NH44 Indian Brewing Co. Opens in Herndon as Minerva Pauses for Kitchen Renovations

Herndon gained a distinctive new dining destination when NH44 Indian Brewing Co. quietly opened at Arrowbrook Centre, offering an Indian-influenced craft beer taproom paired with a menu that spans subcontinental dishes and American staples. The brew pub, named after National Highway 44 — the longest highway in India — represents a novel concept for the Northern Virginia Desi community, blending the familiar flavors of tikka and seekh kabob with house-brewed lagers and IPAs. Meanwhile, Minerva Indian Cuisine, whose original location was founded in Herndon back in 1998, has temporarily shuttered its Gaithersburg branch for kitchen renovations with no reopening date yet announced.

🍛 NH44 Indian Brewing Co. Debuts at Herndon's Arrowbrook Centre

NH44 Indian Brewing Co. has quietly opened its doors at Arrowbrook Centre in Herndon, bringing a novel concept to Northern Virginia that combines an Indian-influenced craft brewery with a full-service restaurant. The establishment sits off Centreville Road, just south of the Dulles Toll Road, in the same retail center that houses Paris Baguette and the Super Kyuramnen Japanese ramen restaurant. The Burn, which first reported on plans for NH44 as far back as February 2025, noted that the team intentionally kept its soft opening understated, though word is now beginning to spread through the community. The restaurant menu blends Indian and American flavors, starting with appetizers such as Stuffed Jalapenos, House Wings, and Onion Rings. Hand-tossed pizzas are on offer as well, including a Classic Cheese, a Chicken Tikka Pizza, and a Kisan — meaning Farmers — pizza loaded with fresh vegetables. Heartier mains include Shrimp Tandoor and a Lamb Seekh Kabob, while desserts feature Kheer, the classic South Asian rice pudding flavored with cardamom. On the beer side, NH44 pours its own lineup of house brews: a Sarpanch Amber Lager, an Asli Tiger West Coast IPA, and a Dharma and Karma Pilsner. The name pays tribute to National Highway 44, which runs the full length of India and stands as the country's longest road, giving the entire concept a distinctly subcontinental identity. [2]

🍛 Minerva Indian Cuisine Temporarily Closes Gaithersburg Location for Kitchen Upgrade

Minerva Indian Cuisine, one of the region's most established South Asian restaurant chains, has temporarily closed its Gaithersburg location at 16240 Frederick Road for renovations. A representative confirmed that the restaurant is replacing its kitchen equipment, though no timeline for the reopening has been announced to the public. The closure is routine in nature — focused entirely on upgrading physical infrastructure — rather than a signal of any broader concern for the chain. Minerva has long been a mainstay for Indian food lovers in the greater Washington region, serving authentic cuisine that draws on multiple culinary traditions from across the subcontinent, with a particular emphasis on traditional flavors and presentation. The chain's connection to Herndon runs deep: Minerva was founded in 1998, and its very first location was established in Herndon, Virginia, where it built its early reputation among Northern Virginia's South Asian community. The restaurant later expanded to additional outposts throughout the region, including locations in Maryland and elsewhere in Northern Virginia. For Herndon diners and longtime Minerva patrons, the Gaithersburg closure is a temporary inconvenience rather than a cause for concern. The restaurant has not shared an estimated date for when the Gaithersburg location will resume service, and customers are advised to check with the restaurant directly for updates on the reopening. [5]

Sources: [2] The Burn · [5] The MoCo Show -