Masala Fish Fry: London’s Boldest Starter You Didn’t Know You Needed

In the heart of Soho, where every street is alive with the scent of sizzling grills and the chatter of late-night diners, one dish at BKC London has been quietly building its own fan club. Forget your average seafood starter—this is the Masala Fish Fry, and it’s here to make an impression that lasts well beyond the first bite. What lands at your table isn’t just food; it’s a spectacle in miniature. Each morsel of fish is hand-cut for the perfect bite, then bathed in a marinade that brings together warming spices and the unmistakable nuttiness of carom seeds. It’s the kind of preparation that takes its time—letting every grain of masala seep deep into the flesh—before hitting the hot pan. The result?

An irresistible crunch on the outside, with tender, juicy fish waiting underneath. But this isn’t some seaside shack import. We’ve taken the essence of the Indian seafood appetizer and given it a distinctly London Indian restaurant small plates swagger—vibrant, unapologetic, and just a little addictive. There’s a rhythm to the flavours: the smokiness easing into spice, the tang cutting through the richness, each mouthful as layered as the streets outside our doors. And then, just when you think you’ve figured it out, the chilli-mustard sauce arrives as the dip. Not a timid sidekick, but a bold co-star—fiery enough to tingle, smoky enough to intrigue, and sharp enough to demand a second dip. This is the kind of condiment that doesn’t play in the background; it steps right into the spotlight. At BKC London, this dish isn’t designed for polite nibbling—it’s built for lingering evenings, clinking glasses, and the kind of conversations that roll long past closing time. 

A Starter That’s a Story in Itself

For the regulars who know us best, this isn’t simply another Indian seafood appetizer on a long list of choices—it’s the non-negotiable order, the dish that gets ticked off in their minds before they’ve even glanced at the menu. Some come in on a grey, slow-moving afternoon in Soho, letting a plate of our Masala Fish Fry starter be the comfort they’ve been craving. Others treat it as the spark for their evening—a quick hit of spice and crunch that sets the tone for what’s to follow. It’s a dish that bends to your mood. If you’re out with friends, it turns into a centre-table showpiece, something to pass around between sips of chilled drinks and bursts of conversation. If you’re dining solo, it’s indulgence without guilt—just you, the plate, and the happy knowledge that you don’t have to share a single bite.

This is where the culture of London Indian restaurant small plates really comes into its own. Our Masala Fish Fry has that street-food soul but with a polished, city-smart edge. There’s no fuss in the presentation, just a confident plate of golden-fried bites that deliver flavour straight to the point. Crisp on the outside, tender within, and layered with masala that’s bold enough to wake your senses but balanced enough to keep you reaching for more. It’s comfort food, yes—but not the sort that quietly blends into the background. This is comfort food with a grin, a wink, and a little swagger. And if you’ve been searching for the perfect spiced fish snack in London, you’ve just found it.

Drink Pairings That Make It Sing

Now, this is where things get a bit exciting—because a plate of Masala Fish Fry deserves the right partner in crime. For something cooling yet deeply satisfying, we’ll pour you a tall glass of Masala Chaas. The yoghurt’s creamy body softens the spice, while the gentle notes of roasted cumin and fresh coriander keep your palate engaged for the next bite. It’s the kind of pairing that feels like a slow exhale after that first fiery crunch. If you’re after something with more sparkle, our soda shikanji is your match. A burst of lemon, a tickle of spice, and that bright fizz that cuts through the richness of the fish—it’s sunshine in a glass, even on a rainy Soho evening. And for the crowd that likes to bend the rules? We’ve seen this dish paired with a crisp craft lager, a citrusy gin cocktail, and even a smoky whisky highball. Turns out, our Indian seafood appetizer is a bit of a social butterfly—equally at home with the classics and the more adventurous pours.

Happy Hour & Combo Magic

Londoners don’t just enjoy a good deal—they celebrate it. That’s why, when happy hour rolls in at BKC London, the Masala Fish Fry often takes centre stage. Order it alongside our kebab platter and you’ll find yourself looking at a table groaning under the weight of smoky skewers, golden-fried fish, and dips you’ll be mopping up till the last crumb disappears. We’ve built our London Indian restaurant small plates menu for people who like to graze and share, and our combo offers prove it. Whether you’ve just clocked off from work and popped in for a quick round in Soho, or you’re here to stretch the night until the city lights start to blur, these dishes are made for passing around, stealing “just one more” bite, and then ordering that second plate because the first vanished far too quickly. It’s food that’s fun, unfussy, and far too good to be a one-time thing.

Why It’s More Than Just Food

At BKC London, we don’t think of our dishes as just food on a plate—we see them as little stories waiting to unfold at your table. Our Masala Fish Fry starter isn’t the sort of thing you nibble on absentmindedly; it’s the dish that sparks debates over the last piece, and the reason people wander back through our doors week after week. In a city like London, where every street corner offers another tempting bite, it takes something special to make a diner pause. This fish does exactly that. Crisp, spiced, and unapologetically bold, it doesn’t whisper—it announces itself. And when paired with the hum of Soho outside, it becomes more than an appetizer; it’s part of your night’s story. So the next time you find yourself weaving through Soho’s neon-lit streets, skip the obvious. Choose something with attitude. Whether you call it an Indian seafood appetizer, your go-to spiced fish snack in London, or simply “that incredible fish I had at BKC,” one truth remains—try it once, and it won’t be your last.

BKC London. Soho’s home for flavour.