Thailand is a country full of rich heritage, beautiful nature, and friendly people. It is one of the world’s most popular destinations, with over 25 million visitors every year. Even though it is one of the world’s most popular destinations, it still maintains its culture and traditions, which makes it a great place to visit. The people of Thailand are warm and welcoming and will do everything they can to make you feel at home. Similarly, the country is loved by many ex-pats too. The combination of locals that love tourists and ex-pats from all over the world makes Thailand have many restaurants for various cuisines.
You can find any type of restaurant everywhere in Thailand, including one of its most popular destinations, Phuket. In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the best restaurants in Phuket serving amazing and authentic Indian food.
Where is Phuket in Thailand?
Phuket is a gorgeous island in Thailand, the largest one of the many islands in the country, located in Southern Thailand. The island sits on the cascading waves of the Andaman Sea and is home to many beach cities and villages surrounded by lush green jungles, loved by locals, ex-pats, and tourists alike.
The beauty of Phuket is not the only thing that makes it such a popular tourist attraction. Phuket is a combination of everything exciting and laid-back, with villages so calm you can’t help but relax, and cities so crowded you can party all night long. From the lively Patong Beach to the calm Kata Beach, Phuket is an all-around treat for every interest. Just like that, you can relish traditional Thai food or opt for an Indian restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant, or more, according to what your taste buds are yearning for.
What Makes Indian Food So Special?
Since we are recommending Indian restaurants, we need to honor the cuisine a bit, don’t we? Indian food is something that many of us adore. Whether it’s non-vegetarian chicken tikka masala or a South-Indian vegetarian dhosa, multiple flavors get together to form a burst of the tastiest food ever. Indian food always being spicy is a myth, and spice levels can be adjusted accordingly while still maintaining the amazing taste of authentic Indian flavors.
If you are a fan of Thai cuisine or any Asian cuisine, in particular, the chances of enjoying a spicy Indian meal may be higher, but we don’t want to stereotype! Regardless, Indian cuisine has something for everyone and can be a great break from Thai food for both locals and tourists.
The Best Recommended Indian Restaurants in Phuket
There are plenty of restaurants serving authentic Indian dishes in Phuket, but finding the best one can be tricky. We’ve done the hard work for you and found the best restaurants serving both North Indian and South Indian cuisines.
#1 Bollywood Phuket Restaurant and Bar
Bollywood Phuket Restaurant has a whole different vibe and sets the most Indian mood you could ask for. The decor and ambiance do justice to the name Bollywood restaurant, with old Bollywood movie posters adorning the walls and a TV at the far end telecasting popular Bollywood hits. The setting is only an addition to the delightful and appetizing food served here, from North Indian and South Indian non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. Indian travelers in Thailand love to feel a little sense of home and a change from Thai dishes on their trip to Phuket.
Fan favorites are garlic naan bread, prawn tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, butter chicken, and palak paneer. Opening hours start at noon so if you’re out after a tiring visit around the area, fill your tummies up here while basking in the dramatic atmosphere of Indian entertainment. The prices are unfortunately on the high end, so if you’re ready to splurge a bit for the atmosphere and amazing food, Bollywood Phuket Restaurant is the place for you.
Location
6/7 Moo 5, Wichit, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
#2 Cape Panwa Curry Night
Curry Night Indian Restaurant is located on the south coast of Phuket at the beautiful and calm Cape Panwa, which is home to the most relaxing yet unpopular beaches. The restaurant has an ambient vibe and serves the most amazing Indian foods. The dishes are praised for their authenticity, and it is one of the most recommended Indian “veg” restaurants, despite serving amazing meat-based Indian delicacies.
This popular Indian restaurant in Cape Panwa boasts top-notch service and is very accommodating to all customer preferences, ready to go the extra mile and personalize dishes. If you’re staying at Pullman Panwa Resort, you have got yourself a great deal because Cape Panwa is right across the street. The restaurant is also close to the Phuket Aquarium, so you can hop in here after you visit the lovely aquarium. And last but not least, the prices are very reasonable and you get more than what you pay for.
