Leicester is a city renowned for its rich South Asian culinary heritage, offering some of the finest curry houses in the UK. But for those following a gluten-free diet, navigating Indian and South Asian menus can be tricky. While many traditional curries are naturally gluten-free, certain gravies, breads, and fried starters can contain wheat-based ingredients. Fortunately, several Leicester restaurants take gluten-free dining seriously, ensuring that coeliacs and gluten-sensitive diners can enjoy flavour-packed curries without worry.
From aromatic South Indian dosas to robust North Indian curries and modern street food twists, Leicester’s gluten-free-friendly curry houses cater to every palate. Many of these venues offer dedicated gluten-free menus, carefully trained kitchen staff, and clear allergen labelling, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience. Whether you’re craving a creamy korma, a fiery madras, or a fragrant biryani, these eight restaurants deliver exceptional gluten-free curries without compromise.
Here’s where to find the best gluten-free curry houses in Leicester.
1. Spice Bazzar: Traditional Curries with Gluten-Free Options
For a classic Indian dining experience with a strong focus on gluten-free options, Spice Bazzar is one of Leicester’s top choices. This family-run restaurant takes pride in its authentic, home-style cooking, offering a wide selection of naturally gluten-free curries and carefully adapted dishes.
The menu is packed with flavourful, slow-cooked curries, including butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and prawn masala, all made without gluten-containing ingredients. Their rich, tomato-based curries and creamy coconut-infused dishes cater to a variety of preferences, from mild to extra spicy. For those who enjoy vegetarian options, the tarka dal and chickpea masala are both standout choices.
Spice Bazzar is highly rated for its allergen awareness, with staff trained to accommodate gluten-free requests. They take cross-contamination seriously, ensuring that gluten-free meals are prepared separately from wheat-based dishes. While traditional naan is off the table, their fluffy basmati rice and spiced potatoes make excellent accompaniments.
With its warm, inviting atmosphere and a focus on high-quality ingredients, Spice Bazzar is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic gluten-free Indian food in Leicester.
2. Amaravathi South Indian Restaurant: Authentic Gluten-Free Dosas and Curries
Amaravathi South Indian Restaurant is a hidden gem serving up flavourful gluten-free dishes, including crispy dosas, tangy sambar, and fragrant coconut-based curries. South Indian cuisine naturally lends itself to gluten-free dining, as many dishes are based on rice, lentils, and chickpea flour rather than wheat.
Their masala dosa, made from fermented rice and lentil batter, is a crispy, golden delight, served with spiced potato filling, coconut chutney, and warming sambar—all naturally gluten-free. Other highlights include the chettinad chicken curry, packed with fiery spices and black pepper, and the tangy tamarind rasam, a refreshing South Indian soup bursting with depth of flavour.
The kitchen staff are well-trained in gluten-free preparation, and the menu is clearly marked to indicate safe choices. While traditional wheat-based chapatis are not available, the steamed idlis (soft rice cakes) and fluffy lemon rice make excellent gluten-free alternatives.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free meal with bold flavours and a South Indian twist, Amaravathi is a top-tier choice.
3. Varanasi Boutique Restaurant: High-End Dining with Gluten-Free Delicacies
For a luxurious Indian dining experience, Varanasi Boutique Restaurant blends opulence with authentic flavours, making it a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy gluten-free Indian cuisine in an upscale setting.
The menu features an array of meticulously prepared curries and tandoori dishes, many of which are naturally gluten-free. Highlights include the slow-cooked lamb nihari, a dish bursting with aromatic spices and deep, rich gravy, and the Goan prawn curry, simmered in a coconut and tamarind sauce. Their charcoal-grilled tandoori platters, featuring marinated chicken, lamb chops, and king prawns, are completely gluten-free and cooked to smoky perfection.
Varanasi is known for its attentive service and commitment to allergen safety. The staff are well-informed about gluten-free needs, ensuring that dishes are prepared without cross-contamination. While naan bread is unavailable, their selection of flavoured basmati rice, from saffron-infused to lemon rice, complements each curry beautifully.
With its stunning interior, gold-accented décor, and exquisite presentation, Varanasi Boutique Restaurant offers a premium gluten-free dining experience in Leicester.
4. My Delhi Leicester: Modern Indian Street Food with Gluten-Free Choices
My Delhi Leicester brings the flavours of Delhi’s bustling food markets to Leicester, offering a menu designed to cater to a range of dietary requirements.
Their gluten-free menu is extensive, featuring dishes like Delhi Butter Chicken, a creamy, mildly spiced classic, and the Lamb Railway Curry, a rich and hearty dish with deep, slow-cooked flavours. Their tandoori kebabs and grilled prawns are also 100% gluten-free, providing a lighter alternative to the rich curries.
Where My Delhi truly stands out is its street food-inspired small plates. The pani puri shots (served with gluten-free chickpea shells), aloo tikki chaat, and chilli paneer offer a delightful mix of textures and bold spices, making this a fantastic spot for sharing dishes with friends.
The restaurant is transparent about allergens, with staff who fully understand gluten-free requests. The bright, colourful interior and lively atmosphere make My Delhi an exciting and inclusive choice for gluten-free diners looking to explore India’s diverse street food scene.
5. Dhaka Deli: Authentic Bangladeshi Flavours with Gluten-Free Options
Dhaka Deli is a well-established favourite among Leicester’s curry houses, known for its richly spiced dishes and homely atmosphere. The restaurant’s approach to cooking revolves around fresh ingredients, slow-cooked curries, and carefully balanced spice blends, many of which are naturally gluten-free.
