What’s the best Indian restaurant in Hong Kong? Here’s 5 contenders, from Chaat to Chutney
From newer openings Nine One and Prince and the Peacock, to Manav Tuli’s latest outing Leela, these trendsetting venues prove Hong Kong is one of the best places to eat Indian food on the planet
Asking “what’s the best Indian restaurant in Hong Kong?” is a little like asking where’s the best place to get Chinese food in New York. In both cases, long-established immigrant communities have built deep historical ties between their homeland and adopted country and there exists a wealth of fantastic restaurants one could mention.
In Hong Kong’s fast-paced F&B world, popular restaurants come and go but the city’s Indian eateries have shown enduring popularity in this often fickle town. Gaylord, one of Hong Kong’s oldest Indian restaurants, is still going strong after more than 50 years.
While the old guard remains, a raft of newer restaurants are raising standards and shifting perceptions of Indian food here, demonstrating that there’s far more to Indian cuisine than the traditional thick curries and fluffy naan. Here are five showcasing the very best of contemporary Indian cuisine in Hong Kong.
1. Chaat
Chef Manav Tuli’s elevated take on Indian street food shifted perceptions and catapulted Indian cuisine into the realm of fine dining in Hong Kong. Chef Gaurav Kuthari has taken the reins now and the quality has not suffered one bit. The lamb rogan josh is simple but delightful. @chaathongkong
2. Chutney
When it opened in 2022 the most common description you’d hear of Chutney was “like Chaat, but easier to book”. In truth, Chutney sits somewhere in between Chaat’s sophisticated approach and a more traditional curry house – classic dishes like butter chicken are elevated through tweaks like a truffle raita. @chutney.hk
3. Leela
4. Nine One
Since opening earlier this year, Nine One offers a unique take on Indian food in Hong Kong. Mumbai native and executive chef Samaira Kavatkar proudly boasts that her concept is “an Indian restaurant with no curries” and pushes back against the Anglo-Indian style of cooking that typically predominates abroad. @nineonehk
5. Prince and the Peacock
Situated on the first floor of the former Central Magistracy building in Tai Kwun, Prince and the Peacock is suffused with colonial grandeur. It’s an appropriate setting for a restaurant inspired by India’s rich heritage, pre- and post-Raj. Palash Mitra, who has overseen the Michelin-starred New Punjab Club, leads the team here and delivers fantastic results at affordable prices. @princeandthepeacock
