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Welcome to Papa-dum
**About Papa-dum**Nestled in the heart of London at 20 James St, Papa-dum serves an exciting array of authentic Indian cuisine that captivates the senses. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming service, this gem offers a tantalizing menu featuring small plates like Bhel Puri and Dhai Puri, alongside hearty options such as Biryani and the famous Bombay Sandwich. Customers rave about the friendly service and the diverse flavors, making every visit memorable. Whether you’re indulging in spicy Vada Pav or a refreshing guava margarita, Papa-dum promises a delightful dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
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About
Papa-dum
Welcome to Papa-dum, a gem nestled in the bustling heart of London at 20 James Street, St Christopher’s Place. If you’re seeking a culinary adventure that captures the essence of authentic Indian cuisine, Papa-dum is the place to be. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming staff, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The menu at Papa-dum boasts a tempting array of dishes, with standout offerings that are sure to delight any palate. Take, for example, the Butter Chicken—a chargrilled tandoori spiced chicken poached in a rich, buttery tomato sauce that will leave you craving more. For those looking to spice things up, the Masala Chicken, marinated with chargrilled onions and enveloped in a spicy onion sauce, is not to be missed. Meanwhile, the Kashmiri Lamb offers a sublime experience, featuring slow-cooked boneless lamb simmered in an enriched curried sauce that melts in your mouth.
For seafood lovers, the Goan Fish, delicately prepared in an aromatic curry leaf and coconut sauce, delivers a taste of coastal India, capturing both richness and freshness. And let's not forget about the naan—offering options from classic Plain and Butter to unique Chilli, Cheese & Garlic combinations, contributing to a fulfilling dining experience with something for everyone.
Papa-dum doesn’t just excel in savory dishes; the dessert menu promises a sweet finish with options like the Chocolate Pani Puri, where traditional meets innovation, delighting you with a chocolate-covered puri filled with refreshing sweetness. It’s a perfect way to cap off a meal, leaving a lasting impression of culinary creativity.
The ambiance is equally noteworthy, from the moment you step in and are greeted by warm and friendly staff like the beloved Keisha, whose charisma elevates your dining experience. The vibe here is lively, creating an ideal setting for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. As diners have shared, the service is exceptional—quick, attentive, and genuine—ensuring that every moment spent at Papa-dum is memorable.
With glowing reviews echoing the sentiment of being a “must stop for great Indian food,” it’s evident that Papa-dum has crafted a menu and an experience that resonates with every guest who walks through its doors. Whether you’re a London local or a curious traveler, make sure that Papa-dum is on your list—it’s not just a meal, but a delightful journey into the flavors of India.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ What a find!! Fabulous place just off Oxford Street. Delicious Indian food great service. We had small plates and beers. So much food and very reasonable prices. Our new favourite when we’re in the area. ”
“ Delicious authentic indian food. Had the starters and they were 10/10. Excellent service! ”
“ Outstanding dining experience!!! Our server, Keisha, was the most friendly and charismatic server I’ve ever had! She greeted us with such warmth and cheer, like we were old friends. Can’t say enough good things about her! The food was unbelievable. We ordered multiple platters, and every one was outstanding. I thought we may have ordered too much food, but we ate it all, kids raved about it too. Would come back to London just for this experience again!!! ”
“ 06/05/25 Six of us walked in without a reservation and were lucky enough to be seated immediately. It wasn’t but moments later the place filled to capacity so we only squeaked in without a reservation. We all ordered a variety of foods and drinks and both food and drink ranged from mild to spicy. Who knew anyone made a spicy guava margarita with jalapeno slices it in it that blew our minds and tastebuds. I had two! The food was fantastic and none of us could have been more pleased. Our waitress was a doll - full of life, love, good humor, and great service. This place is a must stop for great Indian food and service that we won’t soon forget. ”
“ Absolutely wonderful place! We had just arrived in London and were looking for a place to eat. We found this lovely restaurant by chance, which welcomed us with open arms, even though there were eight of us and it was already quite late. We were served by an absolutely lovely woman! The service was overall really friendly and the food was really good! I definitely recommend it to everyone! I will definitely come back here on my next trip ”
“ I live in the US and have travelled to London the past three years in the late March / early April time frame. Across these trips, I have dined at Papa-Dum five times, including most recently this past Friday. I love the place! Food is delicious, location is great (James Street right close to the Bond station), and the staff are friendly and helpful. Keisha is absolutely delightful, by the way. My wife and I (who joined me last year) have always had top notch meals. I can’t wait to come back next year! ”
“ Located in the bustling St Christopher's Place, just behind Oxford Street. I went for an early dinner on a Monday evening. There is limited indoor seating, but more tables outside. Staff were very pleasant and friendly. Good service. I had the chicken biryani for one person. This was cooked in a traditional clay pot and served with raita and pickles. It was a big portion! Very generous. Food was delicious. Not overly spiced, perfectly balanced. I really enjoyed it. I had the fresh lime soda to drink which was very refreshing in the heat. Citrusy, salty, sweet, slightly spicy and garnished with fresh mint. I could have had another one! Can't fault the meal. I would say that the place is more suited for smaller groups of up to maybe four people. Quite tightly packed. Nice atmosphere. Clean. Would recommend for sure. ”
“ Service here was phenomenal and so was the food. Felt very comfortable as the staff were extremely lovely especially Keisha. Very helpful when it came to suggestions on the menu too. All around very happy with my experience. I will be coming back and I also will be recommending to friends and family. ”