The gastronomy of the largest country in South Asia is almost as vast as its size. The Indian restaurants in Madrid are a small approach to its culinary richness that roughly could be differentiated between the north, where more flours, milk and creams are used for cooking, and the south, where it is more common spicy and rice.
Although there are some common points: the spiciness and the mixture of spices. One of the most common and that almost everyone relates to Indian cuisine, in addition to curry, is the masala, which literally could be translated into English as a mixture of spices, and carries among other things cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom or nutmeg -in each house is given its special touch.
1. Benares
Benares, which takes its name from the sacred city of India, combines seasonal local produce and modern techniques with classic elements and traditional Indian recipes, resulting in haute Indian cuisine.
This restaurant came to the district of Chamberí after his success in London, where he has a michelin star and has one of the indoor terraces most appetizing restaurants in the capital city.
Average price: 50 per person.
Zurbano Street, 5 (Chamberí)
2. Taj Mahal Restaurant
Whether it’s because of the number of restaurants (there’s practically one at each end of the city) or because its menu includes everything you’d expect from a classic Indian restaurant, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the capital. If you dare with the spiciness you can go for the lamb vindalo, a typical dish from the south. And if not, the tandoori, which are effectively made in the traditional tandoor oven, have a touch between smoky and spicy that make the product worked in the perfect dish.
Various locations.
Average price: 25 per person.
3. Tandoori Station
Tandoori Station is a classic among the Indian restaurants in Madrid because it is one of the oldest. Pakistani chef Nadeem Siraj opened this restaurant in 2005 after traveling halfway around the world cooking, and having participated in TV Programs such as Master Chef Spain.
They have a tasting menu which is perfect if you are going for the first time, but if you decide to go on your own, the murgh ka tikka, a marinated chicken breast with yogurt, lime and ginger is a must.
Average price: 35€ per person.
Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 89, 91 (Salamanca district)
4. Udaipur
Udaipur is part of the Khazuria group, which has five other Indian restaurants in Madrid. Its menu fuses tradition with avant-garde touches and adds a cocktail offer as maximalist as the decoration of the restaurant. This encounter between India and nods to Spanish cuisine, with a touch of creativity, materializes well in three specialties: chicken tikka masala croquettes, eggplants in chickpea flour and emperor sobjhi.
Flavor, color and high doses of spice are the protagonists of Udaipur’s menu.
Average price 30€ per person.
P.º de la Castellana, 74 (Castellana)
5. Moharaj
Lavapiés is probably the area with the highest concentration of Indian restaurants in Madrid and Moharaj stands out among them. Its décor may not be the most exquisite, but none of that matters when you try their curries brought from India.
It is always a sign of authenticity when locals eat on site, and at Moharaj it is common for the clientele to be Indian. Its menu follows the a,b,c of Indian cuisine that has spread throughout Europe, but always well executed and at a lower price, yes, than the rest of the restaurants on the list.
Average price: 15 per person.
Ave María Street, 18 (Lavapiés)
6. Bangalore
Bangalore is the Khazuria Group’s commitment to the more sophisticated side of Indian tradition. The restaurant’s name refers to a southern city, which is also known as the garden city of India, and is embodied in its jungle-like setting and lush plants.
Like its dining room, Bangalore’s menu is full of color, thanks to the variety of sauces and spices cooked in tandooristyle. Starters such as pakora (assorted vegetables coated in chickpea flour and stir-fried) or Bangalore salad and main courses perfect for sharing and ideal to accompany their aromatic rice dishes and naan breads made in the traditional oven. In addition to its delicious vegetarian dishes, such as malay copta, potato and cheese dumplings in Swabian and creamy almond sauce.
Average price: 30 per person.
Calle Diego de León, 63 (Salamanca neighborhood)
7. Curry and Cinnamon
Between India and Nepal is Curry and Cinnamon, an Indian restaurant in the Goya neighborhood. In this small and very decorated place, everything from the tandoori bread to the mango ice cream for dessert is made. Although many of the recipes are adapted to Western tastes, some dishes with a special twist such as chicken tikka curry with cream, Nepalese style, or their curries with vegetables are worth a try, with many options for vegetarians as is in fact typical in Hinduism.
Average price: between 25 and 30€
Espartinas Street, 7 (Goya).