Ever get those curry cravings?
As we head into the cooler autumn weather, I thought it was a good time to take a look at some of the great Indian food that Portsmouth has to offer.
I have rounded up my top four picks to help us spice up our lives this autumn, and gives the lowdown on Portsmouth’s newest Indian restaurant!
The great news is that these cater well for gluten-free and other dietary requirements too so which one takes your fancy?
Best Indian restaurants in Portsmouth
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get curry cravings and nothing else will do except Indian food!
Whether you like it extra mild or crazy hot, our city is blessed with a great choice of restaurants influenced by the Indian subcontinent.
The extra good news for those of us with dietary requirements is that Indian food can be very accommodating for us if we know where to look. So here are a few of my tried and tested favourites that cater well for me as a gluten-free eater, but should work well for others such as vegetarians and vegans too.
Best for: craft beer and atmosphere
Probably Portsmouth’s newest Indian restaurant and my favourite right now, Tap & Tandoor opened its doors at Gunwharf in January. The owner tells me business is booming and it’s not hard to see why. The food is excellent, the modern venue is buzzy and stylish, and if you’re a beer lover you’ll be pleased to know there’s a great range of craft beers on tap to enjoy with your food too.
Dishes with no gluten-containing ingredients are clearly marked up on the main menu, while coeliacs have a dedicated menu to themselves (which includes most curries and grilled items) so ordering is a breeze. There’s a good selection of veggie and vegan dishes (including on the coeliac menu) and the rotating list of craft beers on tap often includes two gluten free options.
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve eaten here and often find myself coming back to the butter chicken (it’s both richer and spicier than the usual offering), lamb curry (juicy meat in a flavoursome sauce) and charcoal-grilled meat dishes (including a very fine mixed grill). Several of us reckon the onion bhajis are the best in Portsmouth, and the crispy okra fries are a little bit different and very moreish. I also feel the prices are decent value for money.
Finally, if you’re a sports fan, why not come and watch one of the big fixtures here? We watched one of the Euro matches on their big screens in the summer, and it’s not just football that’s on offer. However, if you’re not into sport, don’t worry as it’s all very civilised and there’s plenty of space!
Best for: neighbourhood curry house
These guys told me recently that their restaurant has been going for more than 40 years now, which means they must be doing something right. I can remember eating here in my early 20s, but it’s only recently that I’ve started going again and have enjoyed three good meals in the past year.
Located where Albert Road joins Highland Road, I’d describe the venue as comfortable and old-fashioned-in-a-good-way. On request, there’s an allergy folder which is easy to follow and much of the menu and all the curries are gluten-free. The menu is inspired by India and Bangladesh and, as well as the classics, you’ll find a few surprises such as venison biryani made with wild New Forest meat and lassoni dish made with Hampshire beef.
My favourite which always has to be on the order is the Goan chicken or lamb – both are full of depth and flavour with just the right level of spice. It’s worth adding that I’ve always found the lamb to be lovely and tender here (and not like the dry and gristly offerings you sometimes find). The prices feel fair value for money too.
Best for: something different
This is the place to go if you fancy something a bit different. It opened in 2021 and is a stylish venue that gives a big nod to the atmosphere and food of old India, both in its attractive décor and distinctive menu.
There’s a decent selection of vegetarian dishes and, while gluten free items are not marked on the main menu, staff are helpful and efficient at checking things out with the kitchen and you can consult an allergen guide which is easy to follow.
Dishes that stand out for me include the grilled pineapple and paneer tikka starter and the nicely rich railway lamb curry, while the homestyle curries are a good bet too. If your diet allows, the sev puri is unique and also a must-order! Just so you know, Desi is an alcohol-free venue.
I find the Desi a little pricier than average, but it’s somewhere you should definitely try at least once and of course there’s no alcohol to inflate the bill.
Best for: takeaway
This curry house on Albert Road is another favourite that’s been around a very long time. It has a large and traditionally-styled restaurant where you can eat in, but also offers free delivery when you order direct, making it a great choice for a meal at home.
The menu is extensive and full of the classics you’d expect from a British curry house, with something for most tastes. While I’d never claim it’s the best Indian food I’ve had, it’s comfortably reliable and the staff are very helpful with a good understanding of allergens.
There’s a huge variety of gluten free dishes (including all the curries) and non-meat-eaters are well catered for with plenty of choice. A few dishes we enjoyed in our last delivery were George’s korai (tandoori-spiced chicken barbecued in a tasty sauce) and murghana peri peri (spring chicken simmered in a curry sauce with minced lamb, tomato and yoghurt). Prices are also fair here.
🛈 Bear in mind that menus, staff and ingredients do change and approaches to managing dietary requirements and cross-contamination risk do vary. So please treat this article as a guide, and always ask the restaurant any questions you need to ensure your requirements can be met.
Photos by Tap and Tandoor and Desi Cafe
