London is a city where cultures collide and cuisines blend effortlessly, as the British capital offers a taste of the world. But sometimes, the best culinary experiences don’t come from Michelin-starred restaurants but from unassuming food kiosks tucked away in busy streets. This is what happened when I stumbled upon a small takeaway kiosk opposite Big Ben, selling piping hot, golden-brown Indian samosas.
The Kiosk with a Questionable Hygiene Rating
It wasn’t exactly a gourmet destination. The kiosk was small, no-frills, and had a slightly weathered appearance, next to the rush of tourists and office workers. A faded hygiene rating sticker in the window revealed a modest 2 out of 5—not exactly the most reassuring sign. But sometimes, street food isn’t about perfection; it’s about flavor, authenticity, and a bit of adventure. And I kind of thought that at least in London, which used to be part of EU, it should be safer to eat street food than in India, I don’t know why.
The menu was simple—tea, coffee, a few pastries, and a small selection of Indian snacks, including samosas. As someone who has tasted samosas across India, from bustling street corners in Mumbai to quiet stalls in Jaipur, I was curious. Could this little kiosk, standing in the heart of London’s tourist district, truly deliver an authentic samosa experience?
First Impressions: A Promising Aroma
The moment the vendor handed me the samosa wrapped in paper, I knew I had made the right decision. The deep-fried pastry shell was crisp, with just the right amount of golden flakiness. It was warm to the touch. Even before I took my first bite, the rich aroma of spices, potatoes, and fried dough filled the air.
It was a Punjabi-style samosa but not in the classic triangle form: it was more flat and more big, generously stuffed with a filling of mashed potatoes, green peas, and finely chopped onions, spiced with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. A light drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney completed the package.
The First Bite: Crisp, Spicy, and Comforting
With the sound of Big Ben chiming in the background, I walk by the river Thames and took my first bite. The crunch was nice, breaking into a soft, well-spiced interior. The potato filling was well-balanced—not overly dry, not too mushy. There was a satisfying heat from the green chilies, which was mellowed by the sweetness of the tamarind chutney.
For a moment, I wasn’t standing in central London; I was transported to a street-side tea stall in Delhi or a roadside vendor in Amritsar. The flavors were that authentic.
But if I compare this samosa to the Punjabi samosas that I buy frozen and eat warm from the oven in my home country of Finland, the frozen ones win because they are as tasty but lower in fat, thus more healthy.
Surprisingly No Regrets
Despite the 2-star hygiene rating, my stomach remained perfectly fine. No mysterious stomach aches, no regrets—just the lingering warmth of spices and the satisfaction of an unexpectedly good snack. Perhaps the kiosk’s rating wasn’t reflective of its food quality, or maybe I had simply gotten lucky. Either way, it was a reminder that great food can come from the most unexpected places.
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of London
For just a few pounds, this samosa experience was worth every bite. While London is home to high-end Indian restaurants like Dishoom and Gymkhana, sometimes the true magic of Indian cuisine lies in its street food. This tiny kiosk, with its modest appearance and questionable hygiene rating, delivered an experience that was simple, authentic, and deeply satisfying.
So, if you ever find yourself near Big Ben with a craving for Indian flavors, keep an eye out for that little kiosk near the station entrance.
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