top 10 Indian restaurants in London

Indian cuisines have evolved over the years, with major influences from the West blending-in with our classic dishes. British techniques, tastes and aesthetics have shaped many popular Indian dishes, making them more steered towards European palates. Queen Victoria famously loved her Indian cuisines, which were inspired by recipes from different cities and regions.

Indians around the world love travelling to the UK to try the culinary preparations prepared at popular Brit-Indo restaurants. They’re often delighted at the subtle flavours that emerge from classic dishes such as Goan curry, Vegetable stew and Paneer Koftas. Many of the classic dishes we enjoy at the top 10 Indian restaurants in London, including Ooty, have been inspired by generations of traditional British influences.

The Origins Of Anglo-Indian Cuisines

The British Raj influenced much of the cooking at the time, with the royal elites enjoying the Maharaja’s special preparations. The intensity of the ingredients was diminished significantly, however the health benefits of Indo-superfoods persisted across every iteration.

Kedgeree, Fish rissoles, and Mulligatawny soup were some of the classic Anglo-Indian dishes that were prepared during the time. “Pish-Pash” was another iconic dish that was inspired by the rice & gravy mix that we love to relish even today.

While many of the recipes have been transformed over the years, the classic aachars and chutneys have stood the test of time. The art of pickling certain fruits and vegetables has been shipped across the oceans, with many travellers taking ancient recipes back to Europe.

Evolution Over The Years

Historians have speculated on the origins of the delicacies that we cherish in 2019. The famous Kathi rolls were long thought to have been a British invention for soldiers that needed quick nutrition on the go. Many of the Goan dishes we love and cherish were also inspired by Portuguese influences, which were later standardized across British ruled India.

Slow-cooked lamb, Vegetable stew and English meats have all been developed over the years to balance out Indian preferences and British aesthetics. Food has evolved over the years, with many patrons enjoying either of the two cooking styles.

While many across Europe might think ordering a curry is the same anywhere you go, true connoisseurs understand the differences between a Jalfrezi and a Lababdar. Spices have been added, removed and modified to suit the weather, culture and preferences of the people enjoying these traditional recipes.

British Influences In Luxury Dining

Many of the top restaurants in London have been offering Indian cuisines as a part of their specialty menus across various seasons. They’ve mellowed down the taste of the dishes, while preserving their natural flavours and seasonings. This has allowed a wider range of audiences to try out these Indian classics, while sampling the best of Indian cooking.

Chefs from India have deconstructed various culinary experiences, from all parts of the country, to bring unique dishes to European tables. There are restaurants inspired by famous hill-stations, diners borrowing from coastal shacks and bars offering Anglo-Indian starters like tikkas.

Fine dining has changed the way that Indian cuisines are traditionally enjoyed, adding a renewed sense of passion for the genre. In fact, one of the main reasons why Indian food is loved across the UK is because of its diversity. There is a wide range of recipes to try, owing to the diverse nature of the country itself.

Different Tastes For Different People

At the end of the day, different people enjoy different types of cuisines. Londoners love to experiment with the spiciest of curries, often taking pride in being able to handle the heat. Other times, they relish the subtle flavours of cumin, turmeric and mustard more. Different people enjoy the melange of different ingredients in their own way.

Many Indian restaurants offer specialized menus across Europe, that pair classic Indian cuisines with the right types of whiskeys and liquors. This adds an additional dimension to the dining experience, making it more experiential rather than focusing on a classic Indian dining affair.