CURRYING FAVOUR IN LONDON

The British capital’s culinary landscape is mushrooming with a fresh crop of Indian restaurants. Here’s what’s dotting the epicurean map.

- RUPALI DEAN

London’ top tables have always lorded over tantalisingly eclectic offerings. The smorgasbord of choices: Wiltons in St James that still sports its set three-course menu to the customary afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason to Lanesborough’s reimagined flagship restaurant is home to Chef Shay Cooper’s contemporary British food that brings to life seasonal produce from across the country. Whether it’s a Thai cash-only place like Singburi where you queue up for the twice-fried, crispy pork belly with garlic and chilli or the ritzy Bibi that summons an exciting modern Indian treat, London’s restaurants are distinct, imaginative and exciting.

Of course old Indian favourites such as celebrity chef Vivek Singh’s original modern Indian restaurant Cinnamon Club—located in the former Westminster Library with its forever favourite Bheja fry, and Camellia Punjabi’s Veeraswamy with its signature Raj kachoris never go out of habit. Another dynamic gourmet stop is chef Rishim Sachdeva’s Tendril that offers mostly vegan food, lending credence to the global shift towards plant-focused cuisine. Hop on the gravy train as Spice explores the newest Indian tables on the block.

MANTHAN MAYFAIR BY THE TEAM OF KUTIR, LONDON