The best Indian restaurants in Canberra as voted by you
Posted on
When it comes to good Indian food, Canberran’s don’t come to play.
In fact, it turns out that you’re all incredibly passionate about which restaurants are serving the best comforting curries, delicious dhal and moreish masala.
After asking our readers to vote, we’ve done the hard work and compiled the answers from this Facebook post to curate the best Indian restaurants in Canberra. Here they are.
Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant (Pearce)
Coming in with the most votes is Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant and honestly? We’re not surprised. This beautiful family run business has been a staple of the Canberra community for years, and not only is the food delicious, but Minnie Guandar and her team are some of the nicest people around.
You said it best when you commented “Ramas in Pearce … nothing else compares”, “Ramas Fijian Indian in Pearce- our favourite restaurant in Canberra!”, “Always Ramas!”, “Ramas in Pearce. Best Indian in cbr, possibly the best anywhere!!”, “+1 for Ramas! Minnie and the team are fantastic and food is always great”, “Ramas in Pearce. It’s been amazing for years” and “Rama’s in Pearce. Sublime. Book in advance.”
Spice Affair (Casey)
Located in Casey Market Town, at Spice Affair you can taste a variety of dishes from different regions of India and you all loved shouting it out.
Described as “amazeballs” by one voter, I don’t we can add anything else that will eloquently describe this Indian restaurant.
Taj Agra (Dickson and Belconnen)
With two locations in Canberra, this suggestion popped up multiple times. Bringing delicious northern Indian to Canberra for over 20 years, Taj Agra has everything you could want to cure your cravings – from Tandoori Mushrooms to Beef Korma, Cheese and Garlic Naan, and Prawn Vindaloo
We’re hungry just writing about it…
Dum Dickson (Dickson)
According to one HC reader, Dum Dickson is the best Indian they’ve had in Canberra.
Choose form dishes packed full of authentic flavours, including Palak Paneer, Chicken 65, Onion Bhaji and Mango Kulfi for dessert!
Blu Ginger (City)
When you think of good Indian in Canberra, apparently our readers can’t go past Blu Ginger in the city.
First established in Sydney in 2000, here the team only uses the freshest locally sourced produce, combined with authentic spices imported directly from the sub-continent, to offer classic, traditional recipes with a modern twist. Drawing upon the many culinary regions of India, the menu is modern and authentic. And from street food like Dhahi Mirchi Chaat to classic Railway Canteen Goat Curry, it’s no wonder it continues to be a local fave.
Tikka Take (City)
At this modern Indian restaurant, taste, texture, and aroma is king. Tikka Take is on a mission to share fresh, top quality, healthy, unprocessed, natural, nutritious and super tasty food and with an overflowing menu, you’re not stuck for choices.
From small nibbles and bites to Himalayan Dumplings, Dum Biryani, street food and more, there’s everything for every kind of foodie.
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant (City)
Serving home-style Authentic Indian cuisine for over 50 years, the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant is located in the heart of the city.
Known and loved for its mouth watering beef, lamb, chicken, vegetable, tandoori and fish dishes, it’s no wonder this suggestion kept popping up as a local fave. As one commenter said “The Taj Mahal in the Melbourne building in civic is amazing and consistent, my dad has been taking us there for what feels like 40 years. Always amazing, great price, great service, have had many celebrations there.”
Amara (City)
Amara is a new Indian restaurant in Canberra’s dining scene, so we’re adding it in as our own suggestion.
Open for lunch and dinner, the team boasts over 25 years of experience in the kitchen – including involvement in one of Sydney’s finest Indian restaurants. The highlights? The Chicken MoMo, Bangalore Dosai, and Bhindi Dopiyaza all sound drool-worthy.
Darbar (Braddon)
Looking for a great Indian restaurant in Braddon? Darbar is delightful.
Serving authentic Chaats, Indo-Chinese offerings, a range of Dosa, Biryani’s and more, sit back, relax and enjoy your dining experience.
Yogi’s Kitchen (Barton)
Something of a hidden gem, this Indian restaurant serves authentic cuisine that doesn’t disappoint.
Open seven days a week in Barton, not only is the menu extensive at Yogi’s Kitchen (it has everything you could want), but you’ll get bang for you bucket with loaded mains under $25.
Bollywood Masala (Kingston)
According to one commentor, when at Bollywood Masala in Kingston you need to “Order the house Dahl. It’s divine.” And honestly? Enough said.
But the gourmet Tandoor Naan with sundried tomatoes, paneer, cashew nuts, herbs and spices and the Avocardo Bhel also sound mouth-wateringly good…
Lakeside Gurkhas (Kingston)
Serving authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine by the Australian waterside, we haven’t been in this restaurant before, but now Lakeside Gurkhas is well and truly on our radar.
Located near The Dock, one look at the menu and we’re licking our lips.
Gravy N More (Kingston)
Along with traditional and classic Indian dishes, Gravy N More was one of the first restaurants in Canberra to introduce the pizzas with traditional Indian flavours, making it a must try.
Indian Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken Pizza, Paneer Tikka Masala are amongst the few to choose from and they all sound amazing.
7 by the Lake (Kingston)
From samosas to biryani, the menu at 7 by the Lake is a celebration of India’s culinary diversity.
Dig into some delicious dishes made with fresh and flavoursome ingredients.
