A Taste of India in Tokyo: Indian Restaurants Worth Trying

After a few days in Japan, you might notice something familiar. The ramen is fantastic, the sushi even better, but suddenly you find yourself craving dal, a warm roti, or a plate of rice and sambar. That feeling is real, and the good news is that Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan are ready to help.

Tokyo’s Indian food scene is richer than many people think. There’s a curry house from 1949, South Indian counters busy with office workers at lunchtime, and quiet vegetarian spots serving real thalis. This guide shares ten of the best Indian restaurants in Tokyo, what to order, where to find them, and a few helpful tips. Come hungry.

What Kind of Indian Food Can You Actually Find in Tokyo? 

There are more Indian food options in Tokyo than you might expect, and it’s not just butter chicken. The city now has plenty of South Indian restaurants, especially near Tokyo Station and Toranomon, where Indian office workers often go for lunch. If you’re looking for North Indian restaurants with a richer menu and a slower pace, try Ginza or Roppongi.

Another nice surprise is the value. Many Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan offer weekday lunch sets with curry, rice, bread, and sides for much less than you’d pay at dinner. Here’s a quick map before we get started.

Nair's Restaurant

The Curry House That Started It All 

This is Japan’s oldest Indian restaurant, open since 1949, and one of the most famous Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. Founded by A.M. Nair, a Kerala-born supporter of India’s independence who settled in Tokyo, its small pink dining room near Kabuki-za still feels like stepping back in time.

Almost everyone orders the same thing, and you should too.

• Location: Higashi-Ginza, close to the Kabuki-za theatre
• Order this: Murgi Lunch, chicken simmered for hours and deboned at your table
• Good to know: The restaurant is small and popular, so be prepared for a short wait at lunchtime.
• Best for: A classic spot for your first Indian meal in Tokyo

Tokyo Bhavan 

The Successor to a South Indian Legend 

After Dhaba India closed for redevelopment, the team opened Tokyo Bhavan near Iidabashi, bringing their recipes with them. Now, it is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan, led by a longtime manager and a chef from Tamil Nadu who keep the flavours bold and authentic. There are eight types of dosa on the menu.

• Location: Iidabashi and Kudanshita, in Chiyoda
• Order this: The meals plate, which comes with a dosa or bhatura, plus Mutton Sukka
• Good to know: This is one of the busiest South Indian spots at lunchtime, so expect a line by noon
• Best for: Serious South Indian, from dosa to mutton

Erick South

The Biryani Everyone Talks About 

If you ask people in Tokyo about Indian food, Erick South usually comes up as one of the favourite Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. There is a stylish counter right inside Tokyo Station's Yaechika arcade and another location in Shibuya. The biryani is the main attraction, and you can get free rice refills, which is a nice South Indian touch.

• Location: Yaesu (Tokyo Station), plus a Shibuya branch
• Order this: Mutton biryani, or the meals set with sambar and rasam
• Good to know: If you love biryani, this place is one of the best Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan.
• Best for: Biryani and fast, spice-packed lunches

Nandhini 

A Toranomon Favourite for Regional Flavours

Nandhini draws Tokyo’s Indian community to Toranomon for its Hyderabad and Chettinad dishes, which are hard to find elsewhere. Weekday lunches fill up quickly with people looking for a taste of home, and the dosa with the daily curry is always a hit.

• Location: Toranomon
• Order this: Dosa lunch, biryani on select days
• Good to know: Lunch gets crowded, so arrive a little early
• Best for: Regional South Indian done properly

Andhra Kitchen 

For People Who Like It Properly Spicy

Of all the Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan, this place in Higashi-Nihombashi stands out for serving food as spicy as it comes. The kitchen specialises in bold Andhra dishes, and your plate will be refilled until you say you've had enough. This spot is not for anyone who can't handle serious heat.

