The latest additions to this list come from across the city, with Romy Gill at The Pem showcasing her fine-dining regional flavours in a posh Westminster hotel, Tamila in Kings Cross (and now with another outpost in Soho) doing an all-day menu of south Indian smashers, Kokum laying on some seriously high-end cooking in East Dulwich and the imposing Oudh 1722 giving Borough a taste of double Michelin starred Brummie chef Aktar Islam.
London’s South Asian food scene is a mosaic of flavours showcasing the culinary traditions of everywhere from India and Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Rather than one unified cuisine, it reflects the complex cultural tapestry that has evolved through centuries of migration, trade, and gastronomic exchange across the subcontinent. For the diaspora, food goes beyond sustenance; it’s an expression of identity, memory, and community.
best Indian and South Asian restaurants at a glance:
- 🇱🇰 Best for Sri Lankan food: Rambutan, Borough Market
- 🍛 Best for a quick curry: Tamila, Kings Cross
- ⭐ Best for a Michelin star meal: Trishna, Marylebone
- 🍚 Best for a street-food snack: Shree Krishna Vada Pav, Fitzrovia
- 👨👩👦👦 Best for a family feast: Kokum, East Dulwich
Rooted in philosophical teachings, including the mindful and balancing principles of Ayurveda, South Asian food in London emphasises reverence for natural ingredients and the simple joy of eating. From masala-rich Pakistani karahis and delicate vegetarian Gujarati thalis, to the spicy thrum of Bangladeshi bhortha, this list spans the diversity of the cuisine in the city.
Whether it’s fine dining, street food at a community centre, trailblazing female chefs, or a family-run canteen, these establishments are love letters to their heritage, connecting Londoners through the warmth of South Asian hospitality, shared flavours and stories.
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Shekha Vyas is a London-based journalist who has a special passion for food and travel. She is particularly interested in how food connects people across different cultures and histories, exploring lesser-known food traditions and lore.