The Great Indian: A Bold and Contemporary Take on Indian Cuisine

There’s no shortage of Indian restaurants in London, but The Great Indian isn’t trying to be one of many. It feels purpose-built to stand apart – not with gimmicks, but with smart cooking and dishes that respect the past while nudging it forward.

The evening kicked off, as many do, with popadums. But not the usual basket of brittle shards. These were Smoked Popadums, served with a colourful trio of chutneys (Tiranga – for the Indian flag, no less). Each dip brought something distinct – herbaceous green, sweet-sour tamarind, maybe a mango or tomato number too – but what really landed was the smoke. Subtle, not overpowering, but enough to make the familiar feel slightly elevated.

Then came the surprise hit of the night: Honey Chilly Lotus Stem. If you’re unsure what to expect from a lotus root, imagine something with the crunch of a water chestnut, dressed in a sticky Indo-Chinese glaze that balances sweet, spicy, garlicky and savoury in one go. It was addictive. There’s a kind of confidence in offering a vegetarian small plate like this that doesn’t just fill a menu gap, but actually steals the show.

The Tandoori Lamb Chops arrived next – well-charred, fragrant, and carrying a good lick of mustard heat. The marinade had a bit of bite, and the fat was nicely rendered, giving a satisfying crisp around the edges. You can tell the tandoor is taken seriously here.

But the most memorable dish of the evening? The Half Roasted Poussin “Butter Chicken”. It’s not quite what you think it’ll be. Instead of the usual boneless morsels swimming in a rich sauce, you get a poussin roasted on the bone, with a velvety tomato-cream sauce ladled over the top. The meat itself was juicy and well-seasoned, with that lightly smoky edge you hope for in anything butter-chicken-adjacent. Served with steamed rice and a bright, crunchy kachumber salad, it was comfort food with a bit of ceremony.

Service was chill and relaxed – helpful but not hovering. The vibe matches the food: familiar flavours, well-executed, with just enough of a twist to make you pause and pay attention. The cocktails were great too with an extensive menu and bold Indian flavours.

The Great Indian isn’t trying to rewrite the rulebook. What it does instead is offer a refreshed version of what Indian dining in London can feel like – rooted, yes, but also curious and a bit playful. No foam, no fuss, just very good food served with a bit of pride and polish.

Would I go back? Absolutely – especially for the lotus stem and that butter chicken. It’s the sort of place you recommend to a friend not because it’s flashy, but because it quietly nails it.

Find out more > www.thegreatindian.uk