Five trendy Indian restaurants loved by ex-pats

Visit London's trendiest Indian hangouts this Indian Independence Day, says Mallika Basu
Different by design: Dishoom in King's Cross
Mallika Basu15 December 2015

What better way to celebrate Indian Independence Day than to pay homage to the tried and tested hangouts of trendy Indian expats in London. The food is guaranteed to be great, the setting even better and queues are more than likely. Make a reservation soon to avoid disappointment:

1. Dishoom

Described by one punter as the only truly trendy Indian restaurant in London, Dishoom has a loyal fan following. The food is good, well spiced and full of variety, but not amazing. Saying that, the Thums Up, Indian cola cocktail, and Bombay Iranian cafe vibe complete with mosaic marble floors and granny's toiletries in the loos complete an experience that ticks many boxes. Go in a group and, when you eventually get in, relish the service with a smile.

Find it: Various locations in Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Kings Cross; dishoom.com

Raj splendour: Gymkhana

2. Gymkhana

An ode to the Gymkhana clubs of Colonial India, this restaurant is replete in remnants of the Raj splendour. If the slowly whirring fans don't transport you to another era, the game heavy menu and creative cocktails certainly will. Guinea Fowl Pepper Fry and Amritsari Shrimp are both ace, and the Kid Goat Keema with the creative addition of Fenugreek is a taste of home with a twist. You can wash it all down with the Ooty Town Gimlet, a gin and rose concoction nodding to a popular British Raj “hill station” resort. Dress for the occasion and don’t rush the meal.

Find it: 42 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JH; gymkhanalondon.com

3. Tayyabs

A reservation is no silver bullet for a speedy entrance into this age-old gem. City folk, families and friends throng to this destination for quality Punjabi cooking, at excellent value prices. The Thursday Lamb Chops and Sunday Haleem, melting lamb in lentils, are worth a special trek. Expect to leave with the faint aroma of tandoori masala on your hair and clothes – something you’ll have no qualms about!

Find it: 83-89 Fieldgate Street, E1 1JU; tayyabs.co.uk

4. Amaya

From the Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy stable of restaurants is this long-standing Michelin-starred gem that specialises in grilled meats. A theatrical open kitchen turns the tandoor, sigri and tawa – three popular Indian cooking methods – into a dazzling spectacle to be enjoyed under an atrium-style central restaurant area. The Chicken Tikka with Cracked Black Pepper, Venison Seekh Kebabs with a tomator chutney centre and Coconut layered grilled Seabass (new on the menu) are popular with regulars – a slightly older and more distinguished clientele.

Find it: Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JT; amaya.biz

Home from home: Prawn Malakari at Darjeeling Express
Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures

5. Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express

Asma has been running a successful Supper Club in her Kensington & Chelsea home, attracting Indiaphiles and Indian expatriates desperate for a taste of the home cooking they miss. She now has a long standing residency in the kitchen of this newly renovated Soho pub, which has received rave reviews and packed crowds in earnest. Asma’s Tibetan Momos and Puchkas, potato and spicy water filled crispy dough shells, are excellent, as is her Kosha Mangsho, bhuna Bengali meat curry. It won’t be long before Asma runs her own restaurant, so get in on the action early.

Find it: Sun & 13 Cantons, 21 Great Pulteney Street, W1F 9NG; sunand13cantons.co.uk

Mallika Basu is a food writer and cookbook author. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @MallikaBasu_ or see her weekly recipes here.

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