Key Takeaways:
|
No matter how far we travel, there’s always a part of us that craves the comfort of home, and for many of us, that comfort comes through food.
While trying local dishes is one of the best parts of travelling, few things can match the joy of tearing into a warm naan or digging into a comforting plate of Biryani after days away in another country.
Luckily, Kuala Lumpur makes that craving easy to satisfy with one of the largest concentrations of Indian restaurants in Malaysia. This guide rounds up some of the finest Indian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, helping you choose the right place based on cuisine, ambience, and budget.
Best Indian Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur stands out among Malaysian cities for its diverse Indian food scene. Here’s where to find the best Indian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur based on cuisine, location, budget and dining experience.
1. Nadodi
Nadodi is a Michelin-recognised, Indian fine-dining restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Their menus are innovative and inspired by the food traditions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka.
Instead of ordering separate dishes, you’ll enjoy a set menu with several courses, where traditional dishes are recreated in a modern style. The service team walks you through each course, adding context to the ingredients and cultural significance of each plate.
Reserve your table in advance, especially if you are visiting for dinner or on weekends. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegetarian or vegan meals, it’s best to inform the restaurant when making your reservation.
The dining area overlooks Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, making it a great choice for anniversaries, business dinners and special occasions.
- Dishes to try: Saffron Rice, Morel Mushrooms, Kerala-inspired Seafood
- Price range: RM 125+ for a multicourse menu per person (approx. 3000 INR)
- Location: Nadodi, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
- Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Monday-Saturday); Closed on Sundays
2. Indian Empire Restaurant
Indian Empire Restaurant, which sits in the heart of Bukit Bintang, brings together North Indian favourites, rich Mughlai dishes and a handful of South Indian dishes on a single menu. Its central location and late-night hours make it popular among both tourists and locals.
The creamy butter chicken remains the restaurant’s most ordered dish. The menu also includes vegetarian and vegan options, and most dishes are halal-friendly.
Their spacious indoor seating, contemporary decor and private dining areas can easily accommodate families, groups and business lunches. Reservations are generally unnecessary for lunch, but are worth making on weekend evenings, when Bukit Bintang can get particularly busy.
- Dishes to try: Butter Chicken, DARBAR-E-MURGH, Bamboo Biryani
- Price range: RM 20-70 (approx. 450-1600 INR)
- Location: Indian Empire Restaurant, Jalan Bukit Bintang
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Daily)
3. Gajaa at 8
Gajaa at 8 has a reputation as one of the best South Indian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, specialising in the finest cuisine from Kerala.
The restaurant focuses on traditional recipes while maintaining a refined dining experience. Alongside its Kerala specialities, the menu also includes North Indian cuisine, tandoori dishes and a few Indo-Chinese favourites.
Vegetarians have plenty of choices, while vegans can find a few suitable dishes on the menu. The ambience and private event spaces make it a great spot for family gatherings, casual business lunches, and hosting parties.
- Dishes to try: Mutton Biriyani, Amma’s Mutton Curry, Palak Paneer, Kerala Paratha
- Price range: RM 10-70 (approx. 200-1600 INR)
- Location: Gajaa at8, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
4. Betel Leaf
Betel Leaf has served Chettinad cuisine in Kuala Lumpur since 2009. The restaurant preserves traditional spice blends and cooking methods, with its chefs and spices sourced directly from India.
Apart from their focus on Chettinad specialities with a high spice profile, they also serve South Indian and North Indian dishes. Vegetarian diners can choose from curries, lentil-based dishes and thalis.
The dining room is casual yet comfortable, catering to travellers wanting an authentic meal without fine-dining prices.
- Dishes to try: Chettinad Mutton Chukka, Masala Fried Jhinga, Crab Masala, Sora Puttu, Masala Tea, Mango Lassi
- Price range: RM 5-40 (approx. 100-1000 INR)
- Location: Betel Leaf, Lebuh Ampang, KLCC
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
5. MTR 1924
MTR 1924 brings the flavours of Bengaluru’s Mavalli Tiffin Rooms to Kuala Lumpur. Since 1924, the restaurant has served South Indian vegetarian food using traditional recipes passed down for generations.
