10 Top Indian Street Food Restaurants to visit in London

London is a melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines and Indian street food has found a special place in the city’s culinary scene.

If you’re a food enthusiast seeking the vibrant flavours of Indian street food, you’re in for a delightful treat.

The aroma of sizzling spices and the tantalising flavours of Indian street food create an unparalleled nostalgic connection to India for those who have savoured these delicacies.

Whether it is the piping-hot samosas reminiscent of bustling bazaars, the crisp and tangy panipuri that transports you to the lively streets of Mumbai, or the aromatic kebabs skewered over open flames, each bite is a sensory journey back to the heart of India.

London’s street food delights evoke memories of colourful marketplaces, the camaraderie of sharing chaat with friends and the time-honoured traditions of Indian culinary craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

This makes them a deeply cherished link to the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage.

Let’s take a look at 10 of London’s best spots to savour Indian street food.

Trader Wembley

Where is it – Wembley

If you are in search of Indian street food in North-West London and haven’t been to Trader Wembley yet, then you definitely need to head over soon.

Make a day out of it as you check out the designer outlets and then head to this one for your food fill where you will find various vendors under one roof.

It gets even busier during sports events especially when India is playing cricket and matches are often telecast live, with the crowds bonding over two of India’s biggest loves – cricket and street food.

You are bound to find your match at this massive Asian food hall in West London with names like SKVP, Khanabadosh, Vadapau & Chai, Dosa Street, Peri Peri Paneer Pizza, Veg Mumbai Fusions, Chatako, Momos, Desi Mexikhana, Toli Chowki and more.

Papa-Dum

Where is it – St Christopher’s Place

Just a minute away from Bond Street station, Papa-Dum offers all kinds of street food.

From flavoursome, delicately spiced curries to freshly prepared grab-and-go Indian wraps and snacks, chaats and the popular Indian breakfast.

Not only are the Masala Chai and Filter Kaapi brilliant, but the cocktails are quite enticing.

On offer are Desi Soda Jalebi, Paan Caprioska, Chai Expresso Martini and wines with spicy notes.

You can also choose to have your Masala Chai spiked with rum or liquor (ginger, toffee or chocolate).

Curry On NaanStop

Where is it – 7Dial Market, Cucumber Alley, Herne Hill

Get your Indian street food fix at this place where you will want to eat non-stop.

Curry On NaanStop was a runner-up on BBC’s Britain’s Top Takeaways.

The Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav and Butter Chicken are highly recommended at this Halal find.

They are famous for their Jini Dosa which is a bite of heaven. Think a crispy, flaky outer layer filled with their special Jini sauce, cheese and spicy masala.

If you are lucky you might also spot their vibrant food truck at an event.

Street21

Where is it – Hounslow

Street21 is a lively budget friendly veggie spot in Hounslow with a décor that gives off Mumbai vibes.

Their Desi Noodles Aloo Burger and Dahi Wale Gol Gappa are super popular as are the Chole, Samosas, Dosas and Chinese dishes.

There is, of course, the mandatory Masala Chai and Falooda to accompany the scrumptious food.

It is indeed the place where Desi vibes and delicious bites meet.

Kulcha Express

Where is it – Southall

Southall is a hub of Punjabi food and Kulcha Express is a well-known gem in this area.

Step into this street food restaurant and you will feel yourself transported straight to Amritsar.

The restaurant is famous for its soft and flavourful kulchas (leavened bread) and chole (chickpeas).

The Fish Pakoras, sizzling Tandoori Chicken, Chaats, Daals and freshly made sweets will make you want to visit again and again.

Kulcha Express also does fresh mithai as well. So you are sorted for your Pendas and Laddoos too.

Bombay Spice

Where is it – Kingsbury Road

Located in the heart of Kingsbury Road, Bombay Spice offers amazing flavours and generous portions at budget-friendly prices.

It has an extensive vegetarian menu that includes South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Gujarati cuisine and street food options.

No wonder it has a large loyal customer base.

They also do a Rajasthani Daal Bhat on Sundays.

If you have been hitting the Desi stores in the area, it is the perfect place to put down your groceries and grab a bite.

Once you have savoured your food at Bombay Spice you will want to visit again.

Caraway

Where is it – Ilford

For those looking for great street food in a fine dining setting, Caraway is the place to go.

When entering Caraway you are walking through a gateway to India.

It has an extensive veg/non-veg menu including street food, Indo-Chinese, South Indian, biryanis and North Indian dishes that give you the chance to mix and match with a variety of foods.

They have delicious Chaats, Puchkas (panipuri), Pav Bhaji but also the delicious Avocado Bhel and Jaipuri Kurkuri Bhindi to add to your culinary excitement.

You can also indulge in their Jalebi Chaat and Rasgulla Chat which are sure to tantalise your tastebuds and make you go wow.

Chennai Srilalitha

Where is it – Harrow

Chennai Srilalitha serves mouthwatering South Indian dishes in a simple pleasant setting.

The prices are good and the place is always full of customers which tells you all.

You can boast to your family and friends back home that you no longer have to miss India at least when it comes to Sambar, Idli, Dosas and Uthappams.

Chennai Srilalitha’s weekend brunch is a great way to try all the dishes.

It also serves North Indian dishes and chaats, but the South Indian dishes are what the street food restaurant is known for.

Patel’s Food & Chaat

Where is it – Wembley

If just hearing the words Dhokla, Handvo, Dabeli, Surti Locho or Khaman makes you daydream of taking a heavenly bite of these Gujarati street food specialities then make your way over to Patel’s Food & Chaat on Ealing Road.

They also serve Chaats, Pav Bhaji, Bhels, Vada Pav, Indo-Chinese dishes and more that will satisfy your cravings.

Dishes that are tangy, spicy, bursting with flavours and will make you feel you are in Vadodara or Surat.

Dishoom

Where is it – Kensington, Carnaby, Shoreditch, Covent Garden, King’s Cross & Canary Wharf

Fortunately, Dishoom has a number of restaurants in London.

When it first opened, Dishoom was a game-changer. Stylish, affordable and with a defiantly youthful outlook, it was focused on how Londoners wanted to eat in the 21st century.

Reminiscent of the old Iranian cafes of Mumbai with the whiff of maska buns and Iranian chai tea, stained mirrors and sepia portraits, Dishoom has managed to get the perfect ambience and curate an alluring menu.

From classic street food dishes like Keema Pav to regal foods like Ruby Chicken, Dishoom has a versatile menu to suit different preferences.

There is nothing like Indian street food.

Full of flavour and bringing back memories, this cuisine is one of the best and there are plenty of places in London to indulge.

So, the next time you find yourself craving Indian street food, take a detour to one of the top street food restaurants and embark on a delectable voyage of flavours, aromas and traditions that bridge continents and connect hearts.

It is a taste of India that London graciously offers, a reminder that the world is indeed a global village and that even amidst the urban sprawl, a single bite can transport you to a world of unforgettable taste and culture.