Indian cuisine continues to leave a significant mark on the UK’s food landscape, with the British Indian Good Food Guide revealing its top 20 Indian restaurants across the country. These selections showcase the finest in Indian culinary traditions, highlighting restaurants that have embraced both authenticity and innovation in their dishes.
A Culinary Evolution: Indian Cuisine in the UK
Indian food has long held a special place in British dining culture, with dishes like chicken tikka masala becoming household favourites. However, the current trend sees a shift towards more regional, authentic flavours from across the subcontinent. The British Indian Good Food Guide’s top picks reflect this evolution, with restaurants offering a rich variety of regional specialities. From the coastal delicacies of Kerala to the street food-inspired offerings of Mumbai, this guide captures the full breadth of what Indian cuisine can offer.
This year’s list showcases the increasing demand for diversity in Indian food, celebrating a wide range of styles and flavours that have become integral to the UK’s culinary identity. The guide highlights restaurants that have not only preserved the authenticity of traditional Indian dishes but have also redefined them for modern palates.
Leading the Way: Raval’s Culinary Innovation in the North
Among the standout restaurants is Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, located in Newcastle Gateshead. Known for its creative approach to Indian cuisine, Raval has earned the title of Best Indian Restaurant Outside London. Its menu, which combines classic Indian flavours with contemporary techniques, has made it a favourite among both locals and visitors. Signature dishes like Lobster with Mango and Darjeeling-spiced Lamb Cutlets exemplify the restaurant’s ability to innovate while staying true to Indian culinary traditions.
“Raval has truly elevated the standard of Indian dining in the North East,” says Phil Shaw, Marketing Director of the British Indian Good Food Guide. Their dedication to incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paired with innovative creativity, truly distinguishes them.
The Top 20 Indian Restaurants in the UK
This year’s guide brings together a diverse selection of the best Indian restaurants across the country, celebrating both well-known names and hidden gems:
- Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar (Newcastle Gateshead)
- Quilon (London)
- Benares Restaurant & Bar (London)
- Dishoom (Manchester)
- Tharavadu (Leeds)
- Kanishka by Atul Kochhar (London)
- Asha’s (Birmingham)
- Swadish (Glasgow)
- Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food (Edinburgh)
- Purple Poppadom (Cardiff)
- Mowgli Street Food (Liverpool)
- Veeraswamy (London)
- Masala Junction (Nottingham)
- Urban Choola (Sheffield)
- Mumtaz (Bradford)
- The Chilli Pickle (Brighton)
- Kuti’s Brasserie (Southampton)
- Tamatanga (Leicester)
- The Mint Room (Bristol)
- Cinnamon Kitchen (Oxford)
The Continuing Popularity of Indian Cuisine
With more than 10,000 Indian restaurants operating across the UK, the influence of Indian cuisine on British food culture is undeniable. The rise of authentic, regional dishes has only fuelled the growing popularity, with diners increasingly seeking out new and exciting flavours. From traditional curry houses to modern interpretations of Indian street food, the UK’s love for Indian cuisine shows no signs of slowing down.
Phil Shaw adds, “Indian restaurants in the UK are more than just places to enjoy a meal, they represent the rich cultural exchange between Britain and India. The evolution of Indian cuisine in this country is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability.”
This year’s guide not only celebrates the restaurants that have embraced these changes but also acknowledges the chefs and teams behind them, whose dedication to quality and innovation continues to push the boundaries of Indian cuisine.
