Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse. Each region offers unique flavors and dishes. For example, Panch fodon and posto dominate the flavors of the eastern states like Bengal and Odisha, while Konkan cuisine is a mix of spicy and coconut-ty flavors. Yet, only the popular like Tikka Masala and Dosa make it to the global audience.
Therefore, we went on a mission to find restaurants that offered dishes beyond the popular Indian staples. Although we visited more than 15 Indian restaurants in and around Seattle, only 8 of them made it to our recommendation list. Here is a list of 7 Indian restaurants in and around Seattle we absolutely love!
#7 Zaika
Vegan-friendly | $$ | First Hill
As you walk from the waterfront back to Capitol Hill along Pike Street, chances are you will be hit with the delicious aroma of curries that they serve here at Zaika. They specialize in North Indian cuisine but have a few creative and innovative dishes like Zafrani Chicken Fondue and Cauliflower Koliwada. We particularly loved their Chicken Biryani, and recommend it to anyone craving this smoky and delicious rice and meat amalgamation.
#6 Bollywood Cafe
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Bellevue Plaza
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Located just a short walk from office towers in downtown Bellevue, Cafe Bollywood is a counter-service restaurant offering delicious food at great value. There is something for everyone, from appetizers from all over India to entrees like Malai Kofta, Sarson Maach, and Murgh Chettinad. The creaminess of the palak paneer and lamb korma and the flavorful punch of channa pindi and dal will surely leave you craving more. And don’t forget to try the piping hot and lightly buttered naan – it’s outstanding!
The halal meats and careful separation of vegetarian dishes are in place at all locations. Additionally, you’ll notice quirky cartoons on the walls painted in the style of famous Indian cartoonist Mario Miranda that are sure to keep you entertained.
#5 Naan n Curry
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Issaquah and Renton
Coming in strongly at number 5, Naan-N-Curry specializes in all things naan, curry, and much more. With a mouthwatering selection of flavorful kebabs, tikkas, and a delectable dum biryani, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot.
The Pakistani roots of the owners are evident in the hard-to-find traditional dishes they serve. Treat your taste buds to haleem, nihari, and even paya – a delicious trotter curry, sometimes available at their Renton outpost. Be warned, this restaurant is not for the faint-hearted. Their curries are incredibly rich and flavorful, a true testament to the skill of the chefs.
While currently only open for takeout, the quality of the food remains top-notch. From the first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of aromatic spices and bold flavors that will have you craving more.
#4 Kanishka
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Redmond
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Before the pandemic, Kanishka was best known for its elaborate and delicious lunch buffets. The restaurant has since discontinued its buffet, but still is worth a visit for fans of authentic Indian cuisine!
As soon as I took a bite of their dishes, I was transported back to the bustling streets of Delhi. Here are my thoughts on the meals I indulged in:
Starting with the classic, the Mango Lassi – I was blown away! It had been a while since I had lassi and this one was not only thick and creamy but also bursting with flavor.
Next up, the Chilli Paneer – the dish had the perfect balance of heat and spice. The paneer was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, smothered in a tantalizing sauce. This dish took me back to my days of grabbing a quick bite from the Chinese food carts near my office.
Lastly, we tried the Goat Mathiwal, Dal Tadka, Desi Chicken Tikka Masala, and Paneer Lababdar. Although the Paneer was slightly on the sweeter side for my taste, the other dishes were amazing.
#3 The Bangalore Kitchen.
Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | Ballard Farmer’s Market.
Coming in at number 3, run by owners Sudeepa and Rohith, is The Bangalore Kitchen. In Sudeepa’s own words, like so many of us during the pandemic, they experienced isolation, and longing for authentic Karnataka cuisine. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix this, they decided to channel their love for food into this passion project.
The menu features dishes that will transport you straight to the streets of Bangalore, like the buttery Benne Masala Dosa, Pudi Dosa, Kesari Bath, and Khara Bath. The flavors are bold, and the ingredients are fresh, making each bite a true taste of India. Be sure to try their spiced chai, which is the perfect complement to any meal. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.
So if you would like to feel transported straight to the streets of Bangalore, in the heart of Seattle, stop at The Bangalore Kitchen every Sunday from 9 am – 2 pm at the Ballard Farmers Market. You won’t be disappointed!
#2 Annapurna
Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | Next to Capitol Hill Light Rail Station
Taking the second spot is this cozy restaurant specializing in Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali food. Founded by Roshita Shrestha, a native of Nepal, who moved her base to Seattle and started this cafe with the dream of sharing her passion for food with the world. They have a gorgeous dining space in the basement, with tasteful and vibrant decor. Hot and satisfying comfort food is the name of the game here.
For anyone in need of a momo fix, head to Annapurna. The best momos I have ever had were in Delhi, and the Tensing Momos at Annapurna was a close second!
They also have a cute little bar called the Yeti Bar upstairs, serving exotic libations like the saffron-lychee cocktail. If you want to know the dishes we tried at Annapurna, check out our complete review here.
#1 Khushi
Vegan-friendly | $ | Just a 2-minute walk from Bellevue Transit Center
Khushi Bellevue is a restaurant that celebrates the diversity of Indian cuisine. It goes beyond the popular dishes and brings the rich flavors and cultural heritage of India to the table. With its authentic dishes and commitment to showcasing the true breadth of Indian cuisine, Khushi Bellevue is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the full spectrum of India’s gastronomic traditions. I was excited to see that they weren’t just serving the typical tikka masala and butter chicken.
I tried a few different dishes and each one was more delicious than the last. The vada pav, a popular street food from Mumbai, was perfectly crispy on the outside and filled with a spicy potato mixture on the inside. The kothimbir vadi, a savory cilantro cake, was a standout dish with its unique flavor and texture. And the Solkadhi, a refreshing drink made from coconut milk and kokum, was the perfect accompaniment to the spicy food.
What I appreciated most about Khushi Bellevue was the owners’ commitment to showcasing the diverse and nuanced flavors of Indian cuisine. It was clear that they put a lot of thought and care into the menu, and it paid off in the quality of the dishes.
But beyond the food, I also appreciated the community-building aspect of the cafe. It was clear that they wanted to create a space where people could come together and connect over a shared love of food.
