Introduction
Let’s be real—finding authentic Indian food abroad isn’t easy. But London? It’s a different story.
From sizzling dosas in Borough Market to rich tandoori platters in Mayfair, London serves up Indian cuisine that’s bold, diverse, and downright delicious.
Whether you’re vegan, a street food lover, or just missing the taste of home, this guide brings you the best Indian restaurants in London—from casual bites to fine dining.
Ready to spice things up? Let’s dig in.
Dishoom Covent Garden – A Nostalgic Taste of Bombay
Dishoom isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom Covent Garden nails it with vintage charm, chill vibes, and a menu that hits home.
Top Picks: Bacon naan roll (breakfast), black daal, pau bhaji, and their famous chai.
Vegan options? Yes! Try the vegan Bombay burrito or the vegan version of the house daal.
My review: Dishoom nails both flavor and atmosphere. It’s busy, but worth every minute of the wait. Feels like a mini-vacation to Mumbai.
Masala Zone Covent Garden – Street Food Heaven
If you’re hunting for street food with soul, Masala Zone is your best bet. The thalis here are legendary, and the decor is a riot of color, with puppets hanging from the ceiling and wall art that tells stories.
Top Picks: Rajasthani lamb curry, paneer tikka thali, and spicy chaat platters.
Vegan options? Absolutely! Loads of vegan thali combinations, daals, and sabzis.
My review: Great for casual dining with friends or family. Affordable, lively, and authentic—like a walk through an Indian bazaar.
Gymkhana – For When You Want to Go Fancy
Want to turn your Indian dinner into a fine-dining affair? Head to Gymkhana in Mayfair. Inspired by colonial-era India, this place offers luxurious interiors, excellent service, and masterfully spiced dishes.
Top Picks: Tandoori masala lamb chops, wild muntjac biryani, butter chicken.
Vegan options? Limited but well-executed. Check for seasonal veggie specials.
My review: Perfect for date nights or celebrations. Pricey, yes—but the flavors are stunning and refined.
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Chettinad Resaurant – A Taste of South India
Chettinad Restaurant brings the fiery flavors of Tamil Nadu right to the heart of London. From peppery gravies to crisp dosas, this is comfort food for South Indian souls.
Top Picks: Chettinad chicken curry, masala dosa, coconut rice.
Vegan options? Yes! Especially good with their coconut-based vegetarian gravies.
My review: A hidden gem. The food is homely, spicy, and super satisfying—perfect when you miss South Indian food with that homemade touch.
Kricket Soho – Indian Fusion Done Right
Kricket blends Indian flavors with a modern, Western twist. Think tapas-sized Indian plates, artistic presentations, and bold fusion concepts. It’s trendy and great for trying something new.
Top Picks: Keralan fried chicken, bhel puri, grilled sweetcorn with masala.
Vegan options? Yes, and they’re creative—like the burnt garlic cabbage and beetroot chops.
My review: Edgy, flavorful, and fun. If you’re into culinary innovation with roots in Indian cooking, this place will surprise you.
Top Vegan Indian Restaurants in London
If you’re vegan or just prefer plant-based meals, London delivers. Indian cuisine, with its abundance of lentils, veggies, and spices, is naturally vegan-friendly. Here are the top picks:
Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Located near Soho and tied to the Radha Krishna Temple, Govinda’s is all about wholesome vegetarian and vegan meals served with love.
Why visit? Soulful food in a spiritual setting. Think vegan thalis, fresh rotis, and gulab jamuns (yes, they do vegan versions).
My review: Peaceful, affordable, and satisfying. Great for a mindful lunch.
Sagar Vegan & Vegetarian – West End
Sagar is your go-to for South Indian vegan meals. With wooden interiors and a menu full of dosas, thalis, and uttapams, it’s a haven for those avoiding meat and dairy.
Top Picks: Vegan masala dosa, sambar rice, and mixed vegetable curry.
My review: Authentic and consistent. If you’re craving dosa but avoiding ghee, this is where you go.
Namaste Holborn
Cozy, friendly, and centrally located—Namaste Holborn serves classic Indian curries with a veggie-forward approach.
Top Picks: Vegan korma, lentil daal, and mushroom biryani.
My review: Great for casual dinners with comforting North Indian flavors. Don’t skip the vegan naan!
Best Vegan Indian Street Food in London
Craving Indian street food that’s both delicious and 100% plant-based? These places deliver!
Horn OK Please – Borough Market
This charming stall offers vegan Indian street snacks with flavor bombs in every bite.
Top Picks: Vegan dosa wraps, samosa chaat, bhel puri, chai.
My review: Street food dreams come true. It’s casual, vibrant, and full of character.
Keep Chaating – Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
A fun little spot where chaat is the star. It’s all about crisp, tangy, spicy street snacks here.
Top Picks: Dahi puri, pani puri, and papdi chaat (vegan options available).
My review: Light, fast, flavorful—perfect for lunch breaks or pre-theatre bites.
Paro – Covent Garden & Strand
Paro brings bold experimentation to vegan Indian dishes—like Vegan ‘Chicken’ curry that rivals meat in texture and taste.
Top Picks: Vegan butter “chicken”, jackfruit curry, vegan samosa chaat.
My review: A creative and cool space that makes vegan dining exciting. Full marks for originality!
Quick Comparison Table: Best Indian Restaurants in London
| Restaurant | Specialty | Vegan Options | Price Range | Atmosphere |
| Dishoom Covent Garden | Bombay street food, breakfast | Yes | ££ | Vintage, vibrant |
| Masala Zone Covent Garden | Street food thalis | Yes | ££ | Lively, family-friendly |
| Gymkhana | Fine dining, tandoor & curries | Limited | ££££ | Elegant, luxurious |
| Chettinad Restaurant | Tamil Nadu cuisine | Yes | ££ | Casual, homely |
| Kricket Soho | Indian fusion small plates | Yes | £££ | Trendy, modern |
| Govinda’s | Vegetarian & vegan thalis | Yes | £ | Calm, spiritual |
| Sagar West End | South Indian vegetarian | Yes | ££ | Simple, traditional |
| Namaste Holborn | Vegan curries & biryanis | Yes | ££ | Cozy, relaxed |
| Horn OK Please | Vegan Indian street food | Yes | £ | Market stall style |
| Keep Chaating | Vegan & vegetarian chaat | Yes | £ | Fast, casual |
| Paro | Vegan Indian innovation | Yes | £££ | Cool, creative |
Conclusion
London’s Indian food scene is absolutely thriving—offering everything from nostalgic street eats to high-end tandoori platters, with plenty of love for vegans too. Whether you’re after the comfort of a dosa, the excitement of fusion food, or just a soulful thali after a long day, this city serves it hot and flavorful.
From Dishoom’s nostalgia to Paro’s plant-based creativity, and from Govinda’s purity to Horn OK Please’s spice-packed bites, you’re guaranteed a satisfying journey through India—without leaving London.
So next time your stomach starts to rumble for something spicy, warming, and truly unforgettable, you know where to go.
Now it’s your turn!
Have you tried any of these places? Got your own favorite Indian restaurant in London that we missed? I’d love to hear your spicy stories and foodie recommendations! Would you like me to format this article for publishing on a blog (with meta description, SEO title, etc.)? Or create a PDF version for you
