Indian cuisine is popular all over the world for its rich flavour and delicious taste. No matter how many international cuisines we try, nothing can beat the satisfaction that we get from eating Indian foods. However, finding authentic Indian food becomes difficult when you are in a foreign country. Indian restaurants abroad are also very expensive. But this problem can be solved if you are in London.
The YMCA Indian Student Hostel in London offers a plethora of Indian dishes from across the country under one roof. YMCA hostels are accommodations provided by an organisation called the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). They provide affordable lodging options for individuals, especially young people, travellers, and those in need of temporary housing.
Situated near Fitzroy Square, this hostel in London is perfect for Indians in the city who are away from home and craving some good Indian food. Their restaurant is open to the public seven days a week, where one can enjoy some delicious desi breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find plenty of mouthwatering local dishes in the diverse cuisines of India. The canteen is packed with Indian diners, and a few locals can also be seen relishing the food.
The favourite foods among patrons are chicken korma and biryani. The menu of the three meals is different for each day, but Thursdays are dedicated to South Indian cuisine, which includes freshly prepared sambar, Kerala fish curry, appam, dosa, egg curry, etc. Other popular delights in the YMCA canteen are butter chicken, tandoori roti, onion bhaji, dal, rice, and kheer. They also serve raita, pickles, and drinks like tea, coffee, and chaas.
The hostel was established in 1920, and it’s a hub for the Indian community residing in London. They have a communal dining hall set up where the tables are often shared between strangers, which gives an opportunity to start a conversation and build a family-like atmosphere. This also helps the diners feel less homesick. The timing for eating meals at the restaurant is fixed. For breakfast, it is open between 7.30 and 9.15 AM; for weekday lunch, it is open from 12.00 to 3.00 PM; and dinner is served from 6.30 to 8.30 PM. Weekend lunch is served between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. But if you are planning to visit on weekdays, make sure you have ample time, as you may encounter a long line.