Ninh Binh, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of limestone mountains and meandering rivers, now beautifully complements its rich local cuisine by embracing the vibrant flavours of India. A growing number of Indian restaurants in Ninh Binh are delighting diners with authentic dishes like rich curries, fragrant biryanis, and soft, warm naans, providing a unique and memorable dining experience. Catering comprehensively to all tastes, including plentiful vegetarian and vegan options, Indian cuisine is emerging as a standout and sought-after choice in the area. Explore the best Indian restaurants in Ninh Binh with Vietnamstory, and let us guide you through the article below to discover that perfect balance of vibrant local dining and unforgettable Indian flavours!
Are there many dedicated Indian Restaurants in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is a charming provincial capital, not a massive international metropolis. Its culinary scene primarily caters to local Vietnamese tastes and general international tourist preferences rather than specific national cuisines like Indian. You won’t find a street lined with tandoors and curry houses here.
The primary reason is simple: demand. While Indian tourists are increasingly visiting Ninh Binh (which we love!), the numbers aren’t yet at a scale that would support multiple specialized Indian restaurants year-round. Most restaurants focus on Vietnamese specialties and some Western-style dishes.
However, this doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry or have to compromise entirely on flavors you enjoy!
READ MORE: Best time to visit Ninh Binh
Top Indian restaurants in Ninh Binh and must-try dishes
Curry King Indian Restaurant
For travelers captivated by Ninh Binh’s natural splendor, Curry King Indian Restaurant offers an authentic taste of India, serving as a true culinary gem. With a reputation built on its warm hospitality and an extensive menu featuring rich curries and aromatic spices, this spot provides a welcome and genuine Indian dining experience.
- Address: Noi Village, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh (Trang An) or Tam Coc, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Hotline: +84 8 5309 7992.
- Price range: 100,000 VND – 200,000 VND
- Menu highlights:
- Lamb rogan josh: Tender lamb simmered in a fragrant, spiced gravy.
- Palak paneer: Creamy spinach cooked with soft cubes of paneer, a vegetarian favorite.
- Chicken tikka masala: A classic dish loved for its smoky, tangy flavors.
- Samosas: Perfectly crispy pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas.
Saffron Indian Restaurant
Saffron Indian Restaurant offers a unique culinary journey, infusing traditional Indian recipes with a captivating modern twist, making it an unmissable stop for anyone seeking exceptional Indian food in Ninh Binh. Perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special celebrations, this restaurant consistently delivers an impressive and memorable Indian dining experience.
- Address: Doi 1, Van Lam, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Hotline: +84 9 8862 8400
- Price range: 100,000 VND – 300,000 VND
- Menu highlights:
- Butter chicken: A creamy, flavorful dish with tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.
- Chicken tikka: Marinated, grilled chicken chunks with smoky, spiced flavors, often served with chutney.
- Vegetarian dishes: A variety of flavorful options catering to vegetarian preferences.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Vietnamese food
Aroma Indian Restaurant
Step into Aroma Indian Restaurant, a favorite among locals and travelers in Ninh Binh, where the tantalizing scent of aromatic curries and the allure of freshly baked naan bread promise an authentic experience. Celebrated for its vibrant, flavorful dishes and a wonderfully warm, inviting atmosphere, this is your go-to place for a truly satisfying indulgence in classic Indian comfort food.
- Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Hotline: +84 98 5300 979
- Price range: 100,000 VND – 200,000 VND
- Menu highlights:
- Chicken vindaloo: A spicy and tangy curry with marinated chicken cooked in a blend of vinegar, tomatoes, and bold Indian spices, offering a fiery kick.
- Lamb tikka masala: Tender lamb pieces cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, flavored with aromatic spices and a hint of smokiness.
- Chicken samosas: Crispy, golden pastry pockets filled with seasoned chicken and spices, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Kadhai Indian Restaurant & Drink
Kadhai Indian Restaurant envelops guests in an ambiance of inviting elegance, where modern comfort is thoughtfully interwoven with artistic touches of Indian cultural decor. Its generously spacious layout effortlessly adapts, making it perfect for romantic, intimate dinners or vibrant, larger group gatherings alike. The experience is elevated by the genuinely attentive and friendly staff, who are dedicated to ensuring every visitor feels warmly welcomed and impeccably cared for throughout their time.
- Address: Dam Khe Ngoai Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Hotline: +84 932 280 181
- Price range: 100,000 VND – 200,000 VND
- Menu highlights:
- Prawn butter masala: Juicy prawns cooked in a creamy, buttery tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, delivering a perfect balance of richness and flavor.
- Paneer tikka masala: Soft cubes of paneer marinated and grilled, then simmered in a spiced, creamy tomato curry, offering a delicious vegetarian delight.
- Chicken curry: A classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful blend of spices, onions, and tomatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
Sun Flower Restaurant
Experience a delightful culinary fusion at Sun Flower Restaurant, where time-honored Indian recipes are creatively interwoven with subtle European flavours, and a dedication to healthy, wholesome options shines through. From the aromatic allure of a deeply flavorful curry to the cool, sweet embrace of a refreshing mango lassi, all enjoyed within its warm and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant crafts a truly memorable dining journey.
