Updated November 2026 All four restaurants still appear in current listings; we have corrected the Taj Mahal’s location and phone number and refreshed the tips. Hours can change at short notice, so call ahead.
Tehran has a small but loyal Indian restaurant scene, and if you are craving a proper curry, fresh naan or something with real chilli heat, these are the places residents keep going back to. Most of the best Indian restaurants in Tehran are in hotels or long-running family businesses in the centre and north of the city, and they serve both the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities and a growing number of Iranians who have developed a taste for spice.
That taste is fairly new. Persian cooking is fragrant rather than fiery, relying on saffron, dried lime, herbs and slow cooking instead of chilli, and visitors are often surprised by how mild Iranian food is. Hot sauces have become a supermarket staple in recent years, though, and Indian kitchens in Tehran are generally happy to turn the heat up if you ask.
Taj Mahal Restaurant, Taj Mahal Hotel (Vanak)
Inside the Taj Mahal Hotel on Sheikh Bahaei Street, just off Mollasadra Boulevard near Vanak Square, this is the most polished option in the north of the city. The dining room leans heavily into the Indian theme, sometimes more than it needs to, but tables are well laid and service is attentive. The menu covers vegetarian and meat curries, tandoori dishes and good breads, and the kitchen is generally praised for its curries and naan. It suits a relaxed dinner or a meal with visiting colleagues. The hotel’s switchboard is +98 21 8803 5444.
Cingari
Cingari sits on Zohreh Street at the corner of Mofatteh Street in central Tehran, a short hop from the offices around Motahari Street. It is a modern, fairly smart space with a semi-open kitchen and a long menu of curries and kebabs. The naan is the highlight, and there is a good choice for vegetarians. It is not a cheap night out and portions are generous, so share a few dishes. Some diners find the spicing milder than they would like, so say so when you order if you want it hot. It usually opens for lunch and dinner. Phone: +98 21 8832 7075.
Tandoor, Safir Hotel
Tandoor is one of the longest-running Indian restaurants in Tehran, tucked away in the basement of the Safir Hotel in District 6, near the former US embassy compound. Look for the peacock motif on the door, as it is set back from the street. Inside, there is Indian music, staff in traditional dress and, in the warmer months, an outdoor garden area. The menu is long, with properly spicy curries, tandoori meats and spiced kebabs that taste nothing like the Iranian versions, plus plenty of vegetarian dishes and fresh bread. Reviews are mixed on service, so treat it as a place for the food rather than the polish. It typically serves lunch and dinner. Phone: +98 21 8882 5701.
Maharaja, Jahan Hotel
Maharaja, in the basement of the Jahan Hotel near the junction of Vali-e Asr and Taleghani streets, has a claim to being the city’s oldest Indian restaurant. Its central location on the Vali-e Asr BRT line makes it easy to reach, and prices are in line with other mid-range restaurants in the area. It can get busy with hotel guests and students, and regulars like the décor and the staff, who will happily make dishes spicier on request. Some of our readers rate it the best Indian meal in town.
Tips for eating Indian food in Tehran
- Book at weekends. Thursday and Friday evenings are busiest. A quick call also confirms the restaurant is open, as hours can change during holidays and Ramadan.
- Ask for heat. Many dishes are toned down for local tastes by default.
- Pay in rials. Foreign cards do not work in Iran, so bring cash or a local bank card. See our Iran prices tracker to get a sense of current restaurant costs.
- Use the Persian name when you call a taxi or search in Snapp, as English names are not always recognised.
Want something other than curry? See our other restaurant and café reviews.
