Indian & South Asian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
From the irresistible smell of aromatic spices to yogurt-filled spicy stew, Indian and South Asian restaurants’ cuisine is synonymous with intense flavour, vibrant colors, and unique cooking recipes.
With numerous Indian and South Asian restaurants popping up across the city, foodies in Ho Chi Minh City can now freely explore these dishes’ dynamic food heritage. From mouth-watering goat curry to a sumptuous thali feast, here’s our low-down on some of the most popular Indian and South Asian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Ganesh Indian Restaurant – newbie-friendly thali trays with vegetarian options
Thali dish
Image credit: Ganesh Indian Restaurant
If you’re new to Indian food, Ganesh Indian Restaurant might be a good place to start. Order a thali tray (VND189,000, ~USD8.15), so you can sample different flavors of various dishes in one set to find out what you like.
A thali tray offers 6 different dishes such as steamed rice, naan or leavened bread made with milk and butter, crisp and round flatbread (papadum), yogurt mixed with cooked vegetables (raita), completed with tasty Gulab Jamun – a popular Indian dessert made from thickened milk and dried nuts.
These dishes are packed with different yet complementary flavors of sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness, and spiciness.
Vegetarians can still savour this sumptuous treat minus the guilt by ordering the vegetarian version (VND180,000, ~USD7.77). A non-meat thali tray comes with vegetables fried in batter and spices (onion bhaji), fried spice curry (tarka dal), steamed rice, leavened bread, flatbread, yogurt mixed with cooked vegetables, and dessert. All of the chefs are from India, cooking traditional dishes with authentic recipes, so you can be assured that they’re familiar with vegetarian cuisine.
Image credit: Ganesh Indian Restaurant
The restaurant’s small, but tastefully designed for comfort. It can be crowded after 6PM so it’s better to make reservations if you dine in groups.
Address: 38 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-2.30PM I 5.30PM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3823 4785
Website
2. Ashoka – serving up Indian, Tibetan, and Manchurian dishes
Image credit: Cà ri Ấn Ashoka
Ashoka is one of the very few Indian restaurants in town that dish out traditional East Asian dishes such as Tibetan, Manchurian, and Hakka dishes alongside its offerings of Indian cuisine.
This means that diners can savour different culinary traditions across the vast continent of Asia in one place.
Image credit: Cà ri Ấn Ashoka
For a flavorful appetizer, order Mutton Shami Kebab (VND129,000,~USD5.57), which is composed of moist minced mutton flavored with gram powder, ginger, garlic, deep fried and served with fresh herbs.
Moving on to your main course, chow down the savoury Hakka Noodles (VND70,000~USD3.02) – boiled noodles that are then stir-fried with sauces, vegetables, and chicken or prawns or both.
The Prawn Manchurian (VND130,000,~USD5.62) is also worth a try. This Mongolian dish is made of battered and deep-fried prawns and cauliflower cooked with a variety of spices such as ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Image credit: Cà ri Ấn Ashoka
Besides a good selection of dishes to choose from, Ashoka boasts a spacious and sophisticated dining space with ample seating.
Address: 17/10 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10.30AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 0906 906 124
Website
3. Namaste Indian Restaurant – large menu and affordable prices
Image credit: Namaste India Restaurant
Featuring over 100 dishes ranging from curry to Dosa, Namaste India Restaurant wins big points for both delicious food and affordable prices.
Chicken Biryani
Image credit: TripAdvisor
If you’re overwhelmed with the wide array of choices, go for the classic Chicken Biryani (VND120,000,~USD5.18), an aromatic long-grain rice dish served with juicy and peppery chicken.
Vegans will not be disappointed with the savory and healthy Aloo Palak (VND75,000,~USD3.24), a vegan Indian dish where spinach and potatoes are thrown together with spices.
Image credit: Namaste India Restaurant
Namaste is situated in Bui Vien, Saigon’s biggest leisure destination. After a fulfilling meal here, you can walk around to explore the local nightlife scene and check in to a street beer bar for some tasty tipples.
