Indian Dishes in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's food culture is a tapestry of influences, and Indian cuisine has earned its spot as one of the city's favorite choices. With the trend for strong flavors, intoxicating spices, and hearty vegetarian grub, Indian restaurants in Amsterdam are more fashionable than ever in 2025.
- 1.1 Emergence of Indian Restaurants in Amsterdam
In the last 10 years, the number of Indian restaurants has exploded. Residents and tourists alike crave the comfort and complexity of Indian cuisine, whether in the form of a quick snack of street food or a fine dining tandoori feast. Today, the city has a scene offering something for everyone, from traditional to modern, vegan, vegetarian, or fusion. - 1.2 Variety of Flavors: North vs. South Indian Food
The food, dominated by North Indian dishes with creamy curries and tandoori items and naan, according to most menus, extends at some restaurants to South Indian fare like dosas, sambar, and idlis. Amsterdam‘s dining scene is enriched by this diversity. - 1.3 The Elements of a World-Class Indian Restaurant in 2025
In 2025, diners seek authenticity, cleanliness, ambience, dietary inclusivity, and tech-forward services, such as online ordering and a digital loyalty program. The restaurants on this list check all of these boxes — and then some.
Here are The Best Indian Restaurants in Amsterdam
Samrat Restaurant – Where Time Stands Still and the Comfort Food’s Good
- 2.1 Restaurant Legacy Connotation (Overview)
Samrat has been a family-owned, friendly restaurant serving authentic Indian food for more than 20 years. It tends to simplicity, firmness, and consistency. - 2.2 Private Recipes and Stable Quality
Chicken Korma, Palak Paneer, and Aloo Gobi are must-haves. All dishes are crafted from family recipes fine-tuned over decades. - 2.3 Cosy for Couples and Families
It is not flashy, but it is home. Ideal for families, couples, and others who value peace vs. pandemonium. - 2.4 Customer Favourites and Google Reviews
The flavors, staff, and prices are often decades old, according to hundreds of 5-star reviewers.

Annapurna Kitchen – Desi Taste at Home from India
- 3.1 Overview and Location (Overtoom)
In the heart of Overtoom near Vondelpark, Annapurna Kitchen is a gem of a restaurant serving delicious traditional Indian cuisine in a small and friendly environment. Its title is a tribute to the goddess of food and nourishment. - 3.2 Signature Dishes and Chef’s Recommendations
Their Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka, and South Indian-style Masala Dosa are just a few to choose from! Their kitchen is dedicated to North and South Indian food, recipes from generations descended. - 3.3 Ambiance and Service Ambience
The environment of the meal service is the sense of the meal, including the sound, colour, and lighting of the surrounding area.
The atmosphere is warm and earthy, with Indian art and tranquil music. The service is fast but friendly — great as a sit-down place or for takeaway. - 3.4 Customer Reviews & Community Participation
Rated highly for its quality, Annapurna Kitchen also actively engages in community events and food festivals. They’ve partnered with local businesses and frequently host tasting nights.

Cuisine of India – A Meeting of Tradition and Excellence
- 4.1 Uncompromising traditional and reliable recipes with a modern spin!
Cuisine of India presents the fine-dining aspect of authentic Indian dishes. Lamb Rogan Josh presented as a still life, for instance,or saffron rice in brass bowls. - 4.2 Vegan & Gluten Free Indian Dishes
The restaurant is geared to a contemporary crowd with an ample vegan and gluten-free menu. Their food, especially the Jackfruit Biryani and Vegan Butter Tofu — are popular with the conscious eaters. - 4.3 Chef’s Philosophy and Culinarian
The core of the institute, however, does not lie in the wide variety of cuisines that it brings together but in the history, philosophy, and culinary approach of its chef.
Established by a chef who has worked in both Delhi and London, meals are made in small batches, ensuring flavour quality and food is served fresh. - 4.4 Food & Interior The Restaurant (seating on request)
First of all, the sight of the interlacing building and sleek modern furniture would surely diminish the gourmet pleasure you are expecting to derive from your meal.
Think white tablecloths, soft lighting, and elegant Indian tableware. Excellent for romantic dates or business dinners.

