Advertisement

Indian Restaurants in Beijing

If you’ve been hankering for real Indian food in Beijing, you’re in luck. The city might surprise you with spots that go beyond the usual curry and rice routine. Most Indian restaurants cluster around Sanlitun and Chaoyang , places popular with expats and locals alike. But don’t just head to the main drag; sometimes the smaller eateries hidden in side streets serve some of the best kadai chicken or paneer tikka butter masala you’ll find in China.

One thing to know: spice levels here can be toned down a bit, which is great if you’re new to Indian flavors, but don’t hesitate to ask for more heat if you want it. Speaking of tips, try to hit these spots for a weekend dinner. Many places get lively in the evening, and the atmosphere is casual yet buzzing. Oh, and don’t miss out on the fresh garlic naan , it’s often handmade and pairs perfectly with dal makhani.

Looking for a drink to go with your meal? Lassi is a great choice and sometimes you’ll find mango versions that taste like a dessert drink. At Tabla in Sanlitun, you can even catch live music on some nights, which makes it feel less like a standard restaurant and more like a hangout. So just pack a good appetite and you’ll fit right in.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Beijing:

If you're booking your trip to Beijing last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

Indian food tips from a local

If you want to avoid the louder tourist spots, try some of the smaller places near the Workers' Stadium or along Gongti Beilu. They often rely on word of mouth and tend to serve dishes that skew closer to what expats from India miss at home. One favorite of mine is Mataz in Sanlitun, which nails the spices just right without watering things down. Don’t forget to try their house-made chutneys , they add a fresh kick you don’t often get elsewhere.

Timing matters too. Restaurants tend to get busier and more lively after 7pm, so if you want a quieter meal, try early evening or late afternoon. And if you want to chat with the chefs, some spots run open kitchens, so you can watch them roll out fresh naan , it’s a bit of entertainment and a good way to guarantee the bread is hot and soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Indian food in Beijing? Here’s what you want to know.

Not really. Most Indian spots in Beijing import their spices or use fresh blends, so the flavor’s usually pretty authentic. But the heat might be milder than back home, so don’t hesitate to ask for spicier dishes if you like it hot.

Almost all Indian restaurants in Beijing offer plenty of vegetarian options. Places like Gulati in Chaoyang focus a lot on veggies and paneer dishes, so you’ll have no problem finding great meat-free meals.

Yes, especially around Sanlitun and CBD areas. Many restaurants also work with delivery apps like Meituan or Ele.me, so grabbing your favorite curry and naan at home is pretty convenient.

It depends on the place, but dishes like rice-based biryanis and many curries are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check with the staff about things like naan or fried snacks if you’re avoiding gluten.

A few do, especially around lunch hours. Some spots have combo meals with appetizers, mains, and sides for a fixed price. It’s worth checking the menus or calling ahead, as deals aren’t always advertised online.

Explore Restaurants Categories

Chinese (169 places) Beijing’s Chinese food scene isn’t just about Peking duck,though that alone deserves a trip. You’ll find everything from fiery Sichuan bowls to delicate dim sum in hidden alleys or lively neighborhood joints. If you want to eat where Beijingers actually go, head to places like Guijie (Ghost Street) late at night for… Explore
Asian (13 places) Beijing’s dining scene isn’t just about Peking duck and hot pot. If you’ve ever wondered about Asian cuisines beyond China’s borders, you’re in for a treat. Walk through neighborhoods like Sanlitun or Wudaokou and you’ll find everything from fiery Korean barbecue to delicate Japanese sushi bars, plus cozy Vietnamese… Explore
Fast Food (8 places) Fast food in Beijing isn’t just about grabbing a burger on the go,though you’ll find plenty of those too. The city’s fast food scene mixes local favorites with international chains, but the real gems are often tucked away in neighborhoods like Sanlitun or Wudaokou, where young locals grab spicy jianbing (Chinese… Explore
Seafood (7 places) If you think Beijing is all about Peking duck, wait until you try the seafood scene here. Sure, this is a landlocked city, but fresh fish and shellfish arrive daily from the coast, especially Qingdao and Liaoning. Some spots serve live seafood tanks, where you pick your crab or shrimp and have it cooked on the spot… Explore
Pub (4 places) If you’ve spent any time in Beijing, you know the city’s nightlife isn’t just about fancy bars or flashy clubs. Pubs here have their own vibe, often tucked away in neighborhoods like Sanlitun, Gulou, or even hidden down the alleys of Dongcheng. And unlike the usual tourist spots, some pubs feel like your local… Explore
Italian (3 places) Italian food in Beijing isn’t just about pizza and spaghetti , it’s a scene where you can actually find authentic flavors mixed with a few local twists. If you’re craving a proper wood-fired pizza, check out places like Casa Pasta in Sanlitun or Mercante near Gulou. These spots bring a slice of Rome without the jet… Explore
Tea House (3) • Diner (2) • French (2) • Japanese (2) •

Top Things To Do in Beijing

See All →

Top Things To Do in Beijing

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide VietnamMy Guide BangkokMy Guide Pattaya

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
{[{slotLabel(slot)}]}

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel