A Full Guide to Indian Restaurants in Greater Seattle
Choosing an Indian restaurant and deciding what to order there can be daunting — especially when it’s so easy to default to Butter Chicken (no shade, it’s delicious). But, the PNW is packed with so many incredible Indian spots (our team has tried over 30 of them!), each with their own unique stories and must-try dishes. So, if you’re wanting to explore beyond your usual, we’ve rounded up our local favorites along with new dishes that you can add to your food palate!
For Traditional cuisine
Shoreline, WA
This Indian spot features a wide variety of dishes from all regions of India and has many gluten free and vegan options as well. Their dosa is a can’t-miss item here; the owner learned to perfect this dish by visiting different street food vendors in India and learning their techniques.
Lynnwood, WA
Their ingredients come from the foothills of the Himalayas to the great North Indian River Plain to bring you an incredibly extensive menu. Even their vegetarian and seafood options are quite impressive.
Des Moines, WA
Kanishka Cuisine of India is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of heritage and a commitment to excellence. The founders also believe in sharing knowledge and passion for Indian cooking, offering workshops and events that inspire a new generation of chefs and food lovers alike.
A beginners guide on what to order at Indian restaurants :
Appetizers:
Dosa - a thin, savory crepe with a rich history dating back to the first century. Traditionally served with chutney, sambar, and a spiced potato filling.
Pani Puri - a street food known for its crispy, hollow shells filled with spiced mashed potatoes. It’s served with flavored dipping water, typically a tangy and spicy chutney.
Pakora: Vegetables (like potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach) or chicken that are dipped in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried
Vada Pav: A spicy potato patty (vada) served in a soft bread roll (pav), commonly accompanied by chutneys.
For an Upscale, modern twist
Clove -
Where culinary history meets contemporary innovation - experience a new modern twist on traditional flavors.
Whether it's through unusual curries or the complex marinades, Kricket Club in Ravenna aims to bring authentic dishes mixing royal recipes from Maharaja Palaces with favorites from the humble Indian street food stalls. Preeti Agarwal, an Indian chef born and raised in Uttar Pradesh, India continues with her quest to re-invent the perception of Indian food in Seattle!
Abhijit (the head chef) has been cooking since he was a child. He specializes in sculpting ice, fruits, vegetables, butter, and chocolate into delectable show pieces - he’s even earned awards for his carvings. Mint Progressive Indian brings innovation and culinary artistry to the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Sangamam -
This Fremont spot is serving up South Indian cuisine with a touch of Indo-Chinese, including pocrispy dosas, fragrant biryanis, savory chaats, and flavorful tandoori specialties.
Dish guide continued…
Entrees:
Dal Makhani- "Dal" means lentils, and "Makhani" means buttery—an accurate name for this rich and creamy dish. Fun fact: it was created by the same people who invented Butter Chicken, as a vegetarian alternative.
Tandoori Chicken - a dish with roots dating back to 3000 BC that gained widespread popularity in the 1940s. It's marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor—a traditional clay oven that gives it a signature smoky flavor.
Saag Paneer - Saag translates to "leafy greens," and “Paneer” translates to cheese. Best enjoyed with Roti or naan.
Vindaloo - A spicy and tangy curry, often featuring chicken or lamb, with a distinct flavor profile.
For classic Street Food
“Masala meets Mozzarella”. Two brothers wanted to bring something unique to the city’s food scene. It’s where the flavors of their heritage meet the comfort of their favorite food. The butter chicken pizza has become a crowd favorite!
Where you can find signature favorites like Kathi rolls and classic street foods like Pani Puri. At Naan Stop, their menu is full of bold spices, aromatic flavors, and so many irresistible comfort foods!
Dish guide continued…
Desserts:
Gulab Jamun: Deep fried milk balls soaked in a fragrant syrup flavored with rose water or cardamom.
Kulfi: A traditional Indian ice cream made from condensed milk, flavored with cardamom, saffron, or pistachio, and frozen into a dense, creamy treat.
The next time you find yourself craving Indian food, challenge yourself to break out of your comfort zone! Whether it’s a new dish or a new spot, there is so much more to explore and these small, family owned restaurants of the PNW would love to share their culture, their stories, and their culinary journeys with you.