- Address: Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Hotline: +84 97 109 85 98
- Price range: 50,000 VND – 200,000 VND
- Menu highlights:
- Paratha: A flaky, golden-brown Indian flatbread, perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, ideal for pairing with curries or enjoying on its own.
- Jeera rice: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds and light spices, offering a subtly aromatic and flavorful side dish that complements any main course.
- Chicken curry: A classic dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of traditional Indian spices.
Chookie’s Beer Garden & Restaurant
Chookie’s is a very popular spot in Tam Coc, known for its relaxed atmosphere, good Western food, and some Vietnamese options. While not an Indian restaurant, they have been known to offer a simple curry dish or two in the past, and their menu is generally accommodating.
- Address: Tam Coc Road Dam Khe Trong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Bình
- Opening hours: Approximately 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (can vary by season)
- Hotline: +84 96 294 29 61
- Price range: VND 100,000 VND – 350,000 VND
- Potential Indian-friendly menu items:
- Vegetable curry / Chicken curry: They sometimes have a simple, Westernized version of curry. It won’t be a complex Rogan Josh, but it can be a comforting, mildly spiced stew with rice.
- Grilled chicken/Fish with rice: A safe and often tasty option.
- Vegetable stir-fries: Can be made to your liking.
READ MORE: Top 10 best restaurants in Ninh Binh
Practical tips for Indian travellers seeking food in Ninh Binh
- Communicate clearly: Don’t be shy! Use Google Translate or simple English phrases. “Vegetarian food,” “chicken, no spicy,” “rice,” “vegetables” are generally understood in tourist spots.
- Focus on tourist hubs: Restaurants in Tam Coc, Trang An, and near major hotels are more accustomed to international visitors and may have more adaptable menus or English-speaking staff.
- Hotel assistance: Your hotel concierge or reception can be a valuable resource for restaurant recommendations or even helping to communicate your dietary needs to a local eatery.
- Bring comfort snacks: If you have specific dietary restrictions or simply can’t go without your favorite Indian snacks (like khakhra, thepla, or biscuits), it’s wise to pack some.
- Embrace the adventure: While it might not be the exact Dal Makhani or Chicken Tikka Masala you’re dreaming of, trying the local adaptations or Vietnamese alternatives can be a delicious part of your travel experience!
Delicious alternatives for the Indian palate in Ninh Binh
While the hunt for purely Indian restaurants in Ninh Binh might be challenging, Vietnamese cuisine itself offers many delightful dishes that are often well-loved by my Indian friends, especially if you enjoy rice, fresh vegetables, and flavorful (but not necessarily spicy) food.
- Cơm Chay (Vegetarian rice platter): Ninh Binh is famous for its “Cơm Cháy,” which is crispy burnt rice. But “Cơm Chay” (note the different tone mark, “chay” means vegetarian) is a platter of white rice served with various vegetarian dishes. This can include stir-fried tofu, sautéed mushrooms, mock meats made from gluten, various braised vegetables, and a clear soup. It’s wholesome, and you can find many “Quán Cơm Chay” (vegetarian eateries) in Ninh Binh town.
- Rau Muống Xào Tỏi (Stir-fried morning glory with garlic): A staple across Vietnam. This water spinach is quickly stir-fried with lots of garlic. It’s simple, green, and delicious with rice. Many of my Indian vegetarian friends love this!
- Đậu Phụ Sốt Cà Chua (Tofu in tomato sauce): Soft tofu simmered in a savory tomato sauce. It’s mild, comforting, and goes perfectly with rice.
- Nem Chay (Vegetarian spring rolls): Whether fried (Nem Rán Chay) or fresh (Gỏi Cuốn Chay), these are filled with vegetables, tofu, and vermicelli, offering delightful textures and flavors.
- Lẩu Chay (Vegetarian hot pot): A fantastic communal meal, especially on a cooler evening. A simmering pot of vegetable broth is placed at your table, and you cook an array of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and noodles in it.
- Gà Nướng (Grilled chicken) / Cá Nướng (Grilled fish): Often marinated with lemongrass and turmeric (a familiar spice!), these can be excellent choices. Served with rice and fresh herbs.
READ MORE: Top places to visit in Ninh Binh
Conclusion
Discover the authentic, multifaceted flavours of India at the renowned Indian Restaurants in Ninh Binh, a unique culinary experience nestled in Vietnam’s scenic beauty. Whether you’re indulging in classic chicken tikka masala, robust lamb rogan josh, or an aromatic vegetable biryani, you’ll find each dish bursting with genuine taste. Perfectly catering to all tastes and dietary needs, these culinary destinations are ideal for anyone craving bold, intensely satisfying meals. Seize the opportunity to explore these standout eateries and enrich your Ninh Binh adventure with the unforgettable essence of India!