Street Food Cravings: Popular Indian Starters in Islington

There’s something uniquely satisfying about street food. The sizzle of hot oil, the burst of spice on your tongue, and the way small plates invite you to share, sample, and savour every bite. In Islington, few places capture this magic better than Red Rose Tandoori on Holloway Road.

While this beloved Indian restaurant in Islington is famous for its hearty mains and creamy curries, its street-style starters are a category of their own. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or kickstarting a feast, these bold, flavorful dishes tap into London's ever-growing appetite for Indian street food.

In this article, we shine a spotlight on five must-try starters that deliver all the punch of South Asian street stalls—right here in North London.

1. Chicken 65 (Contains Mustard)

Crispy, spicy, and slightly tangy, Chicken 65 is a street food legend across South India—and now, a firm favourite at Red Rose. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are deep-fried until golden and tossed in a fiery red masala featuring mustard seeds, garlic, curry leaves, and green chilies.

This starter is bold and addictive, perfect for spice-lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The texture is crisp outside, juicy inside, and every bite pops with layered heat. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick takeaway, Chicken 65 is a must for fans of authentic Indian street fare.

2. Sesame Chicken (Contains Sesame Seeds)

A modern twist on Indo-Chinese fusion, Sesame Chicken combines Indian spice with Chinese technique. Bite-sized chicken is lightly battered and fried, then coated in a glossy, soy-garlic glaze and finished with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

This dish is savoury, sweet, and crunchy all at once—ideal for sharing or pairing with a creamy curry as part of a larger meal. It's also great for those who prefer less spice but still want something exciting. Order it with a side of garlic naan and enjoy the contrast of East meets South Asia.

3. Garlic Mushroom Puri (Contains Sulphites)

For vegetarians and lovers of deep, umami flavours, Garlic Mushroom Puri is a true gem. Fresh mushrooms are sautéed with garlic and mild spices, then served atop a warm, fluffy puri—a fried Indian bread with a crispy edge and soft centre.

It's rich, earthy, and wonderfully comforting. This dish showcases how Indian street food doesn’t always need to be spicy—it can be mellow, satisfying, and packed with flavour. This is one of the best Indian starters in Islington for non-meat eaters looking for substance and taste.

4. Red Rose Mix (Contains Sulphites)

Can’t decide what to order? The Red Rose Mix solves that. A signature starter platter, it includes a rotating selection of house favourites like chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, onion bhajis, and mini samosas. It's a sampler plate made for sharing—or for those who want to try a bit of everything.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, date nights, or casual dinners. It also gives first-time diners a fast-track into the range of Indian flavours available at Red Rose Tandoori, one of the best Indian restaurants in Islington.

Pro tip: Pair the mix with mango chutney or mint yoghurt dip for the ultimate flavour combo.

5. Samosa (Veg or Meat)

No street food spread is complete without samosas. These golden, triangle-shaped parcels are filled with spiced potatoes and peas (veg version) or minced meat and herbs (meat version). At Red Rose, they’re fried to perfection with a crisp shell and warm, comforting interior.

Ideal as a snack, starter, or side dish, the samosa is a timeless favourite that appeals to all ages. Whether you choose veg or meat, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. And if you’re looking for traditional Indian starters in Islington, this is the gold standard.

Why Londoners Love Indian Street Food

Small plates. Big flavours. That’s the street food promise. In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, street vendors have long served up handheld, affordable, and irresistibly tasty snacks that keep locals coming back. In London, this love has grown into a full-on culinary movement.

At Red Rose Tandoori, that spirit is alive and well. Each starter captures the essence of India’s bustling food stalls but with the finesse of a restaurant kitchen. For anyone looking to explore vibrant, snackable dishes in a comfortable North London setting, this Indian restaurant in Islington is a must-visit.

Sweet & Savoury Combos (Connects to Article #8)

In Article #8, we explored the sweeter side of Indian cuisine—like Butter Chicken, Pasanda, and Muglai. Here's how those creamy mains complement your favourite street-style starters:

Pair Chicken 65 with Butter Chicken for a spicy-sweet contrast.

Enjoy Sesame Chicken alongside Pasanda for a nutty, balanced meal.

Have Garlic Mushroom Puri before indulging in Honey Chicken.

Follow your Red Rose Mix with a mild Muglai curry for a full-flavour ride.

Start light with a Veg Samosa, then dig into Tufa for a silky finish.

Local SEO Tips & Takeaway

Whether you’re looking for:

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…Red Rose Tandoori hits every mark.

Its street-style starters are perfect for quick bites, casual dinners, or pre-curry indulgence. And with delivery and collection available via their official site and ChefOnline portal, you can enjoy these flavours from your sofa or at the dinner table.

Final Word

Islington’s food scene thrives on variety—and Red Rose Tandoori’s vibrant Indian starters deliver it in spades. With options for spice-lovers, vegetarians, meat-eaters, and first-timers, these dishes bring authentic street food energy to North London without the chaos of a food market.

So next time you're craving something crispy, savoury, and full of personality, skip the supermarket snack and order from Red Rose instead. Your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you.