If you’ve ever searched for Indian food near me while strolling through the streets of Belmar, you’re not alone. Indian food isn’t just a cuisine in the UK, it’s a way of life. From late-night biryanis to midweek butter chicken cravings, Indian flavours have found a permanent spot on British plates.
But how did this happen? How did Indian food evolve from a colonial curiosity to becoming a national favourite, with Indian street food stalls popping up at every food market and best Indian food London lists dominating Google? Let’s rewind and then fast-forward to how it all blends perfectly at Paratha Box today.
There was a time in the UK when food was… let’s say, functional. Think boiled vegetables, meat-and-potato staples, and not much spice. For many Brits, the idea of eating food packed with cumin, turmeric, and chilli was a world away. Meals were more about routine than flavour. But then came a shift, not overnight, but slow and steady.
Post-World War II Britain saw an influx of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent, mainly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They brought not just their skills and labour, but their flavours, their traditions, and their deeply rooted food culture.
Suddenly, homes smelled different. Streets started buzzing with tandoori smoke and the sound of bubbling curry pots. The aroma was magnetic, tempting curious neighbours to try something new.
But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just a new taste. Indian food was bold, vibrant, and full of stories. Dishes were made to be shared, eaten with hands, passed around the table, a stark contrast to the solitary “meat and two veg” plates.
The first official Indian restaurant in the UK was opened in London in 1810 by Sake Dean Mahomed. But it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that Indian restaurants truly boomed across Britain. By the 1990s, chicken tikka masala was being called the “true national dish of Britain.” That’s when the love affair turned into a full-blown commitment.
Indian food isn’t just something people eat on weekends. It’s part of everyday life, from quick paratha wraps on the go to street-side chaat at food festivals. It has grown, adapted, and fused with local tastes to create something uniquely British-Indian. And that’s exactly where Paratha Box fits in.
At Paratha Box, we honour tradition without being stuck in it. Think of us as the bridge between Grandma’s kitchen and your busy weekday lunch. We serve the classics, the kind you’d find in bustling streets of Delhi or Lahore, and give them a cheeky UK twist. Whether it’s a melt-in-your-mouth Aloo Bhaji or the legendary Aloo Paratha, we’ve reimagined Indian food for modern Britain. And yes, when people Google Indian street food or best Indian food London, we aim to be what they click, and crave.
It’s not just about the spice (although, let’s be honest, that helps). Indian food is:
That’s why Brits didn’t just adopt Indian food. They made it their own.
Thanks to apps and food delivery platforms, Indian food is more accessible than ever. But let’s face it, not all takeaway hits the mark. That’s why we created Paratha Box to fill the gap between cheap knockoffs and overpriced “modern fusion” restaurants. We wanted something that:
Whether you’re in East London, Birmingham, or Glasgow, we’re bringing Indian street food to your doorstep.
You’ll find no shortage of options in London, from Michelin-starred Indian fine dining to hole-in-the-wall chaat shops. But if you’re after food that:
… then Paratha Box should be your go-to. We don’t claim to be the only ones doing it right. We just know that once you try us, we’ll be on your Indian food near me radar forever.
The journey of Indian food in the UK is far from over. It keeps evolving, just like the culture, the people, and the generations who grew up eating it. It’s now just as normal to see Butter Chicken as it is to order a classic Aloo Paratha.
And brands like Paratha Box are proud to be part of this delicious evolution, staying true to our roots, while always innovating. So the next time you’re searching for Indian street food, or looking up the best Indian food London, skip the overhyped stuff and come try something that actually delivers, in every sense of the word.
