, we recommend the Baingan Bharta.
Hichki has an extensive drinks list featuring signature cocktails, including the Hichki Saffron Martini and the Mumbai Sapphire. These are accompanied by a healthy selection of spirits, wines, beer, soft drinks and even some mocktails.
The interior of the venue would make for a great meet-up with friends or family, too. Featuring a spacious interior with nice ambient lighting and comfortable couches by the tables that make a very intimate and modern dining experience.