In Amsterdam live over 180 different types of nationalities.
That’s even more than Antwerp or New York!
That makes that you can find so many different cuisines in Amsterdam from all over the world. Indian restaurants are one of the most popular places for residents but also for tourists.
Because the variety of all these different places is so huge we want to help you not waste your precious time and to make a nice overview of the best Indian restaurants in Amsterdam.
We will look at the following criteria; taste, hygiene, the vibe of the restaurant, staff, and prices.
In this Article
- Something you should know
- What's the difference between north and south Indian food?
- Tulsi
- Sherpa
- Ashoka
- Guru
- Swagat
- Shah Jahan
- Annavilaas
- Best Takeaway: Dutch Dabbawala
- The Madras Diaries
- Pind Punjabi
- Anjappar
- Lumbini
Something you should know
India is a huge country with lots of different languages, cultures, cuisines and flavors.
You must understand that it’s almost impossible to put all those differences into one dish or menu and call it just by one name.
It would work more to separate them in north and south indian food for example.
What’s the difference between north and south Indian food?
In the north Indians like to use refined and wheat flour.
They love to make Tandoori and rumali rotis, parathas, and naan.
North Indians eat it during multiple meals in the day.
In the south, they love to use rice and all the dishes that are rice-based like dosas, idlis, and appams.
With all the information in the back of our heads, we decided to make this nice overview of the places where you can eat the most tasty and authentic (as far as that’s possible) Indian food.
12 Best Indian Restaurants in Amsterdam
Tulsi
Their chefs, with over more than twenty years of experience, serve you the best authentic dishes like Chola Bhatura, Golgappas, PaniPuri, and many more.
They have a big restaurant including a terrace for 150 people. This place is recommended by the locals and are a go-to place for Indians living in the city.
When: Every day from 17:00 till 23:00 PM.
Sherpa
Since 1989 they are present in Amsterdam.
They serve a mix of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian food. They are so high on this list because their Naan and Butter Chicken is finger-licking good! While you’re there, try the Gurkha beer, mango lassi and chili panner – also extremely delicious.
When: Every day from 16:00 PM till 23:00 PM, Closed on Tuesday
Ashoka
Akosha is located in the heart of the city center.
Ashoka offers a real fine dining experience with the best dishes from India and Nepal. Their dishes are full of flavor, and spiciness, and they’re generous.
The interior is very stylish and the staff is very friendly.
When: Tuesday till Friday from 17:00 PM till 23:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 till 16:00 PM and from 17:00 PM till 23:00 PM, Closed on Monday
Guru
Restaurant Guru is well known for its traditional dishes and street food. They have lots of vegan and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is friendly and cozy.
Their snacks are delicious and their special mutton – goat meat – is a must-try if you like goat meat.
They have over a hundred places so that makes them one of the biggest Indian restaurants in Amsterdam.
When: Every day from 16:30 PM till 23:00 PM
Swagat
Restaurant Swagat is run by owner Surinder Kumar who is also the chef.
He has 7 years of cooking experience in India and over 25 in the Netherlands.
He’s specialized in making Mughlai; This style of Indian food used to be the food for the kings.
He learned all his skills from a very famous cook in India. So definitely worth a try! The food is flavorful but some mains can be a bit bland.
When: Every day from 16:00 till 23:00 PM
Shah Jahan
This Indian restaurant located in the heart of Amsterdam serves you the most authentic and traditional Indian food.
The restaurant has a very warm, cozy, and romantic atmosphere. Their butter chicken is to die for! The Madras Curry and Chicken Tikka are scrumptious.
When: Every day from 17:00 till 22:30 PM
Annavilaas
This Indian restaurant is specialized in serving Authentic South Indian food.
You get a great value for money and you don’t have to be scared to leave the place hungry.
I really would recommend this place to vegetarians because of the variety of options on the menu.
The food is tasty, fresh, and the presentation is top-notch. From starters to desserts, the food is amazing – and that’s what Indians living in Amsterdam are also saying.
When: Every day from 11:00 till 22:00 PM
Best Takeaway: Dutch Dabbawala
If you’re looking for a place to get some irresistible and authentic north Indian food – in a modern style – Dutch Dabbawala is the right spot.
I tried it first when I was visiting some Dutch friends, and from that moment I was hooked. The food tastes like it comes straight out of India.
The portion sizes are quite large, and the dishes are so delicious. It’s only for takeaway, unfortunately.
You can order or pick it up from their location on Elandsgracht.
The Madras Diaries
The Madras Diaries is a restaurant that is focused on the Southern cuisine of India.
The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is super friendly.
It’s a great place where you can have dinner with your family and kids. While you’re there, make sure you try some of their typical south Indian desserts.
The restaurant is located near Leidseplein where they serve the real Biryani.
When: Every day from 11:30 till 21:30 PM, closed on Monday
Pind Punjabi
Located in the center of the De Pijp area, in the south of Amsterdam you can find the restaurant Pind Punjabi.
They can provide the best Indian dishes for non-vegetarians, vegetarians, and even vegans!
During the summer they have 20 amazing spots on the terrace to enjoy the long evenings outdoors in Amsterdam.
One downside is that the portion sizes started to be smaller year by year. Some dishes can have a bit of artificial taste or be too sweet.
When: Every day from 17:00 till 23:00 PM.
Anjappar
According to them, they are the first in Europe to represent the Chettinad cuisine in their restaurant.
They serve you the tastiest dishes with a great smile. The food is good but the place can get packed very quickly. This is why the service can be a bit too slow sometimes.
When: Every day from 12:00 PM till 22:00 PM.
Lumbini
This restaurant is located in the heart of Amsterdam and they serve a mix of Indian and Nepali food.
Their chef has over thirty years of experience and does everything in his power to create an as real as possible authentic taste. The taste is incredibly good, flavorful, and spicy but not overwhelming way.
While you’re there, try some of their Indian wine and you’ll be surprised at how good it is. The customer service is really great, your rice bowl is refilled the second you finish it.
We also love their big portion size – perfect to share with your friends or family. If you have any allergies, they’ll make sure to recommend you something that accommodates your needs.
When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 16:00 PM till 23:00 PM, Friday till Sunday from 13:00 PM till 23:00 PM. Closed on Thursday.
