Attached to the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, this Garden Oaks/Oak Forest restaurant offers an Indian dining option that may be especially enticing to vegan and vegetarian brunchers alike. Govinda’s culinary minds (from Bombay Brassierie) showcase an assortment of signature Indian dishes like fragrant seasoned rice, steaming saag paneer, soft chewy naan, and plump flavorful samosas at an excellent price point in a pretty setting.

This small chain from Austin has perfected the casual, fast food-esque Indian fare concept with dishes like kabob plates, curries, and chaats. Pick a base, protein, and a level spiciness for a delicious curry bowl of tikka masala, korma, vindaloo, or daal served alongside freshly made naan, roti, or basmati rice all for around $10.

It’s rare to find pizza topped with tandoori chicken, delicate paneer, and tangy cilantro mint chutney, but Downtown’s Bombay Pizza Company has been doing the Italian-Indian mashup for almost ten years. Fusion pies abound like a saag paneer pizza topped with spiced spinach, collard greens, paneer, and goat cheese; or a K. Renee’s pizza with tandoori shrimp and fresh crab topped with mint chutney. On Mondays, an 8-inch pie, drink, and salad are only $10.

Chef Anita Jaisinghani of Pondicheri creates award-winning multi-regional Indian cuisine at Indika. The restaurant balances flavors and spices with great care, infusing a delicate cashew sauce with pieces of chicken and marinating tender lamb with the heat of dried chilis. Stop in for Sunday brunch where coconut pancakes leave little to be desired.

Acclaimed Chef Anita Jaisinghani debuted Houston’s beloved Pondicheri in NYC, while her Houston spot remains a top local pick for Indian dishes inspired by Mumbai. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options include wraps, curries, stuffed rotis, and platters for a taste of everything. The space also includes a bake lab that serves up puffy pastries, scones, cakes, or a slice of sweet chai pie unlike any other.

Tucked in a quiet strip center on Westheimer, Indian restaurant Biryani Pot focuses on a slow-cooking southern tradition. Fashioned after a region in the Southeastern Indian state of Hyderabad, this eatery offers an affordable variety of traditional items in a simplistic, low-key environment. Order the juicy Sikh kebab, a lamb roll marinated with fresh coriander and spices; alongside some piping hot biryani, as is the namesake dish, made with rice, spices, and various meat or vegetables.

Housed in Fadi Mediterranean Grill’s previous space on Westheimer, this fledgling chain offers curries, rice dishes, and pastries galore. On weekends, the restaurant offers an unlimited lunch buffet brimming with options. We recommend trying one of the thalis, which is a singular perfect plate that boasts sweet, salty, and savory flavors, this one particularly (with both meat and vegetarian options) will quickly fill your belly with big flavor.

With the launch of Kiran’s new Upper Kirby location, Chef Kiran Verma, continues to wow patrons with his flamboyantly modern twists on traditional Indian dishes. Dig into bites like Raj Katori (lentil dumplings in a crispy house-made pastry shell) and Pani Poori (mini wheat puffs filled with potato, garbanzo beans, and pomegranate), before moving onto main course like cornish hen with a spicy tamarind glaze and chicken biryani; Chilean sea bass with a poblano-mango chutney; or a Moulard duck confit and tandoori duck breast. There’s an extensive wine list of over 300 labels, plus afternoon tea service on Fridays and Saturdays that serves up Chef Kiran’s own chai blend.

Himalaya’s Chef Kaiser Lashkari has a unique take on Indian and Pakistani food that has earned rave reviews from foodies and traditionalists alike. His best dishes include an Indian-esque pastrami in which cubes of beef are cured in a vat of spices. The menu also features flavorful kebabs, grilled meat, curries, and vegetarian offerings. The dishes are served in family size portions for a budget-friendly option.

Royal’s twenty-plus year-run in Houston is clear indication of the quality of its mouth-watering Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Chow down on thick, buttery tandoori-grilled lamb chops paired with yogurt dipping sauce, or “Tadka Dal” — spiced lentils in sautéed tomatoes and onions. Don’t skip Royal’s delicious desserts including a blissful kulfi (a thick, creamy ice cream topped with pistachios).

Popular Indian-Pakistani restaurant, Aga’s offers a wide bill of fare which includes a robust selection of halal meat and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant serves up fresh naan, biryanis, and curries. Carnivores can feast on succulent spiced lamb chops and creamy chicken vindaloo, while vegetarians can opt for saag (spinach) paneer and Malai kofta, made with cottage cheese steeped in a spice-infused tomato puree.