London has long been considered one of the world’s great food capitals, but few people realize just how central Indian cuisine is to its food identity. The city today boasts over 3,600 Indian restaurants—more than Delhi and Mumbai combined—making Indian food an inseparable part of British culture.
This fact highlights not just a modern-day obsession with curries and biryanis but also a long and fascinating story of history, migration, and cultural exchange.
A Colonial-Era Connection
Britain’s love affair with Indian food dates back to the colonial era. British officers and administrators who lived in India during the 18th and 19th centuries developed a taste for the region’s spices, flavors, and cooking techniques. When they returned home, they carried recipes and cravings with them.
Dishes like kedgeree (a rice and fish dish inspired by khichdi) and curry quickly began appearing in British households. By the late 19th century, curry houses had already become popular in London, catering to locals and travelers alike.
Immigrants Who Shaped the Food Culture
The real transformation came after the Second World War. Thousands of South Asian immigrants, especially from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, moved to Britain in search of better opportunities. With them, they brought their spices, family recipes, and culinary traditions.
Neighborhoods such as Southall, Brick Lane, and Tooting in London became vibrant hubs of South Asian culture, with restaurants opening in every corner. Over time, these eateries went beyond catering to immigrant communities and attracted mainstream British diners.
Curry Becomes Britain’s Comfort Food
By the 1970s and 1980s, Indian dishes had moved from being “exotic” to everyday essentials in British homes. Curry became so widely loved that politicians started calling it the “national dish of Britain.”
In fact, chicken tikka masala—a dish created in the UK by adapting Indian flavors to local tastes—is now considered a symbol of British multiculturalism. From pubs to fine-dining restaurants, curries, naan, and biryanis are served everywhere.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to food industry estimates, London alone is home to more than 3,600 Indian restaurants. To put that into perspective, this is more than the combined number of Indian eateries in India’s two biggest cities—Delhi and Mumbai.
This remarkable statistic reflects not only the size of London’s Indian community but also the city’s broader appetite for South Asian food. From traditional thalis to fusion street food stalls, Indian cuisine in London spans every price range and dining style.
A Global Culinary Influence
Indian restaurants in London are no longer just neighborhood curry houses. Many have achieved global recognition. Restaurants like Dishoom, Gymkhana, and Benares have earned international fame for blending authenticity with modern dining experiences. Michelin-starred Indian chefs in London are now redefining how the world sees Indian cuisine.
The popularity has also inspired supermarket chains across the UK to stock Indian ready-to-eat meals, spice mixes, and condiments. Today, it’s normal to find Britons cooking dal or tikka masala at home, showing how deeply Indian flavors have entered everyday life.
More Than Food: A Cultural Bond
Food is more than just about taste—it is about cultural connection. The dominance of Indian restaurants in London shows how migration and history have blended two cultures. What started as a colonial curiosity is now a powerful bridge between Britain and South Asia.
For many South Asians living in the UK, these restaurants are more than businesses—they are community spaces, reminders of home, and symbols of identity. For non-South Asians, Indian food represents comfort, flavor, and a celebration of multicultural Britain.
Looking Ahead
With new generations of British South Asians entering the food business, London’s Indian culinary scene is only expected to grow further. Fusion menus, vegan-friendly curries, and street-food-inspired eateries are shaping the next chapter.
What remains clear is that London’s heart will always beat with the aroma of Indian spices. And with more Indian restaurants than even Delhi and Mumbai combined, the city’s food culture proves that Indian cuisine is not just a favorite—it’s a part of British life.
Source:
- The Guardian – Why Britain Fell in Love with Curry
- BBC News – How Curry Became Britain’s National Dish
