Where to find Abu Dhabi’s best Indian food?

Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culinary landscape is a melting pot of global flavors, and among its most celebrated cuisines is undoubtedly Indian, a reflection of the significant Indian diaspora and the deep appreciation for its rich, aromatic dishes. From the fiery curries of the North to the delicate dosas of the South, the city offers an astonishing array of Indian dining experiences, catering to every palate and preference. Whether you crave a fine-dining spectacle or a humble, authentic home-style meal, the quest for the best Indian food here is a delightful journey of discovery. We are here to guide you through Abu Dhabi’s top Indian restaurants, ensuring your culinary exploration is as authentic and delicious as possible.

Fine Dining Indian Experiences

For those seeking an elevated Indian culinary journey, Abu Dhabi boasts several high-end restaurants that offer exquisite dishes, impeccable service, and often stunning ambiance. These places are perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in a refined Indian meal.

Punjab Grill: Located at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Punjab Grill offers a sophisticated take on North Indian cuisine. It is renowned for its innovative dishes, blending traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Expect exquisitely presented plates and a focus on premium ingredients. Their biryanis, tandoori specialties, and rich curries are particularly lauded. The elegant setting and attentive service make it ideal for a memorable dining experience.

Tamba: Situated in The Hub at The World Trade Center Mall, Tamba provides a unique and luxurious modern Indian dining experience. It is known for its inventive menu, which reimagines classic Indian dishes with a contemporary twist and global influences. The restaurant’s chic interior, lively atmosphere, and creative cocktails complement the innovative food. Their signature dishes, like the Chicken Tikka with black truffle or the impressive dessert platter, are often highly recommended.

Indigo Restaurant: Found within Beach Rotana, Indigo offers a truly authentic journey through the flavors of India. The restaurant focuses on traditional recipes from various regions, ensuring a wide array of choices. They are known for their rich curries, aromatic biryanis, and succulent tandoori grills, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a comfortable spot for a delicious Indian meal.

Angar: Located at the magnificent W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Angar offers a vibrant and modern approach to Indian cuisine. The restaurant blends traditional Indian flavors with a contemporary edge, often incorporating unique presentations and ingredients. Their menu features a good mix of classic curries, flavorful grills, and inventive small plates. The stylish decor and lively atmosphere add to the overall dining experience, making it a popular choice for both hotel guests and visitors.

Mynt Indian Restaurant: While possibly not as widely known as the above, Mynt Indian Restaurant is a hidden gem that consistently receives praise for its authentic Indian food. Located in Al Ain Tower, their menu is a testament to traditional Indian cooking, with rich, flavorful curries and tandoori items. It provides a more intimate and authentic feel compared to some of the larger, more commercial establishments.

Casual and Authentic Indian Eateries

Abu Dhabi’s Indian food scene truly shines in its more casual eateries, where authentic flavors and generous portions are often found at very reasonable prices. These are the places frequented by the local Indian community, a true testament to their authenticity.

Peppermill Restaurant: With multiple branches across Abu Dhabi, including Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Peppermill offers a charming blend of traditional Indian cuisine with a colonial-era ambiance. Their menu is extensive, featuring classic North Indian dishes, tandoori breads, and a variety of curries. They are known for their consistent quality and comfortable dining environment, making it a reliable choice for families and groups.

Royal Biryani: As the name suggests, Royal Biryani specializes in the aromatic and flavorful rice dish. This humble eatery focuses on delivering authentic biryanis with tender meats and perfectly spiced rice. It’s a no-frills place, but the taste speaks for itself. They offer various biryani options, including chicken, mutton, and vegetable, catering to different preferences.

Thattukada Restaurant: For a taste of South Indian and specifically Kerala cuisine, Thattukada Restaurant is a popular choice. “Thattukada” refers to a street food stall in Kerala, and this restaurant brings those authentic street food flavors to Abu Dhabi. Expect delicious dosas, idlis, appams, and a range of seafood and meat curries with a distinct South Indian spice profile. It is a bustling spot for a true taste of Kerala.

Everest Restaurant: Catering to those who crave Nepalese and North Indian flavors, Everest Restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes traditional curries, momos (dumplings), and hearty tandoori dishes. It’s a great spot for a casual, flavorful meal, popular among those who appreciate the robust spices and comforting dishes from the Himalayan region and North India.

Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant: For excellent South Indian vegetarian food, Sangeetha is a long-standing favorite. They are renowned for their extensive range of dosas, idlis, vadas, and flavorful thalis. It’s a bustling, no-frills spot that delivers authentic, fresh vegetarian dishes at very accessible prices. It is a perfect choice for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Exploring Local Hotspots and Hidden Gems

To truly uncover Abu Dhabi’s best Indian food, venture beyond the major malls and into some of the city’s older, bustling neighborhoods.

Electra Street (Zayed the First Street): This area, along with Khalifa Street and Hamdan Street, is often considered a hub for authentic and affordable Indian and Pakistani restaurants. You will find numerous small, family-run eateries here that serve delicious, home-style meals. It is worth taking a stroll and exploring the various options. The aroma of spices fills the air.

Mussafah Industrial Area: While a bit out of the way for tourists, Mussafah has a significant Indian and South Asian population, leading to a proliferation of very authentic and often incredibly cheap Indian restaurants. These are typically basic eateries, but the food is genuinely traditional and flavorful. If you are looking for a truly local experience, this is the place to find it.

Delivery Apps: Do not underestimate the power of food delivery apps like Talabat and Noon Food. They list hundreds of Indian restaurants across the city, including many smaller, independent ones that might not have a strong online presence otherwise. You can filter by cuisine, ratings, and even specific dishes to discover new favorites.

Ask Locals: The best advice often comes from those who know the city best. Do not hesitate to ask taxi drivers, hotel staff, or local residents for their personal recommendations for Indian food. You might discover a hidden gem that way.

Tips for Enjoying Indian Food in Abu Dhabi

To make the most of your Indian culinary adventure in Abu Dhabi, consider these practical tips:

• Spice Levels: Indian cuisine is known for its diverse spice levels. If you are sensitive to heat, it is always a good idea to ask your server about the spice level of a dish before ordering. Most restaurants can adjust it to your preference.
• Bread and Rice: Indian meals are often accompanied by various types of bread (naan, roti, paratha) or rice (plain, biryani). These are essential for scooping up curries and complementing the flavors. Try different types to find your favorite.
• Beverages: Cool down the spice with traditional Indian beverages like Lassi (a yogurt-based drink, sweet or salty) or fresh lime soda. They are refreshing and complement the meal.
• Thali: For a comprehensive taste of different dishes, consider ordering a Thali. This is a platter that typically includes a selection of curries, rice, bread, a dessert, and sometimes a side dish, offering a complete meal.
• Book in Advance: For popular fine-dining Indian restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.
• Explore Different Regions: Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, with distinct regional variations. Do not be afraid to explore restaurants that specialize in South Indian, North Indian, or even specific regional cuisines like Goan or Gujarati.

Abu Dhabi truly offers a magnificent canvas of Indian flavors, ranging from opulent dining rooms to humble, bustling cafeterias. Whatever your preference, a delicious and authentic Indian meal awaits you here. The www.few.ae editor encourages you to dive into the rich tapestry of Indian tastes that Abu Dhabi proudly presents!