The best Indian restaurants in Budapest

What is it? One of Budapest's most illustrious Indian restaurants, showcasing India's diverse gastronomy with modern yet traditional dishes – with locations in both Buda and Pest.

Why we love it Indigo has been one of the most reliable Indian places in Budapest since 2005: authentic flavours and consistently high quality are guaranteed every time. The menu ranges from creamy North Indian curries to spicy, light South Indian dishes: butter chicken, fresh naans and fragrant tandoori specialties are particularly popular.

The cuisine combines traditional seasoning with modern presentation, and the service is fast and professional – the perfect choice for dinner with friends, a family meal or a business meeting. Staff from the Indian Embassy are regular visitors.

Time Out tip: Try the chicken tikka masala with hot garlicky naan – one of the most popular pairings in the house.

Addresses: Fény utca 16, 1024 Budapest; Jókai utca 13, 1066 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-11pm

Expect to pay: Lunch menus Ft 3,990/€10.30; starters Ft 1,990-3,990/€5.15-10.30; curries Ft 2,990-5,990/€7.75-15.50; tandoori dishes Ft 3,490-5,490/€9-14.20; naan breads Ft 1,050-2,390/€2.70-6.20

What is it? A modern, cosmopolitan Indian restaurant in the city centre, where the best of North and South India meet in an elegant yet welcoming space.

Why we love it Bombay is a true urban Indian experience. Founded by four friends, the restaurant has Indian chefs working with family recipes that are reflected throughout the menu. The menu is rich and varied – creamy curries, spicy biryanis, tandoori meats and freshly made naans, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and mildly spiced options. The service is quick and attentive, making it a great choice for lunch or a longer dinner.

Time Out tip: The thali menu showcases the diverse flavours and textures of India on a single plate.

Address: Október 6 utca 17, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed & Sun 11.30am-11pm, Thur-Sat 11.30am-midnight

Expect to pay: Soups & starters Ft 1,900-11,900/€4.90-30.75; curries & main dishes Ft 3,500-9,800/€9-25.30; desserts Ft 3,800/€9.80

What is it? A true Indian gastronomic classic in District VI: a spacious, bright space, plenty of curries, tandoori grills and typical Indian spices.

Why we love it Taj Mahal doesn't skimp on authentic ingredients or rich seasoning – you can choose from more than 100 dishes, from tandoori grills to fiery curries, and pakora and dosa bowls.

Each dish is prepared with care and the portions are generous, served by waitstaff in traditional attire beneath high ceilings amid classic Indian decor. Thanks to plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, this is a good choice for almost anyone who likes the world of Indian cuisine.

Time Out tip: Try the onion kulcha – a spicy flatbread filled with onions is simply heavenly. And among the 15 types of lamb mains, you're sure to find a winner.

Address: Szondi utca 40, 1067 Budapest

Opening times: Tue-Sun noon-11pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Starters Ft 1,970-5,390/€5-14; curries and tandoori dishes Ft 4,500-10,010/€11.65-25.90; desserts Ft 1,990-2,170/€5.15-5.60

What is it? A chic, modern Indian restaurant in the city centre, focusing on classic North Indian dishes and an extensive vegetarian menu.

Why we love it Indian Palate is more than just a restaurant – it’s a culinary journey into the aristocratic world of India. The place aims to bring to life the festive atmosphere of royal palaces and the richly spiced dishes of royal cuisine.

Curries, tandoori roasts and vegetarian dishes are prepared with characteristic spices such as saffron, white mustard and betel nut, which shape the taste in subtle yet deep fashion. The interior is elegant yet formal, as if you’ve arrived in the dining room of a modern-day Indian mansion, where every detail pays homage to tradition.

Time Out tip: If you can handle the spice, try the prawn or lamb vindaloo – one of the most intense, exciting versions you’ll find in Budapest.

Address: Veres Pálné utca 3-5, 1053 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-10pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Starters Ft 1,800-7,000/€4.65-18; mains Ft 3,600-7,800/€9.30-20.20; naan breads Ft 2,000-3,500/€5.20-9

What is it? A family-run, authentic Indian restaurant in District XIII, where home-made flavours and traditional recipes meet.

