By Pamela Mahler

When it comes to savoring authentic Indian food in Houstonthere’s no shortage of exceptional options. The Bayou City is home to numerous Indian restaurants that blend traditional flavors and modern culinary flair. These restaurants offer various flavorful choicesfrom vibrant tandoori dishes to plant-based offerings. Locals who voted in the Chronicle’s most recent Best of the Best contest named the restaurants with the best Indian food in Houston. Read on to explore this year’s top picks to decide where to indulge in your next flavorful feast.

  • Aga's Restaurant and Catering

    Best of Winner 2024
    If you’ve ever wondered where to find a delicious Indian brunch menuthe best Indian restaurant in Houston for the occasion is Aga’s Restaurant & Catering; it serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The menu is 100% Zabiha Halaland this Indian-Pakistani restaurant serves plenty of crowd-pleasing favoritesincluding biryaniscurriessamosasnaan and Indian BBQ items. If you have little ones in towthe kids menu has Indian food offerings and items like chicken nuggets and French fries for pickier eaters.
    Get directions (1 location)

  • Kiran's

    Best of Finalist 2024
    When you’re looking for an upscale evening at one of the best Indian restaurants in HoustonKiran’s is an excellent choice. Its sustainableantibiotic- and hormone-free meats are prepared by cooking slowly over fire or in tandoori clay ovens. The menu has creative Indian food options like Naanzaswhich are pizza-like dishes with a naan basea brunchy-lunch menu and tasting menus for when you want to go all out. Save room for dessert; Kiran’s makes all its sweets in-house and options range from traditional Indian gulab jamun to classic Southern treats like bread pudding with rum sauce.
    Get directions (1 location)

    • MORE nearby with great reviews

    Find other highly-rated restaurants and local businesses in the Houston area fast and easily.

  • Tarka Indian Kitchen

    Best of Finalist 2024
    Tarka Indian Kitchen is a green restaurant that’s health-conscious and eco-friendly. If you’re looking for big flavors that fit into your healthy eating planthis is one of the best Indian restaurants in Houston for you — it offers customizable dishes and a full nutrition PDF of all its food items. Hereyou can choose your own proteincurry and spice level to achieve your ideal bowl of goodness. Many menu items are vegetarianvegan and gluten-free. Tarka Indian Kitchen is a great choice for dining inpick-up or Indian food delivery in Houston through third-party apps.
    Get directions (3 locations)

  • Himalaya Restaurant & Catering

    Nominee
    Since 2004Himalaya Restaurant & Catering has served some of the best Pakistani and Indian food in H-Town. Some of its signature dishes include Cook's Tawa Goshtdescribed as a "berserk boeuf bourguignon," and the Mutton Biriyaniwhich the restaurant calls its Indo-Pakisitani version of Spanish paella. On the menuyou'll see the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain gave this latter dishamong othersa thumbs up; celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern has also dined at Himalaya Restaurant & Cateringand if it's good enough for themit's certainly earned its spot among the best places for Indian food nearby.
    Get directions (1 location)

  • Pondicheri

    Nominee
    Pondicheri is a local Indian restaurant with a community vibe. Part modern Indian restaurant and part bakeryPondicheri feels like a local coffee shop where you can meet with friendsbut in addition to its robust Bake Lab cookies and treatsyou’ll find an inspired Indian food menu. Led by acclaimed chef Anita Jaisinghanithe restaurant showcases vibrant Indian food inspired by Ayurvedausing freshlocal ingredients. It hosts cooking classes and tasting dinnersor if you simply need great Indian food in a hurryyou can pick up or order Indian food delivery in Houston on DoorDash or GrubHub.
    Get directions (1 location)