Best indian restaurants in Johannesburg: find options near you
Johannesburg, a city known for its multicultural tapestry, boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate. Among its many offerings, establishments serving authentic Indian cuisine stand out, bringing the rich flavors and aromas of the subcontinent straight to South Africa.
From traditional curries and tandoori specialties to modern interpretations with innovative twists, these places specializing in Indian food have become beloved destinations for locals and visitors alike. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, transporting guests to a world of spice, fragrance, and culinary artistry.
- Discover 10 outstanding options for indian restaurants in Johannesburg
- How to find your ideal indian restaurant at the best price in Johannesburg?
- Catalog of services offered by Indian restaurants in Johannesburg Authentic Curries
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Frequently asked questions about Indian restaurants in Johannesburg
- What types of Indian cuisine can I find in Johannesburg?
- Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?
- How can I find highly-rated Indian restaurants?
- What are some popular Indian dishes I should try?
- What is the average price range for Indian meals?
- Are there any special events or festivals celebrated at Indian restaurants?
- What is the best time to visit an Indian restaurant?
- What is the dress code at most Indian restaurants?
- Do Indian restaurants offer takeaway or delivery services?
- Are there any specific dietary restrictions I should be aware of when dining at Indian restaurants?
Discover 10 outstanding options for indian restaurants in Johannesburg
Here are 10 outstanding options for indian restaurants in Johannesburg based on value for money:
1. MY Diners Rosebank (Halaal)
Tuesday: 10:00–22:00
Wednesday: 10:00–22:00
Thursday: 10:00–22:00
Friday: 10:00–23:00
Saturday: 10:00–23:00
Sunday: 10:00–23:00
MY Diners Rosebank (Halaal) is a popular choice for those seeking delicious Pakistani cuisine. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, which cater to a range of palates.
Diners frequently praise the attentive service and welcoming ambiance at MY Diners Rosebank (Halaal). The friendly staff ensures that guests feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout their dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to providing excellent customer service is evident in the consistently positive feedback received.
Everything was delicious.
Shami kebab was moist, tender and flavorful.
Roghni naan is served in a striking vertical stand. Very appealing.
Nihari was spicy with medallions of beef cooked to perfection.
Special mention to the waitress for excellent service and attention to detail.
(The bathroom deserves a lot to be desired. For one there is only one toilet for the whole entire restaurant.
Floor is sticky and on the whole just really disgusting to use)
Really appreciated the attentive service from whichever waiter / waitron was available (Evelyn and Never were always at hand).
The in-house bathrooms are well equipped, and the wash basin comes in very handy if eating Indian style with one’s fingers.
Menu is strictly Halaal, and drinks appear to be only Kingsley branded.
All in all, it was a very pleasant dining experience.
2. Dosa Hut
Tuesday: 09:30–21:30
Wednesday: 09:30–21:30
Thursday: 09:30–21:30
Friday: 09:30–21:30
Saturday: 09:30–21:30
Sunday: 09:30–21:30
Dosa Hut offers a delightful dining experience for those seeking authentic South Indian cuisine. Known for their fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, they specialize in a variety of **dosas**, **South Indian thalis**, and other regional specialties. The service is consistently friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for every visit.
Whether you’re craving a classic masala dosa or exploring the unique flavors of their Kerala paratha, Dosa Hut promises a satisfying culinary journey. Their commitment to quality and taste makes them a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a taste of South India in Johannesburg.
Absolutely loved this tasty Indian creamy tomato dish.
The Paratha (roti) was fluffy and fresh.
The ambience was pleasant.
The staff were hospitable.
The place was clean and the seating area spacious.
The area is fairly safe – as long as you don’t flash your valuables in public areas (for example, walking down the road ).
The main purpose for visiting this Indian restaurant – with its authentic Indian ingredients and Muslim chefs – was to cure my terrible cold!
I’ve learnt from experience , over the years, that a bowl of Indian lentil curry or butter-chicken curry relieves a terrible cold!
AS I WAS LEAVING THE RESTAURANT. SAW THE MANAGER AND CHATTED TO HIM .
