10 Top Indian Restaurants in Cape Town

A Selection of the best curry houses in Cape Town and the Surrounds

Cape Town is a city full of foodies. Despite this, Indian Restaurants tend to be few and far between. Don’t let this deter you in your search for the perfect Korma. The Mother City is home to Indian master chefs who are keen to share tastes of India that have been passed down through generations. Whether your palate favours hot or mild flavours, there are plenty of restaurants to satisfy your curry cravings. You simply have to know where to look.

1 - Maharajah
For 35 years, tried and tested recipes have produced tasty curries, which are not over spiced. The candle lit venue has tables overlooking bustling Kloof Street. Try vermicelli pudding, spiced with cardamon and cream - a Maharajah classic.
Kloof Street | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 6607

2 - Chandani
Chefs at Chandani understand that spices are meant to enhance flavour and aroma, rather than to make a curry hot. They offer a menu that fuses Indian with Western cuisine and a wide selection of vegetarian starters and main courses. Head to this spicy venue for an Indian lunch buffet, where you can weigh your own plate.
85 Roodebloem Avenue | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 447 7887

3 - Bukhara
Join Cape Town’s elite within this stunning open kitchen. Bukhara specializes in North Indian cuisine such as, delicious curries and tandooris. They also cook with a variety of South African meat such as, Ostrich and Springbok. Tuck into your succulent meal in surroundings of ochre walls and teak wooden Indian furniture.
33 Church Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 0000

4 – Passage to India
This restaurant opens Cape Town’s senses to a unique passage of rare, aromatic spices, flown in directly from India. Expect exotic flavours such as,  Tamsik (food that arouses passion and temper), Satvik (to ignite saintly qualities) and Rasjik (to feed a noble and ambitious instinct). Food caters for the hot and sour palette to the sweet, and from kebabs, to curries. Why not try some of their exotic Indian sweets?
Shop 2 | Carnaby Centre | Marine Circle | Bloubergstrand | Table View | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 557 5524

5 - The Eastern Food Bazaar
A self service, canteen-style eatery where you can get a large helping of gorgeous curry for a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere (expect to pay R35 for a bowl of Tandoori chicken and R6 for a large naan). The Eastern Food Bazaar is constantly bustling with patrons from all walks of life, which makes for an electric atmosphere.
96 Longmarket Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 461 2458

6 - Vintage India
This kitsch dining hall has been dubbed an undiscovered gem in Cape Town. Expect a delectable offering of North Indian, Goan and Hydrabadi food, all at decent price. The restaurant has also carefully selected a wine list to complement your curry.
Gardens Centre | Cnr Mill and Buitenkant Streets | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 462 5106

7 - Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa adds a fragrant splash of South Indian cuisine to Long Street. You’ll find unique dishes that you wouldn’t find in more traditional Indian restaurants. Try their popular breakfast dish, Dosa; thin pancakes, made from fat-free rice and lentils, with a range of different accompaniments.
167 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 6772

8 - RG’s Kabab Mahal Indian Restaurant
RG’s welcomes patrons with authentic Indian Art, oriental carpets and the distinct aroma of Indian spices. There is something for all palettes here, as the restaurant offers a range of curry dishes, that are not too hot, from different regions of India. Try their buffet, available in fish, chicken, lamb and vegetarian options.
315 Main Road | Seapoint | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 434 0008

9 - The Raj
At the Raj, Indian master chefs with generations of experience in North Indian cooking serve up spicy helpings of Bhoona, Vindaloo and Korma, accompanied by bread baked in their clay oven. Sip on their signature cocktail, Raj Rose Petal (vodka, shaken with rose syrup, fresh lime and cranberry juice), whilst enjoying Camps Bay’s stunning sea views.
Shop 4 | The Promenade | Camps Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 4555

10 - Bihari Indian Restaurant
Bihari has three restaurants in Cape Town, that are characterized by authentic design features including, large wooden doors, gold and red colour schemes and wrought-iron lanterns. Their prawn curry, made with cashews, honey and coconut milk, comes highly recommended. You won’t have to part with much cash for this curry either – expect to pay R30-45 for starters and R50-R120 for mains.
Shop 2 | Paddock Shopping Centre | Cnr Racecourse Road & Grand Nation Bvld | Milnerton | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 674 7186

Fancy a Chinese or a visit to a cosy winter restaurant next weekend? Be sure to visit our Best of Cape Town Section

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