Indian Food in Bangkok: Where Indian Travellers Eat

Indian food is easy to find in Bangkok, thanks to a large and long-established Indian community. Head to Pahurat, Bangkok's Little India next to Chinatown, for vegetarian kitchens and sweets, or to Sukhumvit around Soi 11, Nana and Asok for many North and South Indian restaurants. Malls, hotels and delivery apps add more choice, and Jain meals are possible with clear requests.

Many Indian travellers, especially families with parents, like to have a few Indian meals in Bangkok alongside Thai food. The city makes this easy. This guide explains the main areas, how to find pure-vegetarian and Jain-friendly kitchens, and how to judge a place before you sit down, without naming individual restaurants, which change often.

Where to find Indian food

Pahurat, Bangkok's Little India

Pahurat grew around a community of Indian traders, many of them Sikh and Punjabi, and is known for fabric shops, Indian groceries and the Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara, which serves langar, a free community meal. Lanes nearby have small vegetarian restaurants, snack shops and sweet shops. It is next to Chinatown, so combine the two in an evening.

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit has the widest choice of Indian restaurants, from casual dhabas to more formal dining rooms, around Soi 11, Nana and Asok. Many offer vegetarian thalis, dosas and North Indian curries. It is also a convenient place to stay for Indian travellers. Our where to stay in Bangkok guide compares neighbourhoods.

Pure-vegetarian kitchens

Some restaurants are entirely vegetarian, which many families prefer. Look for "pure veg" in names, menus or reviews, and ask whether the kitchen uses eggs.

Jain-friendly food

Jain travellers can ask for food without onion, garlic and root vegetables; some Indian kitchens are used to this request. Thai jay food, marked with yellow flags, also excludes garlic and onion, as well as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Our vegetarian and Jain food in Thailand guide explains more.

South Indian food

Dosas, idlis and South Indian meals are available in Sukhumvit and around Silom, and some places serve filter coffee.

Sweets and snacks

Indian sweet shops and snack counters in Pahurat and Sukhumvit sell mithai, samosas and namkeen, useful for families and for festivals such as Diwali.

Delivery apps

Grab Food and LINE MAN list many Indian restaurants, with menus and reviews. Delivery is handy for hotel dinners after long days or with tired children and parents.

Hotel requests

Many hotels can prepare simple Indian vegetarian dishes or breakfasts on request, especially those used to Indian groups. Ask when booking.

Choosing a restaurant

• Look for busy places with high turnover and visible kitchens.
• Read recent reviews that mention vegetarian or Jain food specifically.
• Ask whether the kitchen cooks meat and vegetarian food separately.
• Check whether ghee, onion, garlic or root vegetables are used if you are Jain.
• Confirm "no egg" separately, as egg is often treated as vegetarian.

Trying Thai vegetarian food too

Bangkok also has many Thai vegetarian restaurants and jay stalls. Our vegetarian street food guide covers what to try.

Timing your meals

Indian restaurants in Bangkok usually open for lunch and dinner, with some closing in the afternoon. Book ahead on weekends and festivals.

For families and parents

Familiar food helps older parents and fussy children. Plan one Indian meal a day if needed, and try Thai food at other meals.

Visiting Pahurat

Pahurat is busy and crowded, with narrow lanes of fabric shops and stalls. Visit in the late afternoon or early evening, combine it with Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, and take care with bags in crowds. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths who cover their heads and remove shoes; langar is served at set times.

Staying in Sukhumvit for food

Many Indian families choose a hotel in lower Sukhumvit, between Nana and Asok, because Indian restaurants, pharmacies, malls and the BTS Skytrain are all within walking distance. It makes late dinners and quick breakfasts easy, especially with children or parents.

Breakfast

Hotel breakfasts in Bangkok usually include fruit, toast, cereals, eggs and Asian dishes; some add Indian items such as idli or paratha. Indian cafés in Sukhumvit serve breakfast too.

Festivals

During Diwali and Navratri, Pahurat and Indian restaurants in Sukhumvit are lively, with sweets and special menus. Book ahead for festival meals.

Groceries

Indian grocery shops in Pahurat and Sukhumvit sell atta, dal, spices, snacks and pickles, useful for longer stays or serviced apartments.

Silom, Bang Rak and the riverside

Silom and Bang Rak, near the river, have long had a South Indian presence, with the Sri Maha Mariamman temple on Silom Road and Indian restaurants nearby. It is convenient for travellers staying at riverside hotels. Visit the temple in the morning or evening, dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.

Malls and food courts

Large malls such as those around Siam and on the river have food courts with Indian counters or vegetarian options, useful for quick, air-conditioned meals between shopping. Prices are moderate and menus usually have pictures.

Prices and portions

Indian restaurants in Bangkok range from simple, good-value canteens in Pahurat to more expensive dining rooms in Sukhumvit and hotels. Thalis offer the best value. Portions are usually generous, so share dishes in groups.

Practical Jain tips

Call or message restaurants ahead to ask about Jain food, visit at less busy times so the kitchen can take care, and keep a few ready-to-eat items for days when choices are limited.

Quick South Indian breakfasts

For early starts, South Indian cafés serving idli, dosa and filter coffee are a quick, light option before temple visits.

Next steps

Read our vegetarian and Jain food in Thailand and where to stay in Bangkok, or see our Bangkok page.

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Your questions, answered

Where is Little India in Bangkok?

Pahurat (also spelt Phahurat), next to Chinatown, is Bangkok's Little India, with Indian shops, fabric markets, a Sikh gurdwara and vegetarian restaurants. It is near the MRT Sam Yot and Wat Mangkon stations.

Where can I find Indian restaurants in Sukhumvit?

Sukhumvit, especially around Soi 11, Nana and Asok, has many Indian restaurants serving North and South Indian food, including vegetarian places.

Is Jain food available in Bangkok?

Some Indian vegetarian restaurants can prepare Jain food without onion, garlic and root vegetables on request. Ask clearly, and look for places that mention Jain options.

Can I order Indian food through delivery apps?

Yes. Food delivery apps such as Grab Food and LINE MAN list many Indian restaurants in Bangkok, useful for hotel dinners with family.