James MartinIndian cuisine has always been a comfort food for me and my family. The flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting aroma of simmering curries have been a go-to—even though we’re not Indian and our spice tolerance is mid.
We’re just lucky to have such a wealth of options in Halifax, which we’ve been exploring for years. But to this day, we’re still surprised by how vast and varied the cuisine is.
No two butter chickens taste the same, and each biryani seems to carry its own unique story. If you’re curious about what these restaurants offer, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we’ve rounded the best Indian restaurants in Halifax. We also talk about their cuisine and their specialties so you know where to go when you’re craving something good.
1. Tawa Grill
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Website: https://orderdbc.com/Tawa/
Location: 1496 Lower Water St
Operating hours:
Monday-Saturday, 4 PM–9 PM
Phone: +19024220077
Must-have: Chicken Tandoori
Tawa Grill is a casual eatery known for their affordable plates that don’t skimp on size or flavor. It’s a favorite among the local Indian community, which means you can expect authentic dishes that don’t hold back on spice.
My favorite is the Chicken Tandoori—a spicy, smoky, and tangy meal that keeps me coming back for more. Cooked in a clay oven, the chicken is tender and juicy with a nice char on the outside that adds depth to its flavor.
Being in Halifax, Tawa Grill also takes full advantage of fresh seafood to bring us dishes like Shrimp Biryani and Chili Fish. They even have Ajwain (carom) prawn tikka, grilled in a tandoor to make it extra flavorful and satisfying.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their Mango Lassi. Sweet and a little tangy, it’s a refreshing way to end your meal and cleanse your palate. |
2. Besharam
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Website: https://besharamfood.com/
Location: 5680 Spring Garden Rd
Operating hours:
Monday-Thursday, 12 PM–11 PM
Friday-Saturday, 12 PM–12 AM
Sunday, 12 PM–11 PM
Phone: +19024440484
Must-have: Butter Chicken
Besharam is the first Desi Bar in town, merging classic Indian dishes with global flavors and culinary styles. Here, they feature Indian street culture but in a more formal dining setting, perfect for date nights and special occasions.
From their curries to their naan, everything I’ve had so far has been spectacular, but the Butter Chicken is a standout. I like to pair it with the Purani Haveli, a refreshing concoction of gin, cranberry juice, and cherry herring, sweetened with honey.
Located on Spring Garden Road, Besharam is a stone’s throw away from the Halifax Public Gardens, which is convenient because you’ll definitely need a walk after a meal here.
| Pro Tip: Ask for their Group Lunch deals if you’re stopping by between 12 PM to 3 PM. They’ll curate a variety of dishes for four people, offer unlimited bread and rice, and provide discounts for draught beer. |
3. Naan N Curry
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Website: https://www.naanncurry.ca/
Location: 6386 Quinpool Rd
Operating hours:
Monday-Wednesday, 5 PM–10:30 PM
Thursday-Sunday, 11 AM–10:30 PM
Phone: +19024441480
Must-have: Chana Masala
Naan N Curry has an extensive selection of authentic Indian dishes so there’s always something new to try every time. But I’d come here just for the street food, especially the crepe-like dosas served with sambar and chutney.
As its name suggests, the Naan is really a highlight on their menu. They have the usual plain, garlic, and butter options, but the stuffed naan is a step above, perfect for pairing with Chana Masala.
Aside from this spicy chickpea dish, they have an array of vegetarian options, such as Malai Kofta, Palak Paneer, and Aloo Gobi Masala. These are delicious, healthier alternatives to lamb and chicken curries.
| Pro Tip: Swing by during lunch hours, from 11 AM to 3 PM, to indulge in their specials. They’re all served with plain rice, naan, gulab jamun, and one choice of appetizers. |
4. Red Chillies Flavours of India
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Website: http://www.redchilliesns.ca/
Location: 936 Bedford Hwy Unit 108A, Bedford
Operating hours:
Daily, 11 AM–2 PM and 3:30 PM–10 PM
Phone: +19028327788
Must-have: Thalassery Biryani
Red Chillies Flavours of India might be all the way in Bedford, but it’s definitely worth the drive if you’re looking for a buffet. On Sundays, for $22.99 or less, you can stuff yourself up with a variety of dishes like Samosas, Chicken Biryani, and Aloo Gobi.
