The traditional food of India is so rich because its history
is rich. Over the course of thousands of years, dishes like curry, tandoori,
and masala were created and perfected. Spices like turmeric, cardamom, and
black pepper were used in this area by 3000 BCE. There are usually plenty of vegetarian
options at Indian restaurants today because Hindus do not generally consume
beef.
We are lucky in New Orleans to have several Indian restaurants serving very traditional and contemporary Indian food. These are considered to
be the very best Indian restaurants in New Orleans to expand your culinary horizons.
Where to Get Indian Food in New Orleans
1. LUFU NOLA
301 St. Charles Ave., (504) 354-1104
lufunola.com
This St. Charles Avenue restaurant offers regional Indian food for guests to explore with separate lunch and dinner menus depending on the time. Lunch menu options include the "naanwiches" and chaats, while the dinner menu features amazingly cooked, and delicious tandoori dishes.
Non typical entrees like the Nadru Lababdar, Paneer Bhurji, and Angara Chicken make this spot a unique and exciting location to delight in delicious Indian food. This spot also has a cocktail menu with its own interesting and unique flair. Try the Maharani Mango Lassi, the Darjeeling Old Fashioned, and the Kadi Patta Mojito.
2. Saffron NOLA
4128 Magazine St., (504) 323-2626
saffronnola.com
Saffron is a fine-dining experience named for the spice found in a slew of dishes throughout Eurasia. The distinct red spice, and its usage in the name of this restaurant, reflects the unique and exciting spices and ingredients found across their food and beverage menus. Start off with a Choti plate, like the Bombay Shrimp, herb and spice-crusted Gulf shrimp in a remoulade sauce. For the main dish, choose something traditional like the Goat Masala or Chicken Biriyani.
They also offer a private dining room experience for more intimate engagements, which calls back to Saffron's origin as a catering company for 26 years before opening an actual restaurant on Magazine Street and earning accolades afterwards, including Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Awards.
3. Nirvana Indian Cuisine
4308 Magazine St., (504) 894-9797
nirvananola.com
Since 1999, Nirvana has offered authentic Indian food to the New Orleans public; this longstanding service bolstered by the Keswani family's prior sister restaurants, including Taj Mahal Indian cuisine, which can be found later in this list. Nirvana also offers catering options for a party for Indian cuisine that's sure to excite, and satisfy guests.
The restaurant offers variations of traditional dishes for customers like biryiani, vindaloo, tandoor-cooked menu options, and even special dishes only featured at Nirvana. The Flag of India features butter chicken, malai kebab with creamy sauce, and saag paneer to represent the colors of the flag of India. Start off with some samosas an appetizer or get straight to to business at this great spot today!
4. Aroma Indian Cuisine
401 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 766-6916
aromanolaindiancuisine.com
Aroma is a great spot to eat if you're
in the CBD/Warehouse District or even the French Quarter. You can find the quaint
eatery where Gravier Street meets S. Claiborne Avenue, very close to the interstate.
The interior has richly dark walls lined with colorful art and is lit by crystal chandeliers.
As soon as you get the menu in your hand, you'll see a lot of traditional
Indian dishes and a few fusion favorites.
The Chili Chicken appetizer of spicy fried
chicken and bell peppers will whet your appetite. The Lamb Boti Kabab is
marinated in yogurt, ginger, and garlic paste. The Chili Mushroom vegetarian entrée
is stir-fired mushrooms with cabsicum and chili sauce.
5. Plume Algiers
1113 Teche St., Algiers, (504) 381-4893
plumealgiers.com
Plume specializes in innovative dishes
rooted in Indian traditions, and it feels like you're dining right in Tyler
Stuart and Merritt Coscia's house. That's because you are! Tyler and Merritt
live in the back part of the building that houses their restaurant. The fare is
truly one-of-a-kind, and the offerings can change based on what ingredients are
available.
The Afghani-Style Half Chicken is tandoori
chicken, cashews, and chaat with masala seasonings. The Shukto is a thick
roasted vegetable soup with poppy seeds, sweet potato, bitter gourd, eggplant,
and plantain. The Chili Baby Corn is great for sharing.
6. Mantra Indian Cuisine
3116 S. I-10 Service Rd., Metairie, (504) 766-8004
mantracuisine.net
Mantra sits on the southeast corner of the intersection of Causeway Boulevard and I-10. This gem of a restaurant can be a little difficult to find at first, but it contains some of the best Indian you can find. The menu is so big that it can be intimidating, but you can start off by choosing the meat (or not) that you prefer, choosing your spice level, and then going from there.
The Garlic Mushroom or Tofu Masala are great for someone who prefers vegetarian food. The Mango Chicken is an adventurous dish with mango sauce-cooked boneless chicken. The Saag Shrimp is cooked in spinach and special sauce.
7. Turmeric Indian Cuisine
1025 Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 354-1422
turmericnola.com
This Indian kitchen serves up flavorful and
colorful fare that is inspired by food from all parts of India. Turmeric is
very proud of their biryani, curry, and tandoor specialties that carnivores and
herbivores can all enjoy. Chicken Tikki Masala is always requested, and the
Goan Fish Curry is great for people who love their seafood.
Vegetarians will appreciate the large amount
of healthy meatless options. The Bhindi Masala features okra that is sautéed with
onions and tomatoes. The spicy Chili Paneer is spring onions, bell peppers, and
other spices in a paneer Thai chili sauce.
8. Silk Road Restaurant & Wine Bar
2483 Royal St., (504) 494-8307
silkroadnola.com
Silk Road proclaims itself to be a "Wine and Cheese Bazaar." You're not going to find a menu strictly of Indian delights here; there's a wonderful mixture of Indian, Asian, and even Creole flavors. The options also range from meat-forward to vegetarian to fully vegan and the dishes are identified as such. The Eggplant Tapenade is a great eggplant dip for vegans and the Louisiana Crab Cake is perfect for pescatarians.
Beyond the hot curries and cool cheese plates,
the Silk Road Specials are not to be missed. Try the Smoked Burger:
house-smoked 6 oz. patty on brioche dressed with gouda and served with masala
fries.
9. Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine
923 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 836-6859
tajmahalnola.com
Taj Mahal is an Old Metairie institution operating
since 1982. You could probably eat here once a week for a year and never have
the same thing twice; that's how big the menu is. Start off with the Veggie
Platter for Two with aloo tikki, samosas, papdum, and onion pakoras. Then try
out one of the many large plates.
Taj Mahal is particularly proud of the
South Indian Specialties. Sambar Vada is lightly-spiced lentil donuts sipped in sambar (lentil soup). The Mysore Masala Dosai is a dish with thin rice crepes
with a layer of hot chutney filled with potato and onion.
10. Namaste NOLA
201 Baronne St., (504) 581-8227
namastenola439.com
Namaste NOLA is a new player in New Orleans
Indian food having opened in 2022. The food is designated as vegetarian or not
so you know exactly what you're getting. The Chilli Gobi is a veggie version of
the Chilli Chicken using battered and fried cauliflower instead of chicken.
The Most Authentic Indian Restaurants in NOLA
You can enjoy thousands of years of culinary exploration and history in
every bite at these local Indian restaurants. Just be sure to choose your spice
level carefully if the server asks you what level you want. Indian spices can
be through the roof when it comes to tongue-tingling heat.
What do you think is the best Indian food in
town? Let us know where to find it!
