Best Indian Restaurants In London
Paro - Covent Garden
You know that feeling when you're on a mission to find the next best thing in food, and something exciting pops up on TikTok? That’s how I landed at Paro in Covent Garden, a new Indian spot by Chef Niaz. Think Brick Lane meets the Covent Garden vibe – edgy, sophisticated, and just a bit spicy.
So, what's the story? Chef Niaz, who’s got serious culinary chops (pun intended), brought his love for Indian flavors from the bustling, aromatic streets of Brick Lane to the heart of London’s theater district. And let’s just say, he didn’t come empty-handed – the man’s got a literal treasure chest of 48 spices sourced straight from Indian bazaars. Every dish here isn’t just food; it’s like reading a love letter to India, signed and sealed with a dash of masala.
Right off the bat, the place has some serious allure. It’s upscale yet cozy, buzzing with energy, and full of diners looking genuinely excited for their meals (always a good sign). The service was top-notch too – attentive but not overbearing, letting the food be the main event. And trust me, it was packed! Clearly, Paro’s a hit with the locals and tourists alike.
Let’s get into the good stuff – the food! Here’s what I devoured:
Lamb Chops: I was excited for these babies – thick, aromatic, and bursting with spice. But here’s the thing: they were a tad less juicy than expected, leaning on the stringy side. A minor letdown? Maybe. But if you’re a flavor seeker, these still pack enough punch to satisfy.
Bombay Chicken: This one was a bit of a mystery dish for me. I hadn’t tasted anything like it before – a fun mix of tanginess and tikka spices. It’s one of those dishes that surprises you, making you think, “Hmm, could this be the future of chicken tikka?” I’d definitely try it again for the novelty alone.
Popadom with a Twist: Now, popadoms are pretty standard, right? Wrong. At Paro, they’ve elevated it with a sweet coconut topping that adds a fresh, tropical twist. Who knew a popadom could make such a statement?
Chef Niaz is on a mission to make Indian food an experience that breaks all the boundaries. Whether you’re a spice aficionado or just in it for the curry, Paro’s got something to tickle your palate. And if you’re like me, a solo traveler on the hunt for unique food spots, Paro’s warmth and originality will make you feel right at home.
Dishroom, Covent Garden
Alright, here’s the scoop on Dishoom, a little slice of Colonial Bombay right in the heart of Covent Garden. If you’re in the mood for killer food with a heavy dose of atmosphere, this is where you need to be. But heads up – unless you’re rolling deep with a crew of four or more, you’re queuing with the rest of us, likely for about 30 minutes (worth it, I promise).
Once I finally got in, it was like stepping into a whole other world. Picture dark wood, a dimly lit vibe straight out of an old Bombay café – it’s got that moody, vintage charm down to a tee. Now, fair warning: the tables are packed close. I found myself practically hugging the table to let people shimmy past. A little too cozy? Maybe. But hey, it’s all part of the Dishoom experience, right?
I came hungry and ready to tackle the Dishoom classics, and here’s the lowdown on the best bites:
Spicy Lamb Chops: These bad boys are no joke. They spend the night marinating in lime juice, spices, ginger, and garlic, and come out untrimmed and packed with flavor. Grilled to perfection, they’re tender, juicy, and just blackened enough to add that extra depth. Basically, these chops are everything you want in a dish – spicy, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Gunpowder Potatoes: Okay, so I thought, “How exciting can potatoes really get?” But Dishoom proved me wrong. These new potatoes are grilled, tossed with butter, and finished with a mix of crushed spices and herbs. They’re smoky, buttery, and have just the right kick. Trust me, this isn’t your average side dish; it’s the kind of thing you’ll dream about later.
Chicken Biryani: They don’t mess around with the biryani here. This one’s cooked Kacchi-style, which means the chicken, rice, ginger, garlic, mint, and coriander are all layered and cooked together in one glorious pot. The flavors are beautifully blended, every bite is a fragrant mix of spices, and it’s everything you want in a biryani. Definitely hits the comfort-food spot.
Dishoom isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – the kind that makes you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere far away. Sure, you might have to cozy up to your neighbor a little, but it’s all worth it for the flavors and the unique, nostalgic vibe. So, if you’re up for some legendary Indian flavors and can handle a bit of a queue, Dishoom Covent Garden’s got you covered.
Colonel Saab, High Holborn
So, I recently wandered into Colonel Saab, an Indian restaurant tucked inside Holborn Town Hall. Not exactly where you’d expect to find an Indian dining gem, but hey, Holborn is full of surprises! Once inside, it’s a treat for the senses: vibrant decor, eclectic art, and the kind of cozy yet upscale vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden treasure. Colonel Saab is where familiar Indian favorites meet creative twists – perfect for a solo food adventure with a side of discovery.
The Menu: Classics, Surprises, and a Bit of Spice
Colonel Saab’s menu is full of familiar names, but each dish brings something unexpected. Here’s what stood out:
Creamy Almond Soup with Malabar Smoked Duck . Almond soup might sound delicate, but this one has a sneaky little kick. Creamy, rich, and with a hint of spice, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want seconds. Not a bad way to warm up!
Purani Dilli Samosas.These aren’t your everyday samosas. They’re mini, perfectly crisp, and packed with masala chickpeas, with a pop of orange zest and pomegranate for a little zing. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and honestly, I could’ve ordered another round without hesitation.
Cauliflower This one’s a bit of a show-off. Imagine cauliflower, deep-fried with what’s rumored to be a blend of 65 spices. It’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive. I never thought I’d crave cauliflower, but here we are.
Colonel Saab’s “Tooni” Smoked Lamb Shank And the pièce de résistance – a lamb shank so tender, it practically melts off the bone. Smoky, rich, and bursting with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite. If you’re a lamb lover, this one’s a must.
Colonel Saab’s space is as memorable as the food, with quirky decor and nods to India’s colonial past. It’s a bit unexpected for Holborn but makes it all the more charming. If you’re dining solo like me, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the ambiance and let your taste buds take a little trip.
