Best Indian Food in Boston and Cambridge
Boston is home to a variety of cuisines, but it is often overlooked when it comes to its offerings of Indian food. Our guide Tvisha dishes her findings of the best Indian restaurants in Boston. She writes: during my time here in this wonderful city, I have had the opportunity to try a multitude of long-standing as well as up-and-coming Indian restaurants, especially when I want a taste of home. Here are the top 10 Indian restaurants I have found in and around the Boston area, in no particular order.
The Maharaja Royal Indian Cuisine
57 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard Square, Cambridge Food Tour Location!
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Cambridge, The Maharaja offers a variety of North Indian dishes, with lamb, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options. They also offer several vegan, gluten-sensitive, Halal, and Jain options to accommodate all diners. With access to a full bar, The Maharaja’s drinks menu provides a combination of classic and Indian-inspired cocktails, as well as an extensive selection of wines and beers. I have always enjoyed their Paneer Shahi Korma, Chicken Chettinad, and Lamb Rogan Josh dishes, with the classic garlic naan. “The Maharaja”, literally meaning the great ruler, is a well-suited name for a restaurant that sits on the second floor of the building; if you decide to go, and I hope you do, opt for a seat that is near their glass wall so that as you dine, you get a great view overlooking Winthrop Park and Harvard Square.
Masala Square Indian Kitchen23 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143
Union Square Food Tour Location!
Masala Square Indian Kitchen is another top-rated Indian restaurant in the Greater Boston area, located in Union Square. This restaurant offers a modern twist on classic North Indian cuisine, with dishes such as Tofu Mint Curry, Masala Paneer Wings, Matar (Peas) Mushroom, and Lemon Pepper Naan. It is a smaller location with limited seating, which adds to the feeling of authenticity. I highly recommend taking the D train on the green line to Union Square to check out this restaurant.
Nirvana Taste of India 1680 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
Another restaurant located in Cambridge, Nirvana also offers both traditional and non-traditional North Indian dishes. Some of my non-traditional favorites are the Tandoori Duck dishes and Lobster Masala, while my favorite staples are Butter Chicken and Paneer Tikka Masala. Nirvana has a more modern ambience to complement its modern take on Indian cuisine. Take a stroll down Mass Ave, and on your walk, definitely take a seat inside to have a taste of Nirvana’s Indian food.
Khau Galli38 Brooks Street, Brighton, MA 02135
Khau Galli, which directly translates to “Eat Street”, opened in Brighton, MA, just last year. Their dishes are inspired by Mumbai street food to bring back a sense of home and nostalgia to students around the area. They offer supper clubs and student tiffin boxes to foster a sense of community and friendship as well. When I went, I particularly enjoyed the Bun Maska (bread bun and butter), Aamras (mango pulp), and Amul Cheese Pav Bhaji. It is super affordable as well, so it’s a perfect place for students to visit. Their minimalist decor also truly emphasizes the casualness of the restaurant being centered around street food.
Aatma at Widowmaker190 N Beacon Street, Brighton, MA 02135
Aatma means “soul” in Hindi, where the chef learned about Indian cuisine for 16+ years. Aatma is a kitchen inside Widowmaker Brewing, a brewing company located in Brighton. Serving “Indian food with attitude”, Aatma is a counter-service restaurant with punk-rock ambience, allowing you to dine on the chef’s modern take on Indian dishes in a darker, cooler environment. Aatma and its focus on rebellion centers around the history of a Maharaja named Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda and his refusal to bow down to the British Empire, both literally and figuratively. If the story behind Aatma isn’t convincing enough to go try the place out, I can confirm the food is definitely worth the trip. I really enjoyed the Paneer and Fried Idli Chaat in the “Chhotus” section of the menu, and the Lamb Seekh Kebabs were well marinated and paired deliciously with the green sauce.
Mint Indian Eatery
868 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
Mint is a small, authentic Indian and Nepalese restaurant, located in Somerville. They have an extensive menu, from Himalayan MoMos (dumplings) to Indo-Asian dishes to classic dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Korma. I particularly enjoyed their samosas and mango lassi. Mint has been a great option for a quick eat as a student in the area, so I highly recommend other students to check it out as well.
Don’t Tell Aunty
1080 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115
Don’t Tell Aunty is Boston’s first Indian gastropub, with a menu that offers a combination of traditional Indian and modern gastropub dishes, as well as unique and innovative cocktails that are, in fact, delicious. They also have events where they feature live performances and DJs. I really enjoy the ambience of the restaurant, with a vibrant, leafy jungle-inspired decor, and lovely outdoor seating during the spring and summertime. As for food that I would absolutely recommend, I thoroughly enjoyed the Butter Chicken Croquettes, Lamb Ghee Roast, and the Lamb Burger. And to wash that all down, you can’t go wrong with the Kachumber Cooler, which is so refreshing, especially as we (hopefully) get into warmer temperatures.
Madras Dosa Company
Harvard Square, Cambridge and other locations
MDC is a South Indian restaurant that features an open kitchen concept so that you can watch the chefs make the dosas live. They have several locations around the Boston area, such as Chestnut Hill (new!), Harvard Square, and Seaport. MDC is such a comfort for me, and I really enjoy their Mango Lassis, Paneer Dosa, and Papdi Chaat.
Royal India Bistro
7 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA 02420
This restaurant and bar is family-owned, located in Lexington. With a full menu offering meat and vegetarian options, this is another North Indian restaurant that serves traditional and contemporary dishes. Their Meat Samosas, Lamb Biriyani, Lamb Vindaloo, and Chicken Tikka Masala are fan favorites.
Punjab Cafe
653 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA 02169
Feel free to check this place out after attending our very own Quincy Presidential Food Tour!
Last, but certainly not least, is Punjab Cafe, located in Quincy. Punjab Cafe is also a family-owned business, centered on community, family, and friends. Bhel – a combination of crispy rice noodles, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, tossed in a spice mix – and their Dahi Poori, are a great way to start your meal. Following this, getting their Non-vegetarian or Vegetarian Popular Package is a great option for some classic dishes paired with their fresh naan. Going to Quincy gets you a great taste of diverse cuisines, and a great feel for authentic Indian food, so long as you visit Punjab Cafe.
“खाना अच्छा लगे” (Khana Achha Lage) – “may the food be good.”
Lizzie and Sam
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