How to Find the Best Indian Food in Indianapolis

Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse and flavorful culinary traditions in the world, with regional specialties spanning from the creamy curries of Punjab to the spicy seafood dishes of Kerala. In Indianapolis, a city known for its growing multicultural landscape, Indian food has evolved from a niche offering to a vibrant culinary force. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new transplant, or a curious food explorer, finding the best Indian food in Indianapolis requires more than just following popular reviews—it demands understanding flavor profiles, recognizing authenticity, and knowing where to look beyond the surface.

This guide is designed to help you navigate Indianapolis’s Indian food scene with confidence. You’ll learn how to identify authentic restaurants, evaluate ingredients and preparation methods, use local resources effectively, and discover hidden gems that locals swear by. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll not only know where to eat—but why those places stand out in a crowded and ever-expanding market.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Regional Diversity of Indian Cuisine

Before you begin your search, it’s essential to recognize that “Indian food” is not a monolith. India is home to 28 states and 8 union territories, each with distinct culinary traditions. In Indianapolis, restaurants often specialize in one or two regional styles, so knowing what you’re looking for will guide your choices.

North Indian cuisine—featuring tandoori meats, butter chicken, naan, and creamy kormas—is the most commonly represented style in the U.S., including Indianapolis. But you’ll also find South Indian spots serving dosas, idlis, and sambar; East Indian restaurants offering fish curries and mustard-based dishes; and West Indian eateries specializing in pav bhaji and dhokla.

Start by identifying your flavor preferences: Do you enjoy rich, dairy-heavy dishes? Then focus on North Indian restaurants. Do you prefer fermented, tangy, and rice-based meals? Look for South Indian establishments. This knowledge will help you filter options before you even open a map.

Step 2: Use Local Food Review Platforms Strategically

While platforms like Google Maps, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are useful, they can be misleading if used without context. Many high-ranking restaurants have strong marketing budgets or receive reviews from non-local diners unfamiliar with authentic Indian flavors.

To get accurate insights:

• Filter reviews by “most recent” to see current food quality and service levels.
• Look for reviews that mention specific dishes by name (e.g., “chicken tikka masala,” “paneer butter masala,” “vada pav”) rather than generic praise like “great food.”
• Pay attention to reviews from users who identify as Indian or South Asian—they often recognize subtle differences in spice balance, authenticity of ingredients, and cooking techniques.
• Check for consistency: A restaurant with consistently high ratings over 12–24 months is more likely to maintain quality than one with a sudden spike in reviews.

Also, avoid relying solely on star ratings. A 4.5-star restaurant with 50 reviews may be less reliable than a 4.2-star spot with 200+ reviews and detailed commentary.

Step 3: Explore Indian Grocery Stores and Community Hubs

One of the most reliable ways to find authentic Indian food is to visit Indian grocery stores. These businesses often have small in-house kitchens or partner with home chefs who prepare meals for sale. They also serve as community centers where locals share recommendations.

In Indianapolis, key locations include:

• India Bazaar on West 38th Street – Offers packaged spices, frozen parathas, and a counter with daily homemade curries.
• Shree Krishna Grocery on West 86th Street – Known for its fresh paneer, chutneys, and weekend lunch specials.
• Desi Market & Deli on North Meridian Street – Features a small eatery serving Punjabi-style dal makhani and tandoori roti.

When you visit these stores, ask the staff: “Where do you go for the best butter chicken?” or “Which restaurant makes real Kerala fish curry?” Their recommendations are often more trustworthy than online listings because they’re based on personal experience and community trust.

Step 4: Attend Cultural Events and Festivals

Indian cultural festivals are excellent opportunities to sample a wide variety of dishes in one place. Indianapolis hosts several annual events that bring together local chefs, home cooks, and food vendors.

Key events to attend:

• Diwali Festival at the Indianapolis Cultural Trail – Held in October or November, this event features over 15 food stalls offering regional specialties from across India.
• Holi Food Fair at the Indianapolis Museum of Art – Celebrates spring with colorful street food, including gujiya, thandai, and chaat.
• Indian Independence Day Picnic at Eagle Creek Park – Organized by the Indian Association of Central Indiana, this gathering includes live music and authentic home-cooked meals.