Why we love it? Punjab Tandoori is not famous for its design – but for offering real Indian flavours at affordable prices and reliable, consistent quality. The menu features classic appetisers, heavily spiced all-in-one dishes and meat dishes, with the authentic character we expect from a North Indian kitchen.

The bare, friendly space evokes the atmosphere of having lunch at home rather visiting a formal restaurant – here the food really takes the lead. An ideal choice for anyone who wants honest, no-frills Indian cuisine.

Time Out tip: Try the biryani or dal makhani, and ask for a cold mango lassi with it – this classic Indian flavour trio is always a hit.

Address: Pannónia utca 3, 1133 Budapest

Opening times: Tue-Sun noon-10pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Starters & salads Ft 690-2,390/€1.80-6.20; mains Ft 3,290-5,290/€8.50-13.70; desserts Ft 1,090-1,190/€2.80-3

What is it? A diverse Indian restaurant chain, where in addition to classic North Indian cuisine, Nepalese dishes are available on a separate menu. It is especially recommended for those who like characteristic, spicy dishes.

Why we love it Maharaja is one of the most uncompromising Indian places in the city – the chefs follow traditional recipes, the seasoning is brash and bold, and the ingredients are fresh. The menu is huge, chicken and lamb varieties, vegetable curries, lentil and bean dishes, vegetarian options, rice biryani and spicy vegetables. The diverse offering beautifully reflects the depth of Indian gastronomy, whether it is spicy or milder flavours.

Time Out tip: If you like spicy, try the chicken vindaloo or the spicy karahi.

Address: Csengery utca 24, 1074 Budapest

Opening times: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Starters & smaller dishes Ft 1,290-4,490/€3.35-11.60; mains Ft 4,390-11,490/€11.35-29.70

What is it? A cosy Indian restaurant near Kodály körönd, where the best of North and South India combine.

Why we love it Haveli brings the Indian dining experience to Budapest. The dishes are deeply spicy, full of character and made with fresh ingredients. The menu alternates between vegetarian lentil and vegetable dishes, and spicy chicken and lamb dishes, so everyone can easily find something to their liking. They also have a reasonably priced weekly menu, which offers a soup and a meat or vegetarian main course.

Time Out tip: For vegetarians, try the dal makhani (the ‘queen of lentils’) or a fresh, vegetable paneer dish – both are filling and often available on the lunch menu.

Address: Szinyei Merse utca 1, 1063 Budapest

Opening times: Daily 11.30am-11pm

Expect to pay: Starters & salads Ft 1,600-5,590/€4.10-14.50; mains Ft 2,790-5,990/€7.20-15.50

What is it? An authentic, simple Indian kitchen in unfashionable Angyalföld, where you can expect generous portions and delicious dishes at a fair price.

Why we love it Hathi brings you the essence of everyday Indian cuisine: no overthinking, no embellishment – just decent ingredients, real Indian spices and large portions of homemade food. The menu includes a variety of dal, legume-vegetable dishes, meat and vegetarian options.

It’s ideal if you want a quick, simple meal, whether it’s lunch or a late afternoon snack. The service is fast, the prices are friendly and the place is especially popular with office workers in the area.

Time Out tip: Arrive on time for lunch because the place fills up fast. The dal and vegetarian vegetable bowls are always surefire choices.

Address: Frangepán utca 20, 1139 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-8pm. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 450/€1.20; mains Ft 850-3,300/€2.20-8.50

What is it? A family-run Bangladeshi-Indian restaurant in District VII, with simple, honest cuisine and affordable, homely flavours.

Why we love it Bangla isn’t about the design – it’s about the freshness of the food, the strong, homely spices and the hospitality. Dishes from the South Asian kitchen include biryani, curries, lentil and vegetable dishes, as well as traditional Bangladeshi-Indian dishes, with ample vegetarian and vegan options. Bangla is a place where the main thing is not the snow-white tablecloths, but honest, homely flavours.

Time Out tip: Try the biryani with raita or choose a rich, spicy vegetable dhal.

Address: Akácfa utca 40, 1072 Budapest

Opening times: Tue-Sun noon-11.30pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Soups & starters Ft 2,500-3,500/€6.50-9; mains Ft 3,500-4,500/€9-11.60