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Perfect for soaking up a hangover or helping - with the aid of a few beers - to create one, there are many reasons that curry is the nation's favourite food.
From old favourites such as world-renowned Tayyabs or Kilburn's Vijay, to the ever-popular Dishoom and Cinnamon Soho, we've rounded up some of the best Indian Restaurants in London that'll help spice up your life.
Think we've missed any curry-tastic gems? Let us know in the comments below.
London's Best Indian Restaurants
Zumbura(01 of09)
The rise of curry houses that serve excellent small plates is a blessing - before it was either dingy establishments with flock wallpaper or posh places with nose-bleed prices.
Zumbura, set near the parade of boutique shops in Clapham's Old Town, is delightful in decor: ceilings painted with colourful birds, exposed brick and minimalist wooden tables flanked by ornate wooden shelves.
The food is billed as healthy, home-made nosh by head chef Raju Rawat, and it's from the Purab region in North India.
While certain dishes such as the spinach pakoras and okra are exemplary - but not groundbreaking, the real stars are the lamb kullia - a rich, aromatic lamb and turnip stew that melts on the tongue - and the home-made chicken curry that feels both light yet packed with flavour.
Zumbura
36a Old Town, Clapham, London SW4 0LB
0207 720 7902 (credit:Zumbura)
Zumbura, set near the parade of boutique shops in Clapham's Old Town, is delightful in decor: ceilings painted with colourful birds, exposed brick and minimalist wooden tables flanked by ornate wooden shelves.
The food is billed as healthy, home-made nosh by head chef Raju Rawat, and it's from the Purab region in North India.
While certain dishes such as the spinach pakoras and okra are exemplary - but not groundbreaking, the real stars are the lamb kullia - a rich, aromatic lamb and turnip stew that melts on the tongue - and the home-made chicken curry that feels both light yet packed with flavour.
Zumbura
36a Old Town, Clapham, London SW4 0LB
0207 720 7902 (credit:Zumbura)
Dishoom(02 of09)
With a bustling restaurant inspired by Irani street cafés, a speak-easy style Permit Bar and a veranda perfect for lounging, the second branch of Dishoom offers something for everyone.
Try the refreshing Bhel (puffed rice, Bombay mix and nylon sev tossed with fresh pomegranate, tomato, onion, lime, tamarind, mint) or succulent Lamb Raan (a leg of lamb marinated in chilli, garlic and ginger, braised overnight with spices, then flame-grilled, sliced and dressed with fresh lime).
To drink, why not sip on a Chaijito or 1948 Sour in The Permit Bar?
Dishoom
7 Boundary Street, London E2 7JE
020 7420 9324 (credit:Dishoom)
Try the refreshing Bhel (puffed rice, Bombay mix and nylon sev tossed with fresh pomegranate, tomato, onion, lime, tamarind, mint) or succulent Lamb Raan (a leg of lamb marinated in chilli, garlic and ginger, braised overnight with spices, then flame-grilled, sliced and dressed with fresh lime).
To drink, why not sip on a Chaijito or 1948 Sour in The Permit Bar?
Dishoom
7 Boundary Street, London E2 7JE
020 7420 9324 (credit:Dishoom)
The Punjab(03 of09)
If you're after a curry with a kick, this Indian restaurant is for you.
Situated near to Covent Garden and Soho, The Punjab is the 'UK's oldest North Indian restaurant'. It is also home to one of the hottest madras curries known to man.
The authentic restaurant has an extensive menu, including plenty of vegetarian options. The service and food is fantastic, which means booking is pretty essential.
If you're planning on visiting one of Covent Garden's many theatres, it's certainly worth stopping at The Punjab on your way home. You'll leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face every time.
The Punjab
80 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9PA
020 7836 9787 (credit:The Punjab)
Situated near to Covent Garden and Soho, The Punjab is the 'UK's oldest North Indian restaurant'. It is also home to one of the hottest madras curries known to man.
The authentic restaurant has an extensive menu, including plenty of vegetarian options. The service and food is fantastic, which means booking is pretty essential.
If you're planning on visiting one of Covent Garden's many theatres, it's certainly worth stopping at The Punjab on your way home. You'll leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face every time.
The Punjab
80 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9PA
020 7836 9787 (credit:The Punjab)
Tayyabs(04 of09)
Two words: lamb chops. Everyone raves about them for a reason.
