Beyond butter chicken: Exploring lesser-known Indian dishes in London

In the UK, Indian food is synonymous with several key dishes among which are butter chicken, korma, tikka masala and vindaloo. But many of these have been tailored to the British palate and represent only a tiny fraction of Indian cuisine. If you’re prepared to look a little harder when you’re searching for ‘authentic Indian cuisine near me’, you can find some truly exceptional dishes that will introduce you to new taste sensations. Here are some of the best. 

Karahi Gosth

Originating in Northern India, Karahi Gosth takes its name from the traditional iron souk in which it’s cooked. Unlike many of the region’s dishes, it isn’t made with onions or yoghurt, being instead cooked with tomatoes, capsicum, ginger and garlic. It’s traditionally made with goat or mutton and has a delicious, medium-hot flavour that fans of Rogan Josh and Jalfrezi are sure to love. 

Sylheti Lebu Mosalla (SLM)

A speciality from the Sylhet region in Bengal, this dish is flavoured with hathkora, a citrus fruit that gives it a distinctive, sour tang. Combined with fairly hot spices and chicken or meat, it has real depth of flavour and is sure to set your tastebuds sparkling.  

Dosa

Dosa is a Southern Indian pancake made from soaked lentils and rice, which are ground together and fermented overnight. Thin and crunchy, it is served hot, either plain or with a filling of spiced chicken, lamb or potato and onions, and with sides of sambar and chutney. It’s a perfect option for those wanting something lighter. 

Gunda nu shaak

A simple yet tasty side dish, gunda nu shaak is made with the gumberry, which is a tropical berry native to India. The fruit is cooked with gram flour, peanuts, mango and dry spices, which give medium heat and a slightly sweet and sour taste. It is typically served in the summer months when the berry is available. 

Sylhet fish curry

Another speciality of the Bengal region, this curry is made with the delicately flavoured tilapia fish and – in Indian cuisine London restaurants – is prepared using a traditional fisherman’s recipe. The exact flavours will differ depending on where you eat, but it’s a beautifully balanced dish that’s best enjoyed with rice. 

Siddu

A fermented and steamed bread from the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh, siddu is traditionally eaten in winter to boost body temperature and energy levels. It can be stuffed with dal, walnuts, spiced potato, paneer or peas, and is usually served warm with ghee and mint chutney. 

If you’re looking for authentic Indian cuisine in London, you’ll find a range of mouthwatering dishes at Little India in Kensington. Our chefs specialise in both Tandoori classics and traditional dishes that will give you a glimpse of lesser-known flavours from the Indian subcontinent, all in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Book a table or explore our catering options to experience the richness of Indian food today.