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London is known the world over as a true multicultural, city whose society is made up of people from different parts of the world. As a result many London restaurants specialize in cuisines from different parts of the globe.

Great Britain has enjoyed close ties with the Indian subcontinent for many years and this has led to the British enthusiastically adopting and adapting the usually spicy and flavorful Indian cuisine to suit their own palate. For instance the most popular Indian dish in the UK is ‘Chicken tikka masala’. This is a British adaptation of Indian chicken curry found only in the UK and nowhere else on the subcontinent. Moreover connoisseurs of Indian cuisine often remark the Indian restaurants in London serve excellent authentic Indian cuisine which is often better than the food served at the restaurants in India. To judge whether this is true or not you would have to eat at London’s finest Indian restaurants in order to make a decision.

• Veeraswamys

One of the oldest Indian restaurants in London is Veeraswamys. The restaurant which is located in the elegant neighborhood of Mayfair, established by the great grandson of an English General, along with an Indian princess. Today this eighty year old restaurant managed and owned by sisters Camelia and Namita Punjabi who also own other renowned London eateries such as Amaya and Chutney Mary. These sisters have recently refurbished the restaurant and restored it to its former glory. The décor of the restaurant evokes the ambience of a Maharaja’s palace from the 1920’s. The restaurant possesses a magnificent ten foot high silver painted ceiling and its walls are adorned with colorful opulent turbans which once belonged to the Maharajas who patronized the restaurant during its early days. Veeraswamy’s menu reflects the various different cooking styles of the subcontinent, the restaurant is a must do for any Indian food buff on a visit to London.

• Amaya Bar & Grill

If you prefer to try Indian food with a more contemporary style and taste you should head to Veeraswamy’s sister restaurant the Amaya Bar and Grill. This restaurant serves top notch contemporary Indian food with a distinct western twist. The award winning Indian restaurant is one of the few Indian restaurants that have received a star in the Michelin Red Guide. Amaya has a sleek, modern look and a menu which features Indian grills or kebabs which are cooked on the spot in its large show kitchen. Amaya is located on Motcomb Street in the area of Knightsbridge.

• Zaika

The first Indian Restaurant in London to have received a Michelin star is located in the coveted district of South Kensington and is called Zaika. Zaika is located in a building which was previously a bank and the original architecture of the bank consisting of arches and high ceilings has been preserved which helps to enhance the colonial era feel of the restaurant. Its large menu features many permutations and combinations to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

• The Cinnamon Club

The Cinnamon Club is an inimitable Indian restaurant that is located in a building that once housed a Victorian Library in the area of London known as Westminster. This restaurant which serves modern Indian cuisine is a favorite of politicians and movers and shakers of the business world. It even has its own exclusive single malt whisky which is bottled for the restaurant and is available for sale.

The restaurant has a constantly evolving menu which keeps it fresh and exciting.

Photo of ‘fine Indian cuisine‘ neon originally posted by dmax3270