Welcome to Kolam
Kolam, nestled in the heart of Tooting Bec, offers an authentic taste of South Indian cuisine in a warm, family-run setting. With dishes crafted from scratch, each meal embodies the comforting essence of homemade food reminiscent of grandmother’s kitchen. Highlights include the Goan Chicken Vindaloo and the delectable Fried King Prawns, which pay homage to traditional recipes while inviting a contemporary palate. Diners appreciate the friendly service and the variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, making Kolam a beloved local gem. This intimate eatery not only serves delicious food but also fosters a sense of community and connection among its patrons.
Kolam: Reviews & Ratings
Really tasty South Indian food. Nice level of spice and friendly owners
Must go for authentic South Indian food like you’re in your grandma’s house - coming from a South Indian myself! The food was very comforting and relatively cheap. Each dish is clearly cooked from scratch and to order which can be rare especially compared to the “flashy” restaurants on the same street. Highly recommend supporting this small business, they deserve more customers!! (Picture really does not do it justice)
I came to Kolam with a large group back in December 2024. I usually just get takeaway food from the restaurant, but I wanted to book a casual group dinner that was close to my house for my birthday, and this was absolutely perfect. The staff were so accommodating; we were asked to give our food order in advance, which made things so much easier as the food service began straight away once we had all arrived and we were allowed to bring a portable speaker to play our own music (at a respectable volume, of course). I paid a 20% deposit in advance because we were a large group, which I was more than happy to do, and this was easily taken off the bill at the end of the meal. The service was fantastic, the ladies who served us were friendly and attentive. It is a small family business of only 2/3 people and there were about 20 of us at our table plus some other groups too, so we were all really impressed with the efficiency. We were able to bring our own drinks for a small corkage fee and everyone agreed that all the food was delicious. It’s great value for money and there is a really good variation of mains, side dishes & sundries. I chose to order 100% vegetarian to make it easier to share as a group, but there are lots of other meat options too. I will always recommend this place to friends who are booking for a celebration or just want a good quality dinner served by lovely staff. My only regret would be that I didn’t dine in at the restaurant sooner! I hope more people discover this lovely place beyond just getting food to take away. If you are trying to support more local businesses in Tooting this is a great place to start. P.s. I apologise that it has taken me so long to leave a review, I wrote one months ago and I don’t think it submitted properly...
If you are looking for south indian food, don't look further... Family run, hard to find such restaurants in london, excellent food, amazing hospitality and ambience, such a lovely elderly couple running this as a service, do support them.
Excellent South Indian food, really authentic! Definitely try the Dosa but beware it’s very filling so maybe share one as a starter to leave space for the delicious main courses! Really great price as well, such good value for money! One thing to note - I would recommend sticking to South Indian dishes. Naan and Mango Lassi were not so great but they are North Indian things so really, it’s our fault for ordering them at a South Indian restaurant! Also another thing was onion bhaji is a different style in south India - it’s yummy, but if you were expecting a ball of crispy fried onions, you’ll get something slightly different. Explore new dishes instead!
40 years run by a husband and wife Been past so many time but looked at google reviews and thought lets try it. Flavours are amazing If you come here to eat you will have to acknowledge its a family business so don't rush the service as food is made fresh with TLC Wont be disappointed whether veggie or meat
A group of 15 of us chose Kolam for a social outing because of its great food, wonderful service and lovely atmosphere. Rajah was super helpful when we planned the meal together, and we all had a lovely evening. The dishes were delicious! We might well end up doing a repeat performance in the new year. Thank you so much to the wonderful people at Kolam! Kim
Visited the fine Kolam restaurant for first time. Lamb Madras is perfect. If you love south Indian food, Kolam is the place for food perfection. I came all the way from Scotland and Tooting has the finest madras I have tasted so far.
Location
-
60 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7PB, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 8672 8553
Welcome to Kolam, a gem tucked away at 60 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting Bec, London. This cozy establishment specializes in authentic South Indian cuisine, where each dish is crafted with care, reminiscent of meals prepared in the gracious confines of grandmother’s kitchen. With a passionate focus on quality and tradition, Kolam stands out in London’s vibrant culinary scene, offering a delightful array of South Indian favorites.
- Uthappam Delights: Indulge in their delicious uthappams, with choices like Vegetable, Onion, and Mushroom, all reasonably priced at £4.95. Each uthappam is fluffy and packed with flavor, making them a perfect start to your meal.
- Comforting Rice Dishes: Don’t miss the Coconut Rice and Lemon Rice at £4.50, both brimming with aromatic goodness. The Special Rice is another standout, perfect for pairing with the rich curries available.
- Sweets to Savor: Complete your dining experience with a delectable dessert like their Kulfi at £3.75 or the classic Gulabjamun at £3.50, which will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
The feedback from patrons like Sophie Wadsworth and Siva Sakthi paints a warm picture of Kolam, highlighting its authentic flavors and the inviting spirit of its family-run operation. The friendly owners create an atmosphere that feels less like a meal out and more like indulging in a homemade feast.
AVRC captures it perfectly: dining at Kolam is like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen, where each dish is made to order, ensuring the freshest ingredients and the kind of comfort food that warms the heart. The small size of the restaurant keeps the service personal and attentive, with the staff going above and beyond to accommodate your needs, whether it's arranging a large group dinner or offering insightful recommendations from the menu.
Discover comfort, community, and culinary delight at Kolam. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this restaurant will envelop you in a warm ambiance and serve you dishes that are both satisfying and affordable. Kolam beckons you to take a moment, savor the authenticity, and support a local business that deserves recognition and loyalty.
So, if you find yourself in Tooting, make sure to stop by Kolam; it might just become your new favorite spot for South Indian cuisine.