London's best Indian restaurants.
If you haven't spent much time in Britain, the national dish may surprise you. It's not the expected fish and chips or steak and kidney pie. According to former Foreign Minister Robin Cook it's Chicken Tikka Masala -- a delicious Indian concoction which may actually have originated in Glasgow.In addition to the thousands of Indian restaurants and curry houses in Britain, most pubs also serve a version of the dish. There are dozens of recipes, but most combine chicken that's been marinated in yogurt and cooked in a tandoori oven with a sauce made from tomato, cream, and spices.
You can hardly throw a rock in London without hitting an Indian restaurant. Some offer great value for money in a city where sticker shock is all too common. And even the expensive ones usually have a prix fixe menu that will let you try two or three courses on the cheap.
Several of London's best Indian restaurants -- Chutney Mary in Chelsea, Amaya in Knightsbridge, and Veeraswamy in Mayfair -- are run by the Punjabi sisters. With a Michelin star, a first-rate wine list, and a selection of designed-to-be-shared small plates, Amaya competes with the top tables in town. Chutney Mary has been named Best Indian Restaurant in London many times. And Veeraswamy, which opened in the 1920s, is the oldest Indian restaurant in London -- and one of the best values.
Known for its updated versions of classic dishes, Tamarind is a popular spot in Mayfair. Zaika in Kensington was the first Indian restaurant here to earn a Michelin star. And at Café Spice Namaste, you can enjoy savory nibbles al fresco in their Ginger Garden.
A craving for Indian food can be satisfied in London at any time. Cinnamon Club in Westminster is even open for breakfast. The owners are opening a less formal restaurant called Cinnamon Kitchen in November.
If you're looking for an inexpensive, casual meal, try one of the Masala Zones -- there are several around town. Also owned by the Punjabis, they feature Indian street food you're not likely to find outside Delhi. Their two-course lunch or early dinner runs £8.35.
For a day-by-day guide of things to do and see in London, check out our itinerary at http://www.tripaddiction.com/itinerary.cfm?regionID=220&itineraryID=16&display=itinerary
