The Indian food scene in Boston, Massachusetts on the East Coast of the USA is thriving for decades now, thanks in part due to the high number of Indians—especially students—who have made the city their home. Boston’s Indian food scene today not only consists of Indian restaurants but also caterers and markets flooded with Indian staples. In Boston neighbourhoods like Allston, Cambridge and Somerville, you will likely find plenty of eateries packed with North Indian delicacies like Butter Chicken to South Indian dishes like Dosa.
What makes the Indian food scene in Boston even more interesting is the fact that today, the city is decked with places that not only cater to the tastes of Indian students and expats but also Americans with dietary restrictions and specific food choices. The full array of Indian regional cuisines, with vegan and vegetarian staples are available to Indian restaurant customers across Boston. During festivals like Diwali and Dussehra, the Indian restaurants also offer special menus and offers.
Wondering which Indian eateries and restaurants you should visit while in Boston? Here is a comprehensive list of the best Indian restaurants in Boston.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbars Kitchen
1. Himalayan Kitchen
There may be plenty of Indian eateries across Boston that offer typical North Indian favourites like Biryanis and Kebabs, but what Himalayan Kitchen offers are authentic Nepali favourites. From platters of Newari Samay Bhaji and Mutton Taash to bowls of comforting Momos and Choila, this place offers the best dishes from the Himalayan region. If you are looking for a large meal, then the Nepali Thali here is a must-have.
USP Dishes: Nepali Thali, Newari Samay Bhaji
Timings: 11.30AM to 9.45PM
Location: 40 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143
2. Dosa N Curry
A regular hangout spot for vegetarians and vegans across Boston, Dosa N Curry has a diverse menu that highlights South Indian favourites. From popular dishes like Medhu Vada, Dosa and Utthapam to lesser-known vegetarian dishes like Poondu Kuzhambu and Ennai Kathirikka, this place offers it all. The Sundal, Madurai Podi Idli and Gobhi 65 here are must-haves.
USP Dishes: Madurai Podi Idli, Ennai Kathirikka, Gobhi 65
Timings: 11.30AM to 2.30PM and 5PM to 10PM
Location: 447 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
3. The Maharaja
Ornate décor, floor-to-ceiling windows and a luxurious view of Harvard Square makes The Maharaja a regal place to have your lunch or dinner date. Known for their incredibly delicious tandoori dishes, The Maharaja has a wide variety of authentic Indian vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian delights on its menu. From Samosas and Pakoras to favourites like Murgh Malai Kebab and Tofu Jalfrezi, this place offers plenty pf North Indian and Mughlai dishes.
USP Dishes: Murgh Malai Kebab, Tofu Jalfrezi, Peshawari Naan
Timings: 11.30AM to 10PM
Location: 57 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
4. Punjabi Dhaba
A must-visit Indian restaurant in Inman Square, Punjabi Dhaba has been a favourite among Boston’s foodies for years. From heaped portions to authentic Punjabi flavours, this place offers the heart and soul of Indian cuisine. From delicious Mango Lassi and Saag Paneer to combo platters or Punjabi Chole Poori and shareable plates of Chicken Tandoori and Lamb Saagwala, Punjabi Dhaba dishes out some of the most delicious plates of North Indian staples.
USP Dishes: Lamb Saagwala, Punjabi Chole Poori, Mango Lassi
Timings: 11.45AM to 12PM
Location: 225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
5. Shanti
Operating since 1999, Shanti is now a mini chain with outlets in Dorchester and Roslindale areas of Boston. With its extensive menu and favourites ranging from starters to desserts, Shanti is a place that customizes the heat levels of the dishes according to the customers’ choice. For those who love shared plates, the Shanti Platter offers a mix of all appetizers. The tandoori and main courses here also offer large plates of scrumptious foods.
USP Dishes: Shanti Platter, Chicken Achari Tikka, Butter Chicken
Timings: 3PM to 9PM
Location: 111 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125
6. Madras Dosa Co.
From customized traditional dosas tailored to your tastes to offbeat ones loaded with Nutella and more, Madras Dosa Co is where the old Indian charm meets the new-age foodie in Boston. Located near Harvard Square, this place is frequented by students and teachers alike who get not just a taste of a wide variety of dosas, idli, uttappams and more, but also other Indian favourites like samosa, aloo tikki and upma.
USP Dishes: Masala Dosa, Podi Idli
Timings: 11AM to 2AM
Location: 55 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210
7. Passage To India
One of the most iconic Indian restaurants in the Cambridge area, Passage to India has been an institution for Harvard customers for over three decades now. The family behind this place also runs a popular food truck, Tandoor & Curry on Wheels, and Jo’s Indian Kitchen. From Vegetable and Lamb Samosas to a variety of Pakoras, from mains like Chicken Makhani to Shahi Paneer Korma, Passage to India offers flavours right from the heart of North India.
USP Dishes: Lamb Samosa, Chicken Makhani, Shahi Paneer Korma
Timings: 11.30AM to 10.45PM
Location: 3 Glassworks Ave, Cambridge, MA 02141
8. India Pavilion
Established in 1979, India Pavilion has been serving Bostonians with Indian food for decades now and is considered to be quite the institution. Their daily lunch buffet is very popular, especially thanks to the wide variety of Indian dishes on offer and a fully stocked bar too. The most-loved dishes on their menu range from Keema Chili Masala and Chicken Korma to Lamb Saag, Lamb Vindaloo and Paneer Pakora, and each is served with appropriate sides and more.
USP Dishes: Keema Chili Masala, Chicken Korma, Paneer Pakora
Timings: 11.30AM to 10.30PM
Location: 17 Central Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
9. Surya Indian Kitchen
Open since 2016, Surya Indian Kitchen is extremely popular among Indians and non-Indian Bostonians alike because this place customizes each dish and plate as per the customer’s dietary restrictions and needs. Whether you want a gluten-free meal or a vegan one, this place will provide you with plenty of delicious Indian options. From Khasta Kachoris and Stuffed Aloo Tikkis to Mutton Hyderabadi Biryani and Kashmiri Malai Kofta, Surya’s offers it all.
USP Dishes: Hyderabadi Biryani, Kachori Khasta, Kashmiri Malai Kofta
Timings: 11.15AM to 10PM
Location: 114 Magazine St, Cambridge, MA 02139
10. Tikki Masala
Spicy dishes paired with fresh and cold coolers and juices, the menu at Tikki Masala has a wide variety of Indian delicacies to offer. The place does specialise in South Indian staples like Dosa and Medhu Vada, and offers delicious Dosa stuffings like potatoes, chicken and more. Meaty Samosas, Pakoras, Samosa Chaat and a delicious Tikki Masala Platter can please everybody who loves chatpata Indian food. The Dinner For 2 offers here also provide amazing combinations.
USP Dishes: Tikki Masala Platter, Lamb Bhuna, Samosa Chaat
Timings: 11.45AM to 10PM
Location: 3706 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130