This banquet hall that doubles as an Indo-Pak restaurant is a temple to meat. Despite the number of diners that flock to Aga's for its staggering selection of kebabs, sizzling barbecue platters, beef and chicken curries, and the ever-popular goat chops, the excellent service never lags, no matter how packed it gets. Those less enthusiastic about meat can opt for the biryanis, which range from fish and shrimp to goat, and vegetarians can delight in curries filled with chickpeas, eggs, okra, spinach, and/or lentils. Aga’s tandoor also offers a variety of breads,  including chapati, traditional naan, and a bullet version, seasoned with jalapeños and cilantro. Score brunch on weekends from 11am to 3pm with dishes like omelets, egg Bhurji, or goat Paya. 

Located in the M-K-T shopping center, Da Gama celebrates the Indo-Portuguese fusion of Goa and Gujarat. Diners can expect innovative dishes like pão (mini Portuguese buns); bacalhau, a Portuguese salted cod; as well as Indian takes on pizza, like the crowd-pleasing ground lamb and blue cheese pie. Happy hour, or as Da Gama calls it, social hour, comes with a menu of bites, including empanadas with beef keema and chutney, butter paneer, and a variety of cocktails offered at a discount. 

Diners can enjoy authentic South Indian–style vegetarian breakfast in Houston with this restaurant. Stars of the menu include idli, savory cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter punched up with a range of spices, and dosas— gluten-free fermented batter crepes stuffed with options like paneer and onion.  Complement any meal with an order of samosas or vada, savory Indian doughnuts, and pair with a mango juice or fizzy masala soda. 

In the heart of the Gandhi District, chef Kaiser Lashkari serves up unique takes on Indo-Pakistani cuisine. While Himalaya is known for its fusion dishes like the famous Indian-spiced Southern fried chicken, Indian quesadillas, and Pakistani pastrami (earning Andrew Zimmern’s and Anthony Bourdain’s stamps of approval), its more "traditional" fare is just as daring. Lashkari packs massive flavor in a tour of the subcontinent, offering curries from Hyderabad, Bombay, Punjab, and Peshawar, as well as seafood dishes, such as Goan salmon and shrimp curries. Those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat. Try the mango tres leches.

One of Houston’s oldest Indian restaurants has served North Indian classics since 1980. Located on Richmond Avenue, the restaurant offers appetizers such as samosas, pakoras, and chaat, plus a wide array of grilled meats, including prawn and chicken tandoori. Diners can expect the traditional offerings (chicken tikka masala, vindaloo, and saag paneer), but don't be afraid to switch things up with specialties like chicken Ceylon and Goan fish curry. If deciding on an entrée seems too challenging, go for the chef’s recommendations. The Patra Ni Machi, a spicy and chutney-laden fillet of fish wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf, doesn't disappoint. Those looking for a wide variety of options should stop by for India’s excellent buffet, available daily from 11am to 2:30pm.

With food defined as “Indian hospitality with French sophistication and American informality,” James Beard Award semifinalist Kiran Verma was one of the first chefs in town to showcase Indian fine dining. The chef draws inspiration from Northern India, where delicate flavors and slow-cooking over fire characterize the Awadhi style of cooking. Kiran’s fuses that with a contemporary twist, serving Papadum nachos, duck served two ways with an apricot biryani, and chai old-fashioneds made with Indian whisky, orange bitters, and a homemade chai blend. Diners can also delight in Kiran’s afternoon tea service, served with finger foods like curried crab and truffle deviled eggs.

Known for its focus on traditional South Indian food, this Westheimer restaurant emphasizes the black pepper and tangy sauces that characterize this regional cuisine. While North Indian staples like tandoori chicken, saag paneer, and naan are on offer, Kumar’s allows diners to explore Southern-style fare, including parottas; fermented rice batter crepes; peppery, tamarind-forward curries; and spicy, sour protein dishes filled with seafood, goat, or chicken. Round out any meal with an Indian coffee or a cocktail, like Nannari Sarbath, a combination of sarsaparilla and bael fruit.

Located in southwest Houston off Gessner, this Indian restaurant’s only US location has built a reputation for its vegetarian fare from Rajasthan and Gujarat.  Whatever your dietary restrictions, whether vegan or gluten-free, Maharaja Bhog is bound to please. All dishes are served thali-style, with a sampling of small dishes arranged on a platter, allowing diners to enjoy a smorgasbord of over a dozen individual curries, chutneys, and bites. The best part? It’s unlimited. Just flag down your waiter when you need a refill of anything.

It’s not too often that a Michelin-starred restaurant is located inside of a mall, but Musaafer is a clear exception. Nestled inside the Galleria, this Indian fine-dining restaurant showcases food from around the subcontinent as a reflection of chef Mayal Istwal’s 100-day journey across 29 Indian states. The restaurant’s lushly appointed interior is reflected in the presentation of its dishes, which range from classic favorites like biryani and butter chicken to innovative creations like tandoori octopus. The bar alone is worth a visit, offering house cocktails that include a range of gin and tonics and a Paan Negroni made with Tanqueray Rangpur.

A modern twist on Indian cuisine, Pondicheri boasts a beautifully appointed patio perfect for brunch, as well as a dining room and a renovated bar that's great at any time of day. The restaurant serves up an array of breakfast dishes, including the Railway Omelet made with greens or carrot paratha, French toast, and a Kerala egg stew. For lunch, dig into the street food favorites like black sesame chicken samosas or chicken cream kebab, or opt for the classic butter chicken. In addition to mains, Pondicheri’s thalis are perfect for sampling a variety of dishes in one order. Check out the happy hour specials, and be sure to visit Pondicheri’s bake lab upstairs, which offers fresh daily chai, sweet and savory goods, including a mind-blowing chili chocolate chip cookie, as well as other inventive takes on classic Indian sweets. 

One of the oldest Indian restaurants in Houston, Raja Sweets, located in the historic Gandhi District, opened in 1986, showcasing a variety of confectioneries and desserts from India. While sweets like jalebi, burfi, and laddoo, made from scratch, are the focus, this humble establishment also specializes in street snacks, such as samosas, pakora, and pani puri.  Raja also features a lunch and dinner menu loaded with curries, daal, naan, and tandoori dishes. However, don't be surprised to see most diners stopping in for desserts and snacks to go.