The menu features a variety of traditional Bangladeshi curries, with standout options including chicken shatkora, cooked with a tangy citrus fruit unique to Bangladeshi cuisine, and king prawn bhuna, a deeply spiced, slow-cooked dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood. Vegetarian diners will appreciate the saag paneer and chana masala, both of which are rich in flavour and gluten-free.
Staff members at Dhaka Deli are knowledgeable about gluten-free requirements, ensuring that meals are prepared with separate utensils and that sauces and spice blends are free from hidden gluten sources. While naan and chapati are off-limits, their fluffy pilau rice and lentil-based sides provide the perfect pairing for any curry.
The restaurant itself is warm and welcoming, with a casual yet vibrant atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re after a hearty lamb curry, a fiery chicken dish, or a comforting vegetarian option, Dhaka Deli ensures that gluten-free diners can indulge in traditional Bangladeshi flavours without worry.
6. Herb: South Indian Vegetarian Cuisine with a Fully Gluten-Free Menu
Herb stands out as one of Leicester’s few fully gluten-free South Indian restaurants, offering a 100% vegetarian menu that embraces traditional Kerala cuisine. Unlike many curry houses that require gluten-free diners to request modifications, every dish here is naturally free from wheat and gluten, making it a stress-free dining experience.
Diners can enjoy a selection of crisp, golden dosas, stuffed with fillings like spiced potato, mixed vegetables, or tangy tomato chutney. The uttapam, a savoury lentil-based pancake, is another must-try, topped with fresh herbs, onions, and chillies for a burst of flavour. Their coconut-based curries, including the avial (a mixed vegetable stew with coconut and yoghurt), bring a depth of flavour that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Since the entire restaurant is gluten-free, cross-contamination is never an issue, making it a safe space for coeliacs and gluten-sensitive diners. The staff are well-versed in allergens and happy to recommend dishes based on dietary preferences.
The setting at Herb is relaxed and inviting, featuring earthy décor, warm lighting, and a peaceful ambience that enhances the dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of South Indian food or trying it for the first time, Herb provides a delicious and completely gluten-free way to explore this vibrant cuisine.
7. Sharmilee: A Vegetarian Institution with Gluten-Free Indian Sweets and Snacks
Sharmilee has long been a staple in Leicester’s Golden Mile, known for its vegetarian Indian cuisine, street food, and authentic Indian sweets. While many chaat and snack dishes traditionally contain wheat, Sharmilee has developed an extensive gluten-free selection, ensuring that coeliacs and gluten-sensitive diners don’t miss out.
The menu includes a variety of savoury gluten-free chaat dishes, such as bhel puri made with puffed rice, tangy tamarind, and fresh coriander, and dahi vada (lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt, topped with chutneys and spices). Their curries, including aloo gobi (spiced potato and cauliflower) and baingan bharta (smoky mashed aubergine), are all naturally gluten-free, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.
What sets Sharmilee apart is its selection of gluten-free Indian sweets, which can be hard to find elsewhere. Mysore pak (a rich, buttery chickpea flour fudge) and coconut barfi (sweetened coconut squares) are among the highlights, offering a perfect way to end a meal.
Sharmilee’s atmosphere is bustling yet welcoming, with colourful décor, a well-stocked Indian sweet counter, and a lively feel that captures the essence of Indian dining. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a full meal, or an assortment of gluten-free sweets, Sharmilee is one of Leicester’s best vegetarian spots for gluten-free Indian food.
8. Mowgli Street Food: Innovative Indian Dishes with a Gluten-Free Twist
Mowgli Street Food takes a fresh, modern approach to Indian cuisine, serving up small plates packed with bold flavours and innovative twists on classic dishes. With a menu that is clearly marked for allergens, gluten-free diners can order with confidence, knowing that many of Mowgli’s signature dishes are completely safe and wheat-free.
The Temple Dahl, a comforting bowl of slow-cooked lentils with cumin and coriander, is one of the restaurant’s standout dishes, offering a deep, earthy flavour with a hint of warmth. Other gluten-free highlights include the House Chicken Curry, made with fragrant garam masala and coconut milk, and the tea-steeped chickpeas, slow-cooked with an infusion of spices that create a rich, complex sauce.
One of Mowgli’s strengths lies in its attention to gluten-free preparation. Staff members are well-trained in handling allergens, ensuring that dishes are cooked separately from gluten-containing ingredients. Their rice-based sides and spiced potatoes offer excellent alternatives to naan and chapati.
The restaurant’s décor is modern and vibrant, featuring swing seats, fairy lights, and an open-plan kitchen that adds to the lively atmosphere. With its contemporary take on Indian food, commitment to gluten-free options, and exciting flavour combinations, Mowgli Street Food is a top choice for gluten-free curry lovers in Leicester.
Finding the Best Gluten-Free Curry Houses in Leicester
Leicester’s Indian food scene is diverse, rich in flavour, and welcoming to gluten-free diners. Whether you’re after a traditional curry house experience, a modern street food twist, or a fully vegetarian menu, the city offers plenty of outstanding options that cater to gluten-free diets without compromising on taste.
Classic restaurants like Spice Bazzar and Dhaka Deli provide authentic North Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, cooked using naturally gluten-free ingredients and careful preparation methods. Amaravathi and Herb focus on South Indian cuisine, with dosas, idlis, and coconut-based curries that bring the vibrant flavours of Kerala to Leicester.
For those who love street food and modern Indian small plates, My Delhi and Mowgli Street Food offer exciting menus that balance tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, Sharmilee caters to vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth, providing gluten-free chaat and Indian sweets that are hard to find elsewhere.
What sets these curry houses apart is their commitment to gluten-free dining, ensuring that dishes are prepared safely and deliciously. Whether you’re a coeliac or simply avoiding gluten, Leicester’s curry scene proves that you don’t need wheat to enjoy some of the city’s best food.
