Considered to be one of the world's most diverse, sophisticated, and complex cuisines, the colourful, spicy, and flavoursome Indian cuisine has its fans and admirers across the globe. Being a major and cosmopolitan city, Istanbul has its fair share of quality Indian restaurants where people can relish and savour the rich flavours from the subcontinent.
Read on for the top 10 Indian restaurants in Istanbul:
1. Dubb Indian Restaurant
Situated right in the heart of Istanbul, with magnificent views of Hagia Sophia, Dubb Indian Restaurant is one of the best places in Istanbul for people who want to enjoy the many tastes and dishes from India. The restaurant serves delicious, steaming hot, and completely authentic Indian food in a modern and comfortable setting. The dishes come from various parts of the country - parathas from Punjab to biryanis from Hyderabad. In true Indian fashion, the menu also boasts many vegetarian options. The Goan Vindaloo and the Butter Chicken are two curries you should not miss!
A nice, airy, clean restaurant, India Gate offers some of the most lip-smacking Indian and Pakistani dishes in Istanbul. Here, you can stuff your stomachs with as many rotis, naans, curries, and rice dishes as you want and leave full and satisfied. The pleasant atmosphere also uplifts your mood, making the dining experience all the more enjoyable. Additionally, their menu features many impressive Jain dishes for people to cherish.
Musafir is a fantastic Indian restaurant in Istanbul founded all the way back in 2004. Since then, the place has been 'serving curry-lovers from around the world,' giving them the true taste of the many spectacular dishes from Indian cuisine. The restaurant has a friendly and attentive staff and a warm ambience with Bollywood music playing in the background. Do try the Biryani to go with your curries.
Also known as Fusion Indian Restaurant, Masalaa Magiic is a small, family-run Indian restaurant in Istanbul that provides purely Indian food at amazingly reasonable prices. The food here is known to be so good that it will remind you of a traditional home-cooked meal. The portions served here are decent, and the setting is clean and pleasant. The various Thalis, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, are something you should definitely check out.
Location: Muhsinehatun Mah, Buyuk Komurcu Sokak No: 3/A Fatih, Istanbul 34130 Turkey.
Timings: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM. Sunday - Saturday.
Approximate Cost for Two: TRY 10 - TRY 50
5. Bombay Masala Indian Restaurant
Bombay Masala is a fine place to enjoy a typical Indian lunch or dinner in Istanbul. Serving hot and spicy dishes, they have created a reputation as one of the best Indian restaurants in the city. So don't be surprised when you find the place filled with Indians relishing the food from their home country. If you are tired of eating all the kebabs in the city, look out for the restaurant's vegetarian options that include several Paneer, Aloo and Channa curries, and Jeera Rice.
Nosh E Jaan might be a small restaurant, but it makes up with its welcoming attitude, colourful decor and ambience, and high-quality Indian and Pakistani food. The rotis are warm and crisp, the curries are steaming and tangy, and the meat is well cooked and delicious. Simply put, Nosh E Jaan is an excellent place to try authentic food from the subcontinent, which has great value for money.
Location: Kamer Hatun Mahallesi, Kamer Hatun Caddesi No: 5-, Istanbul 34435 Turkey.
Timings: 12:30 PM - 11:30 PM. Tuesday closed.
Approximate Cost for Two: TRY 150 - TRY 400
7. Aladdin Indian Restaurant
Another restaurant specializing in Indian and Pakistani cuisines, Aladdin is a cosy and comfortable place in the Beyoglu neighbourhood to relish excellent desi food. Cooked by a team of professional chefs, the dishes here are known to be mouthwatering and delicious. The Chicken Tikka Masala served here has garnered special praise, and you should try it out. The restaurant has a unique 'student menu' so that students can enjoy the flavours from their homes at affordable prices.
Location: SIraselviler Caddesi No 45, Cihangir, Grand Star Hotel, Istanbul 34433 Turkey.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM. Sunday - Saturday.
Approximate Cost for Two: TRY 20 - TRY 200
8. Karachi Darbar Pakistani Restaurant
A restaurant serving classic Indian and Pakistani dishes, Karachi Darbar stays true to its roots and maintains the genuine and authentic taste of the food it offers. It is situated very close to Taksim Square. The location and service are excellent, and the food choice is large, catering to people with all types of preferences. The Achari Chicken, Kheer, and Garlic Naan served here are highly recommended.
Location: Cihangir, SIraselviler Cd. No:31 D:A1, Istanbul 34433 Turkey.
Timings: 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM. Sunday - Saturday.
Approximate Cost for Two: TRY 30 - TRY 100
9. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant
Featuring a menu created by a talented chef, the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant is a good place to savour Indian food on the European side of Istanbul. A family-owned establishment, it is known for offering tons of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. The restaurant also has a pleasant atmosphere, interesting ornamental mantelpieces, and decor. Overall, it is perfect for a heavy and fulfilling dinner.
10. Asia Lounge Cafe, Restaurant, and Cultural Center
A small and casual restaurant, Asia Lounge has become one of the best places serving Indian and South Asian food in Istanbul. Known for its lovely green decor, which gives it a garden-y feel, the amiable and effective staff of Asia Lounge serves wonderfully good food that will make you always come back for more. The Fish Curry and Pani Puri here are almost heavenly. Do not forget to wash it all down with a cup of hot desi chai!
Location: Ali KuĹźçu, Nalbant Demir Sk. No:30/A, 34083 Fatih/Ä°stanbul, Turkey.
Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Sunday - Saturday.
Approximate Cost for Two: TRY 100 - TRY 300
The Indian restaurants in Istanbul are just as diverse as Indian cuisine. From rich and tasty curries to steaming biryanis and warm Rotis to sweet kheers, if you are tired of regular food and want to expand your taste buds, just go to these places and have a delightful dining experience.