The 8 best Indian restaurants in Brisbane right now

When it comes to Indian institutions, Jaipur Palace in Wellington Point reigns supreme. This gem of a restaurant, one of Brisbane’s oldest, has been loved by locals since husband-and-wife team Dharminder (David as he’s known to regulars) and Sheena opened it in 1998. Step inside and you'll be whisked away to the city of Jaipur, with vibrant artworks, bright orange tablecloths and charming trinkets setting the scene. This warmth and energy extend to the alfresco footpath seating, where you can enjoy a romantic night under the twinkling fairy lights. Deciding what to order at Jaipur Palance is no easy feat. Start your royal feast with spiced potato samosas and tandoori drumsticks, then fill the table with signature curries, like the chicken tikka masala, chilli prawn goa or butter paneer. Mop it up with one of 13 specialty naan breads on offer, including cheese and chilli, peshwari or gluten-free garlic. 

For modern Indian cuisine with a healthy twist, head straight to It’s Mirchi in Paddington. The passionate team, led by head chef Urvashi, pride themselves on their fresh and certified organic Indian cuisine, catering to vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and sugar-free diets. Tell the friendly staff what you are after and they'll be able to point you in the right direction, or peruse the menu and choose from the curries and healthy bowl options. Stand-out dishes include the crisped-to-perfection onion bhajis, the vegan green kofta curry, and the creamy warmth of the chicken tikka masala. 

At Morningside’s Curryville, every dish is made fresh to order, right down to the signature spice and sauce blends. This attention to detail results in outstanding dishes, catering to a wide range of dietary needs — all of the curries are gluten-free and can be made dairy-free on request. Owners Pervez and Ambreen Burney have created an unusual and often hilarious menu, with a highlight including ‘I’ll have the poor goat’. Take it from us, you’ll understand what sets Curryville apart when you check out the rest of the menu descriptions and try the food, with each curry containing an average of more than 20 spices. Curryville also offers specials, like the street food-inspired vegetable chaat and chicken hai hai, reportedly Brisbane’s hottest curry (and whose menu description features a prayer). Can you handle the heat?  

For a blend of Indian and Nepali flavours, check out Paddington Curry House. Chef Mahesh has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, including a stint in a five-star hotel in India (and he’s also a keen bodybuilder!). Mahesh’s expert hand and attention to fine-dining detail are evident in standout dishes, like stuffed eggplant pasanda and spicy chicken chettinad. Make sure you try the delicately flavoured speciality dishes from Nepal, including the vegetarian and chicken momos (dumplings), which can be eaten steamed, fried or doused in an addictive chilli sauce.

Govindas restaurants are a worldwide phenomenon, serving up hearty vegetarian fare in the Hare Krishna tradition. These guys have been satisfying Brisbanites for more than 20 years, and there are now two branches in the West End and CBD. Both are great for quick and healthy lunch options, with serving sizes to match any appetite. Take your pick from samosas, vegetable curries, dal, rice, salads, chutneys, papadums and the highlight of a visit to Govindas — perfectly fried golden koftas. If you can’t get enough of the koftas, you can order a bowl full of them, which come served with a delicious tomato and herb sauce.

New Farm’s Taj Mahal has been dishing out its blend of warm service and hearty food since 1998, keeping local customers and high-profile fans satisfied. Taj Mahal is often the pick for visiting celebrities, including several Indian cricket teams, Bollywood legend Abhishek Bachchan and comedian Arj Barker, and once you’ve tasted the food, you’ll understand why. After a difficult few years, during which the original restaurant burnt down, Taj Mahal reopened across the road and is back serving up much-loved dishes, including tandoori specials, like chicken tikka, shahi kebabs and ten types of naan. The elaborate menu also offers a range of biryani dishes and seafood specials, along with more unusual Indian-Chinese fusion dishes, like the must-try vegetarian gobi Manchurian.    

Camp Hill’s Mamak Tandoori House is a much-loved hidden gem for hearty Indian fare. Boasting an extensive tandoori menu, as well as more unusual South Indian and Malaysian options, there is plenty to keep you satisfied. Try the speciality dishes from the tandoori oven, and mix them up with Malaysian specialities, featuring sambals made with the flavours of lemongrass. There is also a range of unusual south Indian curries on offer, including chicken Chettinad, lamb Karaikudi and plenty of seafood specialities, like Malabar fish. 

If you’ve ever been to India, you’ll know that street food reigns supreme. Think samosas, all manner of spicy and tangy chaat, and South India’s famous dosas. Luckily for us, Mirchh Masala has taken the best of the street and brought it to our very own Woolloongabba, making a visit to this restaurant a delightful experience. Downstairs you’ll find a well-stocked Indian supermarket, with the buzzing Indian-style canteen above. The fully vegetarian menu offers an extensive range of dishes, and you’ll probably come across dishes you’ve never tried. Choose from a variety of Indian chaats (which translates as ‘to lick’ or ‘tasty’), including India’s most popular street food, pav bhaji, or the restaurant's best-seller, chole bhature — fried flatbread with a rich chickpea curry. If you’re not sure what to order, try a thali, a full meal in itself, including curries, dal, rice, bread, pickles, salad, yoghurt and dessert.