Dining in San Antonio features a mix of Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Indian cuisine. The Alamo City might not be the first place you think of for authentic Indian food.
But, its large South Asian population and the recent arrival of new residents from India have spawned dozens of delicious eateries serving curries, biryani, masala, kebabs, and more.
Whether you’re a big fan of South Asian flavors or looking to expand your palate, you’ll find everything from mom-and-pop places to upscale restaurants.
Look no further; here is our list of the 13 best and must-try Indian restaurants in San Antonio. Dive in for a traditional Indian taste!
Guide to Indian Restaurants in San Antonio
Tandoor Palace
In a relaxed, homey setting, Tandoor Palace serves North Indian cuisine at Gardendale and Wurzbach Roads in San Antonio. This restaurant was formerly known as Bombay Hall.
Unique dishes like Shrimp Biryani, Chili Naan, and Butter Chicken are on the menu. You’ve got to try the Chicken 65, deep-fried chicken cubes with a thick ginger sauce, and the Mixed Grilled Tandoori, chicken, lamb, fish, and shrimp grilled in a Tandoor oven. Please take advantage of their homemade pistachio ice cream, the Kulfi.
Tandoor Palace isn’t just about food; it’s about the experience. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, so it’s great for groups and families. Tandoor Palace is worth visiting if you’re in San Antonio and craving Indian food!
India Palace
With its culinary journey into the flavors of North India, India Palace stands out among Indian restaurants in San Antonio.
A charming ambiance complements this informal eatery, owned by Rajinder S., located at 8474 Fredericksburg Road. Over the years, this gem has become a local favorite. Inside, you’ll find a perfect, comfortable dining area.
Classic vegetarian and meat dishes on the menu highlight the rich history of North Indian cuisine. Each dish is a culinary masterpiece, from the aromatic Chicken Tikka Masala to the flavorful Saag Paneer. Check out the buffet, which offers various options at a reasonable price.
India Palace is a must-visit destination for Indian food fans, no matter if you’re a local or just passing through.
India Oven
Located on Patricia near Blanco Road and West Avenue, India Oven provides authentic North Indian cuisine in an upscale setting.
The recently expanded dining room is perfect for lunch buffets and candlelit dinners. Wear jeans if you’d like when you walk in.
You can start with their acclaimed Vegetable Samosas appetizer. The Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite entree featuring marinated chicken in a delicious tomato-based sauce.
India Oven takes Indian food to new heights compared to the standard BBQ and pizza places around San Antonio. With fresh, contemporary options, it’s a great alternative.
Spacious parking makes India Oven accessible. If you’re looking for memorable Indian dining in the area, stop by for lunch or contact them about catering options.
Spice Fine Indian Cuisine
Since 2015, Spice Fine has brought you North and South Indian flavors in San Antonio.
At this restaurant on Northwest Loop 41 in San Antonio, you can get popular dishes like Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani and creamy Paneer Biryani.
You can also find their special drink, like Mango Lassi, which blends mango pulp with yogurt for a cooling balance.
Whether you’re having dinner with friends or on a romantic date night, the casually contemporary dining room provides the perfect atmosphere.
A mix of local ingredients and global inspiration, the cuisine offers something for everyone. Come and see why Spice Fine stands out among Indian restaurants in San Antonio.
Biryani Pot
Looking for authentic Hyderabadi cuisine? Then, head to Biryani Pot in Huebner Square Shopping Center.
This eatery brings the rich flavors of Hyderabad to the city with its signature chicken dum biryani – slow-cooked to perfection with a secret recipe.
You can taste the history in each tender bite. Pair it with sides like Mirchi ka salan and raita for a complete Hyderabadi meal.
Beyond biryani, Biryani Pot offers curries, kebabs, and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes you’ll love. The laid-back ambiance makes it an excellent spot for lunch or dinner with friends.
And while the menu doesn’t list drink options, a hot cup of Indian chai is always recommended for washing down the spice.
With friendly service and mouthwatering Hyderabadi dishes, this local favorite will transport your tastebuds. So, next time you’re in the area, try it. Your stomach will thank you!
Madurai Mes
Next on our list of the must-try Indian restaurants in San Antonio is Madurai Mes, located on Fredericksburg between Magic Drive and Callaghan Road.
Founded to create a welcoming space to enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices, Madurai Mes impresses with its comfortable yet elegant atmosphere and attentive service.
The menu shines with southern Indian bites and breads. Try the tiffin meal – a metal tray with banana leaves filled with meat or vegetarian stews, chutneys, sauces, and curries. Their freshly made flatbreads like roti, pooris, and dosa are also must-orders.
With its warm hospitality and stellar regional specialties, Madurai Mes is a local gem for South and North Indian fare in San Antonio.
Tarka Indian Kitchen
Tucked away in the Sonterra Village, Tarka Indian Kitchen has been dishing out flavorful Indian fare since 2014. Its modern decor and efficient ordering system make Indian cuisine accessible for the on-the-go diner.
The menu includes your Indian dishes, including basmati rice, samosas, and biryani. They’ve got gluten-free and vegan options, too.
