Best Indian restaurants in KL & PJ
As Malaysians who grew up in a multicultural setting, we hold Indian cuisine close to our hearts. Naming all the spices that go into this vibrant cuisine can be a challenge for non-Indians. But the moment the earthy and spicy notes hit our noses, we can be sure that there is an Indian restaurant serving scrumptious meals somewhere down the road.
If you’re craving some delicious biryani rice and chicken masala, read on to find out the 8 best Indian restaurants in KL and PJ.
Table of Contents
- Best Indian restaurants in KL & PJ
- 1. Passage Thru’ India – authentic dining experience & unique Indian desserts
- 2. Khan’s Indian Cuisine – butter chicken & hearty lunch specials on weekdays
- 3. Urban Masala – claypot-brewed chai & stuffed parottas
- 4. The Ganga Café @ Bangsar – vegan Indian cuisine & RM35/pax weekend lunch buffet
- 5. Taste of Hindustan – a pork-free restaurant serving prawn masala & dry mutton curry
- 6. Betel Leaf – South Indian dishes with Thali sets & rabbit masala
- 7. India Gate Restaurant – bamboo biryani & tandoori platters
- 8. Chapati Recipe – chapati burrito rolls & mango lassi
- Best Indian restaurants in KL & PJ
1. Passage Thru’ India – authentic dining experience & unique Indian desserts
Image credit: passagethruindia
Adorned with Indian-style hanging decor and sculptures, Passage Thru’ India resembles a rustic Indian village, emerging like a separate microcosm in this skyscraper city of KL.
The colourful paintings on the walls add a touch of authenticity to the place, which is bathed in a warm glow by striking pendant lights. The interior is stunning enough to entice anyone to enter, but the star here is still the food.
Image adapted from: @ciklilyputih via Instagram, @chef_rijo via Instagram
Their Murgh Tikka Butter Masala (from RM24.90) features tender cuts of chicken that are roasted till nice and charred, served swimming in buttery masala gravy. We also recommend ordering their Cheese Naan (RM9) so that you can soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
For biryani, their Dum Biryani (from RM25) lets you choose between chicken and mutton to pair with basmati rice. The dish is cooked over low heat in a claypot so that all the juicy meat flavours can gently seep into each fluffy grain of rice.
Image credit: kampungboycityga
Additionally, you can find interesting Indian desserts such as Gulab Jamun (RM9.90) on the menu. This traditional confection stars ball-shaped milk solids that are deep-fried till golden brown, drenched in sugar syrup, and garnished with almond flakes.
Each milk solid has a similar texture to a fried sweet potato ball, which is slightly chewy on the outside but soft and moist on the inside. As you take a bite, it will burst into a mouthful of sweetness.
Address: 4, Jalan Delima, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-10pm | Tue & Fri 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-10pm | Wed 11.30am-4pm, 6pm-10pm | Thu, Sat & Sun 11.30am-10pm
Contact: 017-998 9427 | Passage Thru’ India’s Instagram
2. Khan’s Indian Cuisine – butter chicken & hearty lunch specials on weekdays
Image credit: Khan’s Indian Cuisine via Google Review
Nestled on the first floor of The Sphere in KL, Khan’s Indian Cuisine is where you can dine in a comfortable air-conditioned environment. The restaurant is also spacious enough to house big groups of patrons.
Image credit: Pritesh Shetty via Google Review
A popular starter is their Tandoori Chicken (from RM24.90). Pieces of chicken are marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, and roasted in a traditional charcoal oven, or tandoor, till nicely charred and smoky.
To bulk out your meal, their Tandoori Kebab Platter (from RM37.90) lets you enjoy several tandoori dishes all at once, including chicken tikka, tandoori king prawn, and lamb kebab.
Image credit: Akmal B. via Google Review
Nevertheless, whether you’re a first-time diner or a regular, get their Butter Chicken (RM27.90) and Palak Paneer (RM31.90).
The former presents pieces of chicken swamped in a buttery tomato-based sauce, plus a dash of coconut milk on top for extra creaminess. The latter boasts an earthy note and dark green hue coming from puréed spinach, slow-cooked with Indian cottage cheese into a thick curry sauce.
Image adapted from: @rebeccajorushdy via Instagram, @avocalories via Instagram
If you visit on a weekday anytime between 12pm and 3pm, you get to enjoy their special lunch sets of Thaali, Tandoori, and other meat dishes (from RM24.90). Each filling set comes with rice, naan, chickpea masala, papadom, and a drink, making your meal even more worthwhile.
Address: No.8, Level 1, The Sphere No.1, Avenue 1, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm | Fri & Sat 12pm-10.30pm
Contact: 03-9779 4998 | Khan’s Indian Cuisine’s Instagram
3. Urban Masala – claypot-brewed chai & stuffed parottas
Image credit: Vellikanan via Google Review
Masala chai is an iconic spiced beverage that has become a fixture on Indian restaurant menus.
