The best Indian food in Boston to spice up lunch or dinner

You can’t help but feel like royalty surrounded by the ornate decor, place settings and second-story views at this Harvard Square restaurant. Appreciate the traditional Indian hospitality as you enjoy authentic cuisine like murgh malai kebab, a Tandoori dish of chicken marinated in herbs and cream; and nargisi malai kofta, a vegetarian complement of golden fried cheese and vegetable dumplings served in a creamy, nutty, herby sauce.

This counter-service Inman Square eatery is inspired by roadside restaurants along India’s highways. Specializing in heaping portions of flavorful Punjabi dishes, fill up your tray with pakora, tandoori, curries, paratha and more—all to the beat of pumping Bollywood tunes. In keeping with the no-frills approach, the fast-casual spot only takes cash in person (although cards are accepted for delivery and pre-ordered pick up).

Sister location to Punjabi Dhaba, India Pavilion is a comfortable favorite that has been serving North Indian cuisine in Central Square for more than four decades (it claims to be the oldest Indian restaurant in the Boston area). Try the paneer pakora, lamb saag or chicken korma, matched with beer, wine or a cocktail from the full bar. The lunch buffet is bountiful and available until 3pm daily.

Take a trip to West Roxbury for a mix of Nepalese and Indian cuisine. The massive menu highlights tandoori specialties, biryani, and a range of fresh hot breads—but the momo (steamed dumplings) are worth the visit alone. This is a great place to try lesser-known Himalayan dishes like Timuri masala, with features a creamy tomato sauce flecked with Himalayan peppercorns.

The original Dorchester location of Shanti garnered so many fans of its classic curries and tandoori that the restaurant has expanded to Roslindale. The extensive menu also offers fragrant and well-spiced korma, bhuna, biryanis and veggie dishes. If you’ve got a taste for heat, the staff is happy to increase the spice level upon request. Of note: Shanti only offers takeout from noon until 3 p.m., which is when dine-in dinner service starts.

Begin your time at this sleekly designed South End standby with a cocktail or Indian beer, like Taj, as you peruse the lengthy menu. Duck jalfrezi (a spice stir-fry), goat curry, and baingan bharta (a baked and sauteed eggplant dish) are standouts. Prix-fixe dinners for two are a fun date activity for either vegetarians or meat-lovers; while weekends are something to look forward to with Mela’s fresh and flavorful brunch buffet.

Among many Seaport spots for a quick bite to eat, this is one of the best. An open-kitchen eatery ttarring South Indian dosa, you can watch the thin lentil crepes being assembled. Toppings range from chicken and lamb to Nutella. Pair it with lassi or chai to drink and you’ve got a refreshing lunch or dinner. Madras Dosa Co. also has a Cambridge location in Harvard Square.

Sporting a familiar name in Indian cuisine, this low-key spot in Jamaica Plain serves flavorful dishes with a decent spice level. The South Indian dosas—plain, masala and chicken—are a delight, as are the shrimp jalfrezi and chicken do-piaza (a caramelized onion curry). Takeout is popular, especially the easy dinner-for-two combos that include soups and entrees for a deal.

Head to Medford for flavor-packed, halal Pakistani and Indian cuisine. Sour-spicy chicken achari, Pakistani-style shrimp curry and mutton haleem—a classic Pakistani stew made with blended wheat, lentils and meat—may take you out of your comfort zone before enticing you back to try new dishes next time. Don’t skip dessert at this low-key spot; the ras malai (sweet cheese in almond milk) is particularly memorable.

The entirely vegetarian menu at this Somerville staple features a selection of dosas, mushroom tandoori, Impossible meat kabobs and absolutely delightful banana pepper fritters. There’s also a pasta and pizza menu to suit all types of taste buds. Head to Union Square for an incredible lunch deal of your choice of appetizer and curry along with rice, salad, bread and dessert for just $14 at Dosa n Curry.

Surya offers North Indian cuisine with wellness in mind. Vegans are welcome, gluten-free options abound, and all meats are halal and free of antibiotics. Classic dishes like biryani, daal and masala are flavorful, spicy and satisfying while still feeling lighter and healthier. Sit-down dining is available, but Surya is a great option for takeout in Cambridgeport.

After being purchased by Bindaas Restaurant Group, the beloved Davis Square diner has a new, Indian American concept. (Don’t worry, you can still get a slice of pie!) Respecting the building’s coveted listing on the National Register of Historic Places, not much inside Rosebud feels changed. But now, you can customize the mac and cheese by adding creamy chicken tikka, or garnish your ’dog with spiced veggie chili and cilantro. You’ll also find Indian-inspired appetizers and desserts, such as Kashmiri deviled eggs and a mango lassi parfait, plus $10 cocktails.