One of the greatest joys of visiting the Golden Mile is the food — from street snacks to full-course meals, vegetarian delights to rich desserts. It’s no exaggeration to say that Leicester’s reputation as a curry capital owes much to the restaurants and eateries along Belgrave Road.
Vegetarian & Vegan Delights
Many restaurants here are pure-vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly. You’ll find dhoklas, dosas, chaats, and more. The emphasis is often on fresh ingredients, vibrant spices, and dishes that welcome every level of spice tolerance.
Must-Try Street-Food & Snacks
- Chaat houses: perfect for sampling pani puri, bhel puri, dahi puri, and more.
- Sweet/dessert shops: jalebi, barfi, gulab jamun, and Indian milk sweets (mithai) are abundant.
- Paan houses: the flavourful post-meal mouth freshener is a staple experience here.
- Established Restaurants & Hidden Gems
- Some restaurants have been on the Golden Mile for decades. Locals and visitors alike attest to their staying power and authenticity. Don’t hesitate to wander off the main road: smaller alleys and side streets often hide family-run gems with unforgettable food.
- Atmosphere & Dining Style
- The ambience is lively. Often, there’s a buzz from neighbouring shops, the scent of spices in the air, and colourful décor inside restaurants. Whether you’re dining solo, with family, or in a group, the options scale to suit your needs.