Indian Food is Having a Moment in Vegas Right Now

It feels weird to call Indian food “hot” in Las Vegas — and we’re not just talking about the spices. Restaurants throughout the valley have catered to our local Indian population for decades, but the cuisine is gaining new attention with recent high-profile openings. So, where to begin?

😋 Best On the Strip

Indian food has largely been overlooked by Strip resorts. That changed with the recent opening of Gymkhana at the Aria, based on the original in London, which earned two Michelin stars — kinda considered a big deal. The Vegas version lives up to the hype — big on spices and robust flavors inside a dining room that feels like a private club.

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Best for Date Night

While Gymkhana is impressive, Tamba is more relaxed, serving its own version of elevated Indian cuisine inside a stylish dining room at Town Square. I prefer the lounge, which has a gorgeous bar and comfortable couch seating to enjoy an Indian take on sushi, meats grilled over an open flame, and flavorful curries. The cocktail menu is deep — and exceptional.

🍽️ Best Buffet

Buffets are a staple of Indian cuisine, even if they’re harder to find in Vegas these days. Taj Palace has one of the best in town, available in both Henderson and Summerlin. The recipes favor organic ingredients and the bread is baked fresh and brought to the table.

🫣 Best for Newbies

There’s a reason Naan & Curry is expanding all over the valley with locations in the Southwest, Henderson, Summerlin, the Northwest, and Hughes Center near the Strip. The local chain serves approachable, exceptional takes on Indian classics, from chicken tikka masala to paneer pakora (batter-fried cheese), with detailed descriptions of dishes on both the menu and lunchtime buffet line. The dining rooms are casual, but cozy and contemporary.

👀 Best Pop-Up

Hemant Kishore is always up to something, offering some of the best, most personal takes on Indian cuisine throughout Las Vegas with The Toddy Shop, which is wrapping up its run at Durango Social Club with omakase experiences tonight (Feb. 19) and next Thursday (Feb. 26), plus his signature fried chicken, available for walk-ins the next two Fridays (Feb. 20 & 27).

🌱 Best for Vegetarians

India has the largest vegetarian population of the world, so it’s no surprise to see plant-based options featured heavily at Indian restaurants. Taste of Gujarat, which opened in Silverado Ranch last year and is already earning fans for a menu that leans heavily towards the vegetarian dishes associated with regional Gujarati cuisine. The recipes feature flatbreads, lentils, yogurts, and vegetables — mixing sweet and spicy flavor profiles — and frequently served in round thali trays.

🛒 Best Inside a Grocery Store

Rani’s Kitchen is a service counter with a menu that’s 100% vegetarian. The restaurant, located inside Rani’s World Foods grocery store west of the Strip, is known for its variety of paratha (flakey, layered pancakes) and a daily special that includes a choice of vegetables or curry, yellow lentils, rice, and rotis (flatbreads) on one plate.

Still hungry? Filipino food is growing in popularity in Las Vegas too 🇵🇭 City Cast Las Vegas discusses how the cuisine is helping to shape the culture and local economy of Filipino Town, which is gearing up for its first anniversary east of the Strip. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]