Have you ever had a desi breakfast in London? You will find substantial parathas from Punjab, fluffy dosas from South India, an impressive array of Parsi egg dishes, plus a modern classic full English breakfast with added oomph and extra masala. So, do not confine desi food to dinnertime. Wake up your palate with these morning restaurant menus.
6 Go-To-Places In London If You Are Craving Desi Breakfast
Dishoom
This well-known mini-chain, which is styled after the retro Parsi-owned cafes of Bombay, is undeniably the first to make Londoners sit up and pay attention to desi breakfast options. Much has been written about its legendary bacon naan roll, but do not miss the mouth-watering Parsi-style egg dishes. There are scrambled eggs and spicy omelets. Moreover, they also offer chicken mince as well as liver topped with fried eggs. You can also try their fried eggs on chili cheese toast. Your breakfast at this Parsi café would be incomplete without hot buttered buns to dip your masala chai. You will also find chargrilled toast with spiced jams. Raise your glass to breakfast lassi, cocktails, and a number of colorful juices.
The Cinnamon Club
The ground-breaking and smart – Chef Vivek Singh was one of the first restaurants in London to serve a separate desi breakfast menu. The present offerings are more varied than in the earlier days. Enjoy spiced omelets, Indian-style scrambled eggs, classic Anglo-Indian kedgeree with poached egg, and smoked haddock. You can also opt to get a paratha online order near me. Not only parathas, but you can also get a variety of dishes right under the tip of your finger. For drinks, you will get a smaller selection of carefully chosen teas, breakfast bellini, and freshly squeezed juices.
Jikoni
Are you looking for a place that resembles the well-kept interior of any lavish Indian parlor (in a good way)? If you are nodding your head, then you have to try Jikoni. We love its charming and domestic space, with block-printed tablecloths, beautiful crockery, and mismatched mirrorwork cushions. This is where you would want to host a grand “kitty party” of your dreams.
The weekend brunch menu is more like a breath of fresh air. Genuine dishes on a regularly changing menu might include pancakes, parathas, Bombay sandwiches, and much more. Oh, and you cannot skip their mutton keema sloppy joes, spicy fishcakes, and fenugreek waffles. Speaking of not missing out, we also highly recommend their handvo (a savory vegetable and lentil cake) if it is on the menu because this dish is rarely spotted outside a Gujrati aunty’s kitchen. While you are at it, do save some room for the drool-worthy breakfast cocktails, desserts, and Lalani teas, too. The highly genuine menu influences from Kenya, South Asia, and the Middle East reflect Bhogal’s upbringing and travels.
Paratha Box London
The majority of Bollywood films feature a long-lost son coming back to his home, and the first thing his mother does is whip up an aloo paratha for breakfast. Heh! You can indulge your cinematic fantasy (and desi home-style food cravings) with this restaurant’s excellent paratha menu. Apart from the aloo paratha of every Indian dream, there is a variety of other fillings also. Other dishes that they serve are their paratha rolls, masala omelet, mango lassi, and a lot more.
Chandni Chowk
If you are still drooling at the thought of Punjabi paratha for breakfast, then this Southall eatery, whose name translates rather romantically as “Moonlight Plaza,” is your best bet. There is a huge selection here, including paneer fillings and fenugreek leaves.
Other typical breakfast items include chana bhatura (a type of chickpea curry with large fried puffy bread) and halwa chana puri (chickpea curry with semolina pudding and fried puffy bread). The amount of food served is substantial, and some of the dishes are rich in ghee. However, they are marvelously flavorsome and rustic.
La Porte des Indes
Known for its extravagant majestic-style décor, complete with wicker chairs, spectacular palm trees, and water features, this restaurant is notable for its Sunday jazz brunch. It is a self-service buffet with hot naans and drinks served to the table. Mains are laid out on the first floor, whereas desserts and starters are on the ground floor. There is a massive variety of snacks, curries, street food items, sweets, and dahl to choose from. Everything is labeled clearly, and there is a separate vegetarian section for the main course.
A few of the highlights on a recent visit included potato patties with chickpea curry, mini masala dosa, very fresh-tasting and vibrantly green spinach with paneer, hot mini gulab jamuns, beautifully spiced cauliflowers, and mousse-like mango yogurt. This brunch is especially suitable for special occasions, such as dining with family and friends. The price includes live music and a drink.
Summing It All Up!
If you are looking for an ultimate destination for authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Afghani cuisine, then the restaurants that we discussed above are your answer. Each one offers unforgettable dining experiences. So, whether you are here to savor exquisite means or simply looking for a cozy spot to hang out with your family or friends, these inviting ambiances will make you feel right at home. Every bite will be a journey through the diverse culinary heritage.