How to Find the Best good south indian restaurants in london
Introduction – good south indian restaurants in london
London has long been a food lover’s paradise, and for South Indian food, the city has a plethora of restaurants that serve dosas, idlis, vadas, sambar, Chettinad curries and aromatic biryanis among many others. Whether you are in the mood for a traditional vegetarian South Indian thali or just a fiery Andhra-style non-veg spread, there is no shortage of options.
If you’re looking for decent South Indian restaurants in London, this guide will help you find the best restaurants serving authentic dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
South Indian Food: Why Its so Popular in London – good south indian restaurants in london
South Indian food is very different to North Indian food, with light, spiced and healthy dishes made mainly with rice, coconut, tamarind and lentils.
Why Is South Indian Food Special? – good south indian restaurants in london
✅ Wide Variety of Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Fare — Think crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, Chettinad chicken and Kerala-style seafood.
✅ Healthy and Light – South Indian Cuisine is naturally gluten-free; most of its items are prepared using very little oil and are sources of proteins and fibers as well.
✅ Curry Leaves & Mustard Seeds & Tamarind & Coconut – These aromatic spices and ingredients are used in the preparation of South Indian dishes, which provide them with unique flavors.
✅ Wide Range of Meals – Be it street food or a grand meal on a banana leaf, FonH associates with all.
Here is where to find great South Indian restaurants in London serving genuine and mouth watering meals.
The Best South Indian Restaurants in London – good south indian restaurants in london
Dosa n Chutny (Tooting)
Dosa n Chutny: One of the popular South Indian eateries in London, Dosa n Chutny offers crispy dosas, soft idlis, and spicy Chettinad curries at a very cheap price.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Masala Dosa
✅ Chettinad Chicken Curry
✅ Medu Vada accompanied with Coconut Chutney
📍 Address: 68 Tooting High St, Tooting, London
Sagar (Multiple Locations)
Sagar: A S. Indian vegetarian restaurant with an authentic Udupi-style menu. Their massive menu includes everything from dosas to South Indian thalis.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Mysore Masala Dosa
✅ Udupi Thali
✅ Rasam Soup
📍 Locations: Covent Garden, Hammersmith & Harrow
Saravanaa Bhavan (multiple locations) – good south indian restaurants in london
One of the most venerable South Indian vegetarian restaurant chains, Saravanaa Bhavan is on the short list for authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Ghee Roast Dosa
✅ Mini Tiffin Platter (dosa, idli, vada and sambar)
✅ South Indian Filter Coffee
📍 Locations: Ilford, Leicester Square, Harrow
Rasa (Stoke Newington) – good south indian restaurants in london
Rasa specializes in Kerala cuisine, with an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options influenced by the coastal flavors of South India.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Avial (Coconut Finger-Licked Mixed Vegetables)
✅ Kerala Fish Curry
✅ Masala Dosa
📍 55 Stoke Newington Church St, London
Anjappar (East Ham & Wembley) – good south indian restaurants in london
For Chettinad cuisine lovers, should head to Anjappar. This restaurant is known for serving spicy South Indian non-veg items.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Chettinad Chicken Biryani
✅ Mutton Sukka (Spicy Lamb Curry, Dry)
✅ Nandu Rasam (Crab Soup)
📍 Locations: East Ham & Wembley
Madras Café (Tooting) – good south indian restaurants in london
This Tooting gem is a must for anyone with an appetite for Tamil Nadu’s cooking. They spice their dishes well, and cook them using traditional South Indian techniques.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Podi Dosa
✅ Chicken Kothu Parotta
✅ Mutton Curry
📍 Address: 442 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting
Woodlands (Marylebone & Piccadilly)
A popular South Indian vegetarian restaurant, Woodlands serves up traditional dosa, thalis and curries with emphasis on healthy yet tasty cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Paneer Dosa
✅ South Indian Thali
✅ Lemon Rice
📍Where: Marylebone & Piccadilly
Chennai Dosa (multiple locations) – good south indian restaurants in london
Chennai Dosa: One of the most budget-friendly and popular South Indian restaurant chains, Chennai Dosa serves a wide variety of dosa, vada and biryanis at budget-friendly rates.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Onion Rava Dosa
✅ Mysore Bajji
✅ Andhra Chicken Curry
📍 Venues: Wembley, East Ham, Reading
Krishnavillasam (Harrow)
Krishnavillasam offers a homely touch across a range of South Indian cuisine — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh.
Must-Try Dishes:
✅ Andhra Spicy Chicken
✅ Mutton Curry & Malabar Parotta
✅ South Indian Style Banana Leaf Thali
📍 Address: 238-240 Kenton Rd, Harrow
South Indian Street Food & Quick Bites London – good south indian restaurants in london
If you’re in the mood for some quick and delicious Sout h Indian street food, these are some places you should try.
Dosa Street (Camden Market)
This is a great spot for crispy dosas, vadas and chutneys in a casual setting.
Must-Try:
✅ Ghee Roast Dosa
✅ Medu Vada
✅ Coconut Chutney
📍 Location: Camden Market
Horn OK Please (in Borough Market) – good south indian restaurants in london
A good place for South Indian street food and specializing in chaats and dosas.
Must-Try:
✅ Moong Dal Dosa
✅ Pani Puri
✅ Chilli Cheese Dosa
📍 Location: Borough Market
London Best South Indian Desserts
And of course, no South Indian meal is ever complete without a sweet! Best Places To Try Authentic South Indian Desserts
Ambala (from Green Street & Southall) – good south indian restaurants in london
Famous Halwa Center: A popular Indian sweet store that offers delectable South Indian sweets such as Mysore Pak and Coconut Laddoo
📍 Where: Green Street, Southall
Saravanaa Bhavan (Multiple Locations)
You won’t want to miss their South Indian-style Kesari (sweet semolina pudding).
📍 Locations: Ilford, Harrow
Final Thoughts: Where to Find Good South Indian Restaurants in London? – good south indian restaurants in london
As someone who loves authentic South Indian food and specifically concerns himself with the good finds in London, there are several great restaurants available to the eager South Indian food lover.
📌 For a Traditional South Indian Experience: Saravanaa Bhavan, Sagar, Dosa n Chutny
📌 For Kerala Cuisine: Rasa, Krishnavillasam
📌 Chettinad Cuisine: Anjappar, Madras Café
👨🍳 Quick Bites & Street Food: Dosa Street, Horn OK Please
📌 For Desserts: Ambala, Saravanaa Bhavan