As the world’s first Punjabi restaurant to hold a Michelin star (receiving the honour in 2019), New Punjab Club should top your list when it comes to Indian dining. Helmed by chef Palash Mitra, New Punjab Club specialises in Punjabi cuisine, with the menu centred around hearty dishes from the tandoor oven. Best saved for a special night out, menu prices here can run a little high, but we promise the food is worth it. Favourite dishes of ours include Samosa Chaat, Keema Pau and masalewali chanp (tandoori lamb chops), not to mention plenty of buttery naan – just make sure to save room for the banana sticky toffee pudding dessert! No trip to NPC is complete without a drink or two from the decadent gin trolley, sure to complement the richly spiced food.
New Punjab Club, 34 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.newpunjabclub.com
Also found on Wyndham Street, Bombay Dreams serves a variety of flavourful and aromatic dishes that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. A great dish that can be found here is the Chicken Tikka Lababdar, a rich, sweet and creamy curry, which is even more delicious when paired with the garlic naan. The restaurant also offers an extensive vegetarian menu that’s equally as delicious, including favourites such as Dal Makhni and Paneer Tikka Peeli Mirch. With a rustic modern interior design that’s chic yet understated, it’s perfect for birthdays, group meals and casual dining. On top of that the restaurant also offers a Sunday bubbly buffet brunch for just $198 for unlimited food, plus an additional $168 for cocktails, wine and sparkling wine!
Bombay Dreams, 4/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2971 0001, www.diningconcepts.com
An oldie but a goodie, Jo Jo Indian Restaurant has been on the Hong Kong dining scene since 1985! Serving up a delicious variety of traditional curries and clay oven specialties, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is always lively. The menu features an array of dishes from the north and south of India, such as Pani Puri, Dosas, creamy curries and plenty of tandoor-grilled meats. Don’t miss the unlimited lunch buffet, which is priced at just $128.
Jo Jo Indian Restaurant, 2/F Davis House, 37-39 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2527 3776, www.jojofood.com
If you’re after cheap and cheerful Indian food, look no further than Chautari Restaurant. Found inside the Queen’s Street Cooked Food Market in Sheung Wan, you’re not going here for the décor, but a buzzy atmosphere and plenty of quality food (at low prices!) is guaranteed. Perfect for enjoying with a crowd, diners are encouraged to BYOB, and the menu includes everything from chicken, lamb and seafood curries, tandoori specials, biryanis and specialty breads. If you can’t choose from the vast array on offer, we suggest opting for the set for two ($320), which includes samosas, chicken tikka and papadams to start, followed by a choice of curries, naan and rice.
Chautari Restaurant, 1/F, CF6, Queen Street Cooked Food Market, Queen Street, 38 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2600 4408, www.chautari.com.hk
This hole in the wall joint may not seem much from the outside, but you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised once you try out the food on offer. Try out the Tandoori Mixed Grill, along with the creamy and rich Dal Makhani. For veggie lovers, The Clay Oven also offers a wide variety of vegetarian options that taste just as good as the non-veg options, such as Saagwalla Paneer, Aloo Gobi and Chana Masala. A must-try if you’re in or around the Kennedy Town area, and in need of an Indian food fix.
The Clay Oven, 27-31 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2872 6900, www.theclayoven.com.hk
A Hong Kong staple, Jashan has been around for years and it’s not hard to see why. With its contemporary take on classic Indian fare, it appeals to a wide variety of foodies, while still retaining the comfort food vibe that we look for when going out for Indian food. The flavours and cooking are always just right, and the range of options ensures that everyone can find something they like here. We love the sound of the Pizza Samosas and Crispy Kale Chaat, though there are still favourites on the menu such as Paneer Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh.
Jashan, 1/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 3105 5300/3105 5311, www.jashan.com.hk
Based on the Anglo-Indian mess halls of the 1920s, Rajasthan Rifles is one of the newest Indian restaurants to open in Hong Kong. Located at the top of The Peak, the restaurant’s cuisine sees the coming together of the two cultures, with the menu featuring British-influenced items such as the Rajasthan Rifles Club Sandwich and Mulligatawny soup, alongside favourites such as Keema Pau, Tandoor Goat Seekh Kebabs and Lamb Biryani. The kitchen is helmed by Palash Mitra (of New Punjab Club fame), so you know that quality plates with plenty of flavour and spice are guaranteed. Don’t miss out on enjoying a cooling G&T (or a cup of warming chai!) on the restaurant’s al fresco terrace, complete with sweeping city views.
Rajasthan Rifles, Shop G01, G/F The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.rajasthanrifles.com
Opened in 2018 by Pirata Group (who are behind city favourites such as Pici and Tokyolima!), Chaiwala serves modern Indian cuisine and offers dishes from all corners of the vast country. This expansive restaurant can be found by entering through British-style salon bar, Hugger Mugger, on Wyndham Street, with the dining space split into three sections: Chai Bar, Kitchen and Dining Room. The menu is sure to take diners on a journey through India, offering everything from chaats and street food dishes to classic tandoor dishes, Kerala fish curry and even modern interpretations such as Bombay fried chicken. Along with a generous dinner set menu priced at $480 per person, Chaiwala also serves up its own “Holi Brunch” on weekends and public holidays, priced at $298.
