The rule of thumb for Indian food is go to a place Indian people are eating at. And nowhere is that more relevant than Memphis, Tennessee.
A couple of years ago there was hardly any Indian restaurants, but I'm happy to report in the last 18 months that has changed.
As an Indian myself let me tell you, we love our food spicy but also flavorful.
We recognize that not everybody can handle too much heat, but given our scary Indian food might look like to a novice scared to try new things, quality definitely counts.
A good Indian restaurant has a balance of vegetarian and vegetarian cuisine, (we are in the south after all), fresh ingredients, quality garlic naan and not store bought pita bread, and friendly staff who is excited to recommend certain dishes and answer questions.
A bad Indian restaurant is one in which when you order off the menu the food comes out in less than 10 minutes. They just microwave something old. Or a restaurant without any Indian people in it.
In this guide, we'll delve into some of the best Indian restaurants in Memphis, each offering a unique culinary experience that transports you straight to the heart of India.
Best Indian Food in Memphis
While I'm sure they're other restaurants coming up all the time, below are the ones I've enjoyed as recent as 2023. If you have any suggestions please comment them below!
Situated near the Costco on Hacks Cross in Germantown, this has very quickly become a cornerstone of the city's Indian dining landscape.
Pro Tip: As late as 2023 there is always a 10 minute wait for the buffet on the weekend.
This restaurant effortlessly combines traditional Indian flavors with a modern twist, creating a dining experience that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
I lived in India as late as 2020 and the buffet here during lunch time is awesome.
You can try so many things and my non-Indian colleagues I took here act like I opened their eyes to a best kept secret.
You gotta try the chicken 65! (it's like a spicy popcorn chicken), biryani, chicken curry, lamb curry and paneer tikka masala.
My favorite thing about this place is the Sunday buffet.
Second favorite is the nice young gentlemen who are chatty and happy to answer questions about the buffet.
$19 for unlimited garlic naan and chicken tikka masala is quite the wow.
While some might enjoy some of the other restaurants on this list, if you're in need of an Indian fix and can't travel too far from the city, this is your spot.
It's located in the heart of the city and of the three times I've been, the first was so so and the next three were great (buffet).
Biryani is like a middle eastern rice with meat. It's often served with a spicy curry as a side and/or even yogurt with cucumber.
Honestly, it's great.
A culinary haven for biryani enthusiasts, offers an array of aromatic biryanis that transport diners to the streets of Hyderabad. This is also one of my favorite South Indian restaurants in Bangalore.
Their dosa (like a massive thin flaky crepe with Indian spices) is the best one in Memphis I think.
With an emphasis on rich, layered flavors, this restaurant has carved a niche for itself among those seeking the perfect biryani in Memphis. Most people here order take out but if I'm paying $20 to $30 for stuff that was just $15 a few years ago, I'm not doing the dishes.
It's not that fancy of a place but try and eat here if you can so you eat the fresh and hot.
Pro Tip: Eat here for lunch, go to Costco or Wal-Mart to walk off the bloat after and run some of your errands.
Everyone says this place is really spicy. The last time I went they didn't have the buffet but I'm happy to report they do now (as of 2023).
From creamy masalas to fiery vindaloos, Curry Bowl takes diners on a flavorful journey through the diverse culinary landscape of India.
The warm and inviting atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience and the lady that served us was nice.
Ready to Try the Best Indian Restaurants in Memphis?
While Memphis isn't a city that's known for having better Indian food than San Francisco or New York, I can happily tell you having lived in both of those places that most of the restaurants above compare just fine to those.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer eager to explore, these establishments offer an authentic taste of India, right in the heart of Memphis.
Got suggestions for a new place that opened up? Drop them in the comments below and we'll check it out!
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