Whether you are thinking of ordering in or going out, Indian food is always one of the top choices. With over 121 languages, 28 states, and a plethora of identities, it’s hard to define the national cuisine. Thankfully, Hong Kong has tons of options for you to taste everything from Nepali momos to Punjabi butter chicken to south Indian dosas. Here is the list of our favourite Indian restaurants in Hong Kong!
Anjappar — Tsim Sha Tsui
This worldwide chain serves Chettinad cuisine hailing from the region of Tamil Nadu state in South India. Anjappar has 85 branches around the world and finally opened doors in Hong Kong in 2018, offering a range of vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian (and halal) food. In addition to the traditional dosa, some must-try items include the fish meal set and the soups, specifically the crab and mutton bone soup! The best part? The price range is highly affordable, between HK$75-HK$150 per person!
2/F, Multifield Plaza, 3 Prat Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3428 5757 or +852 6999 5545
Bengal Brothers — Central, Wan Chai
Bengal Brothers offers takeaway kathi rolls, a street-side dish first created at Nizam’s in Calcutta, India which consists of juicy, chargrilled meats and vegetables wrapped in a flaky paratha flatbread, drizzled with tangy chutney and topped with crunchy fresh salad. Perfect for lunch, dinner, and truly any meal in between! In addition to their famous Kathi rolls including the BB Classic (HK$98) and the Aachari Paneer (HK$98), you must also try their rice bowls and street snacks. Our favourite is the Vada Pav (HK$70)!
Central: LG9, Jardine House, Base Hall, 1 Connaught Place | firstclass@bengal-brothers.com
Wan Chai: G/F, Man Hee Mansion, 6 Johnston Road | firstclass@bengal-brothers.com
Bombay Dreams — Central
Perhaps the best known Indian restaurant on Hong Kong Island, since 2002, Bombay Dreams has been a go-to for Indians, locals, and expats alike. It offers Mughlai food that has been synonymous with Indian cuisine, serving favourites such as Tandoori Chicken (HK$128 half), as well as decadent delights like Alleppey Fish Curry(HK$238) and Nalli Nihari Gosht (HK$198). Located on Wyndham Street with beautiful French windows as well as a private dining room, Bombay Dream is perfect for any occasion. Still, to get a bang for your buck and try out all the different items, the weekend lunch buffet is unmatched!
1/F, Winning Centre, 46 Wyndham Street, Central | +852 2811 9888
Chaat — Tsim Sha Tsui
The new player on the scene, Rosewood’s Chaat has made waves in the dining scene. Chef Manav Tuli, has created a menu that innovates on classic Indian street food, earning him one Michelin star. This upscale restaurant is beautifully decorated, with a terrace that overlooks the harbour, perfect for date night or a business lunch. Some must-tries include the black pepper chicken tikka, pork cheek vindaloo and the traditional raj kachori with a twist. The tasting menu will set you back HK$998 per person but is definitely worth trying.
5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3891 8888
Chautari — Sheung Wan
If you’re looking for a quick bite at lunch time in the Sheung Wan area, you can’t go wrong visiting Chautari at the Queen Street Cooked Food Market. They offer amazing curries with naan or rice for unbeatable prices, with set lunches starting at HK$80. We also love their yellow dal, chicken curry and saag paneer, and their cheese or garlic naans hit the spot! If you have more time, you can also sit at the market and enjoy the hustle and bustle, with a dinner set for two for just HK$350.
1/F, CF6, Cooked Food Market, No. 1 Queen St, 38 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan | +852 2600 4408
The Clay Oven — Kennedy Town
A winner in Kennedy Town, The Clay Oven is known for its classic tandoori Indian food. Since its beginning, the food has followed their motto to always be fresh, fragrant, and supremely flavoursome. If you know you are going ahead of time, do order their Tandoori Lamb (HK$700, must be ordered 1 day in advance), but their chicken tikka masala (HK$92), sagwala paneer (HK$88), dal makhana (HK$78) are always hits! Do try their Kashmiri naan (HK$42) which contains dried fruits and coconuts for something different.
G/F, 27-31 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town | +852 2872 6900
The Delhi Club — Tsim Sha Tsui
Established by two brothers in 1987, The Delhi Club has been a mainstay in Chungking Mansions and the Indian food scene in Hong Kong. You are welcomed to the restaurant like an old friend and treated to some of the most finger-licking good food in town. With recipes that are passed down through generations, their top dishes include favourites such as Chicken Tikka (HK$80), Lamb Rogan Josh (HK$84) and Butter Chicken (HK$75) accompanied by the best Cheese Naan (HK$26) in Hong Kong. To wash it all down, try their mango lassi (HK$33) or the Indian Kingfisher beer (HK$24).