Preserving the traditional method, Urban Masala’s Special Sizzling Chai (from RM5.90) is brewed in a claypot and served bubbling hot – like molten lava flowing out of a volcano. Each sip unveils a milky and fragrant mouthfeel.
Image adapted from: Vaam Mathi via Google Review, Pk C via Google Review
Their Pottalam Biryani (from RM8) is lent a sweet and earthy aroma from the banana leaves, which are used to wrap the basmati rice and other ingredients to steam.
A more traditional option will be their Dum Biryani (from RM40 for 2 pax). The rice is cooked in a claypot, which is sealed with a piece of dough so that none of the robust flavours can escape during the cooking process.
Image credit: Selva Kumar via Google Review
Among the variety of chapatis and rotis on the menu, look for their Kizhi Parotta (from RM11), which is not your everyday roti canai.
This dish has meats and vegetables nestled between two pieces of parottas, drowned in curry sauce, and topped with a fried egg. Everything is then wrapped inside a banana leaf to serve.
Suffice to say, a single serving of Kizhi Parotta is a scrumptious full meal in itself.
Address: 11G, Jalan Mahkota 1, Mutiara Bukit Raja 2, 41050 Klang, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 016-955 9483 | Urban Masala’s Instagram
4. The Ganga Café @ Bangsar – vegan Indian cuisine & RM35/pax weekend lunch buffet
Image credit: The Ganga Cafe via Facebook
Started with a passion for cooking good food, The Ganga Cafe is a mom-and-pop that serves South and North Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Patrons love the Pani Poori (RM7.50) for light bites. The deep-fried shell-like breads, or puri, are filled with sweet tamarind, refreshing mint water, and fragrant coriander, perfect as a palate cleanser.
Image credit: The Ganga Cafe @ Mont Kiara via Google Review
For something less common, try their Dabeli (RM7.90). A vegan patty of boiled potatoes, chutneys, and peanuts is sandwiched between two fluffy buns, seasoned with unique Dabeli masala. This popular snack has the look of a cheeseburger slider, but its flavour speaks to the vibrancy of Indian fare.
Image credit: theganga.com.my
Don’t forget to sink your spoon into their Kulfi (from RM10), a traditional Indian ice cream. Available in mango, pistachio, and almond flavours, this sweet indulgence has a denser texture thanks to its slow freezing process, promising an addictive creaminess with each bite.
Image credit: Dan Tang via Google Review
If you drop by their Mont Kiara outlet on a Sunday from 11am onwards, you will be in time for their buffet. While the menu changes every week, there are usually over 23 dishes to pick from, such as palak paneer, appam, and onion curry.
The price of the buffet starts from RM35/pax but senior citizens above 75 years old and children under 12 years old can indulge in the buffet spread for just RM18/pax.
The Ganga Cafe @ Bangsar
Address: 19, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm | Sat & Sun 9am-10pm
Contact: 03-2284 2119 | The Ganga Cafe’s Instagram
The Ganga Cafe @ Mont Kiara
Address: Lot E/OG/2A Ground Floor of Block E Lower Ground Floor of Plaza Mont Kiara Complex, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 012-251 5310
5. Taste of Hindustan – a pork-free restaurant serving prawn masala & dry mutton curry
Image credit: Taste Of Hindustan – Indian Restaurant via Google Review
Quietly tucked away in an apartment complex, Taste of Hindustan is a hidden gem that plates up finger-licking-good curry dishes. Their menu is pork-free, with vegan and non-vegan options available.
Image adapted from: @foodiehumblekl via Instagram, @thehungry_2j via Instagram
For only RM23, you can dive into their Mutton Bhuna Gosht with a robust flavour. Each succulent chunk of mutton is enrobed in luscious curry sauce, which is a potent blend of tomatoes, yoghurt, turmeric, ginger, and other spices.
If you consider yourself more of a seafood person, get their Prawn Masala (RM24.90) instead. This moreish dish boasts a creamy and spicy flavour profile like butter chicken but with an extra dose of umami from the prawns.
Image adapted from: @thehungry_2j via Instagram
Naan usually calls for a main dish, but their Cheese Chili Garlic Naan (RM10) is delicious on its own. One bite is all it takes to enjoy the delightful symphony of spiciness, cheesy saltiness, and garlic aroma.
Address: L1-21, The Link2, 2, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 3, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-3.30pm & 6pm-9pm, Daily
Contact: 016-955 9483 | Taste of Hindustan’s Instagram
6. Betel Leaf – South Indian dishes with Thali sets & rabbit masala
Image credit: leonard fond via Google Review
Betel Leaf doesn’t try too hard with its decor, but its cosy and unpretentious aura will make you feel like you are having a wholesome meal in an Indian homestead. It is the kind of place that you want to drop by occasionally even for just a piece of their roti paratha.
