The 25 best Indian restaurants in metro Detroit

Phulkari

27707 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights; 248-541-3562; phulkarikitchen.com

Formerly known as Indo Pak Restaurant, this spot recently changed its name and renovated its interior. The family-owned eatery has been at the same location for over 28 years, serving up their personal cooking style.

Cardamom

1739 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-662-2877; cardamoma2.com

Since opening in 2013, this spot has had the goal of bringing together the East and West by merging traditional and modern flavors – a mission that is accomplished well. Also, the restaurant’s name comes from the “queen” of spices which is used in almost every dish.

Midnight Temple

2466 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-500-1053; midnighttemple.com

For a perfect blend of nightlife and great food, look no further. The beautiful decor makes the space feel welcoming. Whether you just want to play a game of pool and grab a drink, order food from the hidden kitchen, or both, this restaurant-bar has a versatile ambience perfect for every preference.

Nu Deli

22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; thenudeli.com

With a name derived from a portmanteau of New Delhi, India, and deli sandwiches, this food truck does exactly that, serving up Detroit favorites with an “Indian twist.” Some of these delicacies include a hot dog with masala sauce, a Reuben topped with Indian slaw, a tuna sandwich tossed with cilantro mint chutney, and an egg salad sandwich with curry leaf and green chili. The company is open from May through September and can be found at events and festivals across the city.

NeeHee’s Indian

45656 Ford Rd., Canton; 734-737-9777; neehees.com

In 2018, two metro Detroit eateries were named among the nation’s top restaurants by Thrillist. NeeHee’s was one of them. In the write-up, Thrillist highlighted the Canton restaurants’ “expansive menu” of Indian street food and traditional classics.

Jiti Indian Fusion

5114 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-432-2766; jitisfastfood.com

The owner of this fast-food spot makes his own hot sauces with awesome names: The Ass Reaper, The Ass Sizzler, Death Wish Sauce, and more. One of our reviewers did try The Ass Sizzler — and survived.

Paradise Biryani Pointe

22001 Michigan Ave., Unit 130, Dearborn; 313-406-2806 | 24305 Halsted Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-385-3451 | paradisebiryanipointe.com

This chain Indian restaurant serves up consistent food across the country at 40 locations in 16 states. Michigan is lucky to be home to two of them.

Charminar Biryani House

Multiple locations; charminarmi.com

With a brand new location in Midtown boasting beautiful murals, plus locations in downtown Detroit and Troy, this place puts the “charm” in dining.

Basil Indian Bistro

32621 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills; 248-862-2865; basilindianbistro.com

One of our food reviewers visited this place in April, and she enjoyed all of the dishes, as well as favorites like mango lassi and samosas. While there was little to no decor, she said the food was good enough to make up for the lacking atmosphere.

Noorjahan

Multiple locations; noorjahanmi.com

Since opening in 2013, this authentic restaurant has expanded to six metro Detroit locations: Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Park, Royal Oak, Chesterfield, Bloomfield Township, and Berkley. The eatery has 16 different curry options, numerous spice levels, and great naan bread.

Star of India

180 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-546-5996; starofindiami.com

This restaurant is a “star” of metro Detroit, as it won Best Indian Restaurant in Metro Times 2023 Best of Detroit reader’s poll.

Pink Garlic

26661 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park; 248-808-6495; pinkgarlicmi.com

Offering all of the usual dishes, this spot adds some traditional Indian desserts to its menu too, such as Gulab jam and Rashmalai.

Gift of India

34425 Grand River Ave., Farmington; 248-886-6004; giftofindia.us

Pizza and Indian flavors are apparently a great combination, and this spot proves it. The menu includes topping options like chicken masala, paneer schezwan, and gobi Manchurian, among many more. One of our reviewers said the Chicken 65 pizza is the best.

Ashoka Indian Cuisine

3642 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-689-7070; ashokaindiancuisine.com

This restaurant won Best Indian Restaurant in Metro Times 2022 Best of Detroit reader’s poll. Its chefs specialize in mughalai, south Indian, north Indian, and Indian Chinese cuisine.

Priya

72 W. Maple Rd., Troy; 248-269-0100; priyarestaurant.com

The wide menu at this place includes flavors and dishes from all parts of India.

Paradise Street Eats

1200 Randolph St., Detroit; 313-406-2806; paradisestreeteats.com

This food truck serves street food-style meals with an Indian twist. Some of their famous fusion dishes include chapati tacos with crispy butter chicken, south Indian dosas with zaatar, and Paradise loaded fries, seasoned and infused with Indian flavors.

Shrimp Flavours

529 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-905-7113; indianrestaurantypsilanti.com

Ann Arbor has a few Indian restaurants, but this is the only one in Ypsilanti, which is why the owners wanted to open it. Apparently when it first opened, it was supposed to mainly serve shrimp, but that’s not the case now. Don’t let the name deter you — Shrimp Flavours has all of the flavors and almost all of the traditional Indian dishes you could imagine.

India Flavors

29205 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-677-5555; indiaflavors.com

This restaurant serves a mix of old and new style dishes. It won Best Indian Restaurant in Metro Times 2021 Best of Detroit reader’s poll.

Nawab British Indian cuisine

3354 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-629-4090; nawabcuisinemi.com

Opening earlier this year with owners from England, this place serves up Indian dishes with a hint of British inspiration. The spot has been doing well so far, earning many favorable customer reviews and ratings on Google and Yelp.

Taste of India Suvai

217 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-327-6500; tasteofindiasuvai.com

There’s a good handful of Indian restaurants in Ann Arbor, but this one is winning. The interior is super homey and the menu offers a plethora of dosa, biryani, and curry options.