Traveling to a food paradise like Thailand, you’ll come across different cuisines, specialties, and delicacies. In city centers like Bangkok, Indian cuisine has a strong presence in the local food culture. India has long had a strong presence in The Land of Smiles. There is an abundance of Indian food available in Thailand. But where to go? To assist, we have provided this article on the Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Bangkok.
There is a large presence of Indians and Indian culture in Thailand. The Indian Embassy notes that there are well over 100,000 Indians registered as living in Thailand. The Indian Association of Thailand has many followers on their Facebook page.
Why Do Indians Want to go to Thailand?
Indians are welcome in Thailand and there is a strong Indian community here. Also, Thailand is known as a good destination for Indians to get out of India and let their hair down and have a good time. From Pattaya, to Phuket to Bangkok Indians are flocking to Thailand. Destination weddings are popular here along with bachelor and bachelorette parties. Indians love to come to Thailand because it is not far and they are welcome here.
Though different in ingredients and preparation, Thai and Indian cuisines are similar because of the heavy use of aromatic herbs and exotic spices. This is part of the reason why Indian cuisine is a hit in Thailand! If you’re craving rich, flavorful Indian food in Thailand, you’d be glad to know there are plenty of options. From authentic Indian fare to modern adaptations, here are some of the best Indian restaurants you shouldn’t miss in Bangkok:
About Little India Pahurat (พาหุรัด)
Thailand has a Little India in Bangkok’s Old Quarter in Phra Nakhon District called Pahurat or Phahurat. Little India is a massive commercial district across Bangkok, close to Chinatown. Pahurat Little India is bound by Pahurat Road, Chakraphet Road, and Triphet Road, just west of Yaowarat, Chinatown Bangkok. It is much smaller than the neighboring Chinatown district, but is, colorful in its own right. There is shopping, spices, and temples to explore.
The Indian Emporium Mall is the center for fabrics and ready-made garments. Surrounding it are many street sellers offering spices and food. The Phaahurat market is just down the street and opposite the market is the Old Siam Plaza, an indoor market space. The residents of Phahurat are mostly Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and south Asian Thais. Most sellers in Little India either sell Indian food or textiles. Most Indian restaurants in the district are either first-generation-owned or family-run.
The Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh temple is right next door to the Emporium mall and is well worth a visit when you’re in the area. Climbing to the 6th floor provides a commanding view of the surrounding area. The temple was constructed in 1932 and is one of the largest Sikh temples outside of India, the temple is very welcoming to all, and provides a vegetarian buffet every morning, regardless of religious affiliation.
Our list of The Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Bangkok
Amritsr
GMB Rating: 4.7| Price range: $$
Address: Soi 22, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Contact Number: +66 20 662122 | +66 830 099 719
Amritsr specializes in traditional North Indian and Punjabi food. The restaurant menu is extensive, ranging from hot soups to appetizers and main courses. We suggest getting the classics like chicken tandoori, Paneer tikka masala, beef, lamb, or seafood curries, and flatbreads with lentil dips of all kinds. Don’t miss the kulchaa, which is an Amritsr bestseller.
This is a family-friendly restaurant, with homey, traditional Indian interiors, which make Amritsr a great place to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine with loved ones. Many people like this restaurant and the service can get a bit slow on busy days, so go early.
Indus Restaurant
GMB Rating: 4.5 | Price range: $$$
Price range: $$$
Address: 71, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Contact Number: +6686-339-8582 catering: +6682-342-1765
Indus is a fine-dining Indian restaurant that offers a full range of classic Mughalai-style dishes. The restaurant’s bestsellers include curries, kebabs, shorbas, charcoal tandoor and meats, and tikka masala. The Kebab-e-malai is must-try! The restaurant offers a great selection of vegetarian dishes too.
Indus prides itself on its high-standard food preparations and ultra-fresh ingredients. Apart from the authentic Indian food, Indus stands out with its beautiful interiors. The restaurant is a 1960s art deco wooden house, and the interiors are inspired by the Indus Valley maharajah’s palace that overlooks a gorgeous tropical garden. There’s also al fresco sitting, a bar, and private dining rooms.
