Top 7 Budget Friendly Indian Restaurants In London

After my previous blog post on beaches around London, next up in the series, is a list of top seven budget friendly Indian restaurants in London. A melting pot of different cultures, this is the perfect place to sample different kinds of cuisines from across the world. But if it’s Indian food you’re looking for, then don’t fret, as the city has plenty of Indian restaurants which serve delicious and authentic Indian cuisine.

From rich Mughlai curries and piping hot Sambar to crisp Papri Chaat and spicy Samosas, London has it all. Are you drooling already? So come along as I reveal seven of London’s top Indian restaurants where a meal would cost you about £10-20.

 1.Raj of India

A long standing favourite with locals, Raj of India is where you want to head, if you’re longing for some home style cooking. With a warm dining ambience and delicious dishes, like Lamb Masala, Keema Naan, Balti Chicken, Seekh Kebabs, King Prawn Patia and fragrant Biryanis to choose from, Raj of India is a perfect venue for a family outing.

End your meal with delicious Gulab Jamuns or creamy Kulfi and savour the true flavours of India.

Where Can I Find It? 46, Shepherd’s Bush Road, London W6, 7PJ | 0207-602-9930/9112

Opening Hours: 5:30 pm to 11 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12 pm to 11 pm (Sunday)

2. Horn OK Please

Craving Gol Guppas and Papri Chaat in London and don’t know what to do? In that case, head to Horn OK Please. A travelling street food stall this is the perfect place to savour mouth-watering vegetarian street food, such as Gol Guppas, Bhel Puri, Aloo Tikki and Samosa Chaat.

Wash down these spicy delights with a chilled Thumbs Up or Limca. Horn OK Please captures the true essence of Indian street food, without burning a hole in your pocket and is sure to leave you coming back for more.

Where Can I Find It? This is a travelling street food stall and for more information you can go to www.hop.st |0044 7732 010000

Opening Hours: Since the timings vary as per the venue, please visit the website to check opening hours.

3. Tayyabbs

Established in 1972, as a hole in the wall, Tayyabbs today is much larger and is one of London’s busiest Indian restaurants. Such is the popularity of Tayyabbs that if you show up without a prior reservation, be prepared to stand in an hour long queue. Don’t come here if you’re looking for a quiet evening, as this bustling restaurant is unapologetically loud, something which only adds to its charm.

If you’re so inclined, bring your own beers (yes, you can) and order the Tayyabbs famous Lamb Chops, spicy daal, buttery Naans and smoky Kebabs, and enjoy a London evening desi style.

Where Can I Find It? 83-89 Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 1JU | 020 7247 9543

Opening Hours: 12 noon to 1:30 pm (Daily)

4. Needoo Grill

Famed for its Kebabs, Mixed Grills and Biryanis, Needoo Grill is where you should head if you’re looking for a meat fix. With its colourful décor, Needoo Grill is bustling with long term patrons who are quick to recommend the restaurant’s Karahi dishes and others specialties like the Lamb Nihari, Haleem and Palak Paneer.

Wash all that delicious food down with a Mango Lassi or if you prefer, bring your own beer. Leave space for dessert and round off your meal with Needoo’s mouth-watering Lahori Kheer and Rasmalai.

Where Can I Find It? 87 New Road, London E1 1 HH | 020 7247 0648

Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm (Daily)

5. Shayona

Shayona is one of London’s better known Indian vegetarian restaurants. Popular for serving pure Sattvic vegetarian food, Shayona’s menu strictly adheres to the tenets of Vaishnav, Jain and Swaminarayan eating habits and food served here contains no onions or garlic. Spanning the entire Indian sub-continent you will find everything from Dhokla to Bhel Puri and Samosas to Dosas.

Do make it a point to also try the Shahi Paneer and Dal Makhani, which are favourites on the menu. No alcohol is served here, but there are delicious alternatives such as Lassi and Buttermilk.

Where Can I Find It? 54-62 Meadow Garth, Neasden, London NW1 8HD | 020 8965 3365

Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm (Monday to Friday)

6. Rasa Samudra

If it’s authentic South Indian fare that you feel like eating, then head to Rasa Samudra. Serving some of the most delicious home-cooked South Indian food in the city, Rasa Samudra is known for its great vegetarian as well as sea food dishes.

Popular favourites on the menu include Kappayum Meenum (Kingfish cooked in coconut milk), Mustard Potatoes, Dosas and Sambar. Adding flavour to the food and Rasa Samudra’s special pickles, especially the green mango and garlic pickles.

Where Can I Find It? 6 Dering Road, London W1S 1AD | 020 7629 1346

Opening Hours: Noon to 3 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 6 pm to 10:30 pm (Daily)

7. Roti Chai

 

Roti Chai is the perfect place for a quick weekday lunch. With its casual, canteen-like ambience, Roti Chai is frequented by office goers in the area and remains a hot favourite. Apart from their delicious Pooris, Samosas, Papri Chaat and Dhoklas, other popular items on their menu include their signature Railway Mutton Curry and Tadka Daal.

A recent addition to Roti Chai is their new dining room; open only for dinner, this is where you can try delicacies such as Lamb Curry, Paneer Pasanda, Palak Papri Chaat, Butter Chicken and a variety of rich and creamy Daals.

Where Can I Find It? 3 Portman Mews South, London WIH 6HS | 020 7408 0101

Opening Hours: Noon to 10:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 1 pm to 9 pm (Sunday)

If reading this has whet your appetite, then watch this space for my next blog in which I explore London’s top fine-dining Indian restaurants.