The Ultimate Guide to the Best Indian Food in Houston 🍛

Experience the Authentic Flavors of India in Houston

Are you craving a taste of India but don’t know where to go in Houston? Look no further! Houston has some of the best Indian restaurants in the country, each with its unique style and flavor. From traditional street food to modern fusion dishes, Houston’s Indian food scene has something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore the best Indian restaurants in Houston and give you an in-depth look at their menus, specialties, and what sets them apart. Whether you’re a seasoned Indian food lover or new to the cuisine, this guide will help you discover the best Indian food in Houston.

The Top 15 Indian Restaurants in Houston

1. Indika 🍽️

Indika is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a contemporary take on traditional dishes. The restaurant’s chef, Anita Jaisinghani, has won multiple awards for her innovative dishes, which incorporate spices and flavors from across India.

2. Pondicheri 🌶️

Pondicheri is a popular Indian restaurant known for its bright, colorful decor and creative menu. The restaurant’s chef, Anita Jaisinghani, combines traditional Indian dishes with Texan flavors, resulting in unique and delicious meals.

3. Biryani Pot 🍲

Biryani Pot is a casual restaurant that specializes in biryanis, a popular Indian rice dish. The restaurant’s biryanis are made with aromatic spices and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal.

4. Kiran’s 🍴

Kiran’s is a fine-dining Indian restaurant that offers a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant’s chef, Kiran Verma, has won multiple awards for her elegant and sophisticated dishes, which showcase the rich flavors of Indian cuisine.

5. Tarka Indian Kitchen 🍽️

Tarka Indian Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant that serves traditional Indian dishes. The restaurant’s menu is customizable, allowing customers to create their own dishes with their choice of protein, sauce, and spice level.

6. Khyber 🌶️

Khyber is a casual Indian restaurant that specializes in North Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian options like paneer tikka and chana masala.

7. Kashmir 🍲

Kashmir is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving Houston for over 25 years. The restaurant’s menu features traditional dishes from across India, including biryanis, curries, and tandoori specialties.

8. Udipi Cafe 🍴

Udipi Cafe is a vegetarian Indian restaurant that specializes in South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features dosas, idlis, vadas, and other traditional South Indian dishes.

9. Spice Room 🍽️

Spice Room is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a fusion of Indian and global flavors. The restaurant’s menu features dishes like butter chicken empanadas and lamb vindaloo tacos, as well as classic Indian dishes like biryanis and curries.

10. Shri Balaji Bhavan 🌶️

Shri Balaji Bhavan is a casual Indian restaurant that specializes in South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features dosas, uttapams, and other traditional South Indian dishes.

11. Paris Sandwich Cafe 🍲

Paris Sandwich Cafe is a casual Indian restaurant that specializes in Indian street food. The restaurant’s menu features chaat, samosas, and other popular Indian snacks.

12. Shri Balaji’s Cafe & Sweets 🍴

Shri Balaji’s Cafe & Sweets is a casual Indian restaurant that specializes in North Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian options like paneer tikka and chana masala.

13. Bombay Pizza 🍽️

Bombay Pizza is a casual Indian restaurant that specializes in pizza with Indian toppings. The restaurant’s menu features pizzas like chicken tikka masala and paneer makhani, as well as traditional Indian dishes like biryanis and curries.

14. Bombay Brasserie 🌶️

Bombay Brasserie is a fine-dining Indian restaurant that offers a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant’s menu features dishes from across India, along with a selection of cocktails and wine.

15. Kiran’s Kitchen 🍲

Kiran’s Kitchen is a casual Indian restaurant that specializes in North Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian options like paneer tikka and chana masala.

What Makes Indian Food in Houston Unique?

Indian food in Houston is unique because it combines traditional Indian flavors with Texan influences. Many Indian restaurants in Houston incorporate local ingredients and cooking techniques into their dishes, resulting in a fusion of flavors that can’t be found anywhere else.

Additionally, Houston’s Indian food scene is incredibly diverse, with restaurants serving dishes from across India. Whether you’re looking for spicy dishes from the north or vegetarian specialties from the south, you’ll find it in Houston.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best Indian restaurant in Houston?

The best Indian restaurant in Houston is subjective and depends on your personal taste preferences. However, some of the top-rated Indian restaurants in Houston include Indika, Pondicheri, and Biryani Pot.

2. What is a must-try Indian dish in Houston?

A must-try Indian dish in Houston is butter chicken, a rich and creamy chicken dish that is popular across India. Other popular dishes include biryanis, tandoori chicken, and masala dosa.

3. Are there vegetarian options at Indian restaurants in Houston?

Yes, many Indian restaurants in Houston offer vegetarian options. Udipi Cafe, Shri Balaji Bhavan, and Bombay Pizza are just a few examples of restaurants that specialize in vegetarian Indian cuisine.

4. Are Indian restaurants in Houston expensive?

Indian restaurants in Houston vary in price, but many offer affordable options. Tarka Indian Kitchen, Biryani Pot, and Shri Balaji’s Cafe & Sweets are all casual restaurants with reasonable prices.

5. What is the difference between North and South Indian cuisine?

North Indian cuisine is known for its use of rich spices and dairy products, while South Indian cuisine is known for its lighter, vegetarian dishes. North Indian cuisine is also heavily influenced by Persia and Central Asia, while South Indian cuisine has a strong Dravidian influence.

6. Do Indian restaurants in Houston offer delivery?

Yes, many Indian restaurants in Houston offer delivery services through third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Some restaurants also offer their delivery services.

7. Can I find gluten-free options at Indian restaurants in Houston?

Yes, many Indian restaurants in Houston offer gluten-free options. Biryani Pot, Indika, and Spice Room are just a few examples of restaurants that have gluten-free options on their menus.

8. Is it customary to tip at Indian restaurants in Houston?

Yes, it is customary to tip at Indian restaurants in Houston. The standard tip amount is 15-20% of the total bill.

9. What is the spiciest Indian dish?

The spiciest Indian dish is subjective and depends on the individual’s tolerance for spice. However, dishes like vindaloo and phaal are known for their intense spice levels.

10. Are there vegan options at Indian restaurants in Houston?

Yes, many Indian restaurants in Houston offer vegan options. Pondicheri, Udipi Cafe, and Bombay Pizza are just a few examples of restaurants that have vegan options on their menus.

11. What is the difference between curry and masala?

Curry and masala are both spice blends used in Indian cuisine, but they have different ingredients. Curry powder typically includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder, while garam masala includes cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves.

12. What is the traditional Indian bread?

The traditional Indian bread is naan, a leavened flatbread that is cooked in a tandoor oven. Other popular