New Indian Restaurants in Nairobi (August 2026)

Nairobi has long been home to one of East Africa's most dynamic South Asian communities, and the city's Indian restaurant scene reflects that richly layered heritage. From the grand curry houses of Westlands and Parklands to the neighbourhood joints tucked along quieter roads, Nairobi offers an Indian dining landscape that genuinely rivals what you would find in many cities back on the subcontinent. This August 2026 roundup covers twenty spots — from old favourites that deserve fresh attention to addresses worth seeking out for the first time.

Whether you are craving a fiery Punjabi karahi, a quiet Gujarati thali, or a late-night biryani with friends, Nairobi's Indian restaurant community has you covered. Read on for the full list.

The Full List: 20 Indian Restaurants to Try in Nairobi

1. Diamond Plaza Food Court

Address: 46 Masari Road, Fourth Parklands Avenue Phone: +254 787 679 786 Cuisine: Indian / Pakistani

Diamond Plaza is a Nairobi institution — a bustling multi-level complex in Parklands that functions as a one-stop destination for South Asian shopping, services, and food. The food court pulls together a range of stalls and counters serving Indian and Pakistani favourites, from biryani and kebabs to freshly fried snacks. It is casual, fast, affordable, and almost always packed. Go hungry.

2. Maharaja

Location: Parklands Hours: Monday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm (check other days on site) Cuisine: Vegetarian Indian Website: maharaja.co.ke

Maharaja has been a stalwart of Nairobi's vegetarian Indian dining scene for years. The menu leans heavily on North Indian and Gujarati vegetarian classics — think dal makhani, paneer dishes, and a solid thali. Clean, reliable, and popular with families who want a guaranteed meat-free meal.

3. Mirchh Masala

Cuisine: Indian Website: mirchhmasala.com/menu

Mirchh Masala brings bold, spice-forward Indian cooking to Nairobi. The name says it all — mirch (chilli) and masala (spice blend) are at the heart of the kitchen's philosophy. Browse the full menu on their website before you visit; the selection is extensive and changes regularly.

4. Mumbai Grill

Location: Mwanzi Road Cuisine: Indian

Mumbai Grill channels the spirit of the city it is named after — busy, flavourful, and unpretentious. Located on Mwanzi Road, it caters to both the lunch crowd looking for a quick, satisfying meal and dinner diners wanting something more relaxed. Expect Mumbai-style street food classics and grilled preparations.

5. Masala Bistro

Location: Eastern Bypass Cuisine: Indian

Masala Bistro sits out along the Eastern Bypass, making it a convenient option for those living or working on that side of Nairobi. The bistro format means a slightly more contemporary feel compared to traditional curry houses, with a menu that covers Indian comfort food in a relaxed setting.

6. Sun Sweet Restaurant

Location: Off Ngariama Road junction Cuisine: Indian

Sun Sweet is a neighbourhood gem, the kind of Indian restaurant you discover through a local recommendation and then return to regularly. Located just off the Ngariama Road junction, it serves straightforward, home-style Indian cooking at accessible prices.

7. J Eatz Indian Restaurant

Address: 06 Chiromo Lane Cuisine: Indian

J Eatz sits on Chiromo Lane and offers a varied Indian menu in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. It is a solid choice for a weekday dinner or a weekend lunch when you want something reliably good without fuss.

8. Bombay Indian Restaurant & Night Club

Address: 15 Chiromo Lane Cuisine: Indian

A Chiromo Lane neighbour to J Eatz, Bombay Indian Restaurant extends the evening well beyond dinner with its nightclub element. The restaurant side delivers Indian favourites — tandoori, curries, biryanis — while the nightclub makes it a full night-out destination, particularly on weekends.

9. Namaste India Restaurant

Address: 9 Mogotio Road Cuisine: Indian

Namaste India is exactly what you hope a restaurant with that name will be — warm, welcoming, and genuine. The Mogotio Road location puts it in a convenient spot, and the menu covers the full spectrum of Indian regional cooking, from North Indian curries to South Indian staples.

10. Haandi Restaurant Ltd

Location: The Mall, Waiyaki Way Cuisine: Indian

Haandi is a Nairobi institution and consistently ranks among the best Indian restaurants in the city. Set inside The Mall on Waiyaki Way, it is accessible and well-known enough that even non-Desi Nairobians make it their first choice for Indian food. The haandi (clay pot) cooking style gives the food a distinctive depth of flavour. Reservations are recommended for weekends.

