Guide to the best curry in London

Tayyabs is an iconic Punjabi restaurant that's been a cherished family-run establishment in East London since 1972,. Its neon blue sign beckons diners into the lively and spacious eatery, where Londoners gather to feast on fragrant South Asian dishes. The menu features comforting, spice-infused dishes bursting with rich flavours, like their award-winning melt-in-your-mouth dry meat curry made with succulent lamb and aromatic spices. While you can bring your own alcohol, soft drinks and lassi are also available.

Since it opened in 2014, Dishoom has been a  gateway to the delicious delights of Bombay in locations all around the city. This popular restaurant has a cult following amongst locals and tourists alike thanks to its lively atmosphere, Bombay-inspired vibes, and a menu that showcases the best of beloved Indian classics with a creative street food twist. A standout dish not to be missed is their 24-hour slow-cooked signature black daal and their fragrant chicken ruby, best enjoyed with a flaky, cheesy naan for dipping and dunking. Round off your meal with a pistachio kulfi or cup of warm chai.

This Whitechapel-based Pakistani grill house is renowned for its juicy lamb chops, aromatic curries, and sizzling flame-grilled kebabs; all served in an unpretentious setting. The meat is prepared with a fiery spice rub, which is where it gets its signature dark crust from. Although their mixed grill is a showstopper, their curries are not to be missed, ranging from the classics to specials.

It's all about fragrant South Indian cuisine and freshly made, flaky, buttery roti at Tamila. This street food venture is a haven for those looking for the best curry, offering various mouthwatering options that pair perfectly with their warm rotis and onion bhajis. Enjoy their renowned chicken curry, a bestseller, or opt for the veggie paneer butter masala. You'll find Tamila inside Hackney Bridge, a vibrant locale featuring East London's finest street food vendors, bars, cafes, local independent retailers, workspaces, studios, and event spaces, all complemented by ample outdoor seating overlooking the picturesque canal.

Trishna is a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant serving Michelin-starred modern Indian cuisine in a sleek setting. The menu features dishes such as biryani, curry, and tandoori specialities, including their legendary guinea fowl pepper fry, all complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list. A tasting menu is one of the best ways to experience the food, with three- or four-course lunch options available as well. For a more intimate gathering, private dining is available, and for those seeking to enjoy Trishna's cuisine at home, you can also opt for a takeaway.

Champor-champor is a Malay expression that loosely translates to 'mix and match'. This is precisely what you'll be met with upon arrival, with tribal masks and ethnic artefacts and oddities scattered around the place, all dimly lit by candlelight. The menu boasts a range of fusion dishes inspired by Malaysia with influences from Thailand, Sri Lanka and beyond, including a range of curries, such as vegetable, chicken, fish and tofu-based options. 

The Covent Garden outpost of the esteemed Cinnamon Collection, headed by acclaimed chef Vivek Singh, meticulously combines traditional and contemporary flavours to take you on a culinary journey. It's all about popular Indian street food like samosas and pressed watermelon. There's also a range of generous large plates, including a lamb rogan josh shepherd's pie filled with cardamom-infused lamb and topped with buttery mashed potato – having garnered accolades as one of the city's finest – and a strong selection of mouth-watering curries. The cocktail list is curated by the renowned mixologist Mr Lyan.

Café Spice Namasté merges a laid-back maritime ambience with vibrant splashes of colour. Celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Parsi tradition, the menu showcases a variety of dishes, including a classic Lamb Dhaansaak Sunday roast, a comforting daal and a peppered beef tikka, best served with a chilli cheese naan. The restaurant also hosts the occasional event, including comedy nights.

This renowned Brick Lane establishment has been serving classic Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine under the guidance of the same family for many years. Sheba has garnered numerous awards and accolades, and in 2012, it was crowned the best Indian restaurant in Brick Lane by the UK Restaurant Guides. It was also recognised for serving the best curry in London at the esteemed English Curry Awards. The restaurant is committed to using only the finest quality seafood, meat, and vegetables to craft their menu, which is chock full of traditional favourites such as chicken tikka masala, prawn vindaloo, and samosas.

Sudu is the place to indulge in delicious Malaysian flavours, including their renowned beef rendang, served enveloped in a soft, egg-filled roti. As a warm and inviting neighbourhood restaurant, Sudu offers a cosy space that is perfect for intimate gatherings or reconnecting with long-lost friends. With dishes such as aromatic chicken rice, nasi goreng kampung, and the welcoming presence of the servers, Sudu creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a close friend's home.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant hawker scenes of Singapore and Malaysia, Rasa Sayang specialises in authentic halal dishes from both places. This bustling restaurant, with an unmissable red façade, offers a lively dining space with a menu that boasts a wide range of options, including small plates, flavour-packed curries, tasty BBQ dishes, noodles, and even vegan choices. Guests can complement their meals with a selection of alcoholic beverages alongside soft drinks and tea.

With its vibrant pink exterior and equally lively interior, Rasa certainly stands out on Church Street in Stoke Newington, making it impossible to miss. This renowned vegetarian establishment in London specialises in Keralan cuisine, including a range of South Indian snacks and treats, like dosas, curries, and aromatic rice dishes. Rasa caters to both vegetarian and vegan palates, with feasting menus that cater to diverse dietary preferences.

This Malaysian gem, brought to you by the team behind Sudu, is the ultimate place for indulging in comforting, home-cooked Malaysian recipes. The restaurant is super cosy and is perfect for an intimate meal, spread across two floors with ample seating. The menu features a selection of tempting Malaysian classics, including the beloved rendang and Malaysian fish curry.

Located on the mezzanine level of Arcade Food Hall, Plaza Khao Gaeng is the place to go for a fusion of coastal and jungle-inspired Thai cuisine. The highlight of the menu are the Southern Thai curries made using fresh coconut milk and aromatic curry pastes. The restaurant offers set menus, which is a great way to get a taste of everything. Plaza Khao Gaeng was awarded a prestigious Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2023.

This stylish Japanese eatery at the Angel Centre in Islington is dedicated to serving beloved Japanese dishes, with a focus on katsu, sushi rolls, and more. Their hearty katsu curries are expertly prepared with authentic family recipes, from the classic pork katsu to the hearty pumpkin croquette curry.

The Hiden Japanese Curry spots are dedicated to crafting genuine Japanese curries. There are only three different curries to choose from – beef, chicken, or vegan – but they're all made from scratch and with fresh ingredients. The rich sauce is served over rice and topped off with garnish, and it makes for a great takeaway. Quite convenient, in fact, as seating is often limited at these venues.