Brian Nagele
Orlando is known worldwide as the home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. In addition, O-Town also has rich and diverse cuisine, including a plethora of amazing Indian restaurants.
So if you’re in the mood for savory garlic naan, spicy curry or vindaloo, or desiring refreshing mango desserts and drinks, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to satisfy your craving no matter where you are in the city.
Without further ado, here is my list of the best Indian restaurants in Orlando to ensure you’re ready to get your spice fix as soon as you arrive.
Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar
7000 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-370-9830
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Those looking for authentic Indian cuisine just minutes from Universal Studios will find it at Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar.
Large windows, high ceilings, and clean and modern decor provide a relaxed environment to enjoy your meal.
Take advantage of the nice Florida weather on their large covered patio. Aashirwad’s lunch buffet is well-known because of its wide variety and focus on vegetarian options.
One of the things I enjoy about Indian food is that even carnivores will enjoy plant-based meals featuring savory Indian spices.
Make sure to grab a Lassi with your meal. They serve this yogurt-based drink flavored with mango, sugar, or salt.
Saffron Indian Cuisine
7724 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-674-8899
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Saffron Indian Cuisine is located in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood near Universal Studios. This restaurant is popular in the area for its laid-back yet classy vibe – and extensive beer and wine selection.
I recommend trying one of their imported Indian beers. You can’t go wrong with this American-style lager Taj Mahal.
Try the Saffron Lamb Curry if you’re a fan of lamb and spice. This curry features lamb cubes, onion gravy, and chef-special spices that will delight your taste buds.
If you don’t eat meat or want to try something different, give the Baghare Baingan a go. This vegan dish consists of stuffed baby eggplant, roasted spices, and coconut sauce.
Tabla Indian Restaurant
5847 Grand National Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-248-9400
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Tabla Indian Restaurant is just across the highway from Orlando Premium Outlets for those who want to take a break from shopping to enjoy some amazing food.
You notice the care put into the restaurant’s design the second you walk in. Gorgeous lighting and stonework give off a feel of class that makes you feel a bit fancy as you sit down to enjoy your meal.
If you love curry, you must try the Alphonso Mango Chicken featuring Maharashtrian-style curry and chicken cooked in the chef’s special mango sauce.
Tabla is primarily an Indian restaurant, but they also serve a variety of Chinese and Thai dishes.
Ahmed Indian Restaurant
Multiple locations
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Ahmed Indian Restaurant serves its delicious Indian cuisine in multiple locations throughout Orlando. So you’ll have the chance to experience their dishes nearly anywhere in the city.
Ahmed stands out from the crowd by featuring an entirely Halal menu. I recommend dining here during lunch to take advantage of their amazing lunch buffet.
The buffet menu alternates daily but always features one goat item, four chicken dishes, and 6-8 vegetarian options – 4-5 that are vegan.
Their buffet menu even includes salad and three dessert choices. The buffet runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so you have a large window to go back for seconds — or thirds.
Bombay Street Kitchen
6215 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407-240-5151
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Bombay Street Kitchen serves delicious Indian street food in a modernly hip location that makes it easy to sit back and relax while enjoying your meal.
Bombay isn’t as close to top Orlando attractions as other restaurants, but the food and service quality makes it worth the trip.
There are plenty of great options on Bombay’s menu, but I say try their Ajwaini Shrimp. This dish features fresh shrimp smothered in a house specialty masala sauce that will have you begging for the recipe.
Follow up your meal with a sweet gola (shaved ice) which comes in multiple flavors, including blackberry and rose.
Flavors of India
11701 International Dr #310, Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 407-778-5255
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Flavors of India is located in an upscale strip mall that also features various types of restaurants and a large international market.
So once you’re done eating, you can head over to the grocery to buy ingredients to try and recreate the great meal you just had.
Start your meal with the house vegetable combo platter featuring samosa, aloo tikki, and vegetable pakora.