11. Open House Westlands

Location: Gallant Mall, Parklands Road Phone: +254 735 621 824 Email: openhouse.restaurant@gmail.com Website: openhouserestaurant.co.ke Cuisine: Indian

Open House Westlands lives up to its name — it is genuinely open and inclusive in its menu and atmosphere. Located in Gallant Mall on Parklands Road, it draws a mix of South Asian regulars and Nairobi's broader food-loving crowd. The website has the full menu, and the team is responsive to enquiries via email and phone.

12. BAPS Shayona

Location: 1st Parklands Avenue Cuisine: Indian / Gujarati

Shayona is the restaurant arm of the BAPS Swaminarayan community, which means it is purely vegetarian and deeply rooted in Gujarati food traditions. The menu is extensive and meticulously prepared — this is temple-quality cooking, clean and nourishing. An essential stop for vegetarians and Gujarati food lovers.

13. Saffron Indian Kitchen

Location: George Padmore Road Cuisine: Indian

Saffron Indian Kitchen brings a contemporary edge to traditional Indian cooking. The George Padmore Road location is easy to access, and the kitchen focuses on quality ingredients and careful spice work. A good choice if you want Indian food that feels a little more refined.

14. Punjabi By Nature

Location: Mugo Kibiru Drive Cuisine: Indian

True to its name, Punjabi By Nature specialises in the bold, buttery, hearty food of the Punjab. Expect outstanding dal makhani, rich butter chicken, tandoori preparations, and the kind of food that leaves you pleasantly full and immediately planning your return visit.

15. Bombay Chowpaty Ltd

Location: Mugo Kibiru Drive Cuisine: Indian

A neighbour to Punjabi By Nature on Mugo Kibiru Drive, Bombay Chowpaty takes its name and inspiration from the famous Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai. Expect Mumbai street food classics — pani puri, bhel puri, vada pav — alongside more substantial plates. A lively, fun dining experience.

16. Open House Karen

Location: Langata Road Cuisine: Indian

The Karen branch of Open House serves the same reliable Indian menu as its Westlands sibling but caters to residents and visitors in the Karen and Langata corridor. A welcome option for those who prefer to dine on the south side of the city without making the trek to Westlands.

17. The Mayura

Address: 69671 Nairobi, Dagoretti Road Cuisine: Indian

The Mayura is a well-regarded Indian restaurant on Dagoretti Road. The menu covers a broad spread of Indian classics, and the restaurant has built a loyal following among Nairobi's Indian community. A dependable choice for family meals and casual gatherings.

18. Ashiana Vegetarian Indian

Location: Muthithi Road Cuisine: Indian (Vegetarian)

Ashiana joins Maharaja and Shayona in Nairobi's strong vegetarian Indian dining lineup. On Muthithi Road, it offers a focused menu of vegetarian Indian cooking — ideal for those following a plant-based diet or simply craving a lighter, meat-free meal.

19. Chowpaty

Location: Crossway Cuisine: Indian

Chowpaty at Crossway rounds out Nairobi's representation of Mumbai-inspired street food and casual Indian dining. Quick, flavourful, and satisfying, it is a good spot for a fast lunch or an informal dinner when you want Indian food without a long wait.

20. Maharaja Restaurant

Location: Parklands Road Cuisine: Indian

Rounding out the list is the Maharaja on Parklands Road — a separate establishment from the Maharaja in Parklands noted above, serving the classic Indian restaurant experience that has made this part of Nairobi a go-to destination for South Asian food.

Where to Start

If you are new to Nairobi's Indian food scene, begin with the landmarks: Haandi for a classic night out, Diamond Plaza Food Court for a casual browse-and-eat experience, and BAPS Shayona for vegetarian cooking of real quality. From there, the Chiromo Lane cluster (J Eatz and Bombay) and the Mugo Kibiru Drive pair (Punjabi By Nature and Bombay Chowpaty) offer great back-to-back options if you are exploring by neighbourhood.

Nairobi's Indian restaurant scene continues to grow and evolve. Keep an eye on Desi.Net for the latest openings, reviews, and community updates.

Desi.Net connects South Asian communities across Africa and beyond. Find more Nairobi listings at Desi.Net.