Kokum East Dulwich: Spicy Indian Sunday Roast Review

Key Points

• Kokum, an Indian restaurant in East Dulwich, South London, offers four unique Indian-inspired twists on the traditional Sunday roast, transforming the classic British dish with bold spices.
• The venue is located next to Goose Green playground, featuring a wood-decked terrace with parasols ideal for al fresco dining and a stylish interior with a midnight soiree-like bar area in mystic dark blue exposed brickwork and a marble-topped bar.
• Dining area described as spacious with rustic wooden tables spaced far apart in a saffron-coloured hall, creating a burst of light and elegance.
• Kokum’s a la carte menu includes standout starters such as Allo Tuk (£6.50, baby potatoes tossed in tamarind and spice glaze), Chicken Lillipops (£9.50, crispy chicken with tomato, chilli, and garlic chilli), Amritsari Fish (£9, crispy fried fish spiced with ginger, garlic, mint, and coriander chutney), and Sticky Pork Ribs (£11, Chinese-Indian spiced braised baby pork ribs with scallions).
• The Sunday roast at Kokum caters to families, maximising daytime footfall, and appeals to those open to spicy innovations on the venerated British tradition of roast dinners featuring chicken, pork, beef, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
• Indian restaurants across London, including Tamil Crown in Islington, are increasingly adopting Indian-style Sunday roasts with spice injections to draw crowds.
• Purists may resist the spicy roast concept, but it offers a mouth-popping twist for adventurous diners seeking fusion cuisine.
• Kokum positions Sunday afternoons as a family event, blending South Asian flavours with British comfort food.

East Dulwich, South London (South London News) – 8 February 2026 – A innovative Indian restaurant in South London is redefining the cherished Sunday roast by infusing it with fiery spices, drawing families and food enthusiasts to its vibrant venue next to Goose Green playground. Kokum has launched four delicious Indian twists on the classic roast, turning what was once a staple of Yorkshire puddings and thick gravy into a tongue-tingling fusion experience. This development highlights a growing trend among local Indian eateries to capitalise on daytime crowds with bold culinary experiments.

What Makes Kokum’s Sunday Roast Unique?

Kokum in East Dulwich stands out by offering not one, but four distinct Indian variations on the Sunday roast, each designed to elevate the traditional family meal with authentic South Asian spices. As detailed in the original review, these roasts maximise footfall during Sunday afternoons, transforming the occasion into a communal family event complete with al fresco options on its wood-decked terrace under parasols.

The concept challenges the purists who hold the roast dinner sacred – a weekly ritual akin to Christmas, laden with seasonal meats like chicken, pork, or beef, roasted potatoes, green vegetables, and generous pours of gravy – yet promises a mouth-popping twist for those willing to embrace the spice.

The restaurant’s location next to Goose Green playground adds a playful, community-oriented charm, making it particularly appealing for parents combining dining with outdoor playtime. Inside, the front bar evokes a midnight soiree atmosphere with exposed brickwork painted in mystic dark blue, a marble-topped bar, and ambient hanging pendant lamps.

Transitioning to the dining area reveals a burst of light and space, where rustic wooden tables are thoughtfully spread far apart in a saffron-coloured hall, ensuring comfort and an airy feel even on busy Sundays.

Where Is Kokum Located and What Is Its Ambiance Like?

Nestled in East Dulwich, South London, Kokum occupies a quaint spot adjacent to Goose Green playground, enhancing its family-friendly appeal with proximity to green space and play areas. The wood-decked terrace equipped with parasols makes it a prime summer destination for al fresco drinking and dining, while the interior balances intimacy and openness.

The bar area at the front, with its mystic dark blue painted exposed brickwork, marble-topped bar, and softly lit pendant lamps, sets a sophisticated tone reminiscent of an elegant evening gathering.

Further in, the dining hall bursts with saffron hues and natural light, featuring rustic wooden tables positioned generously apart to promote a relaxed atmosphere.

This thoughtful layout accommodates groups without feeling cramped, aligning perfectly with the Sunday roast’s ethos as a leisurely family affair. As per the coverage, this design choice underscores Kokum’s commitment to creating memorable daytime experiences amid South London’s competitive dining scene.

What Dishes Are Featured on Kokum’s A La Carte Menu?

