For anyone seeking authentic South Indian cuisine in South London, Rikshaw in Norwood is a hidden gem worth discovering. I was invited for lunch and brought along a friend who lives nearby. From the moment we entered, we felt right at home. This new, cute neighbourhood restaurant serves beautifully spiced dishes rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Kerala. Whether you’re a long-time fan of dosas and coconut curries or eager to explore the flavours of South India, Rikshaw is a warm and welcoming place to begin. They offer lunch, dinner and a leisurely Sunday brunch. If you’re searching for the best South Indian food in SE27 or restaurants near Gipsy Hill Station, Rikshaw Restaurant in Norwood is an excellent choice.
“This is a great local restaurant offering a true taste of Kerala; where South London meets South India on a plate,” Homegirl London.
Rikshaw Restaurant’s South Indian Keralan Menu
The staff at Rikshaw are genuinely friendly and knowledgeable. They provide a helpful guide to the menu and an informal introduction to Keralan cuisine. Years ago, I visited Kerala, the land of coconuts, and fell in love with the region and its food. This lunch at Rikshaw brought those memories flooding back. The combination of flavour, warmth, and hospitality is as close to the real thing as I’ve found in London.
As we munched on the poppadoms and chutneys, we explored the extensive menu, and with help from the staff, we chose three standout starters.
The Pazham Pori, ripe bananas (plantains) dipped in batter and fried until golden, were crispy and slightly sweet.
Their Onion Bhajee, simple fritters made with gram flour, onion, and curry leaves, is probably the best I’ve ever eaten. They’re crunchy, light, and bursting with flavour.
I was new to the cauliflower chilli fry, and I loved it: bite-sized florets tossed with green chillies and curry leaves for a fiery, fragrant kick.
All the mains were excellent. The Avial was incredibly comforting, with vegetables in a coconut-yoghurt base with curry leaves.
The Aubergine Bhaji, slow-roasted with tamarind and coconut, had a rich, deep flavour. Another highlight was the Cheera Parippu Thalichathu, a creamy lentil and spinach curry with garlic and shallots, which was mellow and moreish.
I remembered Thoran from my trip to Kerala, which is finely chopped beans and cabbage stir-fried with coconut, shallots and green chillies; it’s so yummy.
To accompany these dishes, we added Nadan Choru, fluffy Kerala rice that rounded out the meal with a nutty, wholesome bite and felt healthier than standard white rice. We also ordered Appam, soft-centred, lace-edged pancakes made from coconut milk and fermented batter, and Kerala Paratha, layered, flaky flatbread cooked on a griddle.
We were too full for dessert, but the menu was tempting. Think of classics like Gulab Jamun, Palada Payasam, and Masala Dosa, along with Indian ice creams in coconut, rose, and mango flavours. However, we sampled two cocktails: a Lychee Martini and a Mango Nirvana; both were smooth and summery, making them a perfect pairing for the spice-forward menu.
Helpful Information About Rikshaw Restaurant Norwood
The restaurant is charming, featuring a stylishly simple interior with dark walls and vibrant South Indian inspired artwork. A bar spans one wall and has a cosy booth-style seating area for a more intimate dining experience.
Outside, a genuine rikshaw adds playfulness and children love climbing inside it.
Rickshaw is located at 244 Gipsy Road, London SE27 9RB, just a short walk from Gipsy Hill station. It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sunday, you can check out the brunch menu or dinner. Booking is recommended. For more information or to reserve a table, please visit the Rikshaw restaurant website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
West Norwood London SE27 Helpful Area Guide
Ten Things To Do In West Norwood London
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. You should do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog. Disclosure: I was invited to Rickshaw for a free meal for two people, therefore I am categorising this as an Advert/Advertising.