Be sure to book, unless you're in a very chilled-out mood and can stomach the queue which often snakes around the edges of the restaurant.
It's BYOB too, which just adds to the charm.
Tayyabs
83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU
020 7247 9543 (credit:The_Real_Basmati)
Be sure to book, unless you're in a very chilled-out mood and can stomach the queue which often snakes around the edges of the restaurant.
It's BYOB too, which just adds to the charm.
Tayyabs
83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU
020 7247 9543 (credit:The_Real_Basmati)
Babur(05 of09)
The food is a mix of traditional flavours and contemporary cooking techniques, so it's a bit more exciting than the usual bhuna and sag aloo combo.
The beetroot cutlet and papaya chutney starter is amazing.
Definitely worth a visit, even if it's just to marvel at their sign (has a life-size tiger on it).
Babur
119 Brockley Rise, London SE23 1JP
020 8291 2400 (credit:Babur)
The beetroot cutlet and papaya chutney starter is amazing.
Definitely worth a visit, even if it's just to marvel at their sign (has a life-size tiger on it).
Babur
119 Brockley Rise, London SE23 1JP
020 8291 2400 (credit:Babur)
Hot Stuff(06 of09)
There's a golden rule when it comes to good curry places in London - the less flash it looks, the better it's likely to be.
Hot Stuff is no exception - you'll find yourself entering go 'errrr' but when the food arrives, it's heaven on earth.
Cheap as chips and genuinely good, homecooked-style food, the jeera chicken wings are worth the trek alone. The nans and chapattis and spot on, and don't leave until you've tried the mushroom pulao.
Alternatively, you can let them choose the dishes for you - and trust us, you're in safe hands.
Hot Stuff
19/23 Wilcox Rd, London, SW8 2XA
0207 720 1480 (credit:Hot Stuff)
Hot Stuff is no exception - you'll find yourself entering go 'errrr' but when the food arrives, it's heaven on earth.
Cheap as chips and genuinely good, homecooked-style food, the jeera chicken wings are worth the trek alone. The nans and chapattis and spot on, and don't leave until you've tried the mushroom pulao.
Alternatively, you can let them choose the dishes for you - and trust us, you're in safe hands.
Hot Stuff
19/23 Wilcox Rd, London, SW8 2XA
0207 720 1480 (credit:Hot Stuff)
Cinnamon Soho(07 of09)
Located an mere onion Bhajis throw from the heart of Soho, is the third modern Indian restaurant from Vivek Singh, who also runs The Cinnamon Club and Cinnamon Kitchen.
Bangla balls (pictured) are one of the restaurant's speciality. Our favourites are the Bangla-Scotch eggs - a quail egg wrapped with spiced Bengali beetroot and vegetable.
Try also the Kentish rump of lamb, Rajasthani corn sauce and stir-fried marrow with fennel and ginger.
Cinnamon Soho
5 Kingly St, London W1B 5PF
020 7437 1664 (credit:Cinnamon Soho)
Bangla balls (pictured) are one of the restaurant's speciality. Our favourites are the Bangla-Scotch eggs - a quail egg wrapped with spiced Bengali beetroot and vegetable.
Try also the Kentish rump of lamb, Rajasthani corn sauce and stir-fried marrow with fennel and ginger.
Cinnamon Soho
5 Kingly St, London W1B 5PF
020 7437 1664 (credit:Cinnamon Soho)
Rasa(08 of09)
Rasa in Stoke Newington could convert even the most meat-loving curry eater.
The South Indian food is not only authentic and pretty unique for London, but also incredibly well priced.
Rasa
55 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AR
020 7249 0344 (credit:Rasa)
The South Indian food is not only authentic and pretty unique for London, but also incredibly well priced.
Rasa
55 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AR
020 7249 0344 (credit:Rasa)
Vijay(09 of09)
Vijay's rasam soup is nothing short of miraculous when it comes to curing all ills.
Everyone knows South Indian cuisine is the best... and this was the first ever in Britain, so they've had a lot of time to practice being the best.
Vijay
49 Willesden Ln, London NW6 7RF
020 732 810 87 (credit:Vijay)
Everyone knows South Indian cuisine is the best... and this was the first ever in Britain, so they've had a lot of time to practice being the best.
Vijay
49 Willesden Ln, London NW6 7RF
020 732 810 87 (credit:Vijay)