Best Indian Restaurants in Amsterdam 2025: Where to Eat

If you are in search of the best Indian restaurant in Amsterdam, look no further. Famed for its beautiful canals, vibrant art scene, and history, the Dutch capital has a thriving food scene featuring some of the best Indian food Europe has to offer. Then, from biryani to vegetarian thali (a hearty serving of rice, dahl, vegetables, and chapati), there’s an Indian restaurant in Amsterdam to satisfy your cravings.

In this guide, we’re exploring what defines a good Indian find, pointing you in the direction of some of the best Indian restaurants in Amsterdam, and hooking you up with some options to cater to your taste—and your budget—in the Dutch capital. We’ve even included cheap Indian restaurants in Amsterdam for when you need an Indian fix but can’t afford to break the bank.

How Indian Food in Amsterdam All Started

Indian food in Amsterdam has started to become synonymous with being a key part of the experimental and mysterious food scene of Amsterdam. How Indian food has joined the same city boils down to historical migration, colonial ties, and a city of locals with increasingly adventurous palates who are looking for global flavors. The development of Indian restaurants in Amsterdam has been a reflection of the wider multicultural development of the city.

Influences and Interactions During the Early 1600s and Beforehand

The history of Indian cuisine in Amsterdam goes back at least to the mid-20th century. Indo-Surinamese and former Dutch East Indies colonists (present-day Indonesia) were also a major influence. These communities introduced food habits that combined Indian spices and local products to develop a cuisine that tantalized Dutch eaters.

One of the first recorded businesses to sell this mash-up of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine that first to start appearing in the ’50s. It wasn’t long before locals who were curious about tasting something new began visiting. The chain’s founder also published a cookbook, which went a long way toward teaching the Dutch public about Indian cooking, and its unusual ingredients.

Expansion in the 1980s

In the 1980s, the accessibility of this dish became widespread throughout Amsterdam’s Indian cuisine. A new wave of Indian-cook entrepreneurs started up restaurants featuring traditional Indian cuisine, particularly from the north of the subcontinent. These establishments catered to those seeking authenticity, to offer the Indian diaspora a home away from home, while educating locals about adventurous, exciting flavors.

Indeed, it was a time when Indians became less of a novelty and started to be seen as an established contributor to Amsterdam’s culinary life.

Diversification in the 2000s

In the early 2000s, the variety of Indian food and the way it was presented in Amsterdam diversified. Buffeted by the competitive pressures, restaurants began offering a wider range of regional Indian dishes, from dishes from the southern part of India, known for a vegetarian focus and unique spices, to plates that are heavy with meats and rich curries from the northern part of India.

Kale ticked the health box, while Indian street food formats injected a new casual dining experience. Many of these younger outlets mirrored larger global dining trends, integrating Indian classicism with modern dining vibes. As a result, Indian food became more attractive to a larger, younger demographic.

The Emergence of Street Food and Layered Concepts

More recently still, Indian food has come in from the cold in Amsterdam food halls, markets and casual haunts. These outlets serve fast food such as wraps, snacks, and various tandoor-cooked items. You’ve honed in on accessibility, big flavors, fast service, again, to make Indian food user-friendly for the, shall we say, nonuser?

These contemporary adaptations stay true to the soul of Indian cooking but also respond to evolving culinary tastes and urban lifestyles.

Indian Restaurants in Amsterdam Today

Today, Amsterdam has over 140 Indian restaurants. These range from small family restaurants to upmarket, more modern street food joints. The number of Indian restaurants in Amsterdam, and the variety of its services, is a testimony to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Why Indian Food is So Popular in Amsterdam

The cosmopolitan people of Amsterdam have brought to it an extensive and diverse food, and Indian food holds a special place here because of its strong taste, exotic spices, and menu with vegetarian options. Adapting to a sizable Indian expat population, the increasing local demand for authentic and a rise in international tourists has led to the surge of Indian restaurants in Amsterdam, resulting in some of Amsterdam’s best.

Natives can choose from elegant, homey, takeout, and everything in between Indian food.

What Makes a Good Indian Restaurant?

Before we get into the specific restaurants, let’s consider what to look for to identify a decent Indian restaurant in Amsterdam:

• Authenticity: The food should be representative of India’s rich regional tapestry — North, South and everything in between.
• Fresh Ingredients: Spices, herbs, and cooking techniques should emphasize freshness and bold flavors.
• Ambience: A pleasant atmosphere enhances the dining experience.
• Service: Friendly, knowledgeable staff can elevate your understanding of the cuisine.
• Value for Money: Whether it’s a fine-dining establishment or a cheap Indian restaurant in Amsterdam, the food should justify the price.

Best Indian Restaurants in Amsterdam

Here’s a curated list of highly-rated Indian restaurants that cater to a range of preferences and budgets:

1. Rabaab Indian Restaurant
Rabaab Indian Restaurant is situated in the centre of Amsterdam; serving an array of authentic North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. For traditional Indian curries, fresh tandoori grills and those special vegetarian dishes, Rabaab is the place to go. The service is particularly kind to newcomers, with staff thoroughly versed on descriptions of dishes.
Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
Price range: Mid to High
Location: Amsterdam

2. Ashoka – Indian & Nepali Cuisine Ashoka is a local favorite that combines Indian and Nepalese cuisine. With rave reviews for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, it’s perfect for diners seeking something flavorful and unique.
Recommended dishes: Chicken Madras, Momo Dumplings
Price range: Moderate
Location: Near Leidseplein

3. Gandhi Restaurant
If you’re searching for a cheap Indian restaurant in Amsterdam without sacrificing taste or authenticity, Gandhi is a great option. With generous portions, quick service, and a broad menu, it’s ideal for students or travelers on a budget.
Recommended dishes: Lamb Rogan Josh, Palak Paneer
Price range: Budget-Friendly
Location: Damrak

4. Mayur Indian Restaurant
A staple since the 1980s, Mayur offers a fine-dining experience that focuses on traditional Indian cooking with a contemporary twist. It’s an excellent place for romantic dinners or business meals.
Recommended dishes: Tandoori Prawns, Dal Makhani<
Price range: High
Location: Centrum

5. The Indian Kitchen
This place prides itself on its authentic Punjabi flavors and fresh tandoori preparations. It’s one of the newer names on the block but has quickly gained popularity among locals.
Recommended dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka
Price range: Mid-Range
Location: Amsterdam-Zuid

Cost of Indian Cuisine in Amsterdam

Here’s a comparative look at the Indian restaurants in Amsterdam to get a sense of this culinary landscape.

Final Thoughts on Indian Dining in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s bumper food landscape will give you a flavour of India with a diversity of Indian restaurants. Whether you want a hearty curry, a sizzling tandoori dish, or traditional street food, there’s something to tickle your taste buds. Next-level fine-dining spots or come-as-you-are neighborhood nooks, these Indian restaurants explain Indian hospitality in the heart of the Netherlands. So if you’re a resident or just passing through, taking a trip to Indian restaurants in Amsterdam is a delicious journey well worth making.