• Why is Indian food so popular?
    • You can't be a fan of flavors and spice and not develop a love affair with Indian food. It's simply impossible.
  • What are some must-try Indian dishes?
    • From hot and creamy curries to biryani dishes piled high on a tiny tin plate, there's a lot to love when it comes to Indian food.
  • How is the Indian food scene in the area?
    • There are many fantastic Indian food spots in the area, so good that you're pretty much spoiled for choice.
  • Is it easy to find Indian food in this seaport city?
    • You really don't have to look far to find some fantastic Indian food in this seaport city.

Nirmal's

Nirmal's

© Nirmal's

Consistently featured as one of the best restaurants in Seattle by the Seattle Met, Zagat, the Seattle Eater, and the Seattle Times regardless of cuisine, Nirmal's is one of the city's newest Indian restaurants. The restaurant is run by five-star master chef Nirmal Noteiro, who brings his decades of culinary experiences and journeys from around the world to Seattle through Indian food with a unique twist.

Chef Nirmal brings together traditional Indian ingredients and spices and marries them with global influences through dishes like the sabzi pakora, the hara bhara tikka and the Mangalorean Fried Fish. One of the most popular entrees at Nirmal's is the Prawn Phalnaire, which features succulent prawns sautéed in a blend of onion, garlic, and a spicy tangy sauce and served on a crisp baguette. There are too many fantastic dishes to try in one go, so make sure to come back a few times to taste the best that Nirmal's has to offer.

Nirmal's , 106 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104, Phone: 206-683-9701

Bengal Tiger, Seattle, WA

Bengal Tiger, Seattle, WA

© Bengal Tiger

Opened in 1998, the Bengal Tiger was born out of Chef Muhammad Uddin's perseverance and passion when he agreed to take on an Indian restaurant in the Roosevelt Neighborhood and turn it around. To say that his hard work paid off would be a severe understatement as today the Bengal Tiger is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the entire city. Featuring an inspired and diverse menu, the Bengal Tiger serves dishes originating from the many regions of India.

The house signature, the Madras curry, for example, was inspired by a dish from Tamil Nadu, while the vindaloo dishes on the menu were inspired by traditional dishes from Goa. Let's not forget the Northeast Indian-influenced dishes, which were born out of Chef Uddin's roots in Bangladesh and Bengal.

Bengal Tiger , 6509 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 206-985-0041

Cedars on Brooklyn

Cedars on Brooklyn

© Cedars on Brooklyn

If you were to walk around the University District and ask people where to find the best Indian food in the area, we'll bet you dollar to donuts that they'll mention Cedars. Truly, Cedars on Brooklyn has become an irreplaceable part of the neighborhood after 40 years of operating as a family-owned Indian restaurant. The restaurant serves authentic Indian and Middle Eastern favorites with fresh ingredients every day and has become very well known in the area for their spectacular butter chicken and their incredible variety of naans and chai tea. Dining at Cedars is almost like visiting the home of a friend, as the family that runs the restaurant really goes out of their way to make sure that everyone feels welcome as they sit down for a meal.

Cedars on Brooklyn, 4759 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, Phone: 206-527-4000

Chili's South Indian Cuisine


Chili's South Indian Cuisine

© Courtesy of vm2002 - Fotolia.com

It's all about larger than life flavors at Chili's South Indian Cuisine, which is located in Seattle's busy University District. Owned by Anila Swamy, Chili's South Indian cuisine's origins can be traced back to 1993, when her father, a nuclear scientist from Kerala, India, migrated to the United States and opened a dollar store at the cross section of University Way and 50th Street. In 2008, Anila started cooking dosas, a staple South Indian dish, which quickly captured the tongues and hearts of Seattle's locals. Today, Chili's is known for a diverse menu and a skilled staff that whips up delicious offerings like their best sellers – the classic masala dosa and the Chettinadu lamb. If you're ready to be immersed in all the fiery flavors of India's southern region, Chili's is where you want to go.

Chili's South Indian Cuisine, 4220 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, Phone: 206-633-1458

India Bistro

India Bistro

© India Bistro

A permanent fixture in the neighborhood of Ballard since 1998, India Bistro invites all visitors to come and experience the real India through food that does nothing short of engage all of your senses. The bistro is a perfect restaurant for any occasion, whether it be a dinner party, a lunch meeting, or a cocktail reception. In every meal, there are classic and fantastic Indian flavors to enjoy alongside a fantastic presentation with formal Indian platters. The lamb and chicken specialties of India Bistro are highly recommended and are served fresh from the authentic tandoor oven. The restaurant is run by Mukesh "Mike" Punjabi and has been well received by critics from publications like the Seattle Times, the Seattle Post Intelligencer, and the Zagat Guides. Dining with some buddies? Go for the fantastic buffet, which has favorites like butter chicken, spinach paneer, naan, and flakey samosas.

India Bistro, 2301 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107, Phone: 206-783-5080

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