From Curry Houses in London to Dosa Stalls in Singapore—India’s Culinary Legacy Goes Global

From Singapore to London, Indian cuisine has become part of the global food culture, offering comfort to travellers and expats alike

If you’ve travelled abroad, you know the craving that hits after days of exploring local cuisines—a comforting plate of dal, naan, or curry that feels like home. Fortunately, Indian food has travelled with its people. From early migrations to the modern IT boom, Indians carried their flavours wherever they went, and today you’ll find Indian food thriving across the world.

Spices, curries, and breads adapt beautifully to local tastes, blending tradition with innovation. This makes it easier for travellers to enjoy authentic Indian meals abroad, whether in buzzing city centres or quiet suburbs. Here are some of the best countries where Indian cuisine feels truly familiar.

Singapore
Despite its size, Singapore is a powerhouse for food lovers, and Indian cuisine is deeply woven into its identity. With its large Indian community, you’ll find everything from masala dosas to biryanis, all cooked to perfection. Local dishes like roti prata mirror Indian parathas, and fish curries attract long queues, proving how seamlessly Indian food has merged into Singapore’s culture.

Canada
Canada’s multicultural landscape makes it a haven for Indian food. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Brampton, authentic Punjabi dhabas, South Indian dosa outlets, and Bengali sweet shops thrive. From samosas on the street to full thalis in restaurants, the flavours are true to tradition. Indian grocery stores also make it easy to cook homestyle meals.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)
With its massive Indian expat population, the UAE has everything—from budget eateries serving homestyle thalis to luxury hotels offering royal Mughlai spreads. Dubai in particular is bursting with flavour, and for Indians living here, food is never a problem. Whether it’s biryani or unlimited thalis, comfort is always within reach.

United States
From New York to California, Indian food has made its mark across America. Curry houses and high-end modern restaurants exist side by side. In California, fusion dishes like tandoori tacos and chai lattes are trendy, while traditional meals like butter chicken or chole bhature taste just like home. The generous American portion sizes are a bonus for homesick Indians.

United Kingdom (UK)
The UK has perhaps the deepest connection with Indian food, thanks to migration and history. Chicken tikka masala is famously called Britain’s “national dish.” Walk down almost any high street in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, and you’ll spot curry houses serving classic and British-Indian fusion dishes like balti curries and tikka fries. For Indians in the UK, missing home food is nearly impossible.

Australia
In Sydney and Melbourne, Indian cuisine has grown with the student and immigrant community. From Punjabi curries to South Indian delicacies, authentic meals are widely available. Australians have also embraced Indian flavours, with curry pies, masala chips, and fusion pizzas adding local twists.

Japan
While not the first place that comes to mind, Japan has developed a taste for Indian curry. In Tokyo and Osaka, Indian chefs run restaurants serving naan-and-curry sets, alongside Japanese curries infused with Indian spices. Though flavours may be adapted, the essence remains warm and familiar.

Why Indian Food Abroad Feels Comforting
It’s not just the taste—it’s the connection. The aroma of cumin, cardamom, and ghee instantly transports you back to family meals. And with the Indian diaspora spread across continents, you’re rarely too far from biryani, dosa, or paneer tikka.

Tips to Find Authentic Indian Food Abroad

• Look for restaurants run by Indian chefs with regional specialities.
• Fresh rotis, house-made chutneys, and ghee-rich curries are good signs.
• Visit Little India neighbourhoods in cities like Singapore and London.
• Check Indian grocery stores—many have food counters.
• Use apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Zomato International.
• Connect with local Indian cultural or student associations.

Regional Specialties to Try Abroad

• UK: Punjabi curries, Gujarati thalis
• Singapore & UAE: Chettinad curries, South Indian meals
• North America: Street food-inspired chaat, tandoori dishes
• Australia & Japan: Fusion of North and South Indian flavours

Wherever you go, Indian cuisine remains more than just food—it’s a piece of home on every plate.