London is renowned for its diverse culinary scene with an abundance of cuisines from all over the world. However, one cuisine that has particularly taken London by storm is Indian cuisine.
From street food to fine dining, Indian food has become a staple in London’s food culture. In this article, we’ll explore why London is known for Indian food.
The History of Indian Food in London
Indian food has been present in London since the 18th century when India was under British colonial rule. The first Indian restaurant in London, Veeraswamy, was established in 1926 and it still remains one of the best Indian restaurants in the city. The popularity of Indian food grew rapidly after World War II when many South Asian immigrants came to the UK and brought their cuisine with them.
The Influence of South Asian Immigrants
The influx of South Asian immigrants to London after World War II had a significant impact on the city’s food scene. These immigrants opened up their own restaurants and cafes serving traditional dishes from their home countries. This led to an increase in demand for ingredients and spices that were previously unavailable in London.
The Curry House
The “curry house” is a term used to describe the type of restaurant that serves British-Indian cuisine. It’s a unique fusion of Indian spices and British tastes that emerged from the South Asian immigrant community in London.
The first curry house, called Shafi’s, opened its doors in 1810. Since then, curry houses have become an integral part of British culture with over 9,000 curry houses across the UK.
The Michelin-Starred Indian Restaurants
In recent years, there has been a surge of high-end Indian restaurants opening up in London which have received Michelin stars for their exceptional cuisine. One such restaurant is Gymkhana which has been awarded a Michelin star every year since its opening in 2013. Other Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in London include Benares, Quilon, and Jamavar.
The Diversity of Indian Food in London
One of the reasons why Indian food has become so popular in London is because it’s incredibly diverse. There are over 29 states in India, each with its own unique cuisine.
This means that there is a vast range of dishes available to try in London from North Indian classics like butter chicken and naan bread to South Indian dosas and idlis. Additionally, London has a thriving street food scene where you can find vendors serving up delicious chaat, samosas, and other traditional snacks.
In Conclusion
London’s love affair with Indian food shows no signs of slowing down. From the first curry house to the Michelin-starred restaurants of today, Indian cuisine has become an integral part of London’s food culture.
The influence of South Asian immigrants coupled with the diversity of Indian cuisine has made it one of the most popular cuisines in the city. If you’re ever in London, be sure to try some authentic Indian food for yourself!