Chaiwala, Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.chaiwala.hk
Bindaas is a warm, cosy and welcoming spot, right on the corner of Hollywood Road. Meaning “carefree”, this restaurant is all about serving up flavourful sharing plates and platters. The recipes are inspired by traditional tastes, but are presented with a colourful contemporary twist that aims to offer Hong Kong authentic Indian street food flavours. The vibrant atmosphere and relaxed décor is an added bonus to the deliciously addictive food and fun selection of cocktails. Don’t leave without trying the sweet, fluffy, and freshly baked “Naanza”.
Bindaas Bar & Kitchen, 33 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2447 9998, www.iambindaas.com
Since opening at the end of 2018 KTM Bar & Grill in Kennedy Town has become a firm favourite with more than one Sassy team member. With a menu featuring authentic Indian & Nepalese dishes and lots of veggie options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, but it’s the starters that keep us coming back for more. Try the mixed Momos in soup and the Bara – a delicious Nepalese appetiser of spiced lentil patties which come out sizzling and served with a fried egg. With a great value weekday set lunch menu (which thankfully includes the momos), fast, friendly service and late-night Shisha, it’s well worth the trip to Kennedy Town to check out this family-owned restaurant.
KTM Bar and Kitchen, 71 Cadogan Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, www.ktmbarkitchen.com.hk
Jump on the Masala Train in Wan Chai and devour the nutritious side of traditional Indian cooking! This small Indian restaurant is a great takeaway option, and serves up an array of meal boxes which are a great for lunch on the go. Menu options include the likes of Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh and Palak Paneer, along with a range of rolls and sugar-free desserts.
Masala Train, Shop C on G/, Yue On Building, 146-148 Lockhart Road and 2A O’Brien Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2415 3000, www.masalatrain.com
Newly opened on Elgin Street (by Tiena Sekharan, of Masala Train!), Cardamon Street serves favourite dishes such as tacos, sliders and mezze platters, all with an Indian twist! Opt for the delicious paneer bhurji tacos or the chicken tikka sliders, and don’t miss out on trying the unique lamb quinoa biryani. This casual restaurant also offers a weekend brunch, with the likes of Maharaja Eggs Benedict and Savoury Masala French Toast on offer. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend with you to this SoHo spot, as the outside terrace is 100% pooch friendly!
Cardamom Street, GF, 38 Elgin Street, SoHo, Hong Kong, www.cardamonstreet.business.site
This vegetarian restaurant is sure to sate the appetites of both veggies and meat-eaters alike! Specialising in South Indian cuisine, Sangeetha offers classic dishes such as idly, vada and dosas (with a range of fillings!), along with a selection of Northern-inspired dishes.
Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant, UG 1-5 & 31, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, East Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2640 2123, www.sangeetha.com.hk
This low-key and no-frills restaurant is one that the Sassy team frequents a lot come lunch time. Prices are reasonable, the service is super friendly, and the dishes are flavourful. Namaste Kitchen offers a wide selection of vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes, including curries, tikka and tandoori dishes, all served with freshly made naan. Don’t miss the weekday set lunch, which is priced between $55 and $88 for a starter, main dish, side and a drink!
Namaste Kitchen, 38 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2795 7555, www.namastekitchen.com.hk
Previously located in Sai Ying Pun (under the name BlackSalt), BlackSalt Tavern can be found right by HKU station (exit B2) and offers a contemporary take on Nepalese, Bengali and Sri Lankan cuisine. Don’t miss trying dishes such as the What’s The Matter Paneer, Cauliflower Hot Wings, and Lamb Rhapsody. Solidifying itself as a great choice for any time of the day, along with its a la carte dinner menu, BlackSalt Tavern also offers up a great happy hour, set lunch and brunch menu – featuring the likes of Royal Egg Hoppers, Kata Murga Benedict, Sticky Toffee Buckwheat Pancakes and more.
BlackSalt Tavern, G/F, One South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui , Hong Kong, www.tavern.blacksalt.com.hk
Another great veggie option to know, Khana serves a wide variety of expertly crafted North-Indian and South-Indian vegetarian dishes. As well as offering exclusively vegetarian dishes, the restaurant also serves a variety of vegan-friendly options – just be sure to ask your server for recommendations. Favourites of ours include Plain Paper Dosa, Aloo Chaat and Paneer Tikka.
Khana Khazana Indian Vegetarian Restaurant and Bar, 1/F, Dannies House, 20 Luard Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2520 5308, www.fusionconcepts.com.hk/khana-khazana
Serving up a delicious and excellent value range of South Indian fare in Tsim Sha Tsui since 1981, Woodlands International Restaurant still hasn’t lost its charm. Catering to vegetarian and vegans alike, must orders are the Masala Dosas and Sambar, but the Thali and Idlis are also hard to beat. At around $45 to $70 per dish, everything Woodlands has to offer is a great value for your money. Plus, service is attentive and the atmosphere is extremely causal.
Woodlands International Restaurant, UG 16-17, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2369 3718, www.woodlandshk.com
Catering to all your “lazy night-in” needs, Uncle Desi Food & Sons delivers your favourite Indian takeaway dishes straight to your door. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Palash Mitra (of New Punjab Club and Rajasthan Rifles), Uncle Desi delights with a menu of comforting throwbacks. Think aloo samosas and onion pakoras, lamb rogan josh, prawn vindaloo, paneer butter masala and much more. Top your meal off with a buttery naan and a cold Kingfisher beer – evenings at home don’t get much better than this!
Uncle Desi Food & Sons, 6085 8656, info@uncledesifood.com, www.uncledesifood.com
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 12, October 2016 and was most recently updated on 17, July 2019.
