Brick Lane is famous for curry due to a massive influx of Bangladeshi immigrants (specifically from the Sylhet region) in the post-WWII era, who established numerous restaurants in the area. Located in East London, this historic street transformed into a cultural hub known as "Banglatown," characterized by its high concentration of authentic Indian and Bangladeshi curry houses.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Brick Lane had transformed into “Bangla Town”, a thriving hub for the Bangladeshi community. The arrival of the first curry houses in the mid-20th century turned the street into a culinary magnet that drew food lovers from across London—and beyond.
Why is Brick Lane sometimes called the curry capital of London?
In the 20th century the Brick Lane area was important in the development of British Bangladeshi cuisine, as families, especially from the Greater Sylhet region, migrated to London to look for work. Some curry houses in the area do not sell alcoholic beverages, as most are owned by Muslims.
Mention Brick Lane and most people think of curry. It's long been a hub for London's Bangladeshi community, which has made it famous for an array of authentic restaurants—and some of the best curries in London.
Brick Lane was in existence by the 1500s as a field path in open countryside outside the City of London, east of the boundary of the medieval Augustinian Priory of St Mary Spital, which gave Spitalfields its name. Originally the street took its name from the brick kilns first brought here by early Flemish settlers.
Yes, Brick Lane is still considered cool, remaining a vibrant East London hub for street art, vintage fashion, diverse food (especially curry and bagels), lively markets (weekends are best), and unique nightlife, though its vibe constantly evolves with new pop-ups and evolving trends. It's a mix of historic charm, bohemian culture, and modern-day gentrification, always offering something interesting to explore, especially during its energetic weekend markets.
Over in the City of London, you'll find Watling Street. Connecting Queen Victoria Street to St Paul's Cathedral (and offering a pretty gorgeous view in the process), Watling Street puts forward a fairly convincing case as the oldest street in London.
Brick Lane is Monica Ali's 2003 novel named after the London street of the same name. It follows the life of Nazneen, a Bangladeshi woman who moves to London at the age of 18 to marry an older man, Chanu. They live in London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Brick Lane is in the heart of the East End and is one of London's most iconic streets. Historically it's been home to French Huguenot and Jewish immigrants, and now it's a centre for the Bangladeshi community. Along with its heritage, Brick Lane is known for its food.
Jalfrezi is generally considered hotter or at least comparable to Madras, as both are hot curries, but Jalfrezi's heat comes from fresh green chilies and stir-frying (meaning you can often fish them out), while Madras relies on a hotter chili powder base for its consistent heat, making Jalfrezi potentially spicier if loaded with fresh chilies.
Authentic Indian Restaurant on Brick Lane. Bengal Village is a family-run restaurant in the heart of the iconic Brick Lane, also known as the Curry Mile of London. Its enduring popularity since 1991 is thanks to its expertly executed range of classic dishes that consistently impress.
Chicken Tikka Masala: The Indian Curry Invented in the UK. We all love a traditional and heart-warming curry from time to time, and you may be surprised to discover that one of India's most infamous dishes is actually thought to be a British invention!
Which was the first Indian restaurant to get a Michelin star?
Since Tamarind and Zaika in London broke ground as the first Indian restaurants to snag a MICHELIN Star back in 2001, our love affair with Indian cuisine has only intensified.
The majority are concentrated in West and North-west London (in the boroughs of Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Brent), though populations can be found throughout London.
Index of Multiple Deprivation (UK government qualitative survey): Areas to the east of Brick Lane are among the 20% most deprived in the country. Areas to the west are among the 40% least deprived.
Littered with vintage boutiques and colourful stalls, Brick Lane is famously known for its vintage fashion and although it makes for a great day out, a lot of the fashion can be very expensive.
