Austin’s Spice Route
We’re known for our Tex-Mex, our barbecue, food trucks and vegetarian eats. Indian might be the food genre experiencing the most growth in Austin and I say Bring it on! The versatility and regional variations mean a limitless world of flavors and textures to explore. Ideal for carnivores, vegans, and everyone in-between, Indian food is simply divine.
Asiana
801 E. William Cannon Dr, Ste 205, Austin, TX 78745
Don’t let the rundown strip mall or sparse decor fool you, Asiana makes some great food. Delicious dosas, fluffy naan and some of the spiciest vindaloo in the city. Ask for it spicy and you shall receive.
Bombay Bistro
10710 Research Blvd. #126, Austin, TX 78759
4200 South Lamar #300, Austin, TX 78704
The elegant, romantic decor of the south location makes for a great date spot.
Bombay Express
13000 North I35, Bldg 12, Unit 216, Austin, TX 78753
Vegetarian.
Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant
3201 Bee Caves Rd. #148, Austin, TX 78746
Cheery service and wide range of options on the buffet.
Chola
2601 S. I35, Ste. B-400, Round Rock, TX 78664
Leans on Southern cuisine although has some Northern offerings. Known for their weekend buffet.
Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
A downtown favorite, Clay Pit offers a modern setting and delicious Bombay-inspired cocktails. The curried mussels alone are worth the trip.
Curry in a Hurry
2121 W. Parmer Lane #114, Austin, TX 78727
This vegetarian spot features a daily curry. Bonus: free wi-fi!
G’Raj Mahal
91 Red River, Austin, TX 78701
This popular food truck is distinctly Austin. The BYOB has lots of outdoor seating and makes for a great start when bar-hopping on Rainey Street.
Indian Spicy Kitchen
500 Canyon Ridge Dr, Ste L275, Austin, TX 78753
Extensive menu and online ordering system makes takeout a breeze.
Man Pasand Grocery
3601 W. William Cannon #750, Austin, TX 78749
A great place to stock up on spices, snacks, frozen meals, grains and more. The freshly made hot samosas for $1.00 at the counter are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
Masala Wok
1100 Center Ridge Dr, Ste 300, Austin, TX 78753
10515 N. Mopac, Ste. A-155, Austin, TX 78759
This small chain has classic Indian and Chinese options.
Naan Sense
519 E. 7th St, Austin, TX 78701
This food truck satisfies late night bar-goers downtown. A popular dish is their Kathi Rolls: parantha with an egg, chutney, cabbage and cilantro.
New India Cuisine
2304 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The South Austin Marathi-style restaurant offers lots of fish and yeast-free naan.
Nomad Dosa
1603 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The popular Airstream cranks out soy and gluten-free vegetarian dosas. They often sell out so get there early.
Royal India
4894 Hwy 290 West, Austin, TX 78735
Located in the old Estancia Churrascaria building, favorites include a dosa bar and the Royal Feast, a $44 multi-course dinner for two people.
Sarovar
8440 Burnet Rd, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78757
This old Austin favorite specializes in thali and surly waitstaff.
Shalimar
9310 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
The biryani is a favorite.
Star of India
2900 W. Anderson Lane, Ste 12D, Austin, TX 78757
Standard buffet of classic dishes in a comfortable setting.
Swad
9515 N. Lamar Blvd #156, Austin, TX 78753
Vegetarian favorites and fun street food. The big-as-your-head dosas are a must try. You won’t even mind the lack of atmosphere.
Tarka Indian Kitchen
201 University Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
2525 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757
5207 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX 78745
The little sister of Clay Pit offers many of the same classic curries and fantastic pakoras. The fast, casual counter service has proven to be so popular that they keep expanding, with three locations now.
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine
12407 N. Mopac, Ste 200B, Austin, TX 78758
A budget hole-in-the-wall that frequently offers discounts for their lunch buffet.
Teji’s Foods
1205 Round Rock Ave #115, Round Rock, TX 78681
Part grocery, part restaurant, the widely-respected Teji’s has the fluffiest naan.
Whip In
1950 I35 South, Austin, TX 78704
A funky South Austin staple, Whip In is a convenience store with indoor and outdoor live music, a massive selection of craft on draft, and a large menu of fusion Indian eats.


















Down south here, I wasn’t thrilled with Asiana, but I have enjoyed Bombay Bistro (and there have always been lots of Indians in there when I’ve been) and Tarka for a more modern spin. SO many places up north that I haven’t been to in ages like Swad & Sarovar, and I would also add Madras Pavilion at Burnet & 183 to the list. Now I want dosas!
Great list! Swad is a long-time favorite of mine, but so many of these are great choices. I thought of one more missing from the list: Madras Pavillion in north Austin… vegetarian, buffet-style with all the standards.
Awesome list! I live by Swad and Shalimar and you’re right about both places. I have quite a few places to add to my restaurant list.
Just tried Asiana and it was awesome! Kind of far from me, but worth the drive!
SWAD is my absolute favorite in the whole wide world. love that i have a list of new indian places to try now. thanks!
Tarka is my go-to Indian take-out place. I tried Asiana recently and it was delicious but the service took forever. I also really love Swad.