The menu focuses on Karnataka-style cuisine, with freshly prepared dosas, idlis, vadas and rice dishes. The Rava Idli, invented by MTR during World War II, is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. It is best for travellers looking for a simple, satisfying vegetarian meal.
The restaurant has a clean, casual setting that is ideal for breakfast, quick lunches and family meals. Weekends are usually the busiest, especially during breakfast and brunch, so expect a short wait during peak hours.
- Dishes to try: Rava Idli, Ragi Dosa, Pudi Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee, Onion Rava Dosa, Masala Dosa
- Price range: RM 10-30 (approx. 200-700 INR)
- Location: MTR 1924, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Monday-Friday); 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
6. Kayra
Kayra is a South Indian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur dedicated to the cuisine of Kerala. Their menu stays true to the region’s distinctive use of coconut, curry leaves and aromatic spices.
Seafood plays a major role here. Vegetarian options are also available throughout the menu, while several dishes are halal-friendly.
The warm interiors and relaxed atmosphere make Kayra suitable for families, couples and small groups. It is best to make reservations, particularly on weekends when the restaurant is often busy.
- Dishes to try: Fish Moilee Biriyani, Appam, Prawn Mango Curry, Goodness Bowl, Calicut Crunch, Jackfruit Biryani
- Price range: Starts from RM 20 (approx. 400 INR)
- Location: Kayra, 1st Floor, Bangsar Village 1, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
7. Khan’s Indian Cuisine
Khan’s Indian Cuisine has been serving North Indian food in Kuala Lumpur for many years. The restaurant is popular for its rich curries, freshly baked naan and generous serving sizes.
The menu covers many North Indian favourites. Their dishes are 100% halal-friendly and cater well to vegetarian diners too.
With its spacious dining room, the restaurant can easily host large groups, families, and business lunches. Dinner is usually the busiest time, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is recommended.
- Dishes to try: Khan’s Cha-Cha Fishhead Curry, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Palak Paneer, Lamb Shank Nihari, Garlic Naan
- Price range: RM 5-60 per person (approx. 100-1400 INR)
- Location: Khan’s Indian Cuisine, The Sphere No.1, Bangsar South
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday); 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Friday & Saturday)
8. Bombay Palace
Bombay Palace is a long-standing fine dining restaurant that specialises in traditional North Indian cuisine. The decorative and royal interiors and attentive service create a comfortable atmosphere for special occasions.
The restaurant is popular for business lunches, family celebrations and visitors looking for a more refined Indian dining experience.
The menu includes plenty of vegetarian dishes. If you have any dietary requirements, let the restaurant know when making the reservation.
- Dishes to try: Lamb Rogan Josh, Murgh Haryali Tikka, Palak Paneer, Kesar Pista Kulfi, Murgh Samosas, Butter Chicken
- Price range: Starts around RM 25 (approx. 600+ INR)
- Location: Bombay Palace, Jalan Sultan Ismail
- Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Daily)
9. Anjappar Indian Chettinad
Anjappar Indian Chettinad in Kuala Lumpur is part of a highly successful restaurant chain that originated in Chennai in 1964. They operate three restaurants across Kuala Lumpur, with branches in Brickfields, Bangsar and Lebuh Ampang.
It’s a favourite among locals and Indian travellers seeking bold, spice-rich South Indian dishes, where Chettinad flavours take centre stage.
The interiors are simple and welcoming, while the portions are large enough to share. Most meat dishes are halal-friendly, and a good selection of vegetarian dishes is also available.
- Dishes to try: Chettinad Chicken or Mutton Biriyani, Chicken Tikka, Mutton Kola Urundai
- Price range: RM 15-40 (approx. 300-900 INR)
- Location: Anjappar Indian Chettinad, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM -11:00 PM (Daily)
10. Passage Thru’ India
Passage Thru’ India has been serving Indian cuisine in Kuala Lumpur for over two decades, bringing together recipes from both North and South India.
