During my own trip across Vietnam from the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the historical charm of Hanoi and the breezy coastline of Da Nang I made it my mission to seek out the best Indian restaurants in the country. The result? This carefully curated list of 10 must-visit Indian restaurants in Vietnam that will make you feel right at home, even while you’re halfway across the world.
Vietnam is a traveler’s dream steaming bowls of pho, bustling night markets, lantern-lit rivers, and serene beaches. But if you’re an Indian traveler, there’s one thing you’ll understand all too well: no matter how much you love exploring local cuisine, there comes a time when you long for the familiar comfort of home-cooked Indian food.
The soft warmth of freshly baked naan, the tang of tamarind chutney, the slow-cooked depth of a good dal makhani these are flavors that feel like a hug from home. Luckily, Vietnam’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscapes, and you can find authentic Indian restaurants in every major city, each offering its own spin on our beloved cuisine.
1. Tandoor – Ho Chi Minh City
Highlight: One of the oldest Indian restaurants in Saigon, with a legacy dating back to 1997.
Why Try: Perfectly balanced North and South Indian menus, plus in-house ground spices for authentic flavors.
Top dishes: Seafood curry, butter paneer, vegetarian thali.
Address: 39A–39B Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tandoor is more than just a restaurant it’s an institution in Ho Chi Minh City’s dining scene. The moment you step in, the aroma of roasted cumin and sizzling tandoori spices envelops you. I started with their seafood curry, rich and fragrant, before moving on to a vegetarian thali that transported me straight to a festive lunch at home. The staff here have perfected the art of making you feel both like a guest and family.
2. Baba’s Kitchen – Ho Chi Minh City & Hoi An
Highlight: Homestyle Indian cooking with a dash of Sri Lankan influence.
Why Try: A welcoming space for vegetarians, vegans, and halal diners.
Top dishes: Butter chicken, dal makhani, paneer tikka.
Addresses:
- 274 Bùi Viện, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 115 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
If comfort had a flavor, it would taste like Baba’s Kitchen’s butter chicken. I visited their Bùi Viện branch after a long day of exploring Saigon’s walking street, and the creamy, mildly spiced curry with fluffy garlic naan was exactly what my travel-weary soul needed. When I visited their Hoi An outlet, the atmosphere was quieter, but the food was just as comforting a consistency that speaks volumes.
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3. Dalcheeni – Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City
Highlight: Regal Mughlai dining with impeccable presentation.
Why Try: Perfect for special occasions when you want to indulge.
Top dishes: Biryani, chicken kebabs, paneer lababdar.
Address (Hanoi): 100 Xuân Diệu, Tây Hồ, Hanoi
Dining at Dalcheeni felt like stepping into a royal banquet. The interiors are plush, the staff attentive, and the food well, it’s fit for a king. I ordered their aromatic biryani, each grain of rice infused with saffron, paired with juicy chicken kebabs that had just the right char from the tandoor. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or simply the joy of being in Vietnam, this is the place to go.
4. Namaste Hanoi – Hanoi
Highlight: An extensive menu covering regional specialties from across India.
Why Try: Centrally located, making it perfect for a meal after sightseeing.
Top dishes: Chicken tikka masala, dal makhani, cheese naan.
Address: 46 Thợ Nhuộm, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
After walking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, I made my way to Namaste Hanoi. The restaurant’s name says it all warm, inviting, and distinctly Indian. Their chicken tikka masala had just the right balance of creaminess and spice, and the cheese naan was so indulgent I almost skipped dessert. Almost.
5. Benaras Indian Bistro – Ho Chi Minh City
Highlight: A stylish, modern Indian bistro with a playful twist.
Why Try: A mix of street-food favorites and gourmet curries, served in a chic setting.
Top dishes: Pani puri, chaats, North Indian curry platters.
Address: 21B Tôn Đức Thắng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Benaras Indian Bistro is for those who want their curry with a side of Instagram appeal. I kicked things off with pani puri crisp, tangy, and wonderfully nostalgic before moving to their curry platters. The presentation is as impressive as the flavors, making it a hit among younger travelers and anyone looking to spice up their social media feed.
6. Ganesh Indian Restaurant – Da Nang & Nha Trang
Highlight: A reliable name along Vietnam’s coastal cities.
Why Try: Consistent flavors and hearty portions, perfect for hungry travelers.
Top dishes: Tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, vegetarian combo.
Address (Da Nang): 187 Lê Quang Đạo, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Da Nang
By the time I reached Da Nang, I was craving smoky tandoori. Ganesh did not disappoint the chicken came sizzling on a platter, perfectly charred yet juicy inside. Paired with their lamb biryani, it was a satisfying, hearty meal before a long stroll along My Khe Beach.
