Food and Restaurants Budapest

Indian restaurants in Budapest might sound like an odd idea at first, to go to such a cool capital and try Indian cuisine there. But here’s the deal: after you have tried the Hungarian classics such as goulash, chicken and veal paprikash, layered potatoes and cottage cheese dumplings, you may want to return to something more familiar even if it’s just for one nice meal. Indian cuisine has some of the best vegan options in the Budapest food scene.

Bombay Budapest

Downtown Bombay Budapest is an elegant and contemporary restaurant offering authentic Indian food. Alongside traditional basics, they also integrate cuisines of other nations. We would recommend trying their Bombay seafood chowder, which is an intensely flavored fish soup (a great fusion of French and Indian cuisine). Of course, you can find chicken, basmati rice, fried onions and cashew nuts, served with raita (spicy vegetable yoghurt). And if you’re more adventurous, taste the Thali menu, “the essence of the Indian ritual of communal dining” (available from 11:30 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday).

Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 17, 1051

Credit: Bombay Budapest

Salaam Bombay

Very close to the Chain Bridge and the Academy of Sciences, is one of the most loved traditional Indian restaurants, Salaam Bombay. Even though it is not one of the best-known Indian places, the restaurant is the unsung hero of delicious authentic Indian meals in the city.

If you go downstairs to use the restrooms, you can peek into the kitchen from the landing – just seeing the giant pots churning out your favorites is quite a treat in itself. My a la carte favorites would be chicken hazari kebab and paneer tikka – but as a pro tip, around lunchtime on a weekday, make sure you ask them about their daily lunch menu deal. 

Address: 6 Mérleg utca, Budapest 1051

Credit: salaambombay.hu

Indigo

As he opened his Buda outlet a few years ago, Indigo owner Amandeep Singh said Hungarians have gradually become ever more open to more exotic cuisines – luckily for all of us, as this means these places will thrive in the more and more cosmopolitan capital Budapest is becoming. With around 150 authentic a la carte dishes, Indigo prides itself on bringing India’s best from every nook and cranny of the subcontinent. In summer, go for the terrace in the Buda location, and make sure you try the pistachio-studded kulfi for desert!

Address:

13 Jókai utca, Budapest 1066 (Pest)

16 Fény utca, Budapest 1024 (Buda)

Credit: indigo-restaurant.hu

Curry House

It was renovated in 2019 and now it looks much better. Many lovers of Indian cuisine visit this restaurant. This is an authentic place frequented by many expats and locals, including a bunch of Indians. The interior is cool and creates a really great atmosphere, although the service can sometimes be a little slow. Hopefully the generous portions and friendly staff will make up for any inconvenience. If you come here, be sure to try their mango lassi, it’s amazing.

Address: 1 Horánszky utca, Budapest 1085

Credit: Facebook @curryhousebudapest

Panjab Tandoori

Panjab Tandoori is the restaurant to visit if you would like to taste amazing Indian food. Located behind the Vígszínház theater, off the boulevard between Nyugati and Margaret Island. The restaurant’s naan breads and meats are made in their furnace, heated to 600 degrees. Visitors recommend the tandoori chicken, vindaloo, Pakistani lamb bhoona and biryani, but they also offer vegetarian options. Don’t be put off by the 80’s interior as you enter,  the generous portions and exotic flavors  will compensate you.

Address: 3 Pannonia utca, Budapest 1136

Credit: welovebudapest.com

Govinda

Very close to the Chain Bridge, in Vigyázó Ferenc street, Govinda awaits Indian cuisine lovers with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options (in fact they serve no meat at all!). At the lower and of the price range, they still give you authentic quality and a great ambience. The decor is not quite as fancy as some of the more expensive joints, but if you’re nearby, this is worth a detour. If you are interested in vegetarian food, we recommend reading Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Budapest.

4 Vigyázó Ferenc utca, Budapest 1051

Credit: Facebook @govindabudapest

Hostel recommendation

Maverick Hostel & Ensuites (2 Ferenciek tere) and Youth hostel in Budapest, Maverick City Lodge (24 Kazinczy utca) in downtown Budapest