Tamil Nadu Restaurant
GMB Rating: 4.1 | Price range: $
Address: 5/1, Silom Soi 11, Bangkok, Thailand
Phone Number: +66 2 235 6336
Tamil Nadu is an Indian restaurant located near the famous Mariamman temple. The restaurant primarily offers vegetarian dishes like vegetable curries, dosas, and thalis. However, the menu has meat options too. Some of their most popular curries are mutton, chicken, and seafood. Tamil Nadu specializes in South-Indian cuisine.
The interiors are homey, and the prices are affordable. It’s the perfect restaurant to treat friends and family to delicious authentic Indian food. Because the restaurant is just a few steps away from Silom Road, a tourist attraction, it’s always filled with hungry Thai and Indian diners, so avoid peak hours if you are in a hurry.
Gaggan
GMB Rating: 4.7 | Price range: $$$
Address: 8/1 Soi Langsuan Ploenchit Road Bangkok 10330
Phone Number: +66 98 883 1022
An award-winning Indian restaurant that promises an unmatched dining experience, Gaggan topped the list of Asia’s Best 50 restaurants in 2016, so no matter how high your expectations may be, we’re confident that Gaggan will exceed them.
What makes Gaggan different from traditional Indian restaurants in Bangkok is the innovative food preparation. The restaurant is owned by esteemed chef, Chef Gaggan Anand, who developed the menu with “progressive Indian cuisine.” He specialized in molecular gastronomy and was part of a famous 3-Michelin-star restaurant El Bulli.
We highly suggest sampling the “Testing Menu” if you want to treat the senses to unique culinary creations. Gaggan is a great place to eat if you want something different yet familiar, cutting-edge, and fun.
JHOL Coastal Restaurant
GMB Rating: 4.7 | Price range: $$
Address: 7/2 Soi Sukhumvit 18Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei Bangkok
Phone Number: +66 2 004 7174
Founded by celebrity chef Hari Nayak, JHOL is winning the hearts of Indian Thai diners with its southern-coastal Indian menu. It’s one of the best places to enjoy classic seafood Indian dishes. JHOL restaurant offers an impressive selection of regional and progressive eats using the best local spices and herbs. The price range is on the pricey side, but the portions are great for sharing, and the ingredients are fresh.
Chef Hari Nayak was born and raised in Udupi, a small coastal town in Southern India. He has made it his life’s mission to share his hometown’s unique culture and cuisine with the rest of the world. According to chef Hari Nayak, he always dreamed of owning a restaurant and wanted to build it in Thailand because of the country’s diverse culinary culture. Thailand lends itself to culinary experiences.
Royal India
GMB Rating: 4.1 | Price range: $
Address: 392/1 Chakkraphet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon
Phone number: +66 2 221 6565
Royal India is the first Indian restaurant in Thailand. The restaurant has been serving authentic North Indian cuisine since the 1960s. Royal India is located near the Sri Guru Singh Sabah Sikh temple in Little India Pahurat. The restaurant may be small compared to others in the area, but it’s the best spot for authentic Indian fare.
Royal India offers a dizzying menu of North Indian dishes, chicken tikka masala, aloo gobhi, roghan josh, and an array of bread and dips made fresh daily. The restaurant has a great selection of vegetarian dishes too. What makes Royal India special is the number of local Indians who frequent the place. You know it’s authentic when Indians flock to an Indian restaurant.
Chowpati Indian Street Food Bangkok
GMB Rating: 4.6 | Price range: $
Address: 12/499 G Floor, 15 Sukhumvit Residences, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana
Phone Number: +66 2 003 2113 | 084 755 6654
Chowpati Indian Streetfood is a restaurant inspired by the famed Mumbai beach Chowpatty. From its inspiration, you’ll know immediately that Chowpati specializes in coastal Indian dishes, but surprisingly, there are also traditional offerings and fusion foods. Its diverse menu includes South and North Indian cuisines, Indian-Chinese fusion cuisine, and Indian-Nepalese fusion cuisine.