Holi Amsterdam – The festival of Indian Flavors
- 5.1 Signature Dishes and Special Menu Offerings
Situated in NH Amsterdam Zuid, Holi Amsterdam serves you Indian enthusiasm on a plate. Some of my favorites are Chicken Tikka Sizzler, Tandoori Prawns and their exclusive Holi Cocktail. - 5.2 Cultural Environment and Metaphysical City Ethos
It’s Holi, you would think, and what colour without celebration? The insides reflect this—bright wall art, colourful cushions, and perky Indian tunes. - 5.3 Bootable Scenes (close to NH Amsterdam Zuid)
Its prime locality sees it being a favourite of tourists who stay in the business district as well as locals craving a tasty night out after work. - 5.4 Special Promotion and Loyalty Deals
Holi Amsterdam operates regular promotions, festival menus, along loyalty rewards. In 2025, customers get a 10% discount with ‘Holi2025’ after leaving a review!

The Indian Restaurant Gandhi – A legacy in dining
Your conversation with all India would undoubtedly be incomplete if you have not yet discovered Gandhi.
- 6.1 Name in the Indian Culinary Scene
Established in 1990 in Amsterdam and already one of the first Indian restaurants in Amsterdam, Gandhi’s reputation was not only for promoting tradition but also for consistently good taste. It is often one of the most-recommended products for first-timers. - 6.2 Indo-Dutch Fusion Creations
These elements are found in superimposing layers of particularly constructed culture and history (e.g., the Harrington Prize).
Apart from traditional Indian dishes, Gandhi plays around with Indo-Dutch flavors: Pulpy Bitter Ballen stuffed with masala; cheesy naan made with Dutch cheese. - 6.3 Popularity With Local and Tourists
Its reputation goes beyond the food. Guidebooks tout it as an essential place to visit for an authentic but accessible Indian meal. - 6.4 Service and Decor, and Overall Experience
There’s old-school charm in the service, and the decor is done up with vintage Bollywood posters plus historic photos of India.
Rabaab Restaurant – A Little Gem in the Centre of the Town
- 7.1 Philosophy of Cooking and Signature Curries
Rabaab, which is also inspired by a classical Indian stringed instrument, equals a chorus of tastes. Their Goat Curry and Dal Tadka are the stuff of which legends are made in this neighborhood. - 7.2 Weekend buffets and Thali special menus
They feature an all weekend buffet with a variety of both vegetarian and non-veg options with red hot fresh naan (naan) and hot sweet Gulab jamun. Thali platters are offered all week. - 7.3 What Locals Love About Rabaab
Neighborhood residents appreciate the personal touch, value-for-money pricing, and cultural vibe. “A trip to India without leaving Amsterdam”.
How to Choose the Best Indian Restaurant in Amsterdam?
- Tips for First-Time Indian Food Explorers
If you're new to Indian food, start with a mixed platter, butter chicken, naan, and mango lassi. Avoid extra spicy dishes unless you’re used to heat. - What to Look for in a Quality Indian Dining Experience
Check if the spices taste freshly ground, naan is made in a tandoor, and curries don’t taste too oily. Authenticity is in the details. - Delivery, Takeaway & Online Reservations
In 2025, all top Indian restaurants in Amsterdam offer delivery, takeaway, and seamless online reservations through their websites or apps like Thuisbezorgd and Uber Eats.
Final Verdict: Which One’s for You?
- For Family-friendly dining: Samrat Restaurant
- For home-style comfort: Annapurna Kitchen
- For upscale dining: Cuisine of India
- For vibrant, festival meals: Holi Amsterdam
- For Legacy and Consistency: Indian Restaurant Gandhi
- For cultural immersion: Rabaab Restaurant