Banglatown: Curry Capital of London and Birthplace of “Asian Cool”

Abstract

This article acquaints the reader with the culinary heritage of a locality within London's East End and how it has developed as a tourist and leisure destination and in so doing, revitalised this inner city neighbourhood. It explores the ebb and flow of immigrants and how the enduring Bengali population have established over forty curry houses plus food emporiums within the locality now known as Banglatown. An exotic cityscape attracts tourists who are progressively drawn by the post-industrial setting, Asian music and an exuberant night life. This gastronomic and touristic hotspot continues to re-invent itself so as to satisfy the young and increasingly affluent visitor.