The restaurant is decorated with hand-painted murals and artefacts spanning from Rajasthan to Chettinad, creating a fitting backdrop for casual dining or special gatherings.
Their menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at reasonable prices. Reservations are usually unnecessary except during festive periods or when hosting large groups.
- Dishes to try: Murgh Tikka Butter Masala, Palak Paneer, Kashmiri Naan, Biryani
- Price range: RM 20-50 (approx. 400-1000 INR)
- Location: Passage Thru’ India, Jalan Delima, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 – 10:00 PM (Daily)
11. Annalakshmi
Annalakshmi is a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Opened in 1984 and run by volunteers, the restaurant follows the philosophy of serving wholesome vegetarian food in a welcoming environment.
The dining room is calm and spacious, with traditional decor and friendly service. Annalakshmi serves a vast vegetarian menu that combines North and South Indian specialities.
The highlight is that the money the restaurant earns goes to charity and cultural initiatives after covering its day-to-day operational expenses.
- Dishes to try: Sambar, Rasam, Vegetable Kootu, Payasam
- Price range: Starts around RM 5 (approx. 100 INR)
- Location: Annalakshmi, Temple of Fine Arts, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday); 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Tuesday-Saturday); 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Chat & Chai High Tea Buffet on Sundays); Closed on Mondays
12. Roti by d’Tandoor
Roti by d’Tandoor is a North Indian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that combines Indian street foods, curries and freshly baked breads in a modern cafe-style setting.
The restaurant presents a curated menu of signature North Indian dishes, along with plenty of vegetarian options. It’s a convenient choice for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
The restaurant has a bright, trendy, and spacious interior with a distinctly casual, cosy atmosphere. This makes it a welcoming setting for families and solo diners.
- Dishes to try: Soft and Chewy Naan Bread, Butter Chicken Masala, Lamb Shank Briyani, Tandoori Prawn Zafrani
- Price range: Starts around RM 15 (approx. 350 INR)
- Location: Roti by d’Tandoor, Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Monday-Thursday); 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Friday-Sunday)
Conclusion
Indian food in Kuala Lumpur is much more than a comforting reminder of home. It’s a reflection of the city’s multicultural identity, bringing together recipes and traditions from different parts of India.
If you’re planning a holiday to Kuala Lumpur, don’t hesitate to indulge in Malaysian food, but when you’re craving familiar flavours, the city’s Indian restaurants won’t disappoint.
And Dimaak Tours can help you plan every detail of your trip, from flights and hotels to personalised itineraries, so get in touch with our team.
FAQs About Indian Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
1. Which is the best South Indian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has several South Indian restaurants, each specialising in a different regional cuisine. Gajaa at 8 is a great choice for traditional Kerala cuisine.
While Kayra presents Kerala flavours with a modern twist, Nadodi blends the food traditions of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka into a fine-dining tasting menu.
Anjappar Indian Chettinad and Betel Leaf are top choices for spicy Chettinad cuisine. MTR 1924 is best for a Karnataka-style South Indian vegetarian meal.
2. Where can I find North Indian cuisine in Kuala Lumpur?
You can find North Indian cuisine at several restaurants across Kuala Lumpur. Indian Empire Restaurant in Bukit Bintang serves popular dishes like Butter Chicken, Bamboo Biryani and Mughlai specialities.
Bombay Palace is a fine-dining restaurant that serves North Indian curries and tandoori dishes, while Khan’s Indian Cuisine in Bangsar South is a favourite for rich curries and freshly baked naan. Roti by d’Tandoor is another good option if you’re looking for North Indian food in a more casual setting.
3. Are there pure vegetarian options in Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. There are many Indian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur that are dedicated to vegetarian food. MTR 1924 serves an entirely vegetarian menu inspired by traditional Karnataka recipes, while Annalakshmi focuses on both North and South Indian vegetarian dishes.
