Top Indian Restaurants in Providence
Providence's Indian dining scene has grown considerably over the past two decades, offering Rhode Islanders diverse regional cuisines from across the Indian subcontinent. The city's East Side, particularly along Hope Street, has become a hub for Indian restaurants, though excellent options exist downtown and in adjacent neighborhoods as well.
Kabob & Curry at 261 Thayer Street (though often associated with Hope Street area) has been serving the Brown University community and East Side residents since 1996. This family-owned restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring tandoori specialties, biryanis, and vegetarian options. Their lunch buffet, typically priced around $12-14, remains popular with students and professionals alike. The restaurant accommodates both dine-in and takeout, with entrees generally ranging from $13-18.
India Restaurant, located at 123 Dorrance Street in downtown Providence, provides an upscale dining experience with white-tablecloth service. Their menu emphasizes North Indian cuisine, including classics like butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and various tandoori preparations. Expect to pay slightly more here, with entrees in the $16-22 range, but the ambiance and attentive service justify the premium for special occasions.
Rasoi, situated at 727 Westminster Street, has earned recognition for its contemporary take on Indian flavors. The restaurant features a modern interior and focuses on fresh ingredients and balanced spicing that appeals to both Indian food enthusiasts and newcomers. Their weekend brunch has become particularly popular among downtown residents.
What to Order and Expect
First-time visitors to Indian restaurants often feel overwhelmed by lengthy menus. Start with familiar appetizers like samosas (fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas) or pakoras (vegetable fritters). For main courses, butter chicken (murgh makhani) offers a mild, creamy introduction to Indian flavors, while vindaloo dishes provide spicier options for adventurous eaters.
Most Providence Indian restaurants offer various breads including naan (leavened flatbread) and roti (unleavened whole wheat bread). These are essential for scooping up curries and aren't typically included with entrees—you'll need to order them separately for $2-4 each.
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Biryani, a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables, serves as a complete meal and typically costs $14-18. Vegetarians will find extensive options at all Providence Indian restaurants, with dishes featuring paneer (Indian cottage cheese), lentils, chickpeas, and seasonal vegetables.
Timing Your Visit
Lunch buffets offer excellent value and variety, typically served daily from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. For $11-14, you can sample multiple curries, rice dishes, naan, and desserts. This format works especially well for first-timers wanting to explore different flavors without committing to full-sized entrees.
Dinner service usually begins around 5 PM and continues until 9:30 or 10 PM on weekdays, with extended hours until 10:30 PM or 11 PM on weekends. Friday and Saturday evenings often get busy, particularly at restaurants near Brown University during the academic year. Consider calling ahead for parties of six or more.
Most Providence Indian restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, typically from 2:30-5 PM, so plan accordingly if you're craving curry mid-afternoon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't order everything spicy unless you genuinely enjoy heat. Indian restaurants in Providence typically accommodate American palates and will ask your spice preference—"mild" still has flavor, and you can always add heat but can't remove it.
Avoid over-ordering on your first visit. Indian portions are generous, and dishes are meant for sharing. Two people can typically share an appetizer, two entrees, rice, and bread comfortably.
Don't skip the yogurt-based drinks like lassi or raita (yogurt sauce). These help balance spicy foods and enhance the overall meal experience. Many newcomers order only water and miss out on these traditional accompaniments.
Don't assume all curry dishes taste the same. Indian cuisine encompasses vastly different regional styles, spices, and preparation methods. The difference between a South Indian dosa and North Indian tandoori chicken is as significant as the difference between Italian and French cuisine.
FAQ
Do Providence Indian restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, virtually all Indian restaurants in Providence clearly mark vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and restaurants will modify preparations for allergies. Always inform your server of dietary restrictions when ordering.
Is Indian food in Providence authentically prepared?
Most Indian restaurants in Providence are owned and operated by Indian families who prepare traditional recipes, though some dishes are adapted to local tastes. If you want more authentic spicing, tell your server you prefer "Indian spicy" rather than "American spicy."
Can I find South Indian cuisine in Providence?
While North Indian cuisine dominates Providence's Indian restaurant scene, several establishments offer South Indian items like dosas (rice and lentil crepes) and idli (steamed rice cakes), particularly during lunch service. Call ahead to confirm availability of specific regional dishes.