12 Indian Food Hotspots in Newcastle
Spice up your life with a mouthwatering meal at one of the city's many Indian eateries
Indian cuisine is more diverse than ever these days, with restaurants offering everything from traditional cooking, authentic regional specialities and modern interpretations to fine restaurant dining or food on the go, with something to suit every taste and budget.
Here in Newcastle, we're blessed with a wealth of amazing Indian restaurants worth shouting about so strap in for our round-up of culinary hotspots to enjoy across the city centre.
Dakwala, Grainger Street
A brand-new addition to Newcastle's dining scene, Dakwala opened its doors on Grainger Street in early April of 2024. Inspired by the diverse cuisine of Bombay, the restaurant offers a wide selection of small plates perfect for peckish diners, plus heartier mains ideal for bigger appetites. Guest will find everything from familiar favourites like Old Delhi butter chicken and king prawn tandoori to unique dishes like Desi tacos, Kerala fried chicken and bang bang lamb rolls, and the Bombay focus extends to its tempting cocktail menu too. If there's a must-try dish it's Dakwala's flagship "Bombay Burger", a spicy potato patty stuffed in pav bread and topped with sweet and spicy chutney which we think would be fabulous teamed with one of those Bombay-inspired cocktails.
My Delhi, Clayton Street
This award-winning vibrant Indian restaurant specialises in authentic Delhi street food and cuisine. Creating dishes bursting with flavours and rich spices, as well as an eclectic mix of traditional fare with modern twists, they serve up Delhi’s ancient history direct to your taste buds so you can eat like a king and enjoy a dining experience made famous by the Mughal Empire. With multiple awards and accolades under their belt - including Street Food Restaurant of the Year at the 2023 Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards - a delicious meal at My Delhi is guaranteed.
Sachins, Forth Banks
Since opening its doors over 40 years ago, Sachins' Punjabi cuisine has been a local favourite. Owner Kulmeet "Bob" Arora, a former regular diner, took charge of the restaurant in 2000, and has only helped solidify its reputation further. There’s no spice for spice's sake here: all ingredients are sourced for authenticity and even the spice grinders are brought in from India. Dishes use the finest, freshest spices, meats and vegetables, all blended to perfection and resulting in a unique experience every time. Customers and critics agree the taste shines through even the hottest dishes on the menu.
Simla, Side
Picture yourself on the Indian west coast with the aroma of spicy Goan fish curry filling the air, tantalising your senses. Or dining on melt-in-the-mouth lamb Kashmiri rogan josh or jardaloo, a classic Parsi curry infused with sweet apricots and cinnamon. Simla’s punchy ingredients transport you around the world without even leaving the city, and don’t worry if you’re not a meat eater - their extensive menu features a host of vegetarian dishes with the same unforgettable flavours.
Dabbawal, High Bridge
Nestled on High Bridge, Dabbawal brings Mumbai's vibrant street food culture to the heart of the city. Its relaxed and unfussy vibe sets the scene for guests to enjoy the atmosphere, the sizzle of the cooking and of course the delicious food: home-cooked, nutritious dishes that feed the body and comfort the soul. Its varied menu features something to suit all kinds of palates with small plates and big eats that cater to lovers of meat and seafood alongside diners following vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Don't leave without trying their Bombay Bomb or bhel puri - they're the stuff of Newcastle legend.
Khai Khai, Quayside
Owned by the same team behind Dabbawal, Khai Khai dubs its culinary direction as "retro Indian comfort food" with a menu celebrates India's rich melting pot of food traditions. Since opening its doors in 2020, it has established itself as one of Newcastle's most popular and celebrated restaurants with high-profile fans that include celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay (who hailed their Old Delhi butter chicken as the best curry of his life) and food critic Grace Dent who raved about their signature tandoori broccoli. With glowing recommendations like that, you'd be a fool not to book a table at Khai Khai.
SnackWallah, Grainger Market
All vegan, all fresh, all authentic - that's the motto at SnackWallah. Their ethos is built on a love of Indian cuisine and a passion for sharing. The family-run business values sustainability and sources produce locally from other small businesses while never skimping on flavour. If you love curries, chaat dishes and signature specialities paired with a delicious chai or fresh fruit lassi then pull up a seat.
Rasika, Sandhill, Quayside
Stunning views of the River Tyne and some of the most iconic landmarks in Newcastle sprinkle a little extra magic over an already sumptuous dining experience at Rasika. With a menu packed full of traditional dishes, such as the chicken tikka mosalla, korma and jalfrezi as well as a few specialities such as bhuna kathi gosht, keema murgh and fish chilli mosalla all prepared to an exacting authentic standard, Rasika has a relaxing, soothing atmosphere that complements its food perfectly.
Ayla, Grey Street
Based in the former building of Newcastle’s well-loved Tandoori Nights, Ayla has transformed the space into the epitome of modern Indian dining with a contemporary menu to match, overseen by restaurant director Fahima and her husband Shuel Ahmed. They pride themselves on not using preservatives or colourings, and after the spicy hit there’s also an array of palate cleansing traditional desserts, including Kulfi, an Indian ice cream, and Kheer, an Indian rice pudding, which are very popular with diners.
URY, Queen Street
Close to the Quayside under the shadow of the iconic Tyne Bridge, URY brings a taste of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine to the city. It's an ideal spot for food after a Quayside stroll with curries of Sri Lankan peppered beef and coconut kingfish waiting to delight diners' taste buds and plenty of wines, spirits and cocktails to complement their meal.
Karma Kitchen, Bigg Market
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or just like great-tasting Indian food served via a wide range of delicious dishes, packed with plant-based goodness - Karma Kitchen is for you. The family-run eatery freshly prepares vegan curries available for collection or delivered straight to your door. Infusing each dish with love and never compromising on quality, their offer seeks to deliver a completely different Indian culinary experience.
Rani, Queen Street
Besides the comfortable location and friendly welcome you get at Rani, they also dedicate themselves to producing hearty, high-quality food for everyone. They offer a vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu so however individual your tastes you’ll get the most exquisite North India-inspired dishes alongside their top-notch service.
Everyone’s mouths should be watering in anticipation by now, so get out there and do your taste buds a solid by experiencing the best Indian food Newcastle has to offer.
