Key Takeaways
TL;DR: London’s Asian food scene spans Sri Lankan cooking at Hoppers, Pakistani grills at Lahore Kebab House, Indian restaurants from Dishoom’s Bombay comfort food to the refined Bibi, Gymkhana and The Cinnamon Club, Thai at Som Saa and the Churchill Arms, Taiwanese buns at Bao and Japanese robatayaki at Roka.
- Sri Lankan and Pakistani: Hoppers serves Sri Lankan dishes with fresh sambols and chutneys in a cosy room, and Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel is famous for its grilled kebabs, naan and aromatic rice.
- Indian comfort food: Dishoom brings the flavours of Bombay, from smoky grilled meats to fragrant biryanis and its signature black daal, and Gunpowder is a modern Indian restaurant with bold, fiery dishes like tangy lamb chops.
- Refined Indian: Bibi combines traditional flavours with modern flair in an elegant setting, Gymkhana offers tandoor dishes and rich curries in a luxurious room, and The Cinnamon Club pairs Indian cuisine with European techniques.
- Thai: Som Saa offers some of London’s most authentic Thai flavours, from papaya salad to smoky grilled meats, and the Churchill Arms in Kensington serves green curry and pad thai in a relaxed pub.
- Taiwanese, Sichuan and Japanese: Bao specialises in Taiwanese-style steamed buns filled with braised pork or crispy chicken, Noodle & Beer pairs spicy Sichuan noodles with beer, and Roka grills Japanese robatayaki and serves sushi and its signature black cod with yuzu miso.
London, a city known for its eclectic dining scene, is also home to some of the finest Asian food in the world. From fiery curries to delicate sushi, London’s Asian cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes to suit every palate.
Whether you’re seeking the warmth of Indian spices, the freshness of Japanese sushi, or the bold flavours of Thai cuisine, London’s Asian restaurants deliver excellence in every bite.
With such a wide selection of restaurants, how do you choose the best? We’ve curated a list of twelve must-visit Asian restaurants in London that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
If you’d prefer to skip the long waits at the most popular spots, here’s a little secret: you can have authentic Asian food made fresh at home by booking a private chef in London.
Índice
Why is London a popular spot to try Asian food?
London’s Asian food scene is a true reflection of the city’s rich, multicultural vibe. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’re in for a treat, London boasts some of the best Asian cuisine outside of Asia. It’s not just about the food, but the culture that comes with it.
The city’s Asian restaurants bring together authentic recipes, handed down through generations, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find everything from street food stalls serving up bold flavours, to high-end spots where chefs fuse modern techniques with centuries-old culinary traditions. It’s a perfect blend of heritage and creativity, making each dish an exciting journey through the diverse Asian cultures that thrive in London.
So, whether you’re craving spicy Indian curries, delicate Japanese sushi, or zesty Thai dishes, the city’s Asian food scene is ready to take your taste buds on a global adventure.
Where can I find the best Asian food in London?
If you’re a foodie looking to explore London’s vibrant Asian cuisine, you’re in the right place. Here’s a curated list of the top Asian restaurants in the city that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
Hoppers
Located in the heart of London, Hoppers offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Its signature hoppers, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut milk, are a must-try.
With fresh sambols and chutneys, Hoppers presents a flavourful and unique dining experience.
Lahore Kebab House
If you’re craving grilled meats, Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel delivers. Famous for its perfectly grilled kebabs, the restaurant offers a taste of Pakistan with marinated meats, naan, and aromatic rice.
It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves smoky, tender grilled food.
Dishoom
Dishoom brings the vibrant flavours of Bombay to London with a menu full of classic Indian comfort food. From smoky grilled meats to fragrant biryanis, Dishoom offers a mix of traditional and innovative dishes.
Their signature house black daal, cooked over 24 hours, is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Bibi
For a more refined Indian dining experience, Bibi combines traditional flavours with modern flair. Known for its sophisticated dishes and elegant setting, Bibi offers a dining experience that elevates classic Indian fare while maintaining its authentic roots.
Gunpowder
Gunpowder is a modern Indian restaurant that serves bold and fiery flavours. From their tangy lamb chops to mouthwatering seafood curries, the menu at Gunpowder will excite those who love spicy, flavourful dishes.
It’s a great spot for anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
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Gymkhana
Gymkhana is an upscale Indian restaurant that blends traditional flavours with modern twists. Known for its luxurious setting and exceptional food, Gymkhana offers everything from tandoor dishes to rich curries, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends.
