Are you this close to hopping on a plane to New Delhi to simply experience the best of Indian cuisine? Don’t book that trip yet – we promise Hamilton is keeping the spiciest secrets you’re just about to find out today!

From eateries on Victoria Street to hidden gems in the suburbs, our team tried and tested the city’s best spots for the ultimate Indian dining experience. We selected options for their awesome menu and even more awesome prices.

So, ditch that trip for later and try these spots – now!

1. Pappadomz

Located conveniently near Ibis and VR hotels, Pappadomz is a popular Indian food spot for tourists and locals alike. The moment we walked in, we immediately felt its homey vibe, thanks to the warm lighting and subtle smell of peppermint in the air.

We sample at least 4 dishes every visit, and we have to say their chicken 65 was a standout choice. The spices are just right, and it’s so perfectly cooked that the aromatics really seep into the meat.

We also enjoyed the chicken biryani for its generous portions and flavours that easily meet Kiwi preferences. For the light sides, the cauliflower fritters were crispy – nothing too extraordinary, but enough to add to any meal.

As for the service, we were surprised to note that they can easily accommodate specific occasions, even though they’re not a space-for-hire restaurant. One guest told us that they did a birthday surprise, complete with a song and cake.

For those who rather travel on wheels, we’re sad to note that there’s no dedicated parking. There is street parking, thankfully, but it’s hard to secure a spot unless you arrive during non-peak hours.

Welcoming staff and awesome food

“Restaurant manager was a very welcoming bloke and the food was awesome too. Has a Movenpick ice cream counter right inside so you could go for a dessert after main treat if you wish to. Pretty close to Ibis and VR hotels etc. right outside them.”

RN W | Google Reviews

Spot-on curry 

“Beautiful curry, medium was spot on heat wise and the cauliflower fritters were crisp and fresh. Service was good, I took it as take away they supplied me with a plate and utensils and as I did not want rice gave me extra dose. I’d certainly eat there again”

Annie Scarth | Google Reviews

2. Breeze Indian Restaurant

Breeze is a fantastic option if you want to try out lesser-known South Indian specialties like Kerala poricha kozhi and lamb chettinad. They’re not overwhelmingly spicy and are toasty and aromatic. The meat of the lamb really brings out the masala. 

Their cream-laden curries are beautiful as well, with layers of spices that really hit the spot. The butter naan is freshly made, with a hint of crispness – we find it a good pair with butter chicken and lamb bhuna gosht. 

Service is warm and attentive, catering to both adults and children. The turnaround for orders isn’t the fastest, but it’s not too bad considering they usually cater to groups. Food generally arrives within 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, if you happen to arrive during peak hours (like some of our team members did), the waiting time extends to at least 45 minutes. Surprisingly, their Uber Eats services remained fast and efficient.

While Indian culture isn’t super distinct with its interior, we do love that it’s clean and spacious enough to accommodate large family gatherings. Plus, they’re a budget-friendly option, with lunches starting at $20 to $30.

Incredible curries

“my favorite Indian restaurant in Hamilton. The tandoori chicken is done the right way – marinated for hours and cooked to order (with the bone on for all the flavor!). Their curries are incredible. Lamb chettinad is one of my favorites. Restaurant is clean & chic. 10/10 rec!!!”

Rachel DeNoyer | Google Reviews

Authentic Indian flavours

“The best Hyderabadi dum Biryani that I have had in NZ for sure. The food has authentic Indian flavour, the service is fast, quantities are good and the staff greets with a positive attitude. The taste definitely takes me back India and hats off to the chef and owner for not tarnishing it with cream overload. Keep it up!”

Shivang Pathak | Google Reviews

3. Mallu’s Corner

Locals know this restaurant for some of the best-value buffets in town. Priced affordably at $25, their weekend buffet is their biggest draw. It features dishes such as chili beef, fish curry, and Kerala-style snacks.

We also found out the restaurant’s strong presence within the Malayali community, with regulars trusting them for large catering orders. 

For non-buffer meals, the value for money remains exceptional. For lunch or brunch, diners can expect to spend about $20 to $30. We loved the egg puff and chicken rolls as they’re crispy and are filled with flavourful masala fillings.

For those who love spice, the chili pork will give you the perfect depth and intensity.

