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Bazaar India’s guide to the best Indian restaurants across the globe

From NYC’s Semma serving up traditional South Indian fare to Dubai’s Tresind giving a modern twist to Indian classics, there’s much to explore.

Harper's Bazaar India

While there is no doubt that the best Indian food is to be found in the country itself, there are a plethora of Indian restaurants around the world that are serving up fun, delicious fare. From Michelin-star fine-dining establishments to fast casual eateries doling out chaat, there are plenty of options in the culinary scene. So next time you find yourself craving biryani or palak paneer while travelling, know that there’s a restaurant out there catering to your needs. 

Bazaar India lists some of the best around the world. 

In the United States

Semma, New York City

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Semma (@semmanyc)


Semma, the restaurant in NYC serving regional South Indian fare shot to fame this year when it won its first Michelin star, becoming the only Indian restaurant with a Michelin star in 2022. Don’t be fooled by the short, one-page menu—it packs a punch with the classic dosas alongside less explored dishes like succulent snails in their shells and Keralan banana-leaf-wrapped fish.

Chai Pani, Asheville

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chai Pani (@chaipani)


Chai Pani, is another Indian establishment that should be on your must-dine at list. The James Beard award-winning restaurant (it was named America’s most outstanding restaurant by the foundation this year) in North Carolina, serves a mix of chaat, snacks, and thalis. You’ll find all your favourite chaats on the extensive menu—from sev dahi puri, where puffed fried crisps are filled with yogurt, tangy chutneys, potatoes, onions, and more to the aloo tikki chaat, which has crispy potato cutlet doused in yogurt, tamarind and mint chutney and yogurt along with other toppings. 

In the United Kingdom

Gunpowder, London


With three outposts throughout London, Gunpowder is popular for a reason—it celebrates the best of Indian food through hearty dishes that span regional cuisines from across the country. You will find Goan-style grilled prawns rubbing shoulders with Karwari crab and saag paneer. Whatever you choose, know that a feast awaits. 

Dishoom, London 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dishoom (@dishoom)


No list on best Indian restaurants around the world would miss London’s Dishoom, which has now expanded to have branches in Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham too. The London institution is known for its chicken ruby (a curry-based dish), the jackfruit biryani, the raan, and its chaat. 
 

In Dubai 

Trèsind 


Trèsind is all about taking traditional Indian food and giving it a modern twist—expect loads of theatrics like dry ice, gels, and foams that is guaranteed to make you see familiar dishes in a new light.  There are set menus as well as a la carte, choose the vegetarian or non-vegetarian set menus if you’d like to sample a wide range of dishes including chaat, tikkas like paneer paturi, and curries. 
 

Masti 
 


Masti, which translates to fun in Hindi, offers an eclectic spread of dishes and sports quirky décor that do justice to its name. The kitchen is helmed by award-winning chef Prashant Chipkar, who does modern interpretations of classic Indian plates, so don’t visit expecting your standard curry order but if you’re willing to experiment, you’re in for a treat. 

Lead image: Dishoom/Instagram

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