The best Indian restaurants in Bangkok

Before putting up HERE, Chef Garima made a name for herself at Gaa, a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant that brings a fusion novelty to Indian fare. Combining Thai ingredients with Western principles and the flavors of the Indian subcontinent, Gaa’s dishes are served in eight-course (B1,800) or 12-course (B2,400) sets. 

Number one on the list of Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants for 2016, Gaggan offers one of the best and most enjoyable Indian dining experiences you could have in Bangkok. Chef Gaggan Anand honed his skills in molecular gastronomy at famous three Michelin-star restaurant El Bulli, and has developed what he calls “progressive Indian cuisine.” Tucked within Langsuan, the white, two-story house is a pleasant and modest contrast to their innovative alchemic cooking style. The Chef Dining area (which is always reserved) sits right next to the kitchen’s glass window, offering diners a view of how the chefs prepare each molecular dish. Sounds good, right? They recommend the Testing Menu, a true representation of Gaggan-ness. Yogurt Explosion, bite-sized homemade yogurt with the texture of caviar, is going to surprise and prepare you for the other dishes. The following courses are all cutting-edge and fun: Mumbaiwalla, creative ball-shaped pav bhaji; Viagra, fresh oysters served with Indian mustard ice cream; and airlight truffle soup. Go and see what the fuss is all about.

If you are a lover of organic fare, then this Indian restaurant will catch your attention. Haoma is run by Chef Deepanker Khosla and Chef Tarun Bhatia, top Indian chefs who cook rich and colorful food using “ingredients that are grown behind the store”—Haoma’s backyard  houses a small organic farm and an aquaponics set-up.

At this warm cozy dining room, Chef Garima Arora, a former Mumbai journalist turned chef, puts forth authentic Indian breakfast fare and canteen-style dishes that are rarely found in other Indian restaurants in Bangkok. HERE serves modern Indian food that is hearty, uncomplicated and beautifully presented, not to mention affordably priced. Chef Garima uses family recipes that will let you experience the warmth of Indian culture and make you smile. 

This restaurant has been around since 1980, and is known for its old-school cooking, not to mention decor. The menu highlights popular Indian dishes such as tandoori chicken (charcoal-grilled marinated chicken with yogurt and herbs), naan bread, Chicken Kashmiri and lamb curry.

Set in an old refurbished house on Soi Sukhumvit 26, this popular restaurant offers the staple dishes of northern India, such as kebabs, tandoor-cooked meats (try the lamb chops cooked with yogurt) and chewy naan.

Celebrity chef Hari Nayak's lovechild JHOL Restaurant is the rising Indian fine-dining eatery in the city with the focus on southern-coastal fare where seafood crashes with hot spices. Everything here isn't short of wow factors whether it's the common pani puri, Kerala Mutton Roast, or Ghee Roast Chicken. Not to mention highly creative cocktails—which are all why we easily gave it five stars.

Known as the highest Indian restaurant in Bangkok, Maya is located on the 29th floor of Holiday Inn Bangkok. Traditional Indian favorites are presented in a modern way. Plus the gorgeous mirrored walls and amazing views of Bangkok’s skyline will have you enjoying your meal in style.

This vegetarian Indian restaurant is known for its affordable delicious curries made with authentic Indian spices. Start off with an appetizer like the raj kachori (deep-fried snack with potatoes, spices and yogurt) before moving on to uttapam (savory Indian pancakes). End your meal with a thick mango lassi or masala Pepsi.