Indian Cuisine in Houston (2025)
Musaafer
Modern Indian restaurant · Galleria
A lavish, region-hopping celebration of India with storytelling service and intricate plating. Awarded a Michelin star and praised by local critics, it’s where 72‑hour dal meets artful cocktails in a dramatic Galleria setting.
Kiran's
Modern Indian restaurant · Upper Kirby
Chef Kiran Verma blends classic technique with Gulf ingredients in a refined room, from tandoor-fired paneer to elegant biryani. Lauded by the Houston Chronicle and beloved for afternoon tea starring her signature chai.
Pondicheri
Modern Indian restaurant · River Oaks
Anita Jaisinghani’s all‑day hub for vibrant, ingredient‑driven Indian cooking and a beloved upstairs Bake Lab. Featured by Condé Nast Traveler and celebrated by local critics for creative thalis, frankies, and thoughtful drinks.
Shri Balaji Bhavan
Indian restaurant · Briar Meadow
A Hillcroft mainstay for South Indian chaats, dosas, and pav bhaji served counter‑style. The Infatuation calls it among Houston’s best; locals come for crispy, tangy, spicy balance at wallet‑friendly prices.
Govinda's Vegetarian Cuisine
Vegetarian restaurant · Garden Oaks
Temple‑adjacent buffet tied to Houston’s ISKCON community, serving a rotating vegetarian spread with all‑vegan days. Noted by Eater and cherished by neighbors for calm energy, value, and wholesome Gujarati‑leaning flavors.
da Gama canteen
Modern Indian restaurant · Memorial
A Heights canteen weaving Indian and Portuguese traditions—think vada pav on house‑baked pao and Goan tamarind prawns. Recommended by the Houston Chronicle; lively bar, sunny patio, and plenty for vegetarians.
Khyber North Indian Grill
North Indian restaurant · Upper Kirby
A longtime, independently owned standard for Northern Indian classics—tandoori prawns, silky baingan bharta, and sampler dinners. Included in the Houston Chronicle’s best Indian roundups; steady service and a neighborhood feel.
Bombay Sweets
Indian restaurant · Briar Meadow
Vegetarian cafeteria and sweets shop known for chaats, methi paratha, and a dazzling mithai counter. Highlighted by The Infatuation and local guides; affordable, fast, and deeply nostalgic for many Houstonians.
London Sizzler
Indian sizzler restaurant · Sharpstown
A British‑style curry house with Indo‑Chinese and East African touches—tandoori platters, pili‑pili sizzlers, and mogo. Recognized by national editors for its eclectic menu and spirited bar.
Udipi Cafe
Indian restaurant · Gulfton
A veteran South Indian vegetarian spot for thalis, idli, and dosas served with peppery sambar. Community fixture with decades of history and steady crowds for lunch and dinner.
Himalaya Restaurant
Pakistani restaurant · Sharpstown
Indo‑Pak landmark where hunter’s beef, hara masala, and famed fried chicken share space with fragrant biryani. Celebrated by Houston critics and national TV; chef Kaiser and Azra Lashkari’s hospitality anchors the experience.
