Food lovers will testify that one of the greatest joys in life is being able to try out new delicacies and cuisines from all over the world. But not everybody is able to travel to different countries to try out their food and culture, right? The next best thing, getting the food down to you by visiting the international kitchen of wherever you want to try in your local area.
It was a fact that many of us who grew up watching “Jodhaa Akbar” or Zee World’s Khumkum Bhagya used to wish we were part of the movie when the food scenes were shown, with the large spread of dishes on round trays.
The good news is, you can get these foods now in the state you live in and at really affordable prices, too. Many of these restaurants also accommodate large groups, so you can go visiting with friends.
6 Best Indian Restaurants In Abuja
1. Cilantro Restaurant
2. Wakkis Restaurant
3. Masala Wahala
4. Serendib Restaurant and Bar
5. Kebab and Curries
6. Indigo Restaurant and Lounge
Best Restaurants In Abuja
This is a list of some of the very best Indian restaurants in the city of Abuja.
1. Cilantro Restaurant
Cilantro is one of the best restaurants in Abuja, Pan-Asian food aside. But when you add the fact that they serve the best Indian cuisine, it just makes it even better. Often, the first name mentioned when it comes to Indian delicacies and fine dining in the city of Abuja.
Their perfect blend of flavors and spices to make authentic indian food and a large array of menu to choose from makes it easy for people to love their dishes. There is always something delicious for you, even if you are new to the indian food scene
And the ambience? Two words, a fairytale. Cilantro has both an indoor dining area and a vast, beautiful garden where large groups of people can dine together in relative privacy. At night, the pathways and trees strung in lights give a Disney-like movie scene to the area.
The food is great, the ambience is beautiful, and the service? Impeccable. Servers who are attentive and genuinely want you to enjoy your meal serve the dishes. In all, It’s a 10/10
Location: Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, Maitama, Federal Capital Territory
Price Range: ₦25,000
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
2. Wakkis Restaurant
Famous for its open kitchen concept, where you can watch the chefs make your dishes, Entertainment, and Dinner.
Wakkis is an African-Asian fusion restaurant where you can get both Nigerian and Oriental dishes. The real draw for most people, however, is their Indian cuisine that combines several blends of Indian spices to create a culinary masterpiece.
Their dishes cater to both vegan and non-vegan dishes, and also have a kids’ menu, ensuring that there is always something for everybody, from their chicken biryani to the palak paneer. The environment is serene and beautiful, elegantly decorated in a traditional Indian style, with rich colors and vibrant textures, and the aroma of spices and curries fills the air.
Wakkis does get crowded with a lot of people during rush hours due to its popularity, but for its price, we call that a minor inconvenience.
Location: 171 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Price Range: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
3. Masala Wahala
Nestled inside the popular Ceddi plaza, Masala Wahala is your go-to when you want a bit of southern indian experience mixed with touches of Nigeria to liven up your day. The interior is stylishly decorated with wooden canes and indoor plants set around a white background that just feels natural.
Also called Nkoyo, the restaurant serves a blend of Nigerian dishes and Mediterranean cuisines, but of course, their main calling is to serve delectable South Indian delicacies, offering guests everything from crispy dosas to spicy biryani and even some specific curries.
The restaurant is perfect for business meetings or a romantic date night with your partner. It has the soothing sound of a piano that lulls you into conversation. The outdoor area is ideal for hanging out with friends when you are feeling adventurous enough to try out something new and different.
Location: First floor, Ceddi Plaza, Central Business District, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Price Range: ₦12,000 – ₦20,000
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
4. Serendib Restaurant and Bar
Serendib offers guests both a taste of India and Sri-Lankan dishes, offering an exotic array of dishes from the two different but similar countries. The restaurant is decorated with handcrafted traditional Sri-Lankan artworks for an immersive experience and elegantly arranged so guests can enjoy a view of the city while they eat.
Perhaps, the best thing about this restaurant, however, is the buffet menu, which is only available on Sundays, where you can get a wide range of dishes all at affordable prices, from several different types of biryani to the chicken kothu rotti and the vegetable samosas.
Location: Madiana Close, Wuse, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Price Range: ₦10,000
Hours Open: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
5. Kebab and Kurries
The first thing you notice when you get inside Kebab and Kurries is its unique decor, a far cry from many other Indian restaurants that go for the traditional Indian decor and minimalist look.
K and K is a small cosy hidden restaurant, coolly decorated in colorful punk murals and artworks, and features lighting that brings to mind old alien movies with their weird circular light rings..
While not offering a large array of Indian dishes, the restaurant specializes in two of India’s most popular foods, Kebabs and Curries, which it gets its name from, and which they have mastered. Their food is well-cooked, like the succulent seekh kebabs and the amazing butter chicken, which are a must-try. They also offer a simple collection of cocktails and drinks to choose from.
The service is just one word, great, and the coziness of the place makes it ideal for date nights and hangouts.
Location: 22 Ajesa Street, Off Monrovia Street, Wuse, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Price Range: ₦20,000
Hours Open: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
6. Indigo Restaurant and Lounge
Indigo is a trendy restaurant that blends chic modern aesthetics with lounge ease while offering a diverse asian menu to feast from in the very heart of Abuja.
Although their menu does give emphasis to many other dishes with a unique blend of Chinese, Nigerian, Indian and continental dishes, which might be a hard nut for people looking for an authentic indian experience, the chef in charge of the indian food does a great job from the chili garlic naan to the vegetable samosas.
Perfect for a friendship hangout, it’s diverse menu ensures that there is something for everybody and those feeling a bit adventurous with their meals. The upbeat music and lounge setting keep the ambience friendly and lively. And the range of cocktails just makes things better.
Location: 31 Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Price Range: ₦10,000 – ₦15,000
Hours Range: 9:00 am – 4:00 am
Abuja offers some of a best range of Indian dishes, from more traditional style restaurants deeply rooted in regional foods to more contemporary and diverse restaurants that offer pan-asian or fusion dishes. There is something delicious for you, whether you are a tourist, trying out international meals in a different country, or a local looking to boost their list of meals eaten and try something different but still great. So, which one of these Indian restaurants will you try in Abuja?
