A Culinary Tour Of Baltimore's 7 Vibrant Indian Restaurants
Image Credit: Indigma | Image Credit: Facebook

Baltimore, a city known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, has also become a hub for culinary exploration. Among the many cuisines that have found their home in this vibrant city, Indian cuisine stands out as a tantalising and culturally enriching experience. Indian restaurants in Baltimore offer a wide array of flavours, spices, and dishes that cater to both the adventurous food enthusiast and those seeking comfort in familiar flavours.  

The presence of Indian restaurants in Baltimore is a testament to the city's evolving cultural landscape. The early 20th century saw the first Indian immigrants arrive in the United States, seeking opportunities and a better life. By the mid-20th century, Indian communities had established themselves in various American cities, including Baltimore. These early immigrants brought with them not only their skills and aspirations but also their rich culinary traditions.   

Over the years, Indian restaurants began to sprout across Baltimore, gradually introducing the city's residents to the flavours and aromas of India. These establishments have since evolved to cater to a diverse clientele, offering a wide range of regional cuisines and adaptations to suit different palates.   

Beyond being culinary havens, Indian restaurants in Baltimore hold cultural significance. They serve as ambassadors of Indian culture, allowing patrons to explore and appreciate the country's rich heritage through its food. The decor and ambiance of these establishments often reflect elements of Indian art and design, immersing diners in a sensory journey that goes beyond just taste.   

If you’re an Indian living in Baltimore and want to experience the touch of your motherland through food, we are here to help you. This article will provide you with seven Indian restaurants in Baltimore. Take a look: 

  • Namaste Baltimore   

This Indian restaurant will offer you various Indian and Nepalese foods. It is a family-owned restaurant that uses fresh ingredients to prepare Indian foods. The restaurant specialises in chicken tikka masala. Besides, shrimp pakora and samosa are the best appetisers you can have there. There are also other delicacies like chicken momos, tandoori chicken, onion pakora, and lasuni gobi. The ambiance is eclectic and inviting. 

Address: 413 W Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States 

Specialties: Chicken tikka masala, shrimp pakora, samosa, chicken momos, tandoori chicken, onion pakora, and lasuni gobi. 

Time: Sun-Thurs: 11:30 AM-11:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM-12:00 AM 

  • Akbar Restaurant   

This restaurant is a perfect place for lunch as well as dinner. Most customers appreciate the serene atmosphere and quick service of the restaurant. They offer a buffet, which includes dishes like chicken chaat, onion bhajia, paneer pakora, seekh kebab, peshwari nan, and murg jehangiri. Besides, they also have various vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

Address: 823 N Charles St. #B, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States 

Specialties: chicken chaat, onion bhajia, paneer pakora, seekh kebab, peshwari nan, and murg jehangiri. 

Time: Mon, Wed, Thurs: 12:00 Noon-2:30 PM; 5:00 PM-10:00 PM; Fri: 12:00 Noon-2:30 PM; 5:00 PM-10:30 PM; Sat: 12:00 Noon-3:00 PM; 5:00 PM-10:30 PM; Sun: 12:00 Noon-3:00 PM; 5:00 PM-9:30 PM; Tue closed 

  • Kumari Restaurant  

This restaurant provides a variety of Indian food made with traditional Nepalese spices. Their popular food items include chat papadi, govinda manchuria, daal soup, kutchuber salad, chicken pasanda, and lamb jalfrezi. You can either eat at the restaurant or order food online. They also offer catering services and organise occasions like weddings, birthday parties, cocktail receptions, and business lunches. They provide a warm and inviting ambiance. 

Address: 847 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230, and 911 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 

Specialties: chat papadi, govinda manchuria, daal soup, kutchuber salad, chicken pasanda, and lamb jalfrezi.   

Time: Mon-Thurs: 11:30 AM-10:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM-10:30 PM; Sun: 11:30 AM-10:00 PM 

  • Indigma   

The restaurant specialises in both north- and south-Indian dishes. The menu changes with the season, so expect authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients. Some dishes that are a must-try include gobi manchurian, lamb vindaloo, open-face samosa, and malai kofta. They also have an extensive beer and wine list and many handcrafted cocktails. They have classy indoor as well as outdoor seating. 

Address: 900 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States 

Specialties: gobi manchurian, lamb vindaloo, open-face samosa, and malai kofta 

Time: Tuesday-Sunday: 5:00-9:00 PM; Monday closed 

  • Tandav Indian Cuisine

The location of the restaurant is very convenient and offers takeout service, enhancing the influx of customers. You can also enjoy a gala dinner or lunch with a warm and inviting ambiance. They specialise in chicken korma. Other popular dishes include lassi, bhindi masala, and soup specialties. You can also try dum chicken biryani, tandoori chicken, rasmalai, and kheer. They are known for serving sufficient quantities. 

Address: 1725 E Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21231, United States 

Specialties: chicken korma, lassi, bhindi masala, soup specialties, dum chicken biryani, tandoori chicken, rasmalai, and kheer.   

Time: 12:00 Noon–9:00 PM 

  • Ambassador Dining Room 

This is an award-winning fine dining restaurant with a special and classy ambiance. It is the perfect restaurant to host your special occasions. The place has an excellent outdoor patio overlooking an urban oasis. It offers a weekend brunch buffet as well as online delivery. The buffet offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. For non-vegetarians, the menu includes a platter of chicken or lamb. Some of the popular items include soup specialties, tandoor items, chicken korma, lamb vindaloo, navaratan curry, and others. The ambiance is well-lit and has touches of Indian culture.   

Address: 3811 Canterbury Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218, United States 

Specialties: chicken korma, chicken tikka masala, shahi korma, lamb vindaloo, navaratan curry 

Time: Tue-Sun: 11:00 AM-10 PM; Monday closed 

  • Darbar Cuisine Of India 

This place offers great Indian food in a pleasant and comfortable setting. They have an extensive menu with flavourful dishes. The ambiance is casual and inviting, with friendly staff. Their special items include chicken tandoori and medium-spice saag. You can never go wrong with their benghan aftab, palak tikki, chicken malai, traditional thali, and garlic nan. 

Address: 1911 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD 21231, United States 

Specialties: chicken tandoori, medium spice saag, benghan aftab, palak tikki, chicken malai, traditional thali, and garlic nan. 

Time: Sat-Thurs: 11:00 AM-2:30 PM; 5:00-10:00 PM; Fri: 5:00-10:00 PM