HE JUST SAID OO
Dosa Hut is situated in the heart of Fordsburg’s busiest streets which can be intimidating. Parking can be an issue. The restaurant is rather small and can become crowded and noisy which leads to having to wait for space but it’s every bit worth it.
They specialise in all Indian cuisine with South Indian cuisine the main focus. The Dosas are a hit and a must eat along with the Thali. The food is always fresh, tasty, flavourful, spicy but not over the top (you can ask for hotter variants) and all round simply scrumptious. A must visit when you are in Johannesburg.
A new recent thing I have found is to have the Andra Chicken Starter, but the portion size is huge and has a sort of gravy that makes it like a curry. It is really great value for money with you always having leftovers yet being under the starters section and priced as such as well. Lastly, it is also really really tasty and reminds me of the chicken kondattom but less spicy and with a lot less chillies. Highly recommended.
I have to note that upon my last visit, there was a new menu with some price changes. Of particular note, the mutton bunny price changed from R85 to R115. I love their bunny BUT i cannot in all honesty recommend same at that price. As a Durbanite, who has been eating bunnies all my life, I have never paid (nor should you pay) more than R100 for a quarter bunny chow.
3. Thava Indian Restaurant
Tuesday: 11:00–22:00
Wednesday: 11:00–22:00
Thursday: 11:00–22:00
Friday: 11:00–22:00
Saturday: 11:00–22:00
Sunday: 11:00–22:00
Thava Indian Restaurant appears to be a popular spot for authentic Indian cuisine. The reviews highlight the delicious food, with many patrons praising the flavorful curries and variety of dishes available.
Reviewers also commend the friendly and attentive service at Thava. The restaurant seems to create a welcoming atmosphere where diners feel well taken care of. Customers consistently mention feeling satisfied with both the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.
4. Al-Hamra Restaurant
Tuesday: 10:00–22:00
Wednesday: 10:00–22:00
Thursday: 10:00–22:00
Friday: 10:00–23:00
Saturday: 10:00–23:00
Sunday: 10:00–22:00
Al-Hamra Restaurant appears to be a great choice for those craving authentic Indian cuisine. Reviews consistently praise the quality and flavor of the dishes, particularly mentioning standouts like the Mutton Karhai and Dhaal Makkan.
Customers highlight the freshness and deliciousness of their food and express satisfaction with generous portions that offer good value for money. The restaurant seems to be a popular spot for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful Indian dining experience.
Secondly the restaurant has no Aircon , floors are dirty and WC are in a terrible state.
Coming to the food: Taste was okay, but it was way too spicy , not as in hot , but rather spicy.
Chicken tikka had a yellow colour and was so full of spice.
The best part was their garlic naan , hot and fresh.
We ordered mutton karahi and palak paneer.
5. Bay Leaf Restaurant
Tuesday: 10:00–21:00
Wednesday: 10:00–21:00
Thursday: 10:00–21:00
Friday: 10:00–21:00
Saturday: 10:00–21:00
Sunday: 10:00–21:00
Bay Leaf Restaurant appears to be a great spot for those seeking delicious Indian cuisine. The positive reviews highlight their consistently flavorful dishes, particularly mentioning the quality of their curries and Tikka options.
It seems like Bay Leaf places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, with reviewers praising the service and welcoming atmosphere. If you are looking for a satisfying Indian dining experience, Bay Leaf Restaurant certainly seems worth considering.
A mixture of grills ,curries and various other items.
Food was good
Service was excellent .
Definitely worth it and will go back again.
Parking was a bit of an issue but it’s okay.
Restaurant is halaal too. Pricing was very good as well.
6. Bismillah Restaurant-B1
Tuesday: 08:30–22:00
Wednesday: 08:30–22:00
Thursday: 08:30–22:00
Friday: 08:30–12:30, 13:30–22:30
Saturday: 08:30–22:00
Sunday: 08:30–22:30
Bismillah Restaurant-B1 provides a wonderful dining experience with delicious food and attentive service.
Known for its flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect of their service.
In general there’s room for improvement for the customer experience, especially for those who really don’t know what food items entail on the menu but would like to try something different.
