At the turn of the 21st century, Britain was obsessed with the Chicken Tikka Mossala – so much so that in 2001, it was announced as the national dish. Home cooked curry sauces came in jars, and convenience was everything. But 25 years on, attitudes and demands are changing. Here are five trends that we’re seeing in the UK when it comes to Indian cuisine.
1. Authenticity is king
In the past, curry houses serving British-Indian cuisine such as Tikka Mossala and Balti were hugely popular. They catered to British palates, offering a westernised version of Indian flavours. Now, however, diners are looking for authenticity and provenance when they choose Indian places to eat. While British-Indian creations are still popular, many are looking for dishes that originated in India, opting for street foods or traditional regional dishes such as Sylheti Lebu Mosalla and Dall Makhani.
2. Fine dining
Indian food was once marketed as a cheap option for those who wanted something a little different from the customary British meat-and-two-veg. In the mid-2020s, as awareness of the breadth and variety of Indian cuisine has increased, many are looking to Indian restaurants for a higher-end dining experience. This expectation goes hand-in-hand with the desire for authenticity, fresh ingredients and dishes that have been cooked with care and expertise.
3. Plant-based options
As plant-based diets gain popularity, so have plant-based curry options. More customers are seeking vegetarian and vegan dishes beyond the simple mixed vegetable curry, instead requesting regional options like Chana Mossala and Tarka Dall, both specifically Punjab in origin. Heath-conscious diners are increasingly recognising the ability of Indian food to meet the demand for healthy ingredients and cooking styles, and nutritionally rich dishes.
4. Sharing
Sharing is on the rise in British culture, as diners begin to understand and appreciate the benefits of communal eating. Before, customers would each pick a dish and eat only that; now they are adopting an approach common to Indian families, choosing plates that go in the middle of the table and having a little of everything. In doing so, they are discovering the fantastic diversity of Indian cuisine, trying new dishes and expanding their palates.
5. Home cooking
Social media has made the techniques and flavours of Indian cuisine more accessible to those who want to try cooking it at home. Ingredients are more readily available in shops and supermarkets, and step-by-step videos enable creative home cooks to experiment with spices, techniques and styles. A favourite curry sauce needn’t come from a jar as it did in the early 2000s – it can be made from scratch with fresh ingredients, following an authentic recipe.
Discover authentic Indian food in South Kensington
If you’re looking for an authentic Indian in South Kensington, Little India offers a true taste of the country, stepping beyond British-Indian cuisine and serving traditional dishes that have been enjoyed across the subcontinent for centuries. Search ‘Indian places near me’ when in Kensington and book a table or stop by for a memorable dining experience.