At these events, take notes on which dishes you enjoy most and ask vendors where they source their ingredients or which restaurant they recommend for that dish year-round. Many vendors operate pop-up kitchens and will share their permanent restaurant locations.

Step 5: Evaluate Ingredients and Cooking Methods

Authentic Indian food relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. When visiting a restaurant, observe or ask about:

• Spice blends: Authentic restaurants grind their own masalas (spice mixes) daily. Pre-packaged powders often lack depth. Ask if they make their own garam masala or curry powder.
• Dairy and fats: Traditional Indian cooking uses ghee (clarified butter), not margarine or vegetable oil. If a dish tastes overly greasy or artificial, it may be using low-quality substitutes.
• Vegetables and legumes: Fresh spinach, fenugreek leaves, lentils, and chickpeas should be in season and not canned or frozen unless it’s a regional specialty (like frozen paneer in some North Indian homes).
• Cooking vessels: Tandoor ovens (clay ovens) are essential for authentic tandoori dishes. If a restaurant claims to serve tandoori chicken but doesn’t have a visible tandoor, the dish may be oven-baked and lack the smoky char.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A confident, knowledgeable chef will welcome your curiosity. Phrases like “Do you use homemade yogurt in your marinades?” or “Is your sambar made with tamarind from India?” can reveal a lot about their commitment to authenticity.

Step 6: Check for Staff Familiarity with Regional Dishes

Waitstaff at authentic Indian restaurants often come from the regions the food represents. Their ability to explain dishes, recommend pairings, and describe preparation methods is a strong indicator of legitimacy.

Ask them:

• “What’s your favorite dish from your hometown?”
• “Which curry is most popular in your region?”
• “How do you make your chutney different from others?”

If they respond with personal stories—like “In my village in Odisha, we use dried mango powder instead of tamarind”—it’s a sign the restaurant values cultural accuracy. Staff who give generic answers or seem unfamiliar with the menu may indicate a franchise or non-authentic operation.

Step 7: Try the Lunch Specials and Family-Style Meals

Many Indian restaurants offer lunch specials that include multiple dishes, rice, bread, and dessert for a low price. These are often the most authentic offerings because they’re designed for regular patrons, not tourists.

Look for:

• Thali platters: A traditional Indian meal served on a large tray with small bowls of curry, dal, rice, roti, raita, and pickles. A well-prepared thali reflects mastery of multiple dishes.
• Family-style combos: Meals designed for 3–4 people with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sides. These are usually more diverse and better priced than à la carte options.
• Daily specials: Often handwritten on a board, these dishes reflect what’s fresh, seasonal, or what the chef is particularly proud of that day.

Ordering a thali or family meal gives you a broader experience than ordering one dish alone. It’s the best way to compare flavors, textures, and quality across multiple preparations.

Step 8: Follow Local Indian Food Bloggers and Social Media Influencers

While mainstream food bloggers may focus on aesthetics, Indian-American influencers and food enthusiasts in Indianapolis often prioritize taste, authenticity, and cultural context.

Search Instagram and YouTube using hashtags like:

• IndianFoodIndy

• IndianFoodInIndianapolis

• DesiEatsIndy

• IndianFoodNearMe

Look for accounts with:

• Consistent posting (at least once a week)
• Video reviews showing the cooking process or ingredients
• Posts that mention specific chefs, family names, or regional origins

Some trusted local voices include @SpiceTrailIndy, @DesiBitesIN, and @IndianapolisEatsWithRiya. Their reviews often highlight lesser-known spots like “Asha’s Kitchen” or “Ghar ka Khana,” which don’t appear on mainstream platforms.

Step 9: Visit During Off-Peak Hours for Honest Feedback

Restaurants often perform differently during lunch vs. dinner, weekdays vs. weekends. To get the most accurate sense of quality, visit during off-peak times:

• Weekday lunch (12–2 PM): Often the busiest time for local Indian professionals and students. If the food is good here, it’s likely consistently good.
• Tuesday or Wednesday evenings: Less crowded than Friday or Saturday. You’ll get more attention from staff and a chance to ask questions.
• Early Sunday afternoon: Many restaurants prepare special dishes for Sunday family meals. This is when you might find rare items like kheema paratha or ajwaini roti.