They switch up their buffet menu weekly to keep things interesting for their patrons. However, you can expect quite a well-rounded selection that includes appetizers, main courses, naan, rice, and of course, dessert.
What separates them from the rest is their Thalassary Biryani, one of the most popular dishes in Kerala cuisine. It uses short-grain rice instead of basmati and is infused with a specific blend of spices from the Malabar region, giving it milder heat.
| Pro Tip: Follow them on their socials to find out their Sunday buffet specials and other announcements. |
5. Adda Indian Eatery
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Website: https://www.addaindianeatery.com/
Location: Lower level, 5640 Spring Garden Rd
Operating hours:
Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Phone: +19024223501
Must-have: Paani Puri
Adda, which translates to hangout spot, is a casual restaurant serving its own modern takes on traditional dishes like Kottu Roti. I like that they have an ever-changing menu, reflecting the changing culinary trends and tastes of the community.
If you’re in the mood for small plates or need a quick, satisfying meal on a busy day, Adda is a fantastic choice. The service is speedy, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite without compromising flavor.
But the best part? Their menu has affordable options, costing no more than $15 per order, and they’re pretty generous with their portions.
Plus, on Thursdays, if you buy dosa, you get an extra one on the house!
| Pro Tip: Try their Masala Chai, a creamy, rich blend of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and milk. It’s a little spicy, sweet, and very soothing. |
6. Mirchi Tandoor
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Website: https://mirchitandoor.com/
Location: 5232 Blowers St
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Sunday, 12 PM–2:30 PM and 5 PM–10 PM
Phone: +19024294647
Must-have: Chicken Vindaloo
Mirchi Tandoor is a casual laid-back spot along Blowers Street. It’s not that big but it has a lot of patrons who keep the kitchen busy, especially at night.
One of their best dishes is the Chicken Vindaloo, a spicy and tangy curry from the Goan region. They add potatoes to this dish, which is something you don’t often see in Indian restaurants around town.
What I like about this spot is that you can pick your preferred spiciness level: Mild, Spicy, Hot, and Extra Hot. Even if you can’t handle too much heat, the food won’t be too intimidating and you can actually enjoy a meal here.
| Pro Tip: They are packed during dinner hours, from 5 PM to 10 PM, so arrive early to secure a table. |
7. Masala Delight
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Website: https://www.masaladelights.ca/
Location: 5361 Inglis St
Operating hours:
Daily, 11 AM–11:30 PM
Phone: +19024053320
Must-have: Chicken Curry
Highlighting South Indian cuisine, Masala Delight has all the quintessential dishes of this region: flavorful biryanis, crispy dosas, and savory curries. They’ll even plate your food on a banana leaf so you can have the full experience.
To get the best bang for your buck, I suggest ordering one of their combo meals. You can never go wrong with a Chicken Curry, rice, and naan combination, but there are other options worth trying.
You can upgrade the plain naan for an extra cost. Their freshly-made garlic naan is $1.99 while the tandoori butter naan is $1.49.
| Pro Tip: Save room for dessert! They have sweet treats like fruit salad, gulab jamun, and mango lassi. |
8. Rasa: Flavours of India
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Website: http://rasarestaurant.ca/
Location: 1542 Birmingham St
Operating hours:
Monday-Thursday, 4 PM–11 PM
Friday-Sunday, 4 PM–11 PM
Phone: +19024235995
Must-have: Chicken Korma
Another chic upscale Indian restaurant that you need to visit is Rasa. Nestled along Birmingham Street, this trendy spot is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, and late-night get-togethers.
The food is a bit on the pricey side, but still worth the splurge. My favorite is the Chicken Korma, a rich, creamy delight with a slightly tangy flavor, and it’s great with rice and naan.
Of course, no meal at Rasa is complete without exploring their boozy cocktail menu. If you don’t know what to get, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help.
| Pro Tip: Make a reservation a day in advance to enjoy a 10% discount on your meals. |
