I must confess. When I first moved to London - a long time ago – Indian food was never my first (or even second or third) option for a meal out, spoiled as I am by Ghar ka khana.
I don't have much say in moving forward to the present. My dinner plans frequently revolve around my local cuisine, which is currently (and somewhat unexpectedly – for me, anyway) "on-trend" in London's melting pot of a foodie scene.
I have plenty of reasons not to go against the grain. The new-age range of Indian restaurants in London is countless, evocative of India's regionally diversified and tremendously dynamic cultures.
Speaking with considerable authority, here are a few reasons that have passed my family's simple but effective litmus test: Home-cooked meal that isn't home-cooked...
It's nearly impossible to pick the best Indian restaurant in London; the UK capital does Indian food like no other city in Europe. From Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls, from family-run establishments to modern variations on traditional favourites, you could eat nothing but Indian food in London and still eat well.
For some time now, London has been experiencing a quiet revolution. Previously, the title of best was held by. Indian restaurants near London used to go to whichever curry house was open at three o'clock in the morning. Still, nowadays, you'll find genuinely good Indian restaurants in London, serving fine dining or brasserie-style meals in several key and renowned locales.
But here's the thing about the (relatively new – it's been around for at least ten years) new breed of London Indian restaurant and Indian takeout in London. While the food is of the highest calibre — superb in every sense of the word – the restaurant or takeaway itself is not fussy, nor does it need much in the way of a dress code. The Fine dining Indian restaurant in London — gorgeous surroundings, superb food, and excellent service, without any pretence that often accompanies excellent dining from other cuisines.
The title of "best Indian restaurant in London" is now even more subjective than it used to be. You can now choose from a variety of no-fuss settings. Each restaurant serves delicious food with a regional or creative flair. Some high-end fine dining places, for example, use Indian cuisine as a starting point to develop distinctive dishes all their own. While other excellent Indian restaurants in Putney, London begin by selecting a specific region's cuisine and then just cooking it well - presented beautifully and prepared to perfection.
When you visit a genuinely fantastic Indian restaurant in Putney, you will observe that there are many Indian families present, from the youngest child to the oldest founding member, all enjoying lunch together. Manners are, of course, excellent – but the reality remains that even the best dining experiences in London are tempered by the understanding that this is real food, for real families, cooked and served so wonderfully that enthusiasts come from all over town. Food and feasting are highly valued in Indian culture — in the right place, at the right time, and with the right people; this is evident in the beautiful Indian restaurants in London, where a meal is an event presented with the least amount of hassle and the most outstanding amount of delight.
This is prevalent in societies where dining is a regular occasion – the event and the quality of the meal speak for themselves, so no extra effort is required. The odds of eating comfortably and freely chatting are considerably better than the restaurant with the most Michelin stars - where a certain pretentiousness gets in the way of the simple pleasure of the cuisine.
There are so many distinct contenders for the best Indian restaurant in Putney, London, that it is nearly impossible to discuss the subject adequately. But one thing remains constant: delicious food served with the utmost care.
Summary:
There are so many distinct contenders for the title of the best Indian restaurant near London that it is nearly impossible to discuss the subject adequately. But one thing remains constant: delicious food served with the utmost care.
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