If there’s one thing London does well, it’s Indian food, but Patri manages to carve out its own lane with something that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. With spots in Hammersmith and Northfields, it’s built a reputation for bold flavours, generous portions, and the kind of dishes that are made for sharing, or at least pretending to.
The name itself tells a story. Patri loosely translates across Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit to meanings like pavement, track, and furnace, and that idea runs through the entire menu. It’s not just a clever name, it’s the blueprint. The food takes inspiration from street-side vendors, railway journeys, and the intense heat of traditional tandoor cooking, all brought together in a way that feels thoughtful without being overcomplicated.
The starters lean heavily into that street food energy. Think pani puri, crisp shells filled with spiced water that burst with flavour in one bite, or aloo tikki chaat, golden potato patties topped with chutneys, yoghurt, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. These are the kinds of dishes you’d expect to find sizzling away on busy pavements in India and Pakistan, packed with texture and punchy flavour.
Then come the grills, cooked in a tandoor that reaches over 400 degrees, giving everything that deep, smoky edge. The tandoori chicken arrives beautifully charred on the outside while staying juicy inside, while lamb chops bring that rich, slightly smoky intensity that makes them hard to share once they hit the table.
And then there are the curries, inspired by dishes served on long train journeys across India. A railway lamb curry delivers slow-cooked depth and warmth, while a classic butter chicken leans into comfort with its silky, gently spiced sauce. Add in one of their signature sharing thalis, and suddenly the table becomes a full spread, a mix of colours, flavours, and textures that feels indulgent in the best way.
Patri doesn’t try to reinvent Indian food. Instead, it celebrates where it comes from, the movement, the heat, the history, and turns it into something that feels right at home in London.
Patri
103 Hammersmith Grove, W6 0NQ
139 Northfields Avenue, W13 9QT
Patri.co.uk
