Home
10 Best Indian Restaurants in Austin

10 Best Indian Restaurants in Austin

The ten best Indian restaurants in Austin are Clay Pit, Jaipur Palace, Sangam Chettinad, Tarka Indian Kitchen, Asiana Indian Cuisine, Biryani Pot, Bombay Bistro, Bombay Grill, G’Raj Mahal Cafe, and Nasha. Indian food in Austin features both traditional regional dishes and new fusion meals. Fine dining is available at places like Jaipur Palace, while Sangam Chettinad provides a genuine taste of South Indian Chettinad food, and special spots like Nasha offer a unique Indian-Tex Mex fusion.

Indian restaurants are found all over the city, with locations in downtown, North Austin, and South Austin. The types of Indian restaurants Austin has include traditional North Indian places, specialized South Indian kitchens, and modern fast-casual eateries with different settings. Diners can find the historic, cellar-like dining room at Clay Pit, the relaxed garden patio at G’Raj Mahal, or the efficient setup of Tarka Indian Kitchen. This combination of old neighborhood spots and new creative restaurants makes the local Indian food special.

Austin's Indian restaurants serve both traditional and modern meals. Clay Pit stands out as the best choice overall because of its unique historic setting, modern menu, and national praise. Tarka Indian Kitchen is a top choice for a quick and affordable meal with its fresh and made-to-order dishes and customization options. For fine dining, Jaipur Palace is one of the best Indian restaurants in Austin, offering authentic North Indian food in an elegant setting. Many restaurants, including Clay Pit and Tarka Indian Kitchen, also provide menu options for vegan and gluten-free diets.

10 Best Indian Restaurants in Austin are listed below.

1 Clay Pit
2 Jaipur Palace
3 Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine
4 Tarka Indian Kitchen
5 Asiana Indian Cuisine
6 Biryani Pot Austin
7 Bombay Bistro
8 Bombay Grill Austin
9 G'Raj Mahal Cafe & Lounge
10 Nasha

What Makes Indian Restaurants in Austin Famous?

Indian restaurants in Austin are famous for their unique Tex-Mex fusions, authentic regional specialities, and traditional tandoor cooking. Visitors are drawn to Austin for its wide array of Indian dining, offering everything from genuine South Indian meals to creative local concepts. This assortment sets Austin apart, providing a spectrum of Indian dining that extends beyond conventional menus. Restaurants like Nasha create inventive plates by combining Indian flavors with local influences, resulting in items such as chicken paneer quesadillas and tandoori tacos. Other establishments concentrate on the specific cooking styles of a single region, like the aromatic and spicy dishes of South India's Chettinad area found at Sangam Chettinad. Preparation methods are also a key feature, with many establishments using classic clay ovens for baking fresh naan bread and grilling meats. Freshly ground, imported spices are essential for the authentic taste of the dishes.

What Types of Indian Restaurants are Commonly Found in Austin?

The types of Indian restaurants commonly found in Austin include North and South Indian establishments, Indian fusion spots, street food vendors, and fast-casual kitchens. This assortment of dining styles provides a comprehensive look at the subcontinent's food, from classic regional preparations to modern interpretations. The following categories detail the most prevalent kinds of Indian eateries in the city.

North Indian Restaurants: These establishments, such as Jaipur Palace and Clay Pit, focus on the rich, creamy curries, tandoori-grilled meats, and breads like naan that are characteristic of Northern India. Dishes like Butter Chicken, Saag Paneer, and Lamb Rogan Josh are staples.
South Indian Restaurants: Specializing in the cuisine of Southern India, these restaurants offer dishes that are often lighter and feature flavors of tamarind, coconut, and mustard seeds. Sangam Chettinad and Nawabi Hyderabad House serve regional specialties like spicy Chettinad curries, dosas, and Hyderabadi biryani.
Indian Fusion Spots: A unique aspect of Austin's scene, these restaurants combine Indian flavors with other culinary traditions. Nasha is a prime example, blending Indian spices with Tex-Mex formats to create dishes like Tikka Con Queso and Indian-style tacos.
Indian Street Food and Chaat Shops: Restaurants and food trucks like Chatpatti Chaat and Bombay Street Food bring the vibrant snacks of India's streets to Austin. The menus feature items like samosa chaat, bhel puri, and pav bhaji.
Fast-Casual Indian Kitchens: Tarka Indian Kitchen represents this modern format, offering customizable and quickly prepared Indian meals. Customers choose a curry, protein, and spice level for a convenient and accessible dining experience.

