The 20 Best Indian Takeaways in London

There is a particular kind of Friday evening magic in ordering from a great Indian takeaway. The anticipation, the smell when you open the bag, the ritual of laying out foil containers across the kitchen table — it is one of Britain's most beloved food traditions, and London does it better than anywhere else. The capital's Indian takeaway scene is vast, varied, and quietly extraordinary.

The best Indian takeaways in London are not afterthoughts bolted onto restaurant kitchens. Many are dedicated operations where the entire business model is built around getting food to your door in peak condition. In Tooting, you will find South Indian takeaways packaging idli and sambar with the precision of a production line. East Ham and Ilford have Gujarati and Punjabi takeaways where the portions are so generous they could feed a small family reunion. Wembley's takeaway scene mirrors its restaurant culture — Gujarati snacks, chaat boxes, and thali platters designed for home delivery.

Brick Lane's takeaway offering has evolved beyond the tourist-oriented joints near the top of the street. Head further down towards Whitechapel and you will find Bangladeshi takeaways serving home-style cooking — delicate fish curries, slow-cooked beef bhuna, and fresh parathas that arrive still warm and flaky. Southall's takeaways specialise in Punjabi comfort food: butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori platters that travel remarkably well.

Our guide ranks the best based on verified reviews, food quality on arrival, portion sizes, and value for money. Every takeaway listed is verified on The Desi Directory.