The food was delivered quite fast and hot.
The chicken biryani had whole pieces of chicken, personally I would have preferred chopped pieces.
The chicken tikka was surprisingly nice, with the smoke flavour.
7. Modern Tailors
Tuesday: 11:00–22:00
Wednesday: 11:00–22:00
Thursday: 11:00–22:00
Friday: 11:00–22:00
Saturday: 11:00–22:00
Sunday: 11:00–21:00
Modern Tailors is a fantastic option for those seeking high-quality, personalized tailoring services. Their commitment to using premium fabrics and their skilled tailors ensure that every garment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
The staff at Modern Tailors are incredibly friendly and helpful, taking the time to understand your needs and preferences. They provide expert advice on fabric selection, design options, and fit, ensuring a truly bespoke experience.
After trying multiple Indian restaurants this has to be one of the best we have ever had. The Durban curry was completely authentic and all the other plates were absolutely delicious. Couldn’t recommend this place more!
Great team of people and allround good food. My wife loved her kingklip fish curry and I love the Tikka Masala chicken.
Their pickles and chutneys are as always delicious.
8. Shayona Mayfair
Tuesday: 09:00–18:00
Wednesday: 09:00–18:00
Thursday: 09:00–18:00
Friday: 09:00–18:00
Saturday: 09:00–18:00
Sunday: 09:00–14:00
Shayona Mayfair offers a delightful experience for those seeking vegetarian cuisine. Their menu boasts a wide array of both Italian and Indian dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor.
The service at Shayona Mayfair is known to be friendly and attentive, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of. While the location may not be the most convenient, the quality of food and service often make it worthwhile for patrons.
For my meal I ordered big Thali but I was disappointed with the selection of veggies and the dessert was again sour milk something and the salad was also a bit dry.
Previously I had Thali in dubai and it was great but at Shayona is disappointing.
9. Banjaara Indian Restaurant & take-away weltevreden park town square
Tuesday: 10:00–21:30
Wednesday: 10:00–21:30
Thursday: 10:00–21:30
Friday: 10:00–21:30
Saturday: 10:00–21:30
Sunday: 09:00–21:00
Banjaara Indian Restaurant & take-away in Weltevreden Park Town Square offers a delightful dining experience for those seeking authentic Indian cuisine. Known for its exceptional service, friendly staff ensure that every customer feels welcome and well cared for.
The restaurant’s menu is extensive, featuring traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of spices. Whether you crave rich curries, flavorful biryanis, or tender tandoori options, Banjaara promises to satisfy your taste buds. The ambience is inviting, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
*Rating Breakdown:*
– Food Quality: 5/5
– Service: 5/5
– Ambiance: 5/5
– Value: 5/5
Would you like me to modify the review or provide more details?
10. World of Samoosas
Tuesday: 09:00–17:00
Wednesday: 09:00–17:00
Thursday: 09:00–17:00
Friday: 09:00–17:00
Saturday: 09:00–15:15
Sunday: Closed
World of Samoosas seems like a great place for a casual, comforting meal. The friendly service and welcoming atmosphere are sure to make you feel right at home.
I’ve heard excellent things about their selection of samosas, with many praising the unique flavors and generous fillings. They also seem to have a reputation for tasty dips that perfectly complement the samosas.
Sadly, the standard has dropped significantly.
The samosas I ordered were salty and extremely dry fried in Old oil.
The samosas were extremely hard , so hard it could Crack a tooth. Probably frozen for too long and old used oil to fry.
Unfortunately, the standards are no longer the same .
The coconut samoosas were rock hard and dry, and the potatoe samoosas were just like potatoes boiled and blant . All samoosas looked good but tasted really bad.
I was disappointed indeed.
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Catalog of services offered by Indian restaurants in Johannesburg Authentic Curries
Indian restaurants in Johannesburg pride themselves on serving authentic curries. From rich and creamy butter chicken to fiery vindaloo, there's a curry to suit every palate. Many restaurants use traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Tandoori Delights
Tandoor cooking is a signature element of many Indian restaurants. This method involves cooking dishes over a charcoal fire in a tandoor oven, resulting in succulent meats and smoky flavors. Popular tandoori options include chicken tikka, lamb chops, and naan bread.