Are There Authentic Indian Restaurants in Austin?

Yes, Austin has authentic Indian restaurants, including Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine, Jaipur Palace, and Asiana Indian Cuisine. Sangam Chettinad is dedicated to the cuisine of the Chettinad region of South India, known for its complex flavors derived from freshly ground spices. Jaipur Palace brings North Indian cuisine to the city, with a focus on classic dishes from the Rajasthan state. Asiana Indian Cuisine is a family-owned establishment praised for its homestyle cooking and extensive menu that covers both North and South Indian traditions. These restaurants are recognized for using traditional recipes and preparation methods to deliver a genuine taste of India.

What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Indian Restaurants in Austin?

The best Indian restaurants in Austin are known for signature dishes ranging from contemporary creations like Curried Mussels at Clay Pit to traditional slow-cooked Hyderabadi Biryani at Biryani Pot. Key signature dishes from Austin's top Indian restaurants are detailed below.

Chicken Tikka Masala: A popular and widely available dish, this creamy tomato-based curry is a specialty at restaurants like Clay Pit and Bombay Bistro.
Hyderabadi Biryani: This flavorful, slow-cooked layered rice dish is the main attraction at Biryani Pot, which specializes in the cuisine of Hyderabad.
Dosas: Thin, savory crepes made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils are a staple of South Indian cuisine. Restaurants like Sangam Chettinad and Bombay Dhaba are praised for their dosas.
Tandoori Chicken: A classic North Indian dish of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and roasted in a clay tandoor oven. This is a popular item at establishments like Bombay Grill.
Saag Paneer: A vegetarian dish featuring spinach and cubes of paneer cheese in a creamy sauce. This is a well-regarded classic served at restaurants such as Asiana Indian Cuisine and Clay Pit.
Indian Fusion Tacos: A unique creation from Nasha, these tacos feature Indian fillings like chicken tandoori served in a tortilla, blending Indian and Tex-Mex flavors.

Is Indian Food Popular in Austin?

Yes, Indian food is popular in Austin, and many Indian restaurants are found all over the city, from downtown areas to neighborhoods in the north and south. There are different kinds of restaurants, including fine dining, casual family spots, quick-service places, and food trucks. The success of restaurants that focus on specific regional food, like South Indian, or on new styles like Indian-fusion, shows that many people in the city enjoy Indian food.

What is the Average Price of a Meal at Indian Restaurants in Austin?

A meal at an Indian restaurant in Austin costs between $12 and $45 per person. Budget-friendly meals are available at fast-casual restaurants like Tarka Indian Kitchen, where a single entree costs from $12 to $18. A meal at a mid-range, casual dining restaurant such as Asiana Indian Cuisine or Bombay Bistro costs between $20 and $35 for an appetizer and an entree. Upscale establishments like Clay Pit have prices that start at $30 and can exceed $45 per person for a multi-course meal. Group dining options, such as family packs from Biryani Pot, offer meals for multiple people at a set price.

Do Indian Restaurants in Austin Offer Vegan Options?

Yes, Indian restaurants in Austin offer vegan options at places like Tarka Indian Kitchen, Clay Pit, G'Raj Mahal, and Sangam Chettinad. Tarka Indian Kitchen marks its vegan dishes on the menu. Clay Pit has a vegetarian section and can make some of those dishes vegan if asked. G'Raj Mahal and Sangam Chettinad have many vegetable curries and lentil dishes that do not contain animal products. South Indian food also has many vegan choices, like dosas and curries made with coconut milk.

Do Indian Restaurants in Austin Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Indian restaurants in Austin offer gluten-free options at restaurants like Clay Pit, Tarka Indian Kitchen, Biryani Pot, and G'Raj Mahal. Tarka Indian Kitchen marks gluten-free items on its menu, including all curries and kabobs. Clay Pit has many gluten-free dishes like grilled meats and seafood. The rice dish biryani, which is the main item at Biryani Pot, is gluten-free. Many Indian curries, lentil dishes, and items made with chickpea flour are also made without gluten.