Curry, Samosas, and Masala Chai Where to find Indian cuisine in Belgrade
Mapa mag continues to talk about the best establishments of national cuisine in Belgrade. This time, we’ve gathered cafes and restaurants where you can try authentic dishes of Indian cuisine: curry, tandoori chicken, and mango lassi.
Words: Daniil Korzhuev
Photos: promo
Biryani Central
A small authentic Indian café in the very center of Belgrade. In terms of concept, «Biryani» is closest to fast food — the establishment has only a few tables, and food is served on plastic plates. Here they prepare Indian samosas, pakora snacks, chicken curry, and special attention is given to biryani — a very popular dish in India made from basmati rice and spices (here they also add curry to it). The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options — you can even order a special meatless combo: samosas, pakoras, and fried vegetables. The drink selection is limited: traditional masala tea and two types of lassi — a refreshing yogurt-based beverage from the state of Punjab.
• Vase Čarapića 5 • Instagram •
Spice
A cozy restaurant with a modern interior in Banovo Brdo. The ceiling is adorned with greenery, flower pots are randomly placed between the tables, and jars of spices are on wooden shelves — all of this creates the atmosphere of a rural cottage, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The menu is extensive — almost half of it consists of vegetarian dishes. In addition to classic curries and samosas, here you can try pakoras with shrimp, Indian cream soups, traditional Kashmiri rogan josh (stewed meat with spices), and tandoori chicken cooked in a real tandoor oven. And also at «Spice», there is a wide selection of naan bread — with cheese, onions, peanuts, and even mint.
• Žarkovačka 21A • Instagram •
Diwali Mahal
An Indian restaurant on the Sava waterfront in New Belgrade. The interior is filled with light, featuring minimalism, simple furniture, and bright ornaments on the