7. Shri Natraj Indian Cuisine – Ho Chi Minh City
Highlight: A gem for South Indian food lovers.
Why Try: Authentic dosa, idli, and sambar alongside North Indian staples.
Top dishes: Masala dosa, sambar, idli with coconut chutney.
Address: 41 Bùi Thị Xuân, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
In a city dominated by North Indian restaurants, Shri Natraj stands out with its dedication to South Indian cuisine. The crispy masala dosa, paired with piping-hot sambar and fresh coconut chutney, was so authentic it felt like a Sunday breakfast back in Bengaluru.
8. Dahi Handi – Ho Chi Minh City
Highlight: Spacious interiors, ideal for groups and families.
Why Try: Large menu with something for everyone, from spicy curries to mild gravies.
Top dishes: Lamb rogan josh, paneer butter masala, naan.
Address: 23 Đông Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Dahi Handi’s portions are generous, making it perfect for sharing. I visited with fellow travelers I’d met along the way, and we ordered a spread lamb rogan josh, paneer butter masala, and baskets of naan. The conversation flowed as easily as the food disappeared.
9. Taj Mahal Restaurant – Ho Chi Minh City
Highlight: Rich Mughal-style flavors in a cozy setting.
Why Try: Traditional recipes with authentic spices.
Top dishes: Butter chicken, kadai chicken.
Address: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (ask locals for directions)
Taj Mahal feels like a hidden gem. The butter chicken was creamy with just a hint of sweetness, and the kadai chicken brought that earthy, smoky depth I love. The staff here are genuinely warm, adding to the overall charm.
10. Rang – Da Nang
Highlight: Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024 awardee.
Why Try: Fusion of Indian and Mediterranean flavors with a refined touch.
Top dishes: Hyderabadi biryani, chicken seekh kebab.
Address: Da Nang City
Rang is where tradition meets creativity. Their Hyderabadi biryani is a work of art layered with perfectly cooked rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices while the chicken seekh kebab has a delicate smokiness that pairs beautifully with their house-made dips.
Tips for Indian Travelers in Vietnam
- Spice Levels: Vietnamese kitchens can make dishes milder by default ask for “Indian spicy” if you want the full kick.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Almost all the restaurants here cater to plant-based diets.
- Make Reservations: Especially at Dalcheeni, Namaste, and Rang, which get busy during weekends.
- Carry Some Cash: Smaller eateries may not always accept cards.
FAQs About Indian Restaurants in Vietnam
1. Are there good Indian restaurants in Vietnam?
Yes! Vietnam has a wide range of Indian restaurants in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An. You’ll find everything from fine-dining Mughlai cuisine to casual street-food–style chaats.
2. Which city in Vietnam has the most Indian restaurants?
Ho Chi Minh City has the highest concentration of Indian restaurants, offering both North and South Indian dishes, along with vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options.
3. Do Indian restaurants in Vietnam serve vegetarian food?
Absolutely. Most Indian restaurants in Vietnam have extensive vegetarian menus, and many also cater to vegan diets. Dishes like paneer butter masala, dal makhani, and vegetable biryani are widely available.
4. Are there South Indian restaurants in Vietnam?
Yes. Restaurants like Shri Natraj in Ho Chi Minh City serve authentic South Indian dishes such as masala dosa, idli, vada, and sambar.
5. Do these restaurants serve halal food?
Many Indian restaurants in Vietnam, such as Baba’s Kitchen and Shri Natraj, offer halal-certified dishes. It’s always best to confirm with the staff before ordering.
6. How much does a meal at an Indian restaurant in Vietnam cost?
Prices vary depending on the restaurant type.
- Casual eateries: 100,000–200,000 VND per person (₹350–₹700)
- Fine dining: 300,000–600,000 VND per person (₹1,000–₹2,000)
7. Do I need to make a reservation?
For popular spots like Dalcheeni, Namaste Hanoi, and Rang in Da Nang, reservations are recommended especially during weekends and tourist seasons.
8. Can I find Indian food in smaller Vietnamese towns?
Indian restaurants are mostly concentrated in big cities and tourist hubs. In smaller towns, options are limited, so plan your meals accordingly.
9. Is the spice level in Indian restaurants in Vietnam the same as in India?
Not always. Many restaurants adjust spice levels for local tastes. If you want it hot and authentic, ask for “Indian spicy” when ordering.
10. What’s the best time to visit Vietnam for Indian travelers?
The ideal time is from November to April, when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also when Indian restaurants in tourist areas are fully operational to cater to the peak season crowd.
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