Beyond its signature roasts, Kokum boasts an exquisite a la carte menu brimming with starters that showcase its fusion expertise. Allo Tuk, priced at £6.50, consists of baby potatoes expertly tossed in a tangy tamarind and spice glaze, offering a crispy yet succulent bite to kick off the meal. Chicken Lillipops at £9.50 deliver crispy chicken morsels coated in a zesty mix of tomato, chilli, and garlic chilli, providing an addictive crunch with escalating heat.

For seafood lovers, Amritsari Fish at £9 features crispy fried fish seasoned with ginger, garlic, mint, and a vibrant coriander chutney, evoking the street food flavours of Punjab. Sticky Pork Ribs, at £11, blend Chinese-Indian influences with braised baby pork ribs finished with scallions, delivering tender meat glazed in a sweet-spicy sauce.

These dishes exemplify Kokum’s ability to merge global influences with Indian roots, setting the stage for its innovative roasts.

Why Are Indian Restaurants Adopting Sunday Roasts?

Indian restaurants, long a high street staple in the UK, are increasingly venturing into Sunday roasts to tap into peak daytime traffic. Establishments like Tamil Crown in Islington have pioneered this trend by injecting spice into the nation’s favourite protein accompaniments, proving the concept’s viability. Kokum joins this wave in South London, positioning its spicy versions as a fresh alternative to conventional offerings.

This adaptation resonates because few dishes rival the Sunday roast’s cultural reverence – a venerated tradition for family gatherings featuring mighty lashings of meat, potatoes, and gravy. By localising it with spice, these venues cater to diverse palates, including second-generation British Asians and spice enthusiasts seeking novelty. The strategy not only boosts revenue but revitalises the roast’s appeal in multicultural neighbourhoods.

Who Is Driving This Spicy Roast Trend?

The rise of spicy Sunday roasts stems from savvy restaurateurs responding to diner demands for fusion cuisine. Tamil Crown in Islington exemplifies early adopters, having built a reputation on Indian-style roasts that marry comfort with heat. In South London, Kokum’s proprietors have crafted a swanky hideout that answers the call for tongue-tingling dinners, complete with family-oriented features.

Diners open to experimentation are the target audience, as purists may balk at deviating from tradition. Yet, for the majority, this twist elevates the roast from routine to revelatory, with Kokum’s four variants leading the charge. The playground-adjacent location further targets families, blending culinary innovation with everyday convenience.

How Does Kokum Cater to Families on Sundays?

Sunday afternoons at Kokum are explicitly framed as family events, leveraging its Goose Green playground proximity for seamless parent-child outings. The spacious terrace and well-spaced tables accommodate prams and groups effortlessly, while the menu’s variety ensures options for all ages. Starters like the playful Chicken Lillipops appeal to younger palates, tempered by milder glazes, before building to roast-level spice.

This focus maximises footfall, turning quiet afternoons into bustling gatherings. The saffron dining hall’s light-filled expansiveness fosters a welcoming vibe, encouraging linger-worthy meals. Kokum’s model proves that Indian eateries can rival traditional pubs in family appeal through thoughtful design and inclusive twists.

What Do Critics Say About the Spicy Twist?

While specific reviewer quotes from the MyLondon piece emphasise the “mouth-popping twist,” the overarching narrative celebrates Kokum’s roasts as a bold evolution. The article positions it as ideal for those beyond purist circles, highlighting how spice injections revitalise the classic. No negative critiques are noted, suggesting broad enthusiasm for the fusion.

Comparisons to Tamil Crown underscore a London-wide shift, with Kokum carving its niche in East Dulwich. The detailed menu descriptions imply high praise for execution, from crispy textures to balanced flavours. This coverage, originating from MyLondon’s WhatsOn reviews section, portrays the restaurant as a must-visit for roast aficionados open to adventure.

Is Kokum Worth Visiting for Non-Roast Days?

Absolutely, Kokum’s a la carte menu shines independently, with starters like Amritsari Fish and Sticky Pork Ribs offering year-round allure. The bar’s soiree ambiance suits evening drinks, while the terrace beckons for casual lunches. Its versatility extends beyond Sundays, making it a multifaceted gem in South London’s dining landscape.

The rustic yet elegant interior ensures repeat visits, whether for spice-glazed potatoes or chilli-laced chicken. As a high street staple reimagined, Kokum exemplifies how Indian cuisine continues to evolve, blending heritage with innovation to captivate diverse crowds.