Indian food is slowly making its way onto the international stage and these days you can find a good Indian meal in most cities. Houston is no different and since Raja Sweets brought Indian cuisine to the city in 1987 the love has only been growing. Today there are a plethora of Indian restaurants ranging from innovative modern dining to traditional, Indian staples.
As the fourth most populated city in the USA, Houston has a large Indian contingent as well as a lot of people looking to sample something new. In this multicultural melting pot, there’s always plenty to try, but if you’re hoping to sample the best of Indian cuisine in the city, here are 8 Indian restaurants in Houston you should try:
1. Amrina
Amrina brings a fresh twist to Indian cuisine with its award-winning tapas experience led by Chef Jassi Bindra of ‘Chopped’ fame that showcases the creativity of Indian street food. Experience dishes like a Wagyu Kulcha with bone marrow butter, Compressed Matar Paneer, or a Chilean Sea Bass with brussels sprout foogath, and kokum coconut sauce.
Address: 3 Waterway Square Pl #100, The Woodlands, TX 77380, United States
Timings: 4 pm - 9 pm, 5 pm -10 pm (Saturdays), Monday Closed
Cost for two: $50 and over (approx.)
2. Ashiana Indian Restaurant
Ashiana serves up Indian classics with a modern twist. Along with a vast menu that includes a chaat section, a dedicated vegetarian menu and a ‘Feast’ section with meals designed to share, they also offer a range of Himalayan specialities including momos, choila and sadeko, and sekhua to get a taste of India’s north east offerings.
Address: 12610 Briar Forest Dr, Houston, TX 77077, United States
Timings: 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–10 pm
Cost for two: $60 (approx.)
3. Da Gama
This Portuguese-Indian kitchen is rolling out some specialities of India’s Konkan coast. With Goan classics and Portuguese specialities, they’re creating a cross-cultural journey where you can sample things like Octopus Xec Xec, Beef Cafreal or a traditional Goan Fish Curry.
Address: 600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 520, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Timings: 11 am–2 pm, 4–10:30 pm, Sundays Closed
Cost for two: $80 (approx.)
4. Govinda's Vegetarian Cuisine
A completely Jain experience, this restaurant is nestled within an impressive ISKON temple, Govinda's offers daily vegetarian buffets featuring barbecue tofu and classic favourites like dal makhani and bhindi masala. On Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays they also serve up a purely vegan menu. They offer a communal dining experience that will immerse you in true temple traditions
Address: 1320 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018, United States
Timings: 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm
Cost for two: $11-30 (approx)
5. India's Restaurant
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, no-frills Indian meal then this local favourite offers dependable staples to cure all your cravings. Their menu spans the length and breadth of India to offer dishes from Himalayan cuisine all the way to South Indian staples. And if you just can’t decide, try their popular lunch buffet, where you can sample a bit of everything.
Address: 5704 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77057, United States
Timings: Monday - Sunday: 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm Friday and Saturday: 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–9:30 pm
Cost for two: $60 (approx.)
6. Kiran’s
Considered the ‘godmother of Indian fine dining, Chef Kiran Verma has curated a unique experience at their new space in Upper Kirby. Inspired by Awadhi cuisine the menu is described as a mix of cultures, philosophies and cooking techniques. They use traditional cooking methods and flavours but push the envelope ever so slightly for a fresh, modern experience.
Address: 2925 Richmond Ave. Suite 160, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Timings: Monday: 3 pm-9 pm, Tuesday - Friday: 3 pm-10 pm, Saturday: 12 pm -10 pm, Sunday: 12 pm -2 pm
Cost for two: $80 (approx.)
7. Pondicheri
A beloved establishment from James Beard Award nominee Anita Jaisinghani, this offers up a taste of Indian heritage as well as a chance to learn yourself with their interactive cooking classes. They offer a vast menu from breakfast through to dessert that’s inspired by Indian cuisine and the principles of Ayurveda, all made with their signature spice blends and fresh, local produce.
Address: 2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Timings: Monday - Sunday: 9 am –9 pm Friday and Saturday:9 am–10 pm
Cost for two: $60 (approx.)
8. Verandah
Chefs Sunil and Anupama bring a wealth of experience in Indian hospitality to the plate at Verandah where they blend the tastes of modern American fine dining with the rich flavours of of their home country. Exciting creations like Tandoori Quail share space with familiar classics like Butter chicken on this elevated Indian menu.
Address: 3300 Kirby Dr Suite 7-A, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Timings: 5 pm - 10 pm
Cost for two: $80 (approx.)