The Cinnamon Club
Set in the former Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club combines the best of Indian cuisine with European cooking techniques. From char-grilled venison loin with masala mash to tamarind-glazed halibut with Mangalore curry sauce, the restaurant’s menu brings together bold spices and refined European techniques. This is the place for a high-end dining experience that pushes culinary boundaries.
Som Saa
Som Saa, on Commercial Street in Spitalfields, offers some of the most authentic Thai flavours in London. From zesty papaya salads to smoky grilled meats, the restaurant delivers a punch of spice and fresh ingredients that will transport you to Thailand with every bite.
Churchill Arms
For a casual dining experience, the Churchill Arms in Kensington offers the perfect blend of pub fare and Thai food. You can enjoy classic Thai dishes like green curry and pad Thai in a relaxed and charming pub atmosphere, making it a great spot for a fun, laid-back meal.
Bao
Bao specializes in Taiwanese-style steamed buns filled with a variety of mouthwatering fillings, from braised pork to crispy chicken. Bao’s modern take on street food has earned it a loyal following, and it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Taiwan in London.
Noodle & Beer
Noodle & Beer is a Sichuanese noodle bar that pairs its bowls with a rotating selection of beers, making it the perfect spot for a casual yet flavourful dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying chewy wheat noodles topped with beef, peanuts and pickled chillies or cold poached chicken in a fiery, numbing chilli sauce, Noodle & Beer combines comfort food with Sichuan heat, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Roka
For Japanese food, Roka has served contemporary robatayaki since its first restaurant opened on Charlotte Street in 2004, and it now also has sites in Aldwych, Canary Wharf and Mayfair. Dishes come off a flaming robata grill at the heart of the room, alongside a sushi and sashimi menu that runs from maki rolls to fatty tuna nigiri.
Its black cod marinated in yuzu miso is one of its best-known dishes, and a must for anyone who loves Japanese flavours.
Must-try Asian dishes in London
When it comes to Asian cuisine, there are certain dishes that stand out. Here are a few you absolutely must try when visiting the best Asian restaurants in London:
- House black daal (at Dishoom, a Bombay comfort classic): Dishoom’s signature daal is dark, rich and deeply flavoured, and it is cooked over 24 hours. Scoop it up with a garlic naan, or pair it with the Chicken Ruby, tender chicken in a rich, silky makhani sauce, for a proper Bombay-style feast.
- Kid goat methi keema (at Gymkhana): one of the best-known dishes at this two-Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant. Minced kid goat is cooked with fresh fenugreek leaves and spices and finished with sali, crisp potato straws, for a rich, fragrant dish that shows North Indian cooking at its most refined.
- Classic braised pork bao (at Bao, perfect for a quick snack or sharing with friends): Bao’s signature is a soft, fluffy steamed bun filled with slow-braised pork. Order a few with Taiwanese fried chicken and small xiao chi plates like soy-glazed aubergine, and share everything around the table.
- Pad Thai (at Churchill Arms, a classic comfort dish): Pad Thai is a staple of Thai cuisine, and at Churchill Arms, it’s prepared with a perfect balance of flavours, tangy tamarind, sweet palm sugar, and a hit of spice from chilli, all mixed with stir-fried noodles. It’s topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh lime, and a fried egg, making it a satisfying and vibrant dish. Whether you prefer it with shrimp, chicken, or tofu, Pad Thai is always a comforting choice.
- Black cod with yuzu miso (at Roka, a Japanese favourite): Roka’s black cod is marinated in yuzu miso and grilled, so the sweet, savoury glaze sets off the flaky white fish. It is one of the restaurant’s best-known dishes and a good place to start if you are new to robatayaki.
Would you rather stay in? Hire a private chef in London!
Want to enjoy the best Asian food without leaving the comfort of your home? Why not hire a private chef to bring London’s finest Asian cuisine straight to your door?
At Take a Chef, we offer private chef services that allow you to enjoy an exclusive dining experience, tailored to your preferences.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a memorable meal, our chefs can create a personalized Asian menu just for you.
London is a haven for Asian cuisine, with countless restaurants offering a diverse range of dishes from across the continent. Whether you’re craving spicy Indian curries or delicate Thai flavours, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget, for a truly personalized experience, booking a private chef to prepare your favourite dishes at home is always an option. Enjoy the best of London’s Asian food scene from the comfort of your own dining table.
