Visiting Reno? A South Asian Traveler's Food & Culture Guide

TL;DR

• 🍛 Reno has a small but expanding Indian restaurant scene, from vegan specialists to upscale newcomers.
• The Hindu community in Northern Nevada has been working to establish the region's first permanent temple for over a decade.
• Indian grocery options are limited in the city — plan ahead if you need specialty items.
• Weekend visits pair best with restaurant dining and any temple community programming.
• Confirm hours and dates before you go, as business hours vary seasonally.

Where to Eat: Reno's Indian Restaurant Scene

Reno is not a traditional South Asian hub, but its Indian dining options have grown meaningfully in recent years. The most established choice in the area is Haveli Indian Cuisine & Bar, located in Sparks at 287 Los Altos Parkway. Haveli pairs traditional Indian cooking with a full bar, a combination that works well for weeknight dinners or larger group outings. The setting is casual without being rushed, and the kitchen covers a broad range of North Indian staples.

For plant-based diners, Thali on West Street in Reno is the standout option. Thali takes an entirely vegan approach to Indian cooking, with a menu that leans on fresh preparations and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also offers catering and delivery, which makes it practical for Indian families traveling with multiple dietary preferences under one roof.

On the more casual end, 7 Spices Indian Restaurant & Tap House on Scheels Drive in Sparks combines traditional curry dishes with craft beverages. Its private event booking capability — for birthdays, corporate functions, and special occasions — makes it a reasonable choice for groups who need more than a standard restaurant table.

Two newer additions have expanded the options. Maharaja Royal Bites in Reno's MidTown district takes an upscale approach, with the kitchen led by Chef Sukhjiwan Singh. Desi Flavors, which opened in south Reno in 2026, takes the opposite direction — counter service and fast-casual convenience, well-suited for students and office workers.

Insider Tip: Most Reno-area Indian restaurants close on Mondays and may have shortened midweek lunch hours. If you are arriving midweek, call ahead to confirm service times before making plans around a specific restaurant.

The Hindu and South Asian Community in Northern Nevada

The South Asian population in Northern Nevada has grown steadily over the past two decades. University of Nevada, Reno draws students from across South Asia, and the area now has enough families to support cultural and religious organizations that would have been impractical a generation ago.

The most significant institutional development has been the effort to build the Hindu Sanathan Dharam Temple of Northern Nevada — the first permanent Hindu temple in the region. The groundbreaking took place in October 2011. The project envisions a full sanctuary with decorated images of major Hindu deities, a courtyard, garden, community hall, and classrooms. Beyond worship, the temple is intended to serve as a community center for cultural, religious, and educational programming. The community has marked festivals including Diwali, Holi, Baisakhi, Navratri Garba, and Onam through the years, often gathering in rented spaces while the permanent building comes together.

For many years, Reno's Hindu families traveled to Sacramento, Livermore, or Yuba City to attend established temples for major festivals. Some still make that drive for events of particular significance, but the growing local congregation is changing that calculus.

Practical Tips for Desi Travelers Visiting Reno

Reno handles a steady flow of South Asian visitors — road-trippers between California and Utah, conference attendees, and families with students at UNR. A few practical notes for planning your trip.

Indian grocery options in Reno are limited. Travelers who need specialty spices, lentils, dal, or snacks should stock up before leaving the Sacramento or Bay Area metros, both of which have large-format Indian grocery stores. Reno has some international grocery sections at chain supermarkets, but specialty Indian items are inconsistent.

For major festivals, the Hindu community organizes events through the temple organization. Check social media pages and community group listings for Navratri Garba nights, Diwali Milan gatherings, and Holi celebrations. The scale of these events is more intimate than what you find in Chicago or New Jersey, but they are community-driven and open to visitors who are new to the area.

If you are visiting for a weekend and want the most complete South Asian cultural experience Reno currently offers, combine a dinner at one of the established restaurants with any temple community event running during your stay.

Confirm hours and dates before you go.

FAQ

Q: Are there Indian grocery stores in Reno? A: Full-service Indian grocery stores are limited in Reno. Stock up on key pantry staples from Sacramento or the Bay Area, which have multiple large Indian markets within easy reach.

Q: Is there a Hindu temple in Reno? A: The Hindu Sanathan Dharam Temple of Northern Nevada has been under development in the region since 2011. Contact the community directly for current service schedules and event listings.

Q: Which Reno Indian restaurant works best for groups? A: 7 Spices Indian Restaurant & Tap House and Haveli Indian Cuisine & Bar both offer catering and private event bookings. Contact each restaurant directly to discuss group arrangements.

Q: Does Thali serve meat? A: Thali is a fully vegan Indian restaurant and does not serve meat or dairy-based preparations.

Q: When are Reno Indian restaurants typically closed? A: Most are closed on Mondays, and some have shortened midweek hours. Confirm hours and dates before you go.

Bottom Line

Reno is not a South Asian dining destination on the level of Houston or the Bay Area, but the options are real and growing. From the vegan cooking at Thali to the upscale approach at Maharaja Royal Bites to the established crowd-pleasers at Haveli Indian Cuisine & Bar, a weekend visitor has enough to work with. The Hindu community continues to build permanent infrastructure, and cultural events happen throughout the year on a scale suited to a mid-sized Western city. Plan ahead on groceries, check temple pages for festival event timing, and you will find the visit worthwhile.