Jewel of India (Manuka)
Looking for a date night location or somewhere to take the family? Book in for a delectable culinary experience at Jewel of India restaurant in Manuka.
Serving up tasty and homely food, the menu is familiar but the flavours are fantastic.
Indian Affair (Phillip)
One commentor says that Indian Affair has the best best butter chicken in town, which is a pretty big call. But one we’re willing to put to the test.
Serving up dishes crafted with traditional spices and served with warm hospitality, they’ve been serving north Indian cuisine in Canberra for 25 years, making it a local institution.
Brown Boyz Indian Restaurant (Isaacs)
Looking for authentic Biryani takeaway? Located in Isaacs, Brown Boyz Indian Restaurant is the place to go.
From a half Tandoori Chicken starter to Prawn Goan Curry, thank us later.
Masala Hut (Weston)
Good food and good service, what more could you want? Masala Hut in Weston is small, but it’s popular with locals for a reason.
Classic Indian Restaurant (Weston)
Hidden in Cooleman Court, our readers say you should go to Classic Indian Restaurant for their couples deal.
Available at lunch and dinner for $61.95 you can get two Samosa’s, two Chicken Tikka’s, two curries of choice, two servings of rice, two servings of Garlic Naan and two cans of soft drink. And in this economy? It sounds like the perfect date-night deal.
Spicy Tadka (Tuggeranong)
A “celebration of India’s diversity” is how Spicy Tadka in Tuggeranong describes themselves.
Armed with traditional recipes, from comforting curries to fragrant biryanis, there’s something that will tickle your tastebuds,
Chalisa Indian Restaurant (Tuggeranong)
Proudly family owned and operated, Chalisa Indian Restaurant has been serving authentic Indian cuisine to their customers for over 20 years.
Choose from their Chalisa Chaat Menu (Indian Street Food) or their Dine-In Menu to try this local institution for yourself.
Indian Grill (Tuggeranong)
Another delicious suggestion, Indian Grill in Greenway is great for locals looking for good Indian.
Eat your way through a selection of goat, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian main courses, and keep your eye out for their food deals!
Barbeque Nation (Erindale)
You won’t leave here hungry. Barbeque Nation in Erindale has an overflowing menu, with something for very kind of dietary requirement.
Grab yourself a mango lassi, and dig into Eggplant Masala, Spicy Prawn Curry, Rogan Josh and more.
Punjabi Hut (Queanbeyan, Erindale and Manuka)
With two locations in Canberra and one just across the boarder, Punjabi Hut serves a mix traditional and north Indian cuisine that will leave you drooling.
Focusing on Punjabi food dishes, from Tandoori kebabs to kormas, simple choose which venue you’d like to visit and go.
Mirchi (Ngunnawal)
Traditional Indian dishes in a sleek setting. That’s the vibe of Mirchi.
Opening in 2008, this restaurant is popular amongst Gungahlin residents and serves delicacies from northern India with few dishes from southern India as well.
Delhi to Canberra (Melba)
You think Delhi to Canberra in Melba is one of the best.
Hidden just a short drive from the Melba shops, this suburban gem is a go-to for many locals in the area. Serving wholesome Indian and Punjabi food, you won’t be stuck for choice.
Dawat-e-Punjab Indian Restaurant (Holt)
Described as underrated but oh-so-good, Dawat-e-Punjab Indian Restaurant is another one of your go-to restaurants for authentic Indian takeaway.
Also described as “Outstanding, always.” by another commentor, this is your sign to go.
AaoJee (Amaroo)
Featuring a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes with some modern twists, there’s something for everyone at AaoJee.
Using the finest spices and herbs, while the mains sound great, take some time to peruse the dessert menu. You’ll thank us.
Chatkazz (Gungahlin)
In Gunners but don’t know where to go? Chatkazz is there to bring some spice to your life.
Located inside the the Marketplace Gungahlin Shopping Centre, they promise a unique gastronomic adventure.
NH8 Restaurant (Gungahlin)
Another one for Gungahlin locals, NH8 is named after India’s National Highway 8, running 1400kms long from Delhi to Mumbai.
Wondering how it lives up to it’s namesake? It transports your tastebuds across India with each bite.
Indian Bay Restaurant (Belconnen)
Offering a range of options for everyone (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free foodies), Indian Bay Restaurant in Belco is the place for a bite.
Extra hungry? We recommend looking at the Banquets option. Ranging from $35.90 to $44.90, it’s bang for your buck.
Royal Turban (Queanbeyan)
All about celebrating traditional Indian cuisine, this is your excuse for a little road trip.
The food at Royal Turban is authentic, with a menu designed to reflect culinary traditions centuries old. Sounds good, right?
Spice Bar Indian Restaurant (Oaks Estate)
Just 20 minutes from the CBD, according to our readers, the Spice Bar Indian Restaurant Oaks Estate is ‘a hidden gem and the chef is outstanding.’
And with an lunchtime ‘All You Can eat Buffet’ available for $23.99 (adults) or $13.99 (kids), Tuesday through to Sunday, run…don’t walk.
Kohlis Waterfront Indian Restaurant (Batemans Bay)
Willing to travel for good food? We’re told that Kohlis Waterfront Indian Restaurant in Batemans Bay is worth the drive. And we’ll take any excuse for a road trip.
Feature image: Rama’s. Credit: Andrew Ly.