3/F, Block C, Chungking Mansion, 38-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2368 1682
Gaylord — Tsim Sha Tsui
Talking about establishments, Gaylord has been serving the people of Hong Kong authentic and traditional Indian flavours for 50 years! Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, it has stunning indoor and outdoor seating, reminiscent of the Indian colonial era. Gaylord’s interesting innovations, such as the beloved cheese truffle naan (HK$55), have afforded them a Michelin recommendation. Along with these, you can enjoy classics such as paneer samosa (HK$108) and lamb rogan josh (HK$158).
5/F, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2376 1001
Jashan — Central
Located on Hollywood Road, this beautiful restaurant with opulent décor, comfy seating, and colonial furnishings is reminiscent of old India, yet it offers a taste that is both modern and comforting. Jashan offers everything from street food to kebabs and tikkas in its meat, seafood, and vegetarian mains. The entire menu is halal. The price range falls between a reasonable HK$150-HK$200 per person. Some of the stand out dishes include Delhi Golgappa Shots, Parmesan Malai Chicken Kebab, And Bengali Daab Chindgdi (Prawn).
1/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central | +852 3105 5300 or +852 9201 4775
JoJo Indian Restaurant — Wan Chai
If you are in Wan Chai and craving Indian food, you don’t have to look further than JoJo. Since 1985, this establishment has offered a combination of North Indian, South Indian and street food. No matter what you order, you can expect a rich, flavour-packed dining experience. During their lunch buffet, you can try a variety of favourites, including Keema Samosa (HK$72), Pani Puri (HK$48), and anything from their Tandoor! And don’t forget to end your meal with a sweet-dish, i.e. a dessert. You can choose between the ever popular Gulab Jamun with Rabri (HK$68) or Kulfi (HK$68).
2/F, David House, 37-39 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai | +852 2527 3776
New Punjab Club — Central
This Black Sheep restaurant serves Punjabi food, which is a region between northern India and eastern Pakistan known for its rich meat and tandoori food. The incredible tandoor-focused menu, 50s- and 60s-inspired cocktail list, and gorgeous interiors have earned it a Michelin star, a first for a Punjabi restaurant worldwide. We particularly love their masalewali champ lamb chop, although if you are looking for a different experience, you should join the monthly breakfast, naashta, for HK$798 per person.
34 Wyndham Street, Central | +852 2368 1223
Pondi — Sai Ying Pun
Pondi is inspired by the seaside town of Pondicherry in South Asia, where the French colonial influences combined with the Indian cuisine to create something truly spectacular. Chef and co-founder Taran Chadha brought this experience to Hong Kong, pairing the seasonal ingredients with fortified wines. With a cosy, home-like atmosphere and comforting sharing plates, it truly feels like you are eating at a friend’s place. The dishes are scrumptious too, with must-try items including the Pondi Thali (HK$140) and Grilled Butter Chicken (HK$188 for ¼ chicken).
14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun | +852 6113 0195
Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant — Tsim Sha Tsui
Synonymous with South Indian food, you will always find Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant bustling during a weekend lunch. Their quick service and simple décor reminds those who are in-the-know of the mess-like atmospheres of favourite local spots in India. For a first-timer, you can’t go wrong with the Mini Tiffin (HK$75) as it lets you taste the classics such as Idli, Vada, Upma and Dosa along with Sheera (dessert). Our personal favourite is the Rava Masala Dosa (HK$80) with extra coconut chutney or the Rasam (HK$20).
No 1-5 & 31, UG/F, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2640 2123
Timur — Kennedy Town
This small, cosy eatery in Kennedy Town serves homemade Indian and Nepalese food to satisfy all your cravings. Not only is Timur affordable, prices averaging between HK$70-120 per person, the staff are also very hospitable and friendly. You of course have to go for their momos, which are a type of steamed or fried dumpling native to the North Eastern part of India, although they are popular throughout the nation. Get them with chicken or veg stuffing and relish them with the spicy sauce!
Shop B1, 25-33 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town | +852 6970 0709
Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant — Tsim Sha Tsui
Another Hong Kong favourite, Woodlands has been on the scene serving vegetarian Indian food since 1981. They are also Jain, Buddist and vegan-friendly, meaning that they can customise food without onion, garlic, root vegetables, and/or make dishes 100% plant-based. Woodlands is known for South Indian food, so you can’t go wrong with their dosas or idlis, specifically their Paper Masala Dosa (HK$85). However, their North Indian plates are also quite flavourful! We recommend you try their Chenna Bathura (HK$75) or North Indian Thali (HK$105).
No. 16-17, UG/F, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2369 3718 or +852 2366 1945
Header image credits: Subodh Agnihotri via Canva