The large-scale immigration of South Asians in Houston dates back to the 1970s when vast numbers of Indians and Pakistanis were moving to the U.S. seeking out education and employment opportunities. The influence on Houston’s food scene from budding South Asian communities was strongly felt in the years that followed.
In 1986, Yogi Gahunia debuted Raja Sweets Indian restaurant on Hillcroft Avenue, alongside pals Ramesh Lulla and Aku Patel, who opened neighboring Indian jewelry and clothing stores, respectively. The trio coined the small pocket of Southwest Houston “Little India”, and have long been considered the founding fathers of the area. The neighborhood, now officially named the Mahatma Gandhi District, has grown exponentially since, with South Asian restaurants and retail shops of all types well represented.
Over the last decade, a new era of chefs have brought inspired concepts to neighborhoods inside the loop and the quiet corners of the suburbs, making it a fantastic time to explore South Asian cuisine in Houston.
Kiran’s
Chef Kiran Verma is one of the pioneers of Indian fine dining in Houston, and at her eponymous Upper Kirby-area restaurant, the cuisine is showcased with style and grace. Chef Kiran relies on traditional ingredients and tried and true techniques to present elegant dishes like tandoori duck ($52), wood-fired Texas quail with chutney ($22), and Madras curry ($29). The sprawling restaurant houses a dedicated bar and lounge, and an enclosed patio where guests often retreat to with cigars and after-dinner drinks. 2925 Richmond Ave. Ste. 160, Houston, kiranshouston.com
Da Gama
Along with its sister restaurant Oporto in Midtown, Da Gama is helmed by husband-and-wife team Rick DiVirgilio and Shiva Patel, who draw inspiration from their Italian-Portuguese and Indian roots, respectively. The menu and modern dining space, with a full bar and covered patio, is a welcome alternative to some of the more traditional restaurants in Houston. While guests can opt for comforting traditions like dhokla ($12), chili paneer ($15) and samosas ($14), there are a number of fusion dishes for those looking to get adventurous. Start with the aloo gobi bravas ($15) and crispy yucca with tamarind vinaigrette ($10) before sharing a platter of the Portuguese seafood rice with your tablemates. 600 N. Shepherd Dr. Ste. 520, Houston, dagamahtx.com
Musaafer
This majestic Indian restaurant, housed inside the Galleria, truly has to be seen to be believed. An elevator, located at the street level near Saks Fifth Avenue, transports guests from the bustling shopping center below to the awe-inspiring restaurant, which spans multiple rooms and extends out onto a covered terrace with views of Uptown. Helmed by chef Mayank Istwal, the menu reflects the flavors of India’s 29 states, with highlights like pani puri ($16), tandoori hen ($25), and beef vindaloo ($65). With Istwal’s vast knowledge of the Indian subcontinent and its rich culinary history, the chef’s tasting menu is worth splurging on. 5115 Westheimer Rd. Ste. C-3500, Houston, musaaferhouston.com
London Sizzler
As its name implies, this casual Indian restaurant in the Mahatma Gandhi District serves up a big menu of Indian comfort eats in a pub-style space. London Sizzler is one of the few restaurants in the area that has a full service bar, making it a major draw on the nights and weekends, but its food is what keeps guests coming back for more. The sizzling platters are a must try, with many varieties to consider. The bone-in tandoori chicken ($20) and masala-spiced lamb chops ($32) are grilled in the restaurant’s charcoal tandoor, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor. For an epic spread, spring for the London Sizzler, which combines chicken tikka, jeera wings, lamb and chicken kebabs, tandoori chicken, lamb chops, fish tikka, and masala shrimp ($130). Be warned–the sizzling platters have a minimum 30-minute preparation time, so kick back with a lassi or masala chai and stay awhile. 6690 Southwest Fwy., Houston, londonsizzler.com
Amrina
The brainchild of brothers Preet Paul and Surpreet Singh, along with executive chef Jassi Bindra, Amrina is a modern Indian restaurant located at Waterway Square in the Woodlands that offers its guests a full feast of the senses. Bindra takes a cutting edge approach to Indian cuisine, with dishes like ostrich seekh kebab ($24), truffle raj kachori ($30), and whole roasted duck served with rumali pancakes ($110). With splashy colors, whimsical presentation, and meticulous attention to detail, the restaurant is considered the gastronomic signature of the trio’s Kahani Group, which also operates Jashn Catering and the soon to be open Indian fried chicken restaurant, Pok Pok Po in Midtown. 3 Waterway Square Pl. #100, The Woodlands, amrina.social
Raja Sweets
As Houston’s oldest family-owned Indian restaurant, Raja Sweets has become a cornerstone of the South Asian community, and is best known for its non-vegetarian cuisine and bounty of scratch-made mithai, or confections. It is a popular place year-round, but during the festive season, when Diwali, the Hindu new year and Festival of Lights, is celebrated, the shop draws in crowds looking to purchase decorative boxes stocked with sweets for gifting to family and friends. 5667 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, rajasweets.com
Pondicheri
With a modern counter-service Indian restaurant on the first floor and a bake lab and shop upstairs, Pondicheri offers a unique experience to sample everything from chaat ($14) and frankies ($16) to chai pie ($10). In the restaurant, James Beard Award-nominated chef and cookbook author, Anita Jaisinghani does staples like butter chicken ($22) and masala dosa ($16) well, but she also takes a non-traditional approach with dishes like the green dosa ($18) stuffed with sauteed greens, in lieu of potatoes, and the protein-heavy Texan thali ($32). The bake lab and shop is also counter service, and has a relaxed, loungey atmosphere, fit for pairing Sindhi laddu with assam tea or masala milk. 2800 Kirby Dr. B132, Houston, pondicheri.com
Aga’s
When discussing South Asian cuisine in Houston, Aga’s is consistently named among the best for Indo-Pak eats. Located in a Southwest Houston-area retail strip mall, it can be a trek for inner-loopers, but it’s well worth the journey. The grilled goat chops ($27) have a cult following, and for good reason. A dish of five chops arrives sizzling on a bed of fragrant onions, with tender meat that simply slides off the bone. Table service is offered, with the waitstaff known to operate at a high level to ensure a fast and flawless dining experience. Know before you go–despite the restaurant’s large size and ample seating, the dining room is almost always full and bustling with loud activity. 11842 Wilcrest Dr., Houston, agasrestaurant.com