Address: 189 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 0902 301 843
Website
4. Shanti Indian Cuisine – good value for your money & helpful staff
Image credit: Shanti Indian Cuisine
Featuring wood-panelled walls, ample lighting, and plush furnishings, Shanti Indian Cuisine has a luminous and elegant atmosphere.
While at Shanti Indian Cuisine, diners will be treated to a myriad of Indian dishes, from tangy curry to creamy raita.
Must-tries include the sumptuous Mutton Biryani (VND190,000, ~USD8.20), a hot and tangy rice dish mixed with Indian spices, caramelized onions, eggs, and flavorful mutton.
Image credit: TripAdvisor/Rishabh
Another authentic Indian dish that’s also worth a try is the succulent Tandoori Chicken (VND180,000, ~USD7.77 for half a chicken). After being marinated in Greek yogurt and lemon juice for tender texture, it’s grilled with paprika, ginger, and other spices for earthy flavors.
Pizza lovers might want to try Masala Papad (VND50,000,~USD2.16), a crispy and thin lentil pancake topped with a spicy mixture of opinions, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a mouthful, crunchy bite.
Wash them all down with the slightly sour and tasty buttermilk (VND40,000, ~USD1.73).
Address: 371C Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3836 5199
Website
5. Musa Cà Ri Dê Ấn Độ – top-notch goat curry dishes
Image adapted from: John Yeung
Don’t be taken aback by this eatery’s nondescript appearance compared to other Indian & South Asian restaurants – this tiny eatery sees a long row of motorbikes owned by die-hard regulars queuing up along the entire alley on a regular basis.
Image credit: @ozanoz1486
Even though the head chef is a Vietnamese-Chinese resident, his goat curry specialties carry authentic Indian flavors.
Image credit: Phương Lee
The boneless goat meat is lean and tender, while the buttery gravy is aromatic with hints of fresh milk and coconut water. The dish is served with soft banh mi to balance the strong taste.
You can also choose to have the dish with a bowl of rice cooked with coconut water (VND30,000,~USD1.29) to lend the curry extra flavor.
A small goat curry dish is priced at VND130,000 (~USD5.61), while the bigger portion is at VND150,000, (~USD6.47).
Address:
- 001 – 002 Lot B Su Van Hanh Apartment Building, Ward 9, District 5
- 234 Binh Thoi, Ward 10, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3833 9167
6. Baba’s Kitchen – plenty of outdoor seating
Image adapted from: Baba’s Kitchen – HCMC
Not only does Baba’s Kitchen have a roomy indoor dining space in a sophisticated setting, but it also has a garden dotted with pleasant greenery for al fresco diners. Aside from Indian food, Baba’s Kitchen also dishes out a variety of Thai and Sri Lankan cuisine.
Idlli dish
Image credit: Baba’s Kitchen – HCMC
Among the recommended dishes include the creamy, savory, and earthy Butter Chicken Curry (VND135,000, ~USD5.82).
Vegetarians will enjoy munching on the flavorful Gobi Tandoori (VND105,000, ~USD4.53), which consists of cauliflower marinated in tandoori spices and grilled in a tandoor oven.
Sri Lanka dish Kottu Parotta
Image adapted from: Baba’s Kitchen – HCMC
For a change of taste, check out the Sri Lankan crowd-pleaser Kottu Parotta, a piping hot and flavorful mix of bread, meat, egg, and onion.
End your meal on a boozy note with a variety of beer, wine, and spirits, from the citrusy Vodka (VND80,000, ~USD3.45) to the slightly sweet Jim Beam (VND90,000, ~USD3.88).
Address:
- 35 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- 247 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3838 6661
Website
7. Natraj Indian Restaurant – centrally located & affordably priced
Fish curry, fish fingers, and flatbreads
Image credit: Natraj Indian Cuisine
For an establishment located just 5 minutes away from plenty of tourist attractions in District 1 such as Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien, Natraj Indian Restaurant offers reasonably priced Indian food.
From only VND55,000 (~USD2.38), you can enjoy a Chicken Malai Tikka Sandwich, a moist and flavorful combination of chicken grilled with ginger, garlic, chilli, coriander, and cardamom and dressed with yogurt.
