Must-Try Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia
Northern Indian food is the most popular, but some eateries offer the less popular Punjabi cuisine and dishes from Southern India. For the tastiest biryani, dosa, chicken tikka masala, lamb kebab, or vegetarian paneer masala, and other Indian meals, we have selected some of the best Indian restaurants in Philadelphia that you must try.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Desi Chaat House
501 S 42nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215)-386-1999
Desi Chaat is one of the best-known Indian restaurants in Philadelphia on the west end of the city. The chaats are the main staple in this eatery, with the thin dough lightly fried and filled with meats like lamb, sweet options like dates, lentils, beans, chickpeas, and even fruits.
There are many other options like vegetable samosas, chicken samosas, wraps, rice meals, and Aloo Tikki. There are dessert options and drinks available. The mango lassi and the ever-fresh fruit drink are perfect accompaniments to the spicy and richly flavored food. With the wide range of dishes available
Photo Credit: Facebook
Veda
1920 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267)-519-2001
The large menu at this modern restaurant does not compromise the flavor of their tasty dishes. Veda is focused on sharing the cultural diversity of India by incorporating as much culture as they can in the food and its presentation. The dishes are cooked with the freshest ingredients. The spices and curries remain original in taste and feel like those from India.
The meals range from the vegetarian options of the tasty Masala Hummus Platter with curried hummus and eggplant grilled perfectly with a peri peri drizzle that comes with garlic naan. The meat dishes are equally impressive with plenty of flavorful ingredients, with our favorite being the shrimp thali which comes as either the Shrimp Makhani or Goan Shrimp Curry.
The drinks menu is large, catering to a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It is important to note that the lunch and dinner menus vary, but whatever time you visit this Indian restaurant in Philadelphia, you will enjoy the culinary experience.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Saffron Indian Kitchen
Bala CYNWYD
145 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
(484)-278-4112
AMBLER
60 E Butler Ave, Ambler, PA 19002
(215)-540-0237
WAYNE
522 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087
(610)-254-9100
Named after the famous Indian spice, Saffron Indian Kitchen serves really good food. The lamb masala, cheese, and spinach naan are flavorful and fresh. The other dishes that we tried were equally tasty. Some specialties are chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, Goan Shrimp Curry, Lamb Vindaloo, salmon Tikka, and tandoori lamb chops.
Their vegetable and chicken samosas are excellently cooked with the perfect measure of spice, and the chicken is perfectly tender. Other great options are biryani and chicken dishes cooked superbly with the requested amount of spice from mild to hot.
Their online service is fast and efficient, and if you cannot get to the restaurant, you can order from one of their three locations. This is one of the must-visit Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia because of their consistency in preparing good food.
Photo Credit: Facebook
New Delhi Indian Restaurant
4004 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 386-1941
New Delhi Indian Restaurant has been around since 1988 and serves the best and authentic Indian dishes. The buffet is famous for having classic Indian fare such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka with appetizers, entrees, and accompaniments, making it hard to choose because you want to eat everything. There is an a la carte menu, but the buffet is the real draw.
Some of the buffet specialties include Bhajia, Chicken Tikka Mughlai, Vegetable and meat Samosa, Paneer Pakora, various appetizers, Tandoori, Navratan Korma, Vegetable Corner, different chicken curries, Shrimp Biryani, Chicken Tandoori, Lamb Mughlai, Shrimp Jal Farezi, Shrimp Vindaloo, Vegetable Pulao, Raita, Tandoori Breads, Masala Kulcha, and Desserts. The service is exceptional in this relaxed eatery.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Ekta
1142 Crease St. Philadelphia, PA 19125.
(215)-426-2277
1003 ½ W Lancaster Ave Bryn Mawr, Pa, 19010
(610)-581-7070
106 S 40th St. Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215)-222-7122
Ekta is the reigning Reader’s choice Winner of Best Indian Cuisine in Philadelphia, and the food is deserving of the title. This is one of the more exceptional Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia with tasty meals such as the Navratna korma, butter chicken, onion pakora, chicken biryani, and vegetarian options such as Bhindi Masala, Alu Gobi, and Baigan Bharta full of spicy flavor.
