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Popadoms (V)

About This Dish

Papad or poppadoms are thin, crisp discs made from lentils, chickpea, or rice flour, seasoned lightly with spices such as cumin, black pepper, or ajwain. They are typically served as an appetizer or side, either deep-fried for an airy crunch or dry-roasted for a healthier version. Their lightness and satisfying crispy texture make them a perfect contrast to heavier curries and gravies. 

Poppadoms are often served with chutney(s) like sweet, tangy, or spicy, adding bursts of flavour and excitement to a meal. Despite their simplicity, they carry a depth of tradition and versatility that elevates any dining experience.

History & Tradition

The roots of poppadoms stretch deep into ancient Indian culinary practices—where lentil and pulse-based flours were used creatively to add nutritious value to meals. Poppadoms were generally handmade by rolling out dough into thin rounds and sun-drying them for storage. They became a staple in Indian households, especially in dry regions where preservation was key. 

Over time, they earned their place at both humble and festive tables. Their popularity expanded far beyond Indian borders, becoming a staple offering in Indian restaurants globally. In many families, preparing poppadoms is a cherished tradition, with recipes passed down through generations and tailored to local ingredients and tastes.

What Makes It Special

What makes poppadoms truly special is their delicate crispness ,and how beautifully they carry the flavours of the spices within. Whether served on their own or paired with tangy pickles and refreshing chutneys, they enhance the meal by adding contrast in both texture and taste. 

The lightness makes them enjoyable without overpowering the main dishes. Additionally, being gluten-free and vegan by default in most cases makes it suitable for nearly every dietary preference. They’re not just a snack or starter; they’re a nostalgic, flavorful addition that completes the Indian thali with a satisfying crunch.

OpenTable

Anjali Khurana

The poppadoms here are wonderfully crisp and full of flavour. They arrived warm, with a perfect crunch and subtle spice. Paired with the chutneys, they made a delightful start to the meal. It reminded me of the way they are served in traditional Indian homes. A simple yet satisfying way to kick off the dining experience.

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Sarah Collins

These poppadoms were a brilliant appetizer. Light, crispy, and just the right hint of spice. I especially loved the assortment of chutneys that came with them—each one added a new flavour twist. They set the tone for a delicious meal and were a great way to whet the appetite without feeling too heavy.

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Oliver Turner

I always order poppadoms, and these were some of the best I have had. Perfectly crunchy with a lovely toasted flavour. The green chutney had a great kick, and the sweet mango chutney balanced it out nicely. A must-have if you are starting with drinks or just want a tasty, crispy side to share.

FAQs

A: Yes, traditional poppadoms are plant-based and typically free from animal products, making them suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

A: Absolutely. You can easily prepare poppadoms at home using store-bought discs. They can be deep-fried or roasted over an open flame or microwave for a quick and crispy appetizer.

A: Not usually. They’re lightly seasoned, but you can choose versions with added chili or black pepper for a spicier kick.

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When the UK turns up the heat, we turn to what we know best — the perfect pour and the perfect plate. Our chilled Kingfisher beer on tap is golden, crisp, and frothy — the antidote to a blazing summer day. Pair it with smoky kebabs and fragrant biryani, and you’ve got a match made in spice-and-suds heaven.

From melt-in-mouth galouti and fiery Kingfisher Fish Fry to slow-cooked dum biryani, our kitchen delivers bold Awadhi flavours that sing with a cold pint by their side. Every bite cools the soul, every sip builds the mood — it’s the only kind of heatwave we welcome!

Visit Us At:
📍BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
📍BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, London W2 2ER

#bkcflavors #londoneats #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #viral #virałpost #londonrestaurant #londonrestaurantguide #londoneating #timeoutlondon #lotiloves #londonloves #kingfisherbeer #lagertime #beersoftheworld #halal #kebabs #biryanilovers #beattheheat ...

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Back by popular demand and already stealing hearts, our Kolkata Biryani is halfway through its run — and if you haven’t had it yet, now’s the time. The aloo’s still there, the flavours are still soulful, but it won’t be around for long.

Think: fall-off-the-bone chicken, golden potatoes, long-grain rice perfumed with kewra and rose — all slow-cooked in a sealed handi the way Kolkata intended. No colour. No compromise. Just comfort and craft in every bite.

Available Friday to Sunday, for the rest of June:
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, London W2 2ER

Don’t wait — the final weekends are ticking away!

#bkcflavors #londoneats #biryani #desikhana #eeeeeats #vegetarian #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #instafood #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #biryanilovers #kolkatabiryani #biryanilovers #dumbiryani #kolkata #bengali #bengalifood ...

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For the First Spoon, and Every One After!

There’s something unforgettable about the way Dad fed you your first bite — patient, proud, full of love. At BKC, we honour that quiet magic with food that carries memory in every grain and every spice. This Father`s Day, let the taste of home and heritage bring you back to where it all began.

Celebrate the man who never let your plate go empty — with hand-pounded kebabs, slow-cooked biryanis, and chai that lingers like his warmth. Whether it’s a shared meal or a gift of flavour, make it count with BKC’s soul-stirring fare.

📍BKC Soho & BKC Marble Arch | Sunday, 16 June
• BKC Soho : 8 & 9 Moor Street, London - W1D 5ND
• BKC Marble Arch - 7 Edgware Road, Tyburnia, London W2 2ER

#bkcflavors #biryani #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #eatdelicious #foodies #tastemade #yummy #love #weekendindulgence #flavoursofindia #heritage #tribute #reverence #viral #viralreels #viralvideos #halalfood #halal #kebab #father #fatherandson #fathersday ...

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