Other noteworthy factors include their solid packaging for takeaway orders – something we find important for meals like curries. Plus, there’s plenty of free parking nearby, making it accessible and convenient for big families.

The ambience, though, just missed the mark for us. There was one time we saw kitchen supplies in plain sight, while on a different visit, we noticed a strong lingering cooking odor that affected the experience.

Brunch that feels like a feast

“We had an incredible experience at the best Kerala restaurant in New Zealand. Traveling from Auckland on a Saturday, we were delighted to find a wonderful buffet lunch for just $25. It truly felt like a feast, and the flavors reminded me so much of home in Kerala. It was heartwarming to indulge in such delicious food that brought back beautiful memories. 🥰”

Joyce Johny | Google Reviews

Flavourful food anda  great experience

“We ordered biryani for 25 people, and overall, the experience was great. The food was flavorful and well-prepared, and everyone enjoyed it. However, there was a slight burnt onion taste in the dish, but it didn’t take away from the rest of the meal, which was excellent. Would definitely consider ordering again!

Basil Paul | Google Reviews

4. Salt Mango Tree

Those craving authentic Kerala flavours will find Salt Mango Tree to be a solid choice. A gem for lovers of South Indian cuisine, the restaurant immediately sets the vibe for a solid dining experience, with traditional Kerala artwork featured in the venue.

The service is fast and friendly. On top of that, they take the extra mile explaining the dishes too, even across language barriers. Even during busy lunch hours, we noticed how attentive they were to tables by checking up on diners occasionally.

As for the menu, they carry many classics, including the Kerala-style fish curry, Kappa with beef, and the ever-popular fork fry. The spices are just right, and the proteins are perfectly cooked to absorb the aroma of the ingredients.

Vegetarian options are equally strong, with options like the vegetable stew, coconut chutney, and paneer masala. We find the portions generous enough for sharing, at prices that are affordable for what they offer.

While we find the food generally delicious, we had other visits in which the quality of the food wasn’t the same as the last time. A little more consistency would be appreciated in this area, especially since it’s a pretty popular spot.

Authentic Kerala cuisine

“This is our second visit to Hamilton and Salt Mango Tree. Traveling with small children, we found Salt Mango Tree to be an excellent choice due to its high quality food. The authentic Kerala cuisine, paired with its great taste and pleasant ambiance, made our experience memorable. The staff are extremely friendly, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We highly recommend it to anyone who loves Kerala food.”

Amal Sureshbabu | Google Reviews

Friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere

“Had a great food experience at Salt Mangoes Hamilton! The buffet was delicious with a wonderful variety of dishes, all full of flavor. Friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere made it even better. Highly recommended!”

Sijo Abraham | Google Reviews

5. Royale Indian Restaurant

Royale Indian Restaurant is a great restaurant for both families and casual diners, inviting people in with plenty of seating and a welcoming ambience. 

There are ample parking spaces on lots and nearby streets too, making it a convenient stop. 

Their services accommodate various types of diners, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The prices are affordable too – after calculating the average, we see that diners only spend about $20 to $40 here for a full meal

The restaurant carries many classic Indian foods, such as the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, with vegetarian dishes like palak paneer and paneer curry too. 

The portions are just right, and the texture of the meat is perfect – not tough and sloppy, just perfectly tender. The veggies are fresh and have a nice crunch to them, though they’re sometimes not up to par with certain dishes.

Speaking of which, we did find certain meals, like the butter chicken, to be slightly sweeter than what we expected. It meets Kiwi preferences, but for those who love intense spices, it can be underwhelming.

Flavourful food for a fair price

“One of the best Indian restaurants I’ve been to in Hamilton so far. The food is full of flavor, and has options that I’ve never found in other restaurants. The prices are very fair. The service is also good and fast. I highly recommend it. For those who like seafood, I tried the Prawn Malabari for the first time, which is delicious. I had a drink called Mango Kulfi, which was also new and I really liked it. You should try this place, I’ll be back soon.”

Soraia Santa Rosa | Google Reviews

Tastes extra delicious

“My family have been eating food from here for many years, countless times. Good reliable food. They do a great daal, samosa and panner curry. Sometimes the food tastes extra delicious, perhaps if we luckily get their best chef. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for Indian food.”

Sophie Ward | Google Reviews

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