Location
19/15 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Wichit, Cape Panwa, Phuket Town.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
#3 Golden Paradise Restaurant
The service is impeccable despite always being busy, and although it has quite a humble setup, it is best to make a reservation before you head here. While we recommend you indulge in the great Indian food, they even serve authentic Thai food, so you’re in for an absolute treat. This is the best Indian restaurant in Karon, and it is only a small drive away from popular hotels like the Karon Sea Sands Resort and other lovely locations. The best part to top off the experience is the great price of the splendid dishes, which leaves customers completely satisfied.
Location
98/1 Karon Road, Karon Beach, Karon.
Open Hours
Open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
#4 Desi Tadka Indian Restaurant
Desi Tadka Indian Restaurant has a casual vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating options. It is one of the top Indian restaurants in the busy city of Patong and provides both amazing Indian food and extraordinary service. The North Indian dishes are the most recommended on the extensive menu the restaurant offers.
This simple Indian restaurant serves authentic Indian delicacies at very reasonable prices, so you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy meals here. Some ravishing starters are the Kathi roll, Pani puri, aloo tikki, and masala chai. Those are just the starters, so you get the message about the variety of wonderfully tasty Indian foods available, right?
Location
259, Thanon Rat U Thit 200 Pee Rd., Patong, Kathu.
Open Hours
Open daily from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
#5 Live India
Live India Indian Restaurant serves authentic Indian food and is known as a little gem in Cape Panwa. The restaurant serves food that is praised by customers as being worth every penny. The restaurant has a very humble appearance, but the food is out of this world. The restaurant is run by lovely and welcoming Indians who know the true flavors of the cuisine.
Live India is a must-visit if you want mouthwatering Indian specialties, at great prices. The service is also highly recommended.
Location
31/28 Sukdidej Road, 100 meters before Phuket Aquarium, Cape Panwa.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m
#6 Baluchi Restaurant
Located inside the beautiful Horizon Patong Beach Resort and Spa, Baluchi Restaurant is a culinary treat with a calm and welcoming atmosphere. “Soul-satisfying Indian food” and “super-duper” taste are some of the praises right from the hearts of Indians that visited this Indian restaurant in Phuket. The staff are extremely friendly and attentive, ensuring customers order the best of Indian cuisine.
They also serve pure Jain food, so if that’s your requirement, consider it served. Chef Rajesh goes out of his way to even customize food options despite the extensive menu available. The dhal, lachcha parathas, and chicken tikka masala are the star dishes here. The prices are reasonable for a restaurant inside a resort. This spacious Indian restaurant is only five minutes away from the gorgeous Patong Beach and is perfect to fill your hungry stomach after a swim!
Location
64/39 Soi Kepsup, Taweewong Road Horizon Patong Beach Resort & Spa, Patong
Open Hours
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
#7 Tandoori Flames Phuket
This fine dining restaurant in Patong is an award-winning one, successfully competing with restaurants around the world to bag the Travelers’ Choice Award 2020 by TripAdvisor. Without saying a word, you can imagine the exceptional service and exotic decor at Tandoori Flames. This is one of the most tranquil yet vibrant Indian restaurants in Phuket, serving great food at expensive but comparable prices to many Indian restaurants in the area. But you do get what you pay for, so it’s a give and take!
The prawn vindaloo, garlic naan bread, butter chicken, and lamb vindaloo are some of the most loved dishes at Tandoori Flames. The restaurant is only a 7-minute walk from The Kee Resort, and 11 minutes away from the Soi Patong Resort.
Location
114/3, Soi Patong Tower, Thaweewong Road (Beach Road), Sleep In Phuket, Patong Beach, Patong
Open Hours
Open daily from 12 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
#8 Highway Curry
Highway Curry Indian Restaurant is an Indian, Thai, and vegan-friendly restaurant, but you know what the top contender is. If you’re in Rawai or Nai Harn, this restaurant is a must-visit, recommended by almost all of its customers for excellent Indian foods and great value for money. The highway Curry Indian, Thai, gluten-free, and vegetarian options never fail to please.
