2018 Mar 12
The one thing that can get you through anything you’re going through in life is food. Be it exam stress, a break up, or anything else, you can certainly look to food to make it all better!
A particular cuisine that many of us love to divulge in is the one that our neighbouring country, India, whips up. After all, spicy and unique Indian dishes are right up any Sri Lankan’s alley.
So instead of racking your brain the next time you are craving Indian food, just take a look at the list below for a complete guide to some of the best Indian restaurants in Colombo!
On The Pricier Side of The Pot
Agra
Where – 100/10 Sri Lanka Foundation Mw, off Independence Avenue (behind Bloomfield Grounds), Colombo 07
Agra is restaurant favoured by many when it comes to curbing Indian food cravings. Along with the absolutely delightful music played live on the Sitar and Tabla, the wafting scent of spices, and the restaurant itself, you’ll feel as if you were transported to India as soon as you walk through the doors. They’ve got quite the range on their menu, but our go-to dishes are the Kashmir Rogan Josh, which is tender mutton cooked with spices and comes with heavenly gravy, the flavourful Chicken Tikka Biryani, and delicious Naan which pairs well with pretty much every curry!
You can check out our full review here!
Indian Summer
Where- No. 42, Horton Place, Colombo 07
Another favourite amongst many, Indian Summer is well known for its glamourous Instagram-worthy ambience and delicious food. They’re also known to have a friendly and helpful staff who make you feel right at home!
Try the Murgh Lababdar and check out more here!
Chutney’s
Where – Cinnamon Grand, Colombo 03
The Cinnamon chain of hotels is well-known for the amazing food their many restaurants whip up and Chutney’s doesn’t fall short of the good Indian food standard. They’re primary forte is Southern Indian food and they do keep it quite authentic.
Chola
Where – No. 37, Lily Avenue, Colombo 06
Wellawatte is an underrated hub for some great eateries. Chola opened up late last year and has had quite the flurry of good reviews! They serve up an extensive range of Indian cuisine and, from the biriyanis to the naans and the delicious curries, nothing seems to be short of remarkable.
Expect a review soon!
Maharaja Palace
Where – 1 A, Rajakeeya Mawatha, Colombo 07 (in front of Royal College)
A fine dining restaurant, Maharaja Palace serves up finger licking, delectable North Indian cuisine in portion sizes that do not disappoint. A recommended dish would be the Chhole Batura, which is chickpeas cooked with ground spices in an onion and tomato gravy, served alongside Batura bread.
Mango Tree
Where – No. 82, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 03
Yet another restaurant specializing in North Indian cuisine, The Mango Tree has been around for quite some time and is a go-to place for many when it comes to Indian food.
Their Mutton Biriyani is one of the best in town, attributing to how flavourful, lush and filling it is. You can devour it without having to order any accompanying curries because it’s just that good!
Check out our review here!
Thalis
Where – No. 155, Park Road, Colombo 05
Thalis is a vegetarian restaurant down the popular Park Road in Havelock Town. They’ve got friendly staff and great food. I’d definitely recommend their Paneer Butter Masala, coupled with the Naan.
The Bamboo Room (at Hotel Nippon)
Where – No. 123, Kumaranrathnam Road, Colombo 02
The Bamboo Room is a South Indian cuisine serving restaurant in the long-standing Hotel Nippon. They keep their dishes authentic! It is definitely the place if you are in the mood to try something different!
Check out our review here.
Navayuga
Where – No. 09, Abdul Caffoor Mawatha, Colombo 03
With a couple of mixed reviews in the air, Navayuga has been around for a while and serves North Indian, Chettinad, Andhra, and Hyderabadi cuisines. The ambience of the restaurant is quite commendable.
Going Easier On Your Wallet
Mathura
Where – No. 16, Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 04
Previously located in Havelock Town, Mathura is a well-known Indian restaurant that whips up both North and South Indian food. Although they are known to serve some delicious Masala Dosa, I’d specifically recommend their Butter naan and dhal fry. The coriander leaves and spices infused in the dhal take its flavor up a notch and you’ll probably prefer this over your average parippu any day!
Chana’s
Where – No. 50, W. A. Silva Mawatha, Colombo 06
If you’re craving biriyani but are constrained by a pesky budget, look no further because Chana’s is the best pace for you to go. Their biriyanis are some of the most popular in Colombo.
Street Foods by Punjab Grill
Where – No. 382, Galle Road, Colombo 06
Located on the first floor at the GSH Hotel in Wellawatte, Street Foods by Punjab Grill is an Indian franchise that aims to serve quality Indian street food. Having devoured a hefty number of dishes there, I can vouch that they’re achieving their goal!
We’d recommend the Stuffed Gol Guppa and the Kathi Chicken Naanwich because these delicious items aren’t your everyday dishes.
Take a look at the review here!
Indian Food Quick Take Away (Hill Street)
Where – No. 93, Hill Street, Dehiwala
This is a tiny shop in Hill Street that only offers takeaway. They’ve got quite the extensive menu at unbelievably affordable prices. Combine their delicious Channa Masala with the Romali Rotti. You won’t regret it!
The Chaat Kade
Where – 78 B, W. A. Silva Mawatha, Colombo 06
Open only in the evenings, The Chaat Kade is a small street food joint located in Wellawatte. If you’re looking for a great meat dish, try out their Kheema Pav. A minced mutton curry generously placed atop buttery and lightly toasted bread rolls, the Kheema Pav is a burst of flavor and spice. We also loved the classic Gulab Jamun!
Check out the review here!
Moksha
Where – No. 27, Hildon Place, Colombo 04
Relatively new and located on Duplication Road in Bambalapitiya, Moksha is a quaint little restaurant that has an amazing range of different flavoured Kulfi; over 15 to be precise. Additionally, they have a wide variety of other Indian delicacies including some great savouries and thalis. They’ve also got outlets in Galle and Hikkaduwa, so next time you go on vacation down South and find yourself craving Indian food, you know where to go!
Kandoori
Where – No. 17, Charlemont Road, Colombo 06
Infusing their delicious food with spices flown in from India, Kandoori is well known for their famed biriyani. Their Chicken Biriyani is a recommended dish!
The Chicken 65 is a must-try, and although it isn’t exactly an Indian dish, the Hot Butter Cuttlefish is amazing, too!
Check out the detailed review here!
Amrith Masala Talk
Where – No. 02, De Fonseka Rd, Colombo 05
Yet another eatery that has been around for a long time, Amrith has now moved to De Fonseka Road from its earlier location at Vajira Road. They also house a Shisha Lounge at their premises. You can take your pick in what to indulge in from their extensive menu.
Aasife Biriyani
Where – No. 939, Sri Jayawardenepura Mawatha, Kotte
A little out of the usual Colombo territory, Aasife Biriyani is one of the many restaurants located in Rajagiriya. Try the Garlic Naan and Aasife Chicken Masala!
Take a look at the review here!
Indian Chaat Corner
Where – No. 03, 32nd Lane, Wellawatta
Indian Chaat Corner is a small place, with a decent ambiance, serving up absolutely delicious Indian street food! Located in Wellawatte, their food is both scrumptious and affordable.