During these times, observe how the kitchen operates. Is there a line of regulars waiting? Are the chefs interacting with diners? Are leftovers being repurposed into new dishes? These are signs of a well-run, authentic operation.

Step 10: Trust Your Palate and Keep a Food Journal

Ultimately, the “best” Indian food is subjective. What matters most is what resonates with your taste buds and cultural curiosity.

Start a simple food journal:

• Date and restaurant name
• Dishes ordered
• Spice level (mild, medium, hot)
• Texture notes (creamy, crunchy, chewy)
• Aftertaste (lingering warmth? freshness? bitterness?)
• Would you return? Why or why not?

After visiting 5–10 restaurants, patterns will emerge. You’ll notice which places consistently use fresh cilantro, which ones over-salt their curries, and which chefs balance spices with precision. This personal data is more valuable than any online rating.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Avoid “Americanized” Indian Food

Many restaurants in Indianapolis serve “Indian-inspired” dishes that cater to American palates—think overly sweet butter chicken, deep-fried samosas, or curry with heavy cream instead of yogurt. While tasty, these versions often lack the complexity and balance of authentic Indian cooking.

Look for dishes with:

• Layered spice profiles (not just “curry powder”)
• Use of whole spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek
• Balance of sour (tamarind, yogurt), sweet (jaggery, caramelized onions), and spicy (green chilies, black pepper)
• Minimal use of heavy cream or canned tomatoes

If a menu lists “Indian-style” or “fusion” dishes, proceed with caution. Authentic restaurants rarely label their food as “Indian-style”—they simply serve it as it is.

Practice 2: Prioritize Restaurants with Indian Ownership or Management

While non-Indian owners can run excellent restaurants, those owned or managed by people from India or the Indian diaspora are more likely to preserve traditional recipes, sourcing, and cooking methods.

Look for:

• Owner names that reflect Indian heritage
• Family photos on the wall or signage in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, or other regional languages
• Menu descriptions that include regional origins (e.g., “Hyderabadi biryani,” “Goan vindaloo”)

Don’t assume all Indian-sounding names are authentic—some are branding tactics. But when combined with other signs (like staff knowledge and ingredient quality), ownership is a strong indicator.

Practice 3: Learn Basic Indian Food Terminology

Understanding a few key terms will help you navigate menus and ask better questions:

• Tandoori: Cooked in a clay oven, smoky and charred.
• Curry: A sauce or stew with spices, not a single dish.
• Dal: Lentil stew, often spiced with turmeric and cumin.
• Chutney: A condiment made from herbs, fruits, or vegetables—often tangy or spicy.
• Raita: Yogurt-based side with cucumber, mint, or roasted cumin.
• Paratha: Layered flatbread, often stuffed with potatoes or paneer.
• Dosa: Fermented rice and lentil crepe, crispy and light.
• Idli: Steamed rice cakes, soft and fluffy.

Knowing these terms helps you identify whether a restaurant understands its own cuisine—or is just copying from a generic menu.

Practice 4: Support Small, Family-Owned Establishments

Large chains and franchises may offer consistency but rarely innovation or authenticity. Small, family-run restaurants are where Indian culinary traditions are preserved and passed down.

These places often:

• Use family recipes from multiple generations
• Source spices directly from India or local South Asian wholesalers
• Prepare food in small batches to maintain freshness
• Offer seasonal or limited-time dishes not found elsewhere

Supporting them helps sustain cultural heritage and ensures the Indian food scene in Indianapolis continues to grow with integrity.

Practice 5: Be Open to Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Indian cuisine is one of the most vegetarian-friendly in the world. Many traditional dishes are naturally vegan or can be easily adapted.