Biryani Specialties
Biryani is a beloved Indian rice dish featuring fragrant basmati rice cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices. Johannesburg's Indian restaurants offer diverse biryani variations, from classic chicken biryani to seafood and vegetarian options.
Vegetarian Fare
Indian cuisine boasts a wide array of vegetarian dishes. Restaurants cater to this preference with flavorful lentil stews (dal), vegetable curries, paneer-based preparations, and samosas filled with spiced potato and peas.
Sweets and Desserts
No Indian meal is complete without a selection of sweets and desserts. Restaurants often serve traditional treats like gulab jamun (sweet dumplings), rasmalai (cheese balls in sweet milk), and kheer (rice pudding) to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Diverse Regional Cuisines
Indian cuisine encompasses a vast array of regional flavors. Johannesburg's Indian restaurants showcase these regional specialties, offering dishes from North India, South India, Gujarat, and more, providing a diverse culinary experience.
Lunch Buffets and Takeout Options
Many Indian restaurants in Johannesburg offer convenient lunch buffets with a wide selection of curries, rice, naan, and desserts. For those on the go, takeout options are also readily available, allowing you to enjoy authentic Indian flavors at your convenience.
Frequently asked questions about Indian restaurants in Johannesburg
What types of Indian cuisine can I find in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg offers a diverse range of **Indian cuisines**, from **traditional North Indian** dishes like butter chicken and tandoori naan to **South Indian specialties** such as dosa and idli. You'll also find **fusion restaurants** that blend Indian flavors with other cuisines, creating unique and innovative dishes.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes, many **Indian restaurants in Johannesburg cater to vegetarians and vegans**. They typically offer a wide selection of **vegetable curries**, lentil dishes, rice preparations, and bread options. It's always a good idea to check the menu or inquire with the staff about specific vegetarian or vegan choices.
How can I find highly-rated Indian restaurants?
To discover top-rated **Indian restaurants in Johannesburg**, explore online review platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google Maps, and Zomato. Read customer reviews, check ratings, and browse photos to get a sense of the restaurant's ambiance, food quality, and service.
What are some popular Indian dishes I should try?
Some **popular Indian dishes** you shouldn't miss in Johannesburg include butter chicken, lamb biryani, Rogan Josh, vindaloo, samosas, naan bread, and pakoras. Each dish offers a unique blend of spices and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
What is the average price range for Indian meals?
The **price range for Indian meals in Johannesburg** varies depending on the restaurant's location, ambiance, and menu offerings. Casual eateries typically offer more affordable options, while fine dining establishments may be pricier. Expect to spend between R80 and R250 per person for a satisfying meal.
Are there any special events or festivals celebrated at Indian restaurants?
Yes, **Indian restaurants in Johannesburg often host special events and celebrations**, particularly during religious festivals such as Diwali and Holi. These events may feature traditional food menus, cultural performances, and festive decorations.
What is the best time to visit an Indian restaurant?
The **best time to visit Indian restaurants in Johannesburg** depends on your preference. Weekends tend to be busier, while weekdays offer a more relaxed dining experience. It's always advisable to make reservations, especially during peak hours or for special occasions.
What is the dress code at most Indian restaurants?
Most **Indian restaurants in Johannesburg have a casual dress code**. You can wear comfortable clothing such as jeans, t-shirts, and dresses. However, it's generally considered respectful to avoid wearing overly revealing or casual attire.
Do Indian restaurants offer takeaway or delivery services?
Many **Indian restaurants in Johannesburg provide takeaway or delivery services**. This is a convenient option for enjoying Indian food at home or in the office. Check with the restaurant directly about their availability and ordering process.
Are there any specific dietary restrictions I should be aware of when dining at Indian restaurants?
While **Indian cuisine offers diverse options**, some dishes may contain ingredients such as gluten, dairy, or nuts. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, always inform the restaurant staff beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your needs safely.