It’s a fact: Brits love curry. Whether you can take the heat of a rogan josh or prefer a nice mild korma. You’ll find an outstanding curry house in practically every single UK city and we all have a staple Indian restaurant that we go back to time and time again.
But, there must be one that reigns supreme. That’s where the British Indian Good Food Guide comes in. The guide is committed to showcasing all of the best Indian food that Britain has to offer. Over 12 months, it gathers public nominations and then its judges spend 12 months tucking into vindaloos, tikkas and biryanis, reviewing each nominee anonymously.
After all that, its pick of the top 20 curry houses in the country and the best outside of London for 2024 has been unveiled.
This year, Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar in Newcastle was crowned the top curryhouse outside of the capital. Phil Shaw, marketing director at the British Indian Good Food Guide, said: ‘Raval has redefined Indian dining in the region, Their focus on innovation and authenticity is unmatched, which is why they’ve earned a place at the top of our guide.’
Judges were particularly fond of Raval’s lobster and mango and Darjeeling lamb cutlets and said that its menu is ‘testament to how Indian cuisine is constantly evolving while staying true to its roots’. See below for the best of the rest.
Britain’s best curry houses according to the British Indian Good Food Guide 2024 (and what it had to say about them)
- Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar (Newcastle Gateshead)
Raval stands out for its contemporary take on traditional Indian cuisine. Known as the Best Indian Restaurant Outside London, it offers dishes like Lobster & Mango, and Darjeeling Lamb Cutlets, combining unique spices and fresh, local ingredients for a truly memorable dining experience. - Quilon (London) – A Michelin-starred restaurant, Quilon excels in coastal Indian cuisine, featuring delicate flavours of the South. Notable dishes include pan-seared scallops with mango tokku and halibut fish curry with a coconut and raw mango sauce, making it a destination for seafood lovers.
- Benares Restaurant & Bar (London)
Benares blends Indian and British cuisines in a fine-dining environment. With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, its menu offers an elegant twist on traditional dishes, with highlights like their lamb biryani and masala grilled prawns - Dishoom (Manchester)
Inspired by the Irani cafés of Mumbai, Dishoom Manchester is a lively spot with nostalgic décor. Its menu boasts iconic dishes like black daal, house chai, and pau bhaji, which have earned it a loyal following. - Tharavadu (Leeds)
A gem for Keralan cuisine lovers, Tharavadu specialises in southern Indian dishes, including seafood curries and dosa. Their use of authentic spices and traditional cooking techniques makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience regional Indian flavours. - Tamarind (London) – A Michelin-starred restaurant, Tamarind offers a sophisticated and contemporary take on Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques.
- Kanishka (London)
Known for its innovative tasting menus, Kanishka pushes culinary boundaries with dishes that merge regional Indian ingredients with modern techniques. The diverse menu offers a bold and creative take on Indian cuisine, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options alike. - Asha’s (Birmingham)
Asha’s is celebrated for its authentic and flavourful Indian dishes, served in a sophisticated setting. Known for its variety of kebabs, curries, and biryanis, it has become a favourite for those seeking a refined yet traditional Indian dining experience. - Swadish (Glasgow)
Swadish is recognised for its modern twists on traditional Indian recipes. It offers a fresh take on classic dishes, with a focus on seasonal Scottish produce, creating a perfect fusion of Indian and local ingredients. - Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food (Edinburgh)
Tuk Tuk brings the vibrancy of Indian street food to Edinburgh with small plates designed for sharing. The menu is packed with flavourful chaats, curries, and tandoori grills, offering an authentic street food experience in a casual, lively setting. - Purple Poppadom (Cardiff)
Blending Indian and Welsh flavours, Purple Poppadom has a reputation for innovation. The menu celebrates Indian spices with a local twist, creating a truly unique dining experience, with signature dishes like seared scallops with black pudding. - Mowgli Street Food (Liverpool)
Mowgli captures the essence of India’s bustling markets with its vibrant street food offerings. Small plates and sharable dishes like puris, keema, and turmeric fries give diners an authentic taste of Indian market cuisine. - Veeraswamy (London)
As one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants, Veeraswamy offers a dining experience rich in history. With a focus on North Indian royal cuisine, the menu showcases vibrant, fresh ingredients and dishes steeped in tradition, like their legendary lamb rogan josh. - Masala Junction (Nottingham)
Masala Junction is known for its diverse menu that reflects the rich flavours of Indian cuisine. With an inviting atmosphere, the restaurant offers a range of dishes from tangy chaat starters to fragrant curries, all crafted with care and precision. - Urban Choola (Sheffield)
Urban Choola is celebrated for its modern take on Indian classics. The contemporary menu is a blend of traditional dishes and inventive new flavours, appealing to both those familiar with Indian cuisine and newcomers. - Mumtaz (Bradford)
A beloved institution, Mumtaz is famous for its hearty, authentic Punjabi cuisine. Known for its rich curries, biryanis, and kebabs, the restaurant is a favourite in Bradford’s thriving Indian food scene. - The Chilli Pickle (Brighton)
This restaurant offers modern twists on traditional Indian dishes in a vibrant, eclectic setting. Their focus on fresh, local ingredients ensures every dish is bursting with flavour, from street food-inspired starters to slow-cooked curries. - Darjeeling Express (London) – Known for its all-female kitchen team, this restaurant brings authentic home-style Indian food to London’s Soho, with a focus on family recipes and rich, flavorful dishes.
- Tamatanga (Leicester)
Tamatanga offers a lively, casual dining experience with its colourful curries and street food-inspired menu. With a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for groups looking to enjoy a laid-back Indian meal. - Kachori (London) – Located in London’s bustling district, Kachori delivers an exquisite take on Indian street food and fine dining, making it one of the city’s newest and most talked-about restaurants
You can find out more about all the London restaurants in the list on Time Out here and read up on all restaurants on the British Indian Good Food Guide website here.
Did you see that snow and -5C temperatures will freeze the UK next week?
Plus: A new train line will soon improve access to one of the UK’s most remote seaside areas.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.