• Location: Higashi-Nihombashi, near Bakurocho
• Order this: Andhra meals, chicken curry
• Good to know: The food is truly spicy, but you can ask the staff to make it milder if you prefer
• Best for: Spice lovers and big appetites

MotiOld-School North Indian in Roppongi 

Moti is one of Tokyo's first Indian restaurants and has been a favourite for North Indian food for many years. The Roppongi location, known for its Mughal-style arches, still serves soft bhatura and butter chicken that regulars have enjoyed for years. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

• Location: Roppongi, with a branch in Akasaka
• Order this: Butter chicken, chole bhature
• Good to know: Great for groups and families.
• Best for: Classic North Indian comfort food

Ashoka 

A Calm Ginza Classic

Ashoka has been serving refined North Indian food in Ginza for decades. It is one of the more relaxing Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan, making it a great place to unwind after a morning of shopping. The atmosphere is quiet and carpeted, with attentive service and generous portions.

• Location: Ginza, with a Shinjuku branch
• Order this: Tandoori platter, dal makhani
• Good to know: Lunch sets offer good value, and it is best to book ahead for dinner
• Best for: An unhurried sit-down North Indian meal

Nataraj

Vegetarian Food Even Meat-Eaters Rate

Nataraj is a vegetarian restaurant near Omotesando with an organic focus, and even meat lovers often end up impressed. The big windows, relaxed service, and standout thali show that vegetarian food is the star here, not just an option.

• Location: Omotesando and Harajuku, plus Ginza and Ogikubo
• Order this: Vegetable thali, dal with fresh naan
• Good to know: Vegetarian and vegan dishes are clearly labelled on the menu
• Best for: Vegetarian and vegan diners

Annam

The Easy Pick for Mixed Groups 

If your group can’t decide where to eat, this Indian restaurant in central Ginza is a great choice. Annam welcomes vegetarian, vegan, non-vegetarian, and halal diners, so it’s a real lifesaver when everyone wants something different.

• Location: Ginza
• Order this: Thali, tandoori, paneer dishes
• Good to know: The restaurant is halal-friendly, but it’s a good idea to check their current status when you make a reservation
• Best for: Mixed groups with different diets

Sri Balaji

Dosa and Idli in Nakameguro 

In the trendy Nakameguro area, Sri Balaji offers crisp dosa and soft kanchipuram idli with a variety of chutneys. It’s a relaxed spot to visit if you’re strolling along the canal on a quiet afternoon.

• Location: Nakameguro
• Order this: Masala dosa, idli with chutneys
• Good to know: The dining area is small, so it’s more peaceful if you visit during off-peak hours
• Best for: Dosa and idli in a trendy neighbourhood

Good to Know Before You Go

Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy the Indian restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. Once you know where to go, everything else becomes easier.

• Where to look: Head to Tokyo Station, Yaesu, and Toranomon for South Indian food. For North Indian cuisine, try Ginza and Roppongi.
• Timing: Lunch sets are usually the best deal, often costing between ¥1,000 and ¥2,000 for a full meal. Dinner is more expensive for similar dishes.
• Diet: It’s easy to find vegetarian, vegan, and Jain-friendly options. Halal food is also available at places such as Annam.
• Booking: Popular places often have long lines at lunch. For a quieter dinner, making a reservation is a good idea.

You might wonder if Indian food in Tokyo is authentic. Most of the time, it is, because many restaurants are run by Indian owners and chefs who cook for a local community missing home.

Fold Tokyo's Curry Trail Into Your Japan Holiday 

A tasty Indian meal can help you relax and keep your holiday feeling easy. Tokyo has plenty of great options once you know where to look. Try adding a few of these spots between your temple visits and nights out, and you’ll discover a whole new, delicious side of the city.

That’s where we come in. At Holiday Tribe, we’re holiday advisors who help you plan your holiday to Japan based on how you like to travel and eat. You can choose one of our ready-made Japan holidays if you want everything set up, or let our experts and AI travel planner create a custom holiday with food stops just for you. We plan for all kinds of travellers, so just tell us who’s coming and what you enjoy, and we’ll take care of the rest.