My favourite South Asian restaurants in London
It’s been a while since we had a London-related post on here, isn’t it? Or just a food-related one in general…I thought I’d round up a selection of my favourite South Asian restaurants in the city, as there are just so many good options across town. I love Dishoom just as much as the next person, but there are far more fantastic restaurants that should be on your radar…
Kricket’s original branch is a small outpost in Brixton, but now boasting two other locations to their name (a popular joint in Soho and a much bigger space in White City), Kricket is a well-known name on every gourmand’s lips. The menu draws inspiration from all over India, and dishes are made for sharing: each plate is melt-in-the-mouth delicious: don’t miss the incredible date and pistachio naan (a thing of dreams), washed down with sweet mango lassi or masala chai. On Sunday, Kricket also offer a Sunday roast: your choice of main (options include tandoor chicken, pork belly, or cauliflower for veggies), served with a load of spiced vegetables and crisp roast potatoes. The portions are hearty and satisfying, and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. In my eyes, Kricket can do no wrong.
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
This elegant restaurant in Marylebone has been a firm favourite of mine for a while. If first impressions are anything to go by, Jikoni wins top marks for its sleek marble tables, and pastel printed tablecloths. The brunch menu here is the real winner, offering Indian-inspired options such as spiced fishcake with curry hollandaise, or their signature prawn toast scotch egg. Save some room for dessert too: the pina colada pancakes and banana cake with butterscotch and kulfi (a dense sticky toffee pudding-like wonder) are both not to be missed.
Perfect for: weekend brunch
This slick Sri Lankan spot in Soho serves a menu of delightfully tasty small plates, all meant for sharing. Expect hand-stretched parathas, hoppers, fried aubergine with jaggery, and spicy meat dishes. Every plate is tingling with flavour, and all can be washed down with mango iced tea or zingy cocktails.
Perfect for: date night
Funnily enough, you’ll find Trishna located right next door to Jikoni. This Michelin-starred restaurant is the brainchild of the same owners behind renowned restaurant Gymkhana, and they clearly know what they’re doing here. Expect impeccable service from the moment you are seated right through to the end of your meal: interiors here are classy and slick, and the food delivers a powerful kick. Order a variety of dishes off the menu to share, and you won’t be disappointed by the tasty flavours. To finish, wash this all down with one of their cooling, signature sweet lassis.
Perfect for: a special occasion
Brought to you by the Ennismore group (The Hoxton Hotel, Eggbreak), this cosy spot nestled between Covent Garden and Trafalgar Squares serves up all of your northern Indian favourites with aplomb: expect tandoor meats, and flavoured naans on the menu. Go on Sunday for their ‘Mighty Thali’: an incredible platter featuring a generous selection of homebaked breads, bowls, meats, paneer, and traditional Indian sweets, available to share from between 2-8 people.
Perfect for: a Sunday meal
This is the perfect place to go with a group of friends: featuring multiple rooms for dining and drinking, Brigadiers is sleek restaurant in Bloomberg Arcade, with moody lighting, and a lively atmosphere. Go for their Monday night thali, where you’ll get a generous selection of curries, poppadoms, rice, and daahl for £25.
Perfect for: a group booking
This laidback restaurant with branches in Soho, Marylebone and Kings Cross has a menu boasting dishes inspired by Sri Lanka and South India, including crispy dosas to spicy curries and hoppers, a typical Sri Lankan pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk with a fried egg in the middle - all of which are as delicious as the next.
Perfect for: a casual dinner
Have you tried any of these restaurants? Let me know in the comments below.
