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The UK has more Indian restaurants than all McDonald's and KFC combined
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When you think of Indian food, you probably picture butter chicken, naan, or spicy curries. But where do people actually eat it the most? Not in India. Not even in the UK or the US. The country that loves Indian food more than any other is the United Kingdom.
Why the UK Tops the List
The UK doesn’t just like Indian food-it’s woven into its daily life. There are over 12,000 Indian restaurants in Britain, more than the total number of McDonald’s and KFC outlets combined. That’s not a guess-it’s from official food industry data. In London alone, you’ll find a curry house on almost every other street. People order chicken tikka masala like it’s a national dish, and it’s often called “Britain’s true national dish” by politicians and food critics alike.
Why? History. After India’s independence in 1947, hundreds of thousands of South Asians, especially from Bangladesh and Punjab, moved to the UK. They brought their food, and by the 1970s, curry houses started popping up in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Bradford. These weren’t fancy restaurants-they were working-class spots serving cheap, hearty meals to factory workers and miners. Over time, British taste buds adapted. They wanted less spice, more sauce, and softer textures. The result? Dishes like chicken tikka masala were invented in Glasgow or Birmingham-no one’s sure which-and became wildly popular.
How Much Do Brits Really Eat?
Every week, British households buy over 10 million portions of Indian food. That’s more than pizza, burgers, or fish and chips. A 2023 survey by the British Curry Association found that 68% of Brits eat Indian food at least once a week. One in four says it’s their go-to takeaway. Even in small towns, you’ll find a “curry house” that’s been around since the 1980s, run by the same family.
It’s not just about taste. Indian food became a social ritual. Families go for curry nights on Fridays. Couples have their first date at a curry house. People celebrate birthdays with biryani. It’s not exotic anymore-it’s home.
How Other Countries Compare
Other countries love Indian food too-but none match the UK’s depth of integration.
- United States: Over 5,000 Indian restaurants, mostly in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. But most Americans still see it as “ethnic food,” not everyday fare.
- Canada: Toronto and Vancouver have thriving Indian food scenes, thanks to large South Asian communities. But Indian food makes up less than 5% of takeout orders, compared to over 20% in the UK.
- Australia: Melbourne and Sydney have great Indian spots, but the market is still growing. Only 12% of Australians eat Indian food weekly.
- Germany and France: You’ll find Indian restaurants in Berlin and Paris, but they’re mostly tourist spots. Few locals order them regularly.
The difference? In the UK, Indian food is not imported-it’s adapted. It’s been remade to fit British tastes, budgets, and routines. It’s not a novelty. It’s a staple.
What Makes British Indian Food Different
Indian food in the UK isn’t the same as in Mumbai or Delhi. It’s been changed to suit local preferences:
- More sauce: British diners prefer rich, creamy gravies. Dishes like korma and madras are far more popular than dry curries.
- Less heat: “Hot” in the UK usually means medium spice. Most restaurants offer “mild,” “medium,” and “hot,” but “hot” rarely reaches the level of real Indian heat.
- More meat: Chicken and lamb dominate. Vegetarian options are common, but meat-based dishes sell better.
- Naan is king: While roti and paratha are common in India, naan is the go-to bread in the UK. It’s softer, butterier, and often served warm with garlic.
Even the way people eat is different. In India, meals are shared family-style. In the UK, most people order individual plates. The experience is more like dining out than eating at home.
The Hidden Story Behind the Numbers
Behind every curry house in the UK is a story of migration, resilience, and adaptation. Many owners came from rural Bangladesh or Punjab with little money and no English. They opened restaurants because it was one of the few businesses they could start. They worked 18-hour days, cleaned their own kitchens, and served customers who didn’t know the difference between a tikka and a vindaloo.
Today, those same restaurants are worth millions. Some have been passed down to second- and third-generation owners. Many now serve vegan options, gluten-free naan, and even fusion dishes like “curry tacos.” But the heart remains: good food, made with care.
What This Says About Culture
Indian food in the UK isn’t just about taste. It’s about belonging. For South Asians, it’s a way to stay connected to home. For British people, it’s a way to embrace something different and make it their own. It’s rare for a cuisine to become so deeply rooted in another country’s identity.
Compare that to the US, where Indian food is often seen as “special occasion” dining. Or in Australia, where it’s still growing. In the UK, it’s not a trend. It’s tradition.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Origin-It’s About Adoption
India didn’t export Indian food to the UK. People did. And those people built something new. The UK didn’t just accept Indian food-it rewrote it. And in doing so, it became the country that loves it most.
Is chicken tikka masala really British?
Yes, chicken tikka masala was invented in the UK, most likely in Glasgow or Birmingham in the 1970s. It’s not found in India, but it’s now the most popular Indian dish in Britain. Many British politicians, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, have called it Britain’s national dish.
Why is Indian food so popular in the UK but not in other Western countries?
The UK has the largest South Asian diaspora in the West, dating back to the 1950s and 60s. This created a steady demand for authentic food, and over time, restaurants adapted the flavors to local tastes. Other countries have smaller immigrant communities, so Indian food never became part of everyday eating habits.
Do Indians in India eat British-style Indian food?
Most don’t. British-style Indian food-like creamy kormas or sweetened curries-isn’t common in India. Indians abroad often miss the real thing and seek out restaurants that serve authentic regional dishes. But younger Indians in cities like Delhi and Mumbai are starting to experiment with fusion styles, inspired by what they’ve seen abroad.
Which Indian dishes are most popular in the UK?
Chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, rogan josh, and chicken tikka are the top three. Biryani and naan are also extremely popular. Vegetarian options like paneer tikka and chana masala are growing fast, especially among younger diners.
Is Indian food healthier than other takeaways in the UK?
It can be, but not always. Many UK curry houses use a lot of oil, butter, and cream to make dishes creamy and appealing. A single portion of chicken tikka masala can have over 1,000 calories. However, grilled tandoori dishes, lentil curries, and vegetable sides are often healthier than fried fish and chips or burgers.