I recommend checking out the bread menu before ordering their amazing goat curry. You’ll need the bread to ensure there isn’t any curry left on your plate.
Woodlands
6040 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407-854-3330
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The first thing you’ll notice about Woodlands’ menu is there’s no meat, as this restaurant features a purely vegetarian menu.
I enjoy meat as much as the next person, but when a restaurant has a strictly vegetarian focus you can almost guarantee they are using spices and flavors to delight even the most hardcore carnivore.
I highly recommend Woodlands’ dosais. These thin rice crepes come with a variety of fillings from potatoes and onion to mixed vegetables and hot chutney.
All are served with chutney and sambar on the side for dipping and pouring. They offer multiple drink options, but my recommendation is a simple mango juice that perfectly complements your meal.
Charcoal Zyka
10249 S John Young Pkwy #109, Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: 407-440-4210
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Charcoal Zyka is conveniently-located near most major Orlando attractions, so it’s an easy stop no matter where you’re visiting. This restaurant features an entirely halal menu.
You can’t go wrong starting with their Samosa Chaat. This spicy, sweet, and tangy appetizer features smashed samosa, chole masala, and fresh vegetables.
You don’t find many restaurants with beef on the menu, so I recommend trying the Beef Jalfrezi. This spicy beef curry comes with green peppers, coriander, and green chilies cooked in a hot masala.
If you have small kids who aren’t ready for Indian spices, Charcoal Zyka also offers a kid’s menu with chicken nuggets and burgers.
Khasiyat Indian Restaurant
852 W Lancaster Rd # B, Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407-888-2147
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Khasiyat Indian Restaurant is off the beaten path and has a hole-in-the-wall vibe you notice as soon as you pull into the parking lot.
As any good food-lover knows, this usually means you’re about to eat some good food. You’ll notice a lot of standard vegetarian Indian dishes on the menu.
But then you get to the Indo-Mexi section. Trust me, you’ll want to try one of their Indian/Mexican fusion dishes.
I recommend going with the paneer quesadilla, featuring paneer, peppers, onions, and Mexican seasonings. Enjoy a refreshing masala lemonade with your meal.
New Punjab Indian Restaurant
7451 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-352-7887
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New Punjab Indian Restaurant is another hole-in-the-wall establishment that reminds you of an old diner that hasn’t been renovated in decades.
The old-school vibe of the restaurant matches perfectly with the old-school menu offering delicious Indian staples.
Bread lovers will enjoy the large selection of nan flavors and dipping sauces. I recommend ordering their Chicken Saag.
This dish features boneless chicken cooked with tomatoes, spinach, and a delicious mix of spices and herbs.
You have to try their Gulab Jamun for dessert. These cream cheese balls are deep-fried and soaked in honey syrup.
Sanaa
3701 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Phone: 407-939-5277
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Sanna is an Indian restaurant within Disney’s Animal Kingdom that also serves dishes popular throughout Africa.
The look and feel of the restaurant is an aesthetically pleasing mix of cultures and features unique views of animals not found in the American wilderness.
I recommend the Shahi Tukra French Toast if you’re eating here in the morning before starting your day.
The saffron-scented Sultan Raisins, almonds, and whipped chai cream create a unique French Toast experience, unlike anything you’ll find nearly anywhere else.
Adults can also enjoy a morning bloody mary, Bellini Canella, or Ruffino Prosecco.
Tamarind Indian Cuisine
501 N Orlando Ave Suite #149, Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: 321-207-0760
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Tamarind Indian Cuisine is located in a bland-looking shopping outlet just north of Orlando in Winter Park. The restaurant is a prime example of not judging a book by its cover.
You’re met with a warm and inviting atmosphere upon entering, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable of its menu.
You have to try the Jhinga Tandoori if you’re a seafood lover. This authentic dish features jumbo shrimp marinated in chilies, yogurt, cilantro, and carom seeds cooked in a clay oven.
Save room for dessert because you can’t leave without enjoying Tamarind’s homemade mango ice cream.
