1. Mughli, Manchester
Promising "no English food", Mughli prides itself on its family recipes for dishes that originate from the Mughal empire. Think methi murgh ("fenugreek leaves, chicken, and a touch of cream") and street food. YUM.
2. Lasan, Birmingham
3. Shish Mahal, Glasgow
The (claimed) home of the original chicken tikka masala. If you don't fancy its signature dish, you could try a newer option, like the Darjeeling chicken (top left).
Truly delicious, all-veggie south Indian food. Eat like royalty for under a tenner. An honourable mention also goes to Jai Krishna in Finsbury Park.
5. Viceroy, Yeovil
6. Myristica, Bristol
Named the best curry in the southwest in the 2013 British Curry Awards, Myristica is a cut above your average. Go for a tiffin box for a fiver, or try the guinea fowl stir-fry.
7. Bokhara Brasserie, Bridgend, Wales
A consistent award-winner that offers great value (under £10 for a main dish), Bokhara focuses mainly on northwest Indian food. Watch the staff prepare your kundan kaliyon (chicken in saffron sauce) in their open kitchen, and drool.
8. Saleem's, Birmingham
One of the oldest Balti Belt restaurants, Saleem's is an institution. Just trust the menu and tuck in.
9. Yeti Nepalese, Oxford
Nepali food that will knock your socks off. Nariwal chicken is a particular delight, with coconut, curry leaf, and mustard.
10. The Wee Curry Shop, Glasgow
11. Prithvi, Cheltenham
12. Mem-Saab, Leicester
Dedicated to "the redoubtable ladies of the Raj", Mem-Saab is high end, with a champagne bar and private dining available. If you're adventurous, try out the cumin kangaroo ("Diced kangaroo simmered with Indian herbs and spices. Finished with
coriander and generous helping of roasted cumin").
13. The Polash, Dartford
14. Rasoi, Swansea
They say: modern Indian fusion. We say: Methi chicken ("roasted chicken from the flames of the tandoor, braised in a fresh peppery fenugreek masala sauce") as well as scallops royale ("scallops with mango chilli and coriander salsa, beetroot sauce, mint chutney")? Sign us up.
15. Mosque Kitchen, Edinburgh
It's not glamorous, but the food is delicious and incredibly filling. Stock up ahead of a long day.
16. Omar Khan's, Bradford
It's hard to go wrong at this place, which has been running for over 20 years. Go for a biryani or perhaps a succulent grilled lamb chop. An honourable mention also goes to Nawaab.
17. Needoo Grill, London
18. Sharmilee, Leicester
Part sweet-shop, part restaurant, all delicious. This place specialises in Punjabi cuisine; you won't be disappointed.
19. Cafe Maharba, Manchester
20. Gymkhana, London
Michelin-starred Indian dining, harking back to the British Raj. It's not cheap – a four-course set menu costs £30 – but it's worth it. An honourable mention goes to the less costly Dishoom.
21. Dosa n Chutny, London