The ambiance is relaxed, and the dishes are freshly made daily by Indian master chefs. It’s a great restaurant to chill out and enjoy authentic, affordable Indian dishes. Standout items on the menu include dosa, samosa, wraps, and classic Indian desserts.
Benares Modern Indian Cuisine Bangkok
GMB Rating: 4.7 | Price range: $$
Address: Ground Floor, 15 Sukhumvit Residences, Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana
Phone Number: +66 2 023 2113
Benares Modern Indian Cuisine Bangkok is a fine dining restaurant specializing in traditional food preparations, with sous-vide, and molecular gastronomy cooking methods. The restaurant aims to provide an unforgettable dining experience with authentic Indian and progressive dishes.
The menu has a great selection of vegetarian dishes like kebabs, crispy rolls, and curries. Classic Indian dishes like tikka, tandoori, and curries are freshly made daily. We suggest sampling the signature dishes and house classics if you want to taste the best Benares restaurant has to offer.
Annapurna
GMB Rating: 4.0 | Price range: $
Address: 50-48/6, Pan Road | Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Phone Number: +66 88 820 2024
Annapurna is an Indian restaurant that specializes in South Indian dishes. The restaurant is small compared to other restaurants on this list, but it’s one of the best places to enjoy authentic Indian dishes at affordable prices.
Some of the must-order dishes on their menu are tandoori meats, butter chicken, and reasmalaai. Many diners recommend breakfast items, including baked goods made fresh daily. The vegetarian menu is extensive, which is why vegans and vegetarians frequent the place.
Mama Restaurant
GMB Rating: 4.0 | Price range: $$
Address: 436 Chakkraphet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon
Phone Number: +66-2-623-9212 (13) | +66-2-623-9336
For over 20 years, Mama restaurant has been serving authentic Northern Indian cuisine with a distinct Punjab influence. The restaurant was founded by Mama, who took his cooking crew from his then-home Dubai to the heart of Little India Phahurat. From here, Mama and his crew have been delighting the locals and travelers with delicious Indian fare.
Being in the business for two decades, it’s not surprising that Mama restaurant has an extensive menu. The restaurant specializes in meat kormas, tikka rolls, tikka masala, paneer-based appetizers and main courses, butter chicken, tandoor meats, and so much more. Mama restaurant has an impressive vegetarian menu as well. Apart from classic Indian dishes, Mama offers Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine, Italian, and Chinese cuisine.
Is Indian food popular in Thailand?
Without a doubt, Indian food is a hit in Thailand because locals love exotic spices and aromatic herbs in their food. The colorful community in Little India also attracts thousands of Indian food fans from all over Bangkok and the world in general.
How much does Indian food cost in Bangkok?
The prices will depend on the restaurant. The cheapest Indian eats are sold in street carts, and the price ranges between 80 to 200 Thai baht per dish. The same food can cost 200 to 500 Thai baht, or more, per dish in restaurants in Bangkok. Like everything in Thailand, the cost will vary, Depending on if you want quick food or a 5-star dining experience. Anything is possible here, the Indian community is vibrant and alive with all manner of restaurants and every level of quality. We have included approximate costs in our restaurant reviews to help you decide.
Where do most Indians live in Bangkok?
Bangkok’s Little India in Pahurat distinct is a center of the Indian commercial community. The district is a fabric market run primarily by Sikh, Dawoodi Bohra Muslims, and Tamil Hindus. It’s also worth noting that Little India is right across Bangkok’s Chinatown, so if you’d like to go on a food crawl, these are the best places to start your gastronomic adventure. However, this is by no means the only location you will find Indian people in the Big Mango (Bangkok). You will note that many of the restaurants listed here are located along Sukhumvit Road to take advantage of the tourists that flock there.
Love Indian food? If you’re traveling to Bangkok, many restaurants offer authentic Indian cuisine. The possibilities are endless! We hope that with this list, we’ve inspired you to explore India’s unique cuisine and culture in Thailand.
