Indian Food in Ho Chi Minh City: An Authentic Indian Cultural Experience in the Heart of Saigon

If you’ve been keeping up with our guides, you will have noticed by now that we have focused on mostly Vietnamese dishes - that’s part of why you’re visiting after all! However, did you know that Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, showcases many international cuisines - all the way from fast food such as Burger King to high end Italian restaurants. One of the largest and most popular cuisines you will find while wandering the city, is Indian food with its rich, aromatic dishes that range from fiery curries to fragrant biryanis.

Here in Saigon, you can enjoy the diversities of culinary of many countries around the world

Whether you're an expat longing for the comfort of familiar spices, a tourist eager to explore something new, or a local resident curious about global flavors, HCMC offers a variety of Indian restaurants that cater to all tastes and preferences. Let’s take a deep dive on the history of Indian food in Ho Chi Minh City and we’ll also recommend some of the best spots to hit while in town!

The Indian Food Scene in Ho Chi Minh City

Indian food, known for its bold flavors, complex spices, and diverse regional variations, has been well welcomed through Ho Chi Minh City. The presence of the Indian community, particularly in districts like District 1 and District 3, has played a significant role in introducing Indian cuisine to the city. Due to market demand throughout various industries, you will notice many Indian expatriates, professionals, and businesspeople who have brought their culinary traditions with them, creating a demand for authentic Indian restaurants.

There are a lot of expatriates expert who prepare your food in restaurant around Saigon

The rising popularity of international cuisine such as Mexican, French, Korean food in Vietnam has cast Indian food into the spotlight. The appeal of Indian food in Saigon can be attributed to its rich history of spiced dishes, vegetarian options, along with the variety of meat-based dishes like chicken, lamb, and seafood that can cater to many palettes.

Some of Our Fav Dishes

Indian cuisine is known for its use of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and garam masala, helping to create complex but delicious dishes. These are some of our favorite dishes to try when exploring Indian food in Ho Chi Minh City:

Murgh Makhani - Butter chicken, well-loved and popular Indian food 
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): One of the most well known Indian dishes is butter chicken With its tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, spiced to perfection. It can be served with rice, but we recommend pairing with Naan (Indian flatbread).

Biryani - an Indian dish with basmati rice
Biryani: This dish is made with basmati rice, meat (chicken, mutton, or beef), and a blend of spices. It is usually served with raita (yogurt-based side dish).

Palak Paneer - salad with cheese 
Palak Paneer: Start drooling! This is a popular vegetarian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a spiced spinach sauce. Don’t worry meat lovers, you’ll still love it

Samosas - a tasty vegetarian deep-fried pastry
Samosas: Deep-fried pastry pockets filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Trust us, just try them. You won’t look back!

Tandoori dishes - smoky dishes cooked in traditional clay oven
Tandoori Dishes: Cooked in a traditional clay oven (tandoor), tandoori dishes like tandoori chicken, naan, and kebabs are staples of Indian cuisine. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, this dish is for you.

Our Go-Tos for Indian Food in Ho Chi Minh City

As the demand for Indian food has grown in Ho Chi Minh City, the number of Indian restaurants offering authentic and diverse dishes has increased. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

1.     Baba's Kitchen  

Baba's Kitchen has become a staple for both locals and expats alike. Known for its warm ambiance and high-quality food, this restaurant offers an array of classic Indian dishes, including biryani, kebabs, and dosas. Baba’s consistently has A+++++ customer service. The owner is well integrated in both expat and local communities, and consistently helps this community from charity work or donating his time and food to those in need. 

Address: 274 Bui Vien Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, HCMC
FYI! They have locations in both D1 and D2. They also have a location in Hoi An. Even with 3 locations, they service and food are consistent in each.

2.       Tandoor Indian Restaurant  

Address: 39A-39B, Ngo Duc Ke Street, Bến Nghé ward, district 1, HCMC

Situated in District 1, Tandoor is a long-standing establishment in the city’s Indian food scene. Offering a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, Tandoor is famous for its rich curries, freshly baked naan, and flavorful tandoori chicken.

3.     Mustard the Indian Restaurant  

18 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Đa Kao ward, district 1

Also located in District 1, Mustard is not known for perfecting every dish with the proper amount of spice but is also widely known for its profound dedication to the customer experience. A good meal and good service = a perfect lunch or dinner!

4.     Sagar Indian Cuisine 

101 Quoc Huong street, Thao Dien ward, district 2, HCMC

If you’re looking for more of a “vibe” (is that what the kids say these days?), Sagar is your spot. Not only is the food delicious but they boast a great happy hour with some delicious drinks. Yummy food, yummy drinks - say no more!

Pro Tip: Try the momos (think dumpling)! Don’t ask - just eat and you will not be disappointed.

The Future of Indian Food in Ho Chi Minh City

We always try our best to bring joy to our guests 

As Saigon continues to grow as a cosmopolitan hub, the culinary landscape will undoubtedly evolve further, and Indian food will continue to play an important role. The demand for authentic, high-quality Indian food is likely to increase, especially as the city’s international community grows, and locals continue to explore and embrace global cuisines.

The unsung heroes behind our guests’ satisfaction

Indian food in Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you're seeking comforting, familiar flavors or adventurous new tastes, the city’s Indian restaurants are sure to deliver. From casual eateries to fine dining options, there’s no shortage of places where you can savor the rich, diverse, but authentic offerings of Indian cuisine.

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