For something creamy and mildly spiced, you can try the coconut curry. At the same time, the cilantro chutney gives it a fresh, herbaceous kick.
To drink, you can find a broad wine and beer list. Or try the mango lemonade for a refreshing, fruity beverage. Fast service and complex flavors make Tarka an ideal place for lunch or dinner.
India Taj Palace
India Taj Palace is one of our favorite North Indian restaurants in San Antonio. This family-owned spot is located on Huebner Road near Stone Oak.
When you walk into India Taj Palace, you instantly feel at home. Colorful booths, Bollywood videos playing, and enticing aromas fill the air.
The lunch and dinner buffets here are insane! You’ll want to loosen your belt with over 20 hot entrees like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, goat curry, and the perfect basmati rice.
Remember the piping hot garlic naan they bring straight from the tandoor oven to your table! If you still have room, grab a sweet Gulab jamun for dessert.
Whether you dine in, takeout, or order delivery, India Taj Palace serves the best North Indian comfort food in town. Their generous portions, fair prices, and friendly staff keep me coming back again and again.
Himalayan Kitchen
Located near Loop 1604, Himalayan Kitchen is bringing the vibrant tastes of India and Nepal to San Antonio. This family-owned spot opened a few years back and has been racking rave reviews ever since.
Stepping inside, you’ll find a nice ambiance– dark woods, amber lighting, and colorful tapestries lining the walls.
There’s a good number of tables and booths. The place is small but handles lunch and dinner rushes just fine.
They have all your choices, like curries, soups, vegetable/chicken samosa, paneer dishes, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, try goat curry. To wash it down, get a salted lassi.
Himalayan Kitchen should be on your San Antonio Indian restaurants list whether you’re a big fan of Indian or Nepalian food or new to it.
The Lion Indian Cuisine
The Lion Indian Cuisine is a cool spot on Loop 1604 in Northwest Side. Upon entering, you will find calming blue walls and minimal decor! You can watch sports on the flat-screen TVs with a full bar.
They’ve got all the classics, like butter chicken, veggie biryani, and the best garlic naan you can find.
Also, try the masala tea – a spicy, creamy drink that pairs perfectly with Indian cuisine. If you’re in the mood for some Indian spices, we highly recommend The Lion.
Simi’s India Cuisine
Simi’s is located off Fredericksburg Road in a North Point shopping mall. It’s been open since 1989, serving northern-style Indian food. Just walk in, and the spicy and seasoned meat hits you.
The small dining area feels like home, with just a few tables. Simi’s menu has many choices, including masala, biryanis, and tandoori specialties. A must-try is the chana masala, which is finely seasoned and has a pleasant aftertaste.
You can’t skip their signature spiced tea – chilled and sweet, the perfect pairing. Bring your appetite; Simi’s portions are seriously generous!
Taste of India
Taste of India has offered authentic Indian food since 2011, so it’s perfect for a casual lunch or relaxing dinner if you’re looking for North Indian restaurants in San Antonio.
Vegetarians should try the Vegetarian Thali, which includes samosa, dal makhani, saag paneer, mixed vegetables, naan, and rice. For meat lovers, the King’s Dinner offers a hearty feast of samosa, tandoori shrimp, tandoori chicken, and more.
Enjoy their Indian beer and dishes in ornate bowls to complete your meal. If you’re into spicy food, we highly suggest the rice pudding and lamb vindaloo for dessert!
Biryani Express San Antonio
Situated on 9390 Huebner Road, Biryani Express offers a lovely ambiance, with music that provides a delightful break from everyday life.
Although it is s quite small, the dining area looks clean and minimalistic. The special food items on the restaurant’s menu are egg dum biryani, chicken 65 biryani, chicken Manchurian, and onion pakora.
These dishes perfectly blend aromatic spices and premium ingredients, offering a unique dining experience for the uninitiated and the seasoned Indian food lover.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
(Q1). What types of Indian cuisine are available in San Antonio?
You can find a range of North Indian, South Indian, Indo-Chinese fusion, Hyderabadi, Nepali, and vegetarian Indian cuisine at restaurants in San Antonio. Some places specialize in curries, biryanis, kebabs, masalas, and tandoori dishes.
(Q2). Which San Antonio Indian restaurants are best for vegetarians?
Good options for vegetarian Indian food include India Oven, Taste of India, and Madurai Mes. Many other Indian restaurants have extensive vegetarian menus and meatless versions of popular dishes like paneer tikka masala and vegetable biryani.
(Q3). Do these restaurants offer catering or private dining?
Many Indian restaurants in San Antonio supply catering services for private events and parties. Larger establishments like India Oven, India Taj Palace, and Tandoor Palace also have spaces to reserve for group dining.
(Q4). Are there Indian buffets available?
Some San Antonio Indian restaurants, such as India Palace, India Taj Palace, and Taste of India, offer lunch and dinner buffets. These allow you to sample classic curries, biryanis, naan bread, desserts, and more.
Note: Business statuses can change. We recommend verifying any establishment’s current location and operational hours before planning your visit.