Let us warn you, the restaurant is nothing fancy in appearance, but every dish is a mastery of great taste. The highway special chicken tawa is a killer dish, loved for its perfect blend of flavors with a slight kick to it!
Location
90 Moo 1, Soi Saiyuan, Rawai.
Open Hours
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
#9 Casablanca Indian and Arabian Restaurant
The Casablanca Indian and Arabian Restaurant is situated on the right-wing of the Royal Paradise Hotel and is an excellent treat for hotel guests. It is also open to outsiders. The restaurant has an outdoor sitting area very close to the pool.
The restaurant serves only certified halal food, so if that’s important to you, you’ve gotten lucky! The fish biriyani, creamy butter curry chicken, and refreshing drinks are recommended at the restaurant. They also customize and serve vegetarian dishes, and the rasam is a huge favorite despite being off the menu. Unfortunately, the prices are on the higher end, but the service and great food make up for it. Overall, it is a good Indian restaurant that you can try out.
Location
135/23 Rat-U-Thit 200 Years Road The Royal Paradise Hotel, Patong.
Open Hours
Open daily from 11. a.m to 10. p.m.
#10 Curry Delight
Curry Delight Indian Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Phuket, located close to the beautiful Kata Beach. The curry flavors are so authentic that they keep customers craving more, despite serving great portion sizes.
The restaurant is immaculate and has a wonderful ambiance from the get-go. The service is top-notch, and the prices are reasonable for the great experience throughout. Curry Delight Indian Restaurant is a must-have, especially if you’re anywhere around Kata Noi Beach.
Location
227/2, Koktanot Road, Kata Beach, Karon.
Open Hours
Open daily from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
#11 Saffron Spice Restaurant & Bar
A slight distance from the exciting Patong Beach, Saffron Spice is a small Indian restaurant in Phuket with a big impact! The most loved vegetarian dishes are the papdi chaat, vegetarian sheek kebab, palak, paneer vegetarian manchurian, and more. Their non-vegetarian dishes in no way fall short. Customers endlessly rave about the chicken tikka, lamb balti, and prawn garlic fry, which are just a few of the excellent dishes, to name a few.
The restaurant is also spotless and has some of the best hospitality you can find in Phuket. The prices are also affordable despite being in a very convenient location and serving some of the best food in Indian cuisine, Thai cuisine, and Chinese cuisine too!
Location
94/1, Thaweewong Road, near Pizza Company, Patong.
Open Hours
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
#12 Royal Kitchen
Last but not least, Royal Kitchen is one of the most promising Indian restaurants in Phuket. They also serve many seafood, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Pakistani dishes, so you’re spoilt for choice. Right behind the busy Bangla Road, you’ll find this lovely restaurant with great service, a comfortable atmosphere, and friendly and attentive staff.
The food is also halal, so gear up if that’s your requirement. The restaurant is open until late, so if you’re one to have late-night cravings, consider that sorted. Some even consider the prices ” cheap, ” which isn’t a widespread opinion for Indian restaurants in Phuket. The chicken tikka biriyani paired with mango juice is one of the popular favorites at Royal Kitchen.
Location
142/1 Thaweewong Road, Patong, Kathu.
Open Hours
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Indulge in a Fusion of Exotic Indian Flavors at Phuket
This round-up to help you choose the best Indian restaurant in Phuket is nowhere near the entire list of restaurants serving great Indian dishes. We’ve left out a few popular names but they serve amazing and flavorful Indian cuisine too. ICC Indian Curry Club, Soul Curry Restaurant, Navrang Mahal Restaurant, and Delhi Darbar are just a few of them, but you’ll notice a lot more as you explore the gorgeous island of Phuket.
There’s always something for everyone in Phuket, so if you want halal food, gluten-free options, vegetarian options, or allergy-friendly food, the Indian restaurants in Phuket are extremely accommodating and inclusive.
If you want a change from Thai cuisine, choose from this list to find the best Indian restaurant in Phuket.