Paneer Chili
Image credit: Natraj Indian Cuisine
Cheese lovers should hone in on the decadent and spicy Paneer Chili (VND85,000,~USD3.67), made of cottage cheese cubes cooked with soya sauce, ginger and garlic paste for a spicy and tangy flavor.
The crowd-pleasing Fish Curry (VND93,000, ~USD4.02), savory without being heavy, would make a delicious midweek meal. Round off this dish with some hot and fresh flatbreads.
After a hearty meal, cleanse your palate with the refreshing and minty cardamom tea (VND38,500,~USD1.66).
While Natraj Indian Restaurant is tiny, it is deftly designed for comfort with air conditioning. Reservations are recommended for groups.
Address:
- 41 Bui Thi Xuan, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 20 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 0902 786 538
Website
8. Saigon Indian – spectacular South Indian cuisine
Image credit: otanitoma
While Saigon Indian restaurant serves all types of Indian cuisines, it’s particularly popular for its tasty South Indian food, which are mostly vegetarian and vegan dishes with spicier tastes.
Here you’ll get a variety of Indian-Chinese fusion dishes. For a fiery starter, go with the savoury Chilli Paneer (VND75,000, ~USD3.24), made with Indian cottage cheese cooked in a spicy combination of soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar.
Dosa and Tali set
Image credit: TripAdvisor/Benhoa
And for a main to share, order the flavorful and spicy Sambar Rice (VND75,000, ~USD3.24). This dish is made of sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew cooked with pigeon pea and tamarind broth. Packed with protein, fibre, zinc, vitamins, and minerals, this combo is said to be good for your digestive system.
Image adapted from: Asokan Arumugam
Compact but cosy, the restaurant can be jam-packed in the evening so you should make reservations in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
Image credit: Tung Tran Ba
Address: 73 Mac Thi Buoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM-3PM I 5PM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3824 5671
9. Tandoor Indian Restaurant – fine dining experience
Image adapted from: Tandoor HCMC
Featuring sophisticated interiors with plush seating, warm lighting, and ogee arch windows, Tandoor Indian Restaurant is a great place for those looking for a fine dining experience.
Image credit: Tandoor HCMC
From non-vegetarian to vegan dishes, Tandoor Indian Restaurant serves an extensive selection of traditional Indian food.
Image credit: Tandoor HCMC
Start your meal with Fish Pakoras (VND115,000,~USD4.97), a popular snack in India. This dish is made of battered fish fried in a variety of spices such as ginger and garlic paste, tasting light and crispy.
Dahi Bhindis
Image credit: Tandoor HCMC
For mains, try Dahi Bhindis (VND105,000,~USD4.54), a vegan curry dish featuring fresh and tender okra served in silky and spicy curd.
If you don’t like your dish too spicy, order the creamy Chicken Korma (VND165,000, ~USD7.13). This cashew nut-based soup is cooked with chicken with moderate use of spices, tasting mildly sweet.
Soak up this rich dish with some warm and soft flatbreads (naan) or unleavened pancakes (chapati).
Image adapted from: Tandoor HCMC
Save some room for the fulfilling and tasty Kulfi (VND65,000, ~USD2.81), a traditional Indian ice cream that makes a fulfilling and tasty dessert. Made from fresh milk that’s boiled over low heat for a long period of time, it’s topped with almond, cadarmon, and saffron.
Address: 38A-39A Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 10.30AM-2.30PM I 5PM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 3930 4839
Website
Indian & South Asian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
From Saigon Indian, home to appetizing South Indian treats, to Musa Cà Ri Dê Ấn Độ, dishing out spectacular goat curry with a local twist, Ho Chi Minh City is dolloped with Indian culinary gems.
Bookmark our 9 favourite Indian & South Asian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City where you can experience vibrant and diverse food offerings of India and beyond.
Fans of East Asian cuisine can also check out our top picks of the most popular Hong Kong restaurants in Saigon for delicious Cantonese food.
Also check out:
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- Saigon Outcast Guide: from shopping at flea markets to indoor rock climbing
- 9 riverside cafes and restaurants in Saigon for a chill weekend dinner
- Best places for Italian food in Saigon
Cover image adapted from: Tandoor HCMC, TripAdvisor/Rishabh, and Ganesh Indian Restaurant
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