The samosas are also a great appetizer option. The curries are thick and creamy and one of our favorite go-to meals. The three restaurants are open for online ordering only and do not have in-person dining. The delivery service is fast, and the food comes hot.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Rangoli
10863 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116
(215)-677-4400
Rangoli is one of the best Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia that matches its aromatic spices to the meat dishes. The spices are freshly prepared on the day they are to be used – the freshness makes them very aromatic. The restaurant uses only natural ingredients to prepare perfect dishes.
The menu includes appetizers, tandoori specials and various specialties that include vegan and vegetarian options. Meat specialties include Fish, Shrimp, Chicken, Lamb, and Goat accompanied by naan in different flavors and other homemade Indian Bread. Other delicious meals are rice Specialties, a wide variety of South Indian Dishes, Desserts, and Drinks.
Photo Credit: Website
King of Tandoor
824 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215)-568-0750
This Indian restaurant uses fresh ingredients and serves large portions. The menu includes starters, appetizers, soups, and specialties that include chicken, lamb, and shrimp. The most popular meals include their mulligatawny soup, grilled meat appetizer, chicken tikka, chicken makhana chicken saag, tandoori mixed grill, and lamb korma.
Rice pudding is the perfect dessert to end the meal. The casual eatery offers good service and takeaway options and delivery, making it one of the best Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Karma Restaurant and Bar
114 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215)-925-1444
Karma Restaurant and Bar was established in 2003 and is one of the Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia famous for its authentic Indian cuisine with a touch of modernity. The menu has plenty of Indian staples such as Aloo Paratha, Paneer Tikka, Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken, Chicken Vindaloo, Vegetable Pakora, Vegetable Biryani.
Others are Murg Shorba Soup, Fried Bread, Makhani Naan, Chicken Tikka Salad, Chicken, Fish Manchurian, Onion Kulcha, Aloo Tikki Chaat, Chicken 65, Salmon Raita, Saag Paneer, Raita, Kadai Chicken & Gulab Jamun.
The food is delicious, made from authentic ingredients, and served to your spice level. They have a buffet option for lunch with a lot of the popular meals available. The bar has a wide drinks menu which provides the perfect ambiance for a fun evening out.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia does not disappoint with its many Indian restaurants with a variety of tasty dishes and accompanying drinks. These are among the best Indian Restaurants in Philadelphia, with not just excellent food but also incomparable service and plenty of character.
Featured Blog Posts
17 Top Rooftop Restaurants in Philly With Breathtaking Views
The sky’s the limit at these Philadelphia rooftop restaurants and bars offering both stunning views and fabulous food. Here are some great places around town to social distance from the ground!
Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Philadelphia, PA
Is there anything better than the holiday season in one of the great American cities? While city sidewalks bustling with holiday shoppers, streetlights pinned with wreaths, and retail window displays full of wholesome scenes all make Christmastime in Philadelphia a magical experience, the magic doesn’t end there. Once Thanksgiving is over, Christmas pop-up bars start popping up throughout the city. Many of Philly’s best bars transform into winter wonderlands full of festive cocktails. Check out the eight best Christmas pop-up bars in Philadelphia happening this year!
Best Hot Dog Spots in Philadelphia, PA
The delicious, simple, often maligned hot dog is an American classic. Hot dogs can be as simple or as fancy as you want them to be. Philadelphia has developed quite the food scene where chefs go the extra mile to make their dogs delicious! We’ve found some of the best hot dog spots in Philly so you can be sure to have an amazing lunch, dinner, or late-night snack.
Bottomless Brunches in Philadelphia, PA
One of the best ways to celebrate the weekend in Philadelphia is with brunch. And when it’s bottomless, it’s even more fun! Rally up your friends for a Saturday or Sunday brunch and get your fill on all the mimosas and bloodies you can drink. Check out this article for some of our favorite bottomless brunch spots in Philadelphia, PA.