Image credit: Lim Ben-Jie via Google Review
Other than chicken, mutton, and fish, they also serve exotic proteins like rabbits, quails, and crabs. For instance, you can find Rabbit Masala (RM26) and Roasted Quail (RM17) on the menu.
Image credit: Haviineesh via Google Review
Their Paneer Tikka Masala (RM17) won’t disappoint anyone looking for a vegan-friendly option. The Indian cheese, or paneer, is made from scratch using curd milk and smothered in tomato-based masala sauce.
The fusion of all these rich components onto a single plate results in a dish that packs a punch, hands-down worth the caloric dent.
Image credit: Leow Cheung via Google Review
Besides that, their Thali Vegetarian Meal (RM14) is beloved by customers. This set meal comes with ten small dishes to go with chapati and a bowl of rice, ideal for anyone who enjoys trying a bit of everything at a time.
Address: 77A, Leboh Ampang, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 018-280 5134 | Betel Leaf’s Instagram
7. India Gate Restaurant – bamboo biryani & tandoori platters
Image credit: Voon Seng Lai via Google Review
We are familiar with biryani rice cooked in a claypot, but India Gate Restaurant has rice steamed inside a hollowed bamboo stalk, along with meats, vegetables, and spices.
What’s more, their Bucket Biryani (from RM99) is simply the perfect choice for those who wish to bring this delectable rice dish home to share with their family and friends.
Picture yourself walking out of the restaurant with a bucket full of rice – much like a painter man carrying a bucket of paint, except this one is filled with starchy goodness.
Image credit: Darren Lee via Google Review
Meat lovers will be thrilled to feast on the India Gate’s Mix Tandoori Platter (RM49.90). This hearty set brings together tandoori chicken, three types of kebab, and Indian skewers, satisfying a true craving for smoky grilled meats.
Image credit: Ariff Raiz via Google Review
Every day from 11am to 3pm, the restaurant will start serving Banana Leaf Rice Sets (from RM14.90). A set includes rice and papadum, accompanied by 20 dishes nicely laid out on a banana leaf.
India Gate Restaurant @ Bangsar
Address: 26, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-12am | Sat & Sun 11am-12am
Contact: 016-955 9483 | India Gate Restaurant’s Instagram
India Gate Restaurant @ Subang Jaya
Address: Lot F1 – 24 & F1 – 25, Aeon Big, Jalan Kemajuan, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 012-601 8747
India Gate Restaurant @ Puchong
Address: 2-G, Jalan Puteri 1/5, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Opening hours: 7am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 018-969 4929
See all India Gate Restaurant locations here.
8. Chapati Recipe – chapati burrito rolls & mango lassi
Image credit: AKJY via Google Review
Similar to satay and peanut sauce, Indian flatbreads and soupy dishes are the perfect partners in crime. If you love having your bread with different sauces, relish this euphoria at Chapati Recipe.
The restaurant serves an assortment of Indian flatbreads – such as Classic Chapathi (RM2), Butter Chapathi (RM2.50), Cheese Naan (RM6), and Tandoori Roti (RM2.50). You can also find stuffed Parathas (from RM5) on the menu, with fillings like cauliflowers, potatoes, and herbs.
Image credit: Bobby via Google Review
For main dishes to pair these with, Butter Chicken (from RM17) and Mutton Curry (from RM19) are among the customers’ go-to items.
Image credit: Pui Cheng Lum via Google Review
Try their Chapthi Kathi Roll (RM10.60) for something unique. These chapati rolls resemble Western burritos but are infused with an Indian flair. You can choose to have chicken or paneer for your roll.
Image credit: Mohanad A. Fathi via Google Review
Yet, even with the amazing flatbreads, their beverages shine just as brightly. Customers love the Mango Lassi (RM9) – an iconic Indian sweet drink made from ripe mangoes, yoghurt, and milk, crowned with thick whipped cream.
Address: 5, Jalan Menara Gading 1, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 011-3108 8068
Best Indian restaurants in KL & PJ
Celebrated for its diverse use of herbs and spices, Indian cuisine undoubtedly brings sparkles to curry lovers’ eyes. It is also apparent that this fare offers so much more than just roti canai and banana leaf rice.
If you’re a Indian food enthusiast like us, bookmark this article so that the next time you and your group are yearning for some Indian food, you know where to go.
Check out our other food guides for SS15 and Pudu.
Cover image adapted from: The Ganga Cafe via Facebook, Dan Tang via Google Review, Vellikanan via Google Review, passagethruindia, Akmal B. via Google Review, leonard fond via Google Review