Indian restaurants are available in several parts of Amsterdam, including the historic city centre and nearby residential districts.
This guide is written for international visitors who want accurate, up-to-date information on Indian dining options, including confirmed locations and typical opening times.
It focuses exclusively on restaurants that can be verified as currently operating based on publicly available listings updated through 2026.
Table of Contents
What should visitors expect from Indian restaurants in Amsterdam?
Indian restaurants in Amsterdam typically operate as independent venues with evening-focused service.
Most specialise in North Indian cuisine, while a smaller number offer South Indian menus, reflecting dining patterns established in the Netherlands since the 1990s.
Which Indian restaurants in Amsterdam are currently operating and verifiable?
The restaurants listed below have confirmed Amsterdam locations and are referenced across multiple mapping and dining platforms.
Each entry includes location, timings, and practical context relevant to visitors.
1. Ashoka
Ashoka is one of the longest-established Indian restaurants in Amsterdam, specialising in North Indian and Mughlai-style dishes.
Location: Spuistraat, historic city centre, within walking distance of Dam Square
Timings: Typically open daily from approximately 17:00 to 22:30
Additional information:
- The menu follows a classic starter–main–side structure.
- Seating capacity is relatively large compared with similar central venues.
- Often used by visitors dining before theatre performances in the Spui area.
2. Rasoi
Rasoi is a well-established Indian restaurant serving primarily North Indian cuisine in Amsterdam Zuid.
Location: Maasstraat 10, Amsterdam Zuid, in the Rivierenbuurt district
Timings:
- Dine-in: Commonly operates in the evening, with opening times generally from around 17:00 until approximately 22:30, based on multiple public listings updated through 2026.
- Lunch service: Now available on weekends (Sat-Sun, 13:00–16:00).
Additional information:
- The menu includes North Indian curries, tandoori dishes, rice preparations, and vegetarian options.
- The restaurant serves both dine-in and takeaway customers, though service formats can vary by day.
- Location is practical for visitors staying in Amsterdam Zuid or attending events near the RAI area.
3. Meghna
Meghna is a compact Indian restaurant offering a concise menu of familiar curry and rice dishes.
Location: Utrechtsestraat, near Rembrandtplein
Timings: Usually open from around 17:00 to 23:00
Additional information:
- The menu prioritises widely recognised North Indian dishes.
- Limited seating means peak evening hours can fill quickly.
- Convenient for visitors staying in the eastern canal belt.
4. Saravanaa Bhavan
Saravanaa Bhavan focuses exclusively on South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Location: Amsterdam Zuid, near Europaplein and the RAI convention area
Timings: Commonly open daily as early as 10:00 or 10:30 until approximately 22:00
Additional information:
- The menu includes dosa, idli, vada, and rice-based meals.
- Fully vegetarian kitchen with standardised international menus.
- Frequently used by visitors attending exhibitions or conferences at RAI Amsterdam.
5. The Madras Diaries
The Madras Diaries specialises in South Indian cuisine with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Location: Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 41H, near Leidseplein, Amsterdam city centre
Timings: Typically open daily from 11:30 to 22:00
Additional information:
- The menu focuses on regional South Indian preparations rather than mixed Indian styles.
- The central location makes it suitable for visitors staying near Leidseplein.
- The dining room size is moderate, with reservations recommended on weekends.
Are Indian restaurants available outside the historic centre?
Yes, Indian restaurants are also present in districts such as Amsterdam Zuid.
From an editorial planning perspective, these locations are particularly relevant for visitors attending events or staying in areas outside the canal belt.
What types of Indian cuisine are most common in Amsterdam?
North Indian cuisine remains the most widely available style across Amsterdam.
South Indian cuisine is less common but is offered by a limited number of specialist restaurants, primarily in the city centre and Zuid, according to venue data as of 2026.
When is the best time to visit Indian restaurants in Amsterdam?
Indian restaurants operate throughout the year.
Most begin dinner service between 17:00 and 18:00, with weekday evenings generally quieter than Fridays and Saturdays.
Lunch service is not standard across all venues, so same-day confirmation of opening hours is advisable.
How easy is it to reach Indian restaurants by public transport?
Indian restaurants in the city centre are usually within walking distance of tram stops.
Restaurants in Zuid are reachable by metro or tram, with walking distances typically under 10 minutes, according to GVB maps updated in 2026.
FAQs
Q. Are opening times reliable?
Most restaurants publish opening times on mapping platforms and at the entrance.
Updates are typically made annually or when hours change.
Q. Is vegetarian Indian food easy to find?
Yes, vegetarian dishes are standard at most Indian restaurants.
Some venues, such as Saravanaa Bhavan, operate entirely vegetarian kitchens.
Q. Are reservations needed?
Reservations are advisable on weekend evenings, especially in central locations. For Ashoka, booking 48 hours in advance is now strongly recommended due to high demand. Walk-in seating is often available earlier on weekdays.
Q. Are Indian restaurants open on Sundays?
Most Indian restaurants remain open on Sundays.
Public holidays can affect hours, so checking current listings is recommended.
Summary: who this guide helps and how to use it
This guide is designed for visitors to Amsterdam seeking accurate, verifiable information on currently operating Indian restaurants.
The key planning takeaway is to choose a restaurant based on confirmed location and evening opening times, as menu formats across Indian restaurants in Amsterdam are broadly consistent.
Are there other cuisine guides visitors may find useful?
Visitors planning where to eat in Amsterdam often compare cuisines before choosing a restaurant.
Those interested in broader dining options can also consult the site’s overview of the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam, which follows the same location-based and practical format used in this guide.