Best Indian restaurants in Amsterdam 

Amsterdam’s vibrant culture shines in its diverse food scene, especially for Indian cuisine fans. Picture a Bollywood feast on your plate, with bold flavors and colorful spices. Craving real Indian food in Amsterdam? Dive into the best Indian restaurants in Amsterdam, acclaimed on The Fork and by CurryGuru. They promise an experience so authentic, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Delhi. Get ready for a journey where traditional Indian flavors meet Amsterdam’s culinary charm.

1. Ashoka

(CG score: 8.5 / TheFork score: 9.6)

Ashoka, nestled in Amsterdam’s bustling heart, is not just an Indian restaurant but a celebration of Indian-Nepalese cuisine. With an impressive 9.6 on The Fork and an 8.5 CG score, it stands out for its unique blend of flavors. The restaurant brings the glamour of Bollywood to its Indian and Nepalese dishes, offering a dining experience that’s both luxurious and authentic. Its wine list is carefully curated, and the ambiance transports you to the serenity of the Himalayas.

CG Insights: Ashoka’s menu is a delightful journey through Indian and traditional Nepalese dishes, showcasing culinary finesse. While it might stray from the usual street food style, it leads the way in Amsterdam’s upscale Indian-Nepalese dining scene. The restaurant combines sophisticated tastes with a modern twist, perfect for those seeking an elegant dining experience. Ideal for a memorable evening out, Ashoka promises an indulgent exploration of rich flavors and warm hospitality in a luxurious setting.

Must-try dishes:

• Dal bhat ra masu – Lamb prepared in a traditional Nepalese style platter with fresh tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic, Dal and veggies.

Spuistraat 3G, 1012 SP Amsterdam

2. Annapurna Kitchen

(CG score: 8.4 / TheFork score: 9.4)

Annapurna Kitchen takes its name from the iconic Annapurna mountain in Nepal, embodying the essence of ‘full of food’ through its lavish spread of authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Their menu offers a culinary tour, featuring popular Indian dishes like Biryani, Butter chicken, and Tandoori chicken, alongside traditional Nepalese delicacies such as Momo (chicken dumplings) and Thakali/Nepali thali, a comprehensive platter that includes rice, lentil soup, and a variety of accompaniments. The expertise of Annapurna’s chefs shines through in each authentic and flavorful dish they prepare.

CG Insights: Annapurna boasts a diverse menu catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tastes. However, our review notes some inconsistency in the spice balance across their dishes. An interesting point to mention is the menu’s conflation of Lamb Madras and Vindaloo into a single dish, overlooking the distinct culinary heritage of Goa and Madras. Despite these minor points, Annapurna remains a commendable choice for those eager to explore the depths of Indian and Nepalese gastronomy.

Must-try dishes:

• Jhol Momo – a nepali dumpling served in a spicy tomato-based soup cooked with the mixture of grounded peanuts, soybeans and sesame seeds.

• Annapurna Special Mixed Biryani – Prawns, lamb and chicken prepared with basmati rice.

Overtoom 548HS, 1054 LM Amsterdam

3. Tulsi   

(CG score: 8.4 /  TheFork score:  8.6)

Tulsi Indian Restaurant, located in Van Woustraat and Centrum, Amsterdam, is celebrated for its authentic Indian cuisine. Earning a 8.4 CG score and 8.6 on TheFork, Tulsi is distinguished for its traditional Indian cooking fused with an array of authentic spices. Each dish is a homage to India’s rich culinary tradition, made with a deep sense of passion and expertise.

CG Insights: Tulsi’s cuisine is deeply rooted in traditional Punjabi dhaba-style, offering a rustic and hearty dining experience that is both authentic and flavourful. The restaurant’s atmosphere adds to its charm; it’s lively and vibrant, although it can be a bit noisy, with the classic tunes of Lata Mangeshkar in the background. For those who love spicy food, Tulsi’s dishes, true to their origins, are an exhilarating journey through the bold flavours of India.

Must-try dishes:

• Dal Makhani and Okra Curry (vegetarian)
• Tandoor Chicken

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 34, 1012 SB Amsterdam

4. Guru     

(CG score: 8.3 / TheFork score: 9.2)

Guru Indian Restaurant, located in Rijnstraat, Amsterdam, specializes in authentic dhaba-style Indian cuisine. It has garnered a CG score of 8.2 and an impressive TheFork score of 9.2. Despite its acclaim for food quality, the restaurant’s extensive menu of over 149 dishes presents both an opportunity for variety, especially for vegetarians, and a challenge in maintaining consistency and authenticity across such a broad offering.

CG Insights: Guru’s extensive selection is particularly appreciated by vegetarians, offering them a vast array of authentic Indian flavors. However, the restaurant’s ambition to cater to many tastes with its large menu sometimes leads to questions about the authenticity of each dish. Additionally, customer feedback points to the ambiance and service experiencing a decline when the restaurant is at full capacity, due to the high number of tables. This can affect the overall dining experience, especially during peak times when the space becomes crowded and service may lag. Despite these issues, the authentic flavors and the variety available, especially for vegetarians, continue to draw a crowd.

Must-try dishes:

• Lamb Curry from Hell (for the brave)
• Veg Delight Menu, a testament to Guru’s commitment to vegetarian excellence.

Rijnstraat 157, 1079 HD Amsterdam

5. Neetu Dhaba Indiase & Nepalese Restaurant    

(CG score: 8.3 / TheFork score: 9.2)

Must-try dishes:

• Tandoori Paneer Tikka (Spiced Indian cheese cubes marinated in yogurt, baked in the clay oven with bell peppers and onions)
• Tandoori Chicken Special (Chicken legs in a spiced yogurt marinade, baked in the clay oven with bell peppers and onions)

Overtoom 482H, 1054 JZ Amsterdam