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Indianapolis Indian Restaurants You Need to Try

If you’re looking for good Indian food in Indianapolis, you’re in luck! Indianapolis has some of the country’s best curry, samosas, and mouthwatering hot tandoori.

indian restaurants in indianapolis serving aloo gobi

So whether you want a sumptuous vegetable dish packed with the good stuff or a steaming bowl of vindaloo, make sure you visit this foodie paradise.

Of course, when you’re not eating, there are plenty of other things to do in Indianapolis, like visit Monument Circle or scenic White River State Park. So you certainly can make the most of your trip.

Check out my list of the best Indian restaurants in Indianapolis below!


India Garden Restaurant

Multiple locations
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With multiple locations throughout the city, India Garden Restaurant is an excellent pick for anyone who loves Indian food.

With a friendly ambiance and an accommodating staff, it ticks all my boxes. I always order extra naan for soaking up curries and sauces, and I love the Tandoori Chicken. It’s juicy and flavorful with plenty of hearty rice.

If you like spicy food, you’ll want to sample the onion chutney. You can customize the spice level to taste and share dishes if you’re not too hungry.

The best part? The portions are huge! There’s no doubt that a visit to India Garden Restaurant will be one of the highlights of your trip.


India Cafe

1450 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317-757-6204
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Just two blocks from Daubenspeck Community Nature Park, India Cafe, is an authentic restaurant with a massive buffet full of Indian favorites, like:

  • Garlic naan
  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Daal Curry

I like the Palak Paneer full of hearty cheese and spinach and any of the curry dishes.

Although there’s plenty of meat and fish on the menu, vegetarians will undoubtedly find something to suit them at India Cafe. Plus, the vegetable dishes aren’t afterthoughts.

Everything is beautifully seasoned and fresh to order. Also, when you opt for the buffet, you can try a little bit of everything and discover new favorites.  


Hyderabad House

8840 N Michigan Rd #105, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: 317-559-4221
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Conveniently located a few minutes from the 465, Hyderabad House is an excellent place to stop after exploring downtown Indianapolis.

There are many amazing things about this restaurant, but one of the top stand-outs has got to be the vegetarian options.

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Their deep-fried cauliflower appetizer is incredible, and the paneer is traditional, perfectly seasoned, and made to order.

Visit during the lunch rush and sample the buffet, but be advised that Hyderabad House tends to get pretty busy.

So you might have to wait a bit to get your food, but it’s all worth it in the end. Like any great Indian restaurant, the naan bread and rice are delectable.


India Palace Restaurant

4213 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: 317-298-0773
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Down the street from Lafayette Square Mall, you’ll find India Palace Restaurant, a local favorite and one of the best Indian restaurants in Indianapolis.

The vegetable samosas are light, flavorful, and packed with potatoes and peas. Don’t skimp on the sauce. I also enjoy the vegetable pakoras and chili chicken.

You’ll feel like family from the second you step inside India Palace Restaurant. With comfortable, spacious seating and muted decor, it’s a welcoming and sophisticated restaurant perfect for special-occasion dining or first dates.

The sauces and sides stand out, especially the hearty chutneys and homemade raita.  


Shalimar Indian Restaurant

1043 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: 317-465-1100

Shalimar Indian Restaurant is right next to Broad Ripple Park and is my favorite spot to enjoy a hearty Indian buffet right in the middle of Indianapolis.

They have many options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, and the service is quick and professional.

Although it tends to get pretty packed during lunch rushes and weekends, you’ll generally be able to find a seat.

I love the chicken at Shalimar Indian Restaurant, especially the Chicken Tikka and Chicken Curry dishes.

There’s more than enough food to share, but you’ll probably want to have it all to yourself after just one bite.


Biryani House

4857 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: 317-991-3377

About two blocks off the 65, Biryani House offers high-end Indian dining in a hospitable and friendly atmosphere.

I love that the food is always high quality, and the prices are reasonable. It’s a great place to go for a higher-end dinner that won’t disappoint or a special night out.

There’s so much to love about Biryani House, but some of my personal favorites are the biryani, curry, and various chutneys.

Make sure you order plenty of sauces and chutneys at this restaurant because they make your meal as flavorful and memorable as possible. Also, the spice levels are high but never overwhelming.

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Chapati

4930 Lafayette Rd G, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: 317-405-9874
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Walk a few blocks down the street from Bethel United Methodist Church, and you’ll be at Chapati, an excellent Indian restaurant that pairs authentic food with fantastic service.

The waitstaff at Chapati is genuinely exceptional and warm, and they will patiently explain the menu to you. This service is a huge perk if you’re not too familiar with Indian cuisine.

The spicy mango sauce at Chapati is full of nuanced flavor and has that great combination of sweet and spicy.

It goes well with naan bread and rice, and I like dipping samosas into it too. The pakoras are excellent, as they’re light and flavorful.


Tandoor & Tikka

Multiple locations
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You can find a Tandoor & Tikka no matter where you are in the city, and if you enjoy good Indian cuisine, you should definitely stop by the restaurant.

Tandoor & Tikka is causal and simple; they offer healthy, authentic Indian food at reasonable prices. It’s fast food done right, and it’s one of Indianapolis’ hidden gems.

Stop by for dinner and lunch and experience Indian favorites, such as:

  • Decadent naan bread
  • Crispy samosas
  • Flavorful paneer

Their rice is outstanding, too, seasoned liberally with spices and the perfect base for some of their heartier dishes.


Tandoori Flame

4302 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: 317-755-1932

A few blocks away from Fun Factory, Tandoori Flame is one of the best Indian restaurants in Indianapolis.

If you love butter chicken, this place is a must-visit. The chicken is tender, full of flavor, and comes with a traditional sauce of tomatoes and cream.

Get extra naan for dipping, and you’ll be in flavor heaven. Additionally, the Chicken Tikka Masala is excellent and large enough to share with family or friends.

The service at Tandoori Flame is quick and professional, and the waitstaff will happily make menu substitutions as need be. You’ll have a great experience from the second you sit down.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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