Don’t overlook:

• Chana masala: Spicy chickpea curry
• Palak paneer: Spinach and cottage cheese in spiced gravy
• Baingan bharta: Smoked eggplant mash
• Vegetable biryani: Fragrant rice with mixed vegetables and whole spices

Many top-rated Indian restaurants in Indianapolis have more vegetarian dishes than meat-based ones. Asking for vegan options (no dairy) is also common and welcomed.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Google Maps with Custom Filters

Use Google Maps to create a personalized list of Indian restaurants in Indianapolis:

• Search “Indian food near me”
• Click “Filters” → Select “Restaurants” and “Indian”
• Sort by “Highest Rated” and “Most Reviewed”
• Click on each listing and read the photos—authentic places often show real food, not stock images
• Save your favorites to a custom list called “Indian Food Hunt – Indy”

Check the “Questions & Answers” section on each listing. Locals often ask: “Do you serve authentic South Indian dosa?” or “Is the tandoor real?” and the answers can be revealing.

Tool 2: Yelp Advanced Search

On Yelp, use the “Advanced Search” feature to:

• Filter by “Indian” cuisine
• Set location radius to 10 miles around downtown
• Sort by “Top Rated” and “Most Reviewed”
• Use keywords: “homemade,” “authentic,” “tandoor,” “thali,” “no cream,” “no sugar”

Look for reviews that mention “I grew up in Mumbai and this tastes like home” or “My grandmother would approve.” These are gold-standard endorsements.

Tool 3: Indian Community Facebook Groups

Join these active groups:

• Indian Community of Indianapolis – Over 8,000 members. Daily posts about food, events, and recommendations.
• Indian Food Lovers – Indianapolis – Focused solely on restaurant reviews and recipe sharing.
• Desi Parents in Indy – Often share where they take their kids for lunch or weekend treats.

Post questions like: “Looking for the best paneer tikka in Indy—any recommendations?” or “Does anyone know a place that makes real Punjabi chole bhature?” Responses are usually fast, detailed, and personal.

Tool 4: Local Indian Radio and Podcasts

While less common, some local media outlets feature Indian food segments:

• WQRT Radio – “Spice & Soul” – A weekly segment on South Asian culture, including food interviews.
• The Desi Bite Podcast – Hosted by a local chef from Gujarat, featuring guest interviews with Indy restaurant owners.

These platforms often spotlight small businesses that don’t advertise on Google or Yelp.

Tool 5: Indian Recipe Websites for Comparison

Before visiting a restaurant, research the dishes you plan to try on trusted Indian recipe sites:

• Archana’s Kitchen – Detailed, region-specific recipes with photos
• VahRehVah – Video tutorials from professional Indian chefs
• My Heart Beets – Focuses on traditional home cooking

Compare the restaurant’s version to the authentic recipe. Does it match in spice blend? Texture? Cooking time? This helps you judge quality objectively.

Real Examples

Example 1: Spice Route – Broad Ripple

Located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, Spice Route is a family-run restaurant opened in 2016 by a couple from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Their menu focuses on Awadhi cuisine, known for slow-cooked meats and aromatic spices.

Signature dishes:

• Kebab Platter: Tender, smoky seekh kebabs made with hand-ground spices and grilled in a tandoor.
• Nihari: A 12-hour simmered beef stew with bone marrow, traditionally eaten for breakfast in North India.
• Sheermal: Saffron-infused flatbread, slightly sweet and buttery.

Why it stands out:

• Uses imported ghee and whole spices from Lucknow
• Owner personally trains staff on regional dishes
• Regulars include Indian expats and university professors from Punjab

Review quote: “I’ve eaten Nihari in Delhi. This is the closest I’ve found in the U.S.” — @SpiceTrailIndy, Instagram

Example 2: Ghar ka Khana – Zionsville

Meaning “Home Kitchen,” this hidden gem operates out of a residential home in Zionsville, offering home-cooked meals by reservation only. Founded by a former schoolteacher from Kerala, it serves only South Indian dishes.

Signature dishes:

• Appam with Stew: Soft, lacy rice pancakes with coconut milk-based vegetable stew.
• Meen Curry: Fish cooked in tamarind and curry leaves, a Kerala specialty.
• Payasam: Traditional rice pudding with jaggery and cardamom.

Why it stands out:

• Ingredients sourced weekly from Indian grocers in Chicago
• No menu—meals change daily based on seasonal produce
• Only 12 seats available per day; reservations fill up weeks in advance

Review quote: “It’s like eating at my aunt’s house in Thrissur. The flavors are exactly right.” — Anonymous, Indian Community of Indianapolis Facebook Group

Example 3: Taj Mahal Biryani – Southport Road

A popular spot among students and young professionals, Taj Mahal Biryani specializes in Hyderabadi-style biryanis, known for their layered rice, saffron, and slow-cooked meat.

Signature dishes:

• Chicken Dum Biryani: Cooked in a sealed pot over low heat for 4 hours.
• Vegetable Biryani: Made with basmati rice, cashews, raisins, and whole spices.
• Shahi Tukda: A royal dessert of fried bread soaked in sugar syrup and cardamom milk.

Why it stands out:

• Uses aged basmati rice imported from Punjab
• Every biryani is cooked in small batches, never pre-made
• Owner trained under a master chef in Hyderabad

Review quote: “I’ve tried 12 biryanis in Indy. This is the only one that has the right aroma and texture.” — Yelp reviewer, 4.9 stars

FAQs

What is the most authentic Indian dish to order in Indianapolis?

The most authentic dish depends on the region you’re seeking. For North Indian authenticity, order tandoori chicken with naan and raita. For South Indian, try dosa with coconut chutney and sambar. For a complete experience, go for a thali platter that includes multiple regional dishes.

Are there vegan Indian restaurants in Indianapolis?

While there are no exclusively vegan Indian restaurants, most traditional Indian eateries offer abundant vegan options. Dishes like chana masala, baingan bharta, vegetable biryani, and dal tadka are naturally vegan. Just ask to omit dairy (ghee, yogurt, paneer).

How can I tell if a restaurant uses real ghee?

Real ghee has a rich, nutty aroma and a golden color. It doesn’t taste greasy or artificial. Ask the server: “Is your ghee homemade?” or “Do you use clarified butter from India?” If they hesitate or say “We use butter,” it’s likely not authentic.

Is Indian food in Indianapolis spicy by default?

No. Spice level is customizable. Indian cuisine uses heat for flavor, not just intensity. Most restaurants offer “mild,” “medium,” or “hot” options. Ask for “no chili” or “light spice” if you’re sensitive.

What’s the best time to visit for the freshest food?

Weekday lunch (12–2 PM) is ideal. Many restaurants prepare fresh batches for lunch service, and ingredients are at their peak. Avoid weekends if you want a quieter experience and more attention from staff.

Do any Indian restaurants in Indianapolis offer delivery?

Yes, most major Indian restaurants partner with Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. However, delivery can affect texture—especially for breads and fried items. For the best experience, order pickup or dine in.

Can I find gluten-free Indian food in Indianapolis?

Yes. Many Indian dishes are naturally gluten-free, including rice-based meals, lentil curries, and tandoori meats. Avoid naan, paratha, and pakoras unless labeled gluten-free. Ask for rice instead of bread and confirm no wheat flour is used in spice blends.

Why do some Indian restaurants in Indy charge more than others?

Higher prices often reflect authentic ingredients (imported spices, grass-fed lamb, aged basmati rice), traditional cooking methods (slow-cooked, tandoor-grilled), and smaller portion sizes focused on quality over quantity. Cheaper places may use frozen or pre-made ingredients.

Conclusion

Finding the best Indian food in Indianapolis isn’t about the restaurant with the most Instagram likes or the loudest ads. It’s about understanding the cultural roots of the cuisine, knowing what to look for in ingredients and preparation, and engaging with the community that keeps these traditions alive.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—evaluating regional diversity, using local resources, asking informed questions, and trusting your palate—you’ll move beyond generic “Indian food” and discover the rich, nuanced flavors that make this cuisine unforgettable.

Remember: the best Indian meal isn’t always the most expensive or the most popular. Sometimes, it’s the quiet family-run kitchen on the edge of town, where the owner greets you by name and serves you a dish their grandmother taught them to make. That’s the heart of authentic Indian food—and that’s what you’re searching for.

Start your journey today. Visit one new restaurant. Ask one question. Taste one new spice. Indianapolis’s Indian food scene is waiting to be explored—not just eaten.