The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is teeming with South Asian restaurants serving up spicy grilled meats, heaping rice platters, and aromatic curries. North Texas has one of the largest South Asian populations in the U.S., and with influences from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other countries in the Indian subcontinent, the city’s offerings have range. Explore reliable takeout spots, fine dining destinations, and even a fast food haunt with a hidden door leading to a Nepali speakeasy.
Whether you’re a South Asian cuisine first-timer, or are a die hard fan of daal, dosa, and chicken tikka masala, consider this guide of some of the most exciting South Asian restaurants in town.
Silver Spoon
The family that owns this 35-year-old institution in Allen has Pakistani roots, but the menu features both Pakistani and Indian dishes. Silver Spoon has withstood the test of time because the food is fiery and addictive. Indulge in creamy goat qorma curry ($17), Lahori shrimp ($15), Behari beef kebabs ($13) that have been marinated for three days, and a must-have trout biryani ($14). The takeout travels well, but it’s fun to eat in the no-frills restaurant, where pictures of the food hang framed on the wall. 1223 W. McDermott Dr. #85, Allen, silverspoonrestaurant.us
Sanjh
For fine dining and one of the most buzzed-about beverage programs in the city, check out Sanjh in Las Colinas, where cocktails function as geographical homages. Try the Bay of Bengal gimlet, spiced with an imported chilli tincture, or the gin-based Monsoon in Meghalaya that includes black pepper essence, bay leaf-infused tea, and homemade clove-and-bay-leaf cordial. Pair those drinks with beautifully plated dishes from various regions of India, including smoke-roasted tandoori tiger prawns. 5250 N. O’Connor Blvd. Ste. 146, Irving, sanjhrestaurant.com
Spicy Zest
The dishes at this unassuming Sri Lankan restaurant in a Farmer’s Branch strip mall are prepared with organic, additive-free ingredients and sustainable meat and seafood. The traditional Sri Lankan fare includes items like fish buns; egg hopper, a savory crepe that acts as a bowl for a soft-boiled egg; and kottu, a curried roti-meat-egg scramble. The daily “Sri Lankan High Tea Fantasy” buffet pays homage to tea as a significant part of Sri Lankan culture. The island country is famous for its tea and stands among the top tea producers and exporters in the world. 13920 Josey Ln. Ste. 100, Farmers Branch, spicyzest.com
Taipo
Nepalese restaurants are few and far between around the Metroplex, but Taipo is a must-visit. This fast-casual joint in Arlington, whose owners hail from Kathmandu, will transport you to the Himalayas. Beyond comfort eats like momo and keema noodles, Taipo features an incongruously posh cocktail bar accessible through an unmarked door. Playfully known as “the world’s first Nepalese speakeasy”, the bar pairs ornate décor and Nepalese art with a Himalayan twist. Keep your eyes peeled for the return of “Ode to Nepal Wednesdays,” when live musicians perform Nepali music. 200 E. Abram St. Ste. 140, Arlington, taiporestaurants.com
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
This unassuming strip-mall restaurant offers “Mughlai cuisine” that’s both flavorful and inexpensive. An appetizer sampler (samosas, kebabs, and a variety of pakoras) is only $10, for instance, and entrees run between $13 and $15. Mughlai cuisine, a gastronomy that traces back to the Mughal Empire (1526-1867), is characterized by slow-cooked dishes and lots of aromatics. 1200 N. Fielder Rd. Ste. 532, Arlington, tandoorarlington.com
Shiva’s Bar & Grill
With wall art showcasing Indian celebrities, pillars made of gold and silver tiles, and vibrant murals, Shiva’s is a feast for the eyes. The restaurant is helmed by Indian-born chef, Praveen Prasannan, who honed his chops working for the esteemed Taj Hotels. The innovative chef draws inspiration from India’s many regions, adding international twists along the way, showcased in dishes like garlic naan served with hummus ($10). While Shiva’s is not quite fine dining, it is a far cry from a casual, counter-service setup, and makes a great choice for those who want an introduction into Indian cuisine. It’s not the spiciest place on the list, but the recipes are thoughtful and innovative. 1001 Ross Ave. #132, Dallas, shivasbarandgrill.com
Red Hot Indo-Chinese & Indian Kitchen
This casual restaurant, with locations in Richardson, Frisco, and McKinney, features both North Indian and Indo-Chinese menus. Indo-Chinese cuisine dates back to the 1700s when India was under British rule. Chinese workers migrated to what is now known as Kolkata in West Bengal, opening food businesses and adjusting their recipes to Indian palates. What emerged was a fusion of flavors that has evolved over the centuries. Red Hot showcases dishes like cauliflower manchurian ($13) and Hakka noodles ($14), with items prepared with house-ground spices. If you care to stick with traditional Indian food — try the chicken tikka masala ($16) or the fiery rogan josh ($19). Multiple locations, redhotdallas.com
Masala Twist
Whether you’re craving biryani, curry, or tandoori, this laidback neighborhood restaurant has you covered. Among Richardson’s most popular Indian spots, Masala Twist offers a Sunday buffet with classics from every Indian region and some Indo-Asian fusion dishes like basil fried rice and chili garlic noodles. Masala Twist also has an “Xpress” outpost in Sachse. 955 E. Campbell Rd. #200, Richardson, masalatwistrichardson.com
Cafe Mandu
Wooden booths, a dramatic mural depicting Hindu gods above the counter, and an “I love momo” sign on the wall set the scene at this cozy Nepalese café. Pronounced caff-mandu (like Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal), Cafemandu specializes in Nepalese dishes, including an extensive list of momo options, all served with homemade chutney. The Jyanmara momo, billed as “the world’s spiciest,” features the Akbare Khursani, a red pepper from Nepal that’s on par with the habañero on the Scoville scale. 3711 North Beltline Rd., Irving, cafemanduirving.com
Ista Indian Cusine
Pile into a diner booth at this hidden gem of an Indian restaurant in Flower Mound. Start with some shared plates from the street-food menu, including paneer kathi rolls wrapped in flour chapatis. Ista offers comfort dishes like butter chicken, as well as recipes that are harder to come by around the Metroplex, like goat paya soup, a rich, spicy curry stew simmered with goat trotters. 2221 Cross Timbers Rd. Ste. 105, Flower Mound, istaindiancuisine.com
Simply South
Ever since the New York Times named the Irving location of this vegetarian South Indian restaurant among 2024’s 50 best restaurants in the country, it’s been tough to get a table on the weekends, but the 200+ menu items are worth the wait. (Reservations are also an option.) Known for their breads, including an unforgettable stuffed paneer naan, and their wide variety of homemade chutneys, Simply South is one of those places where you can’t order the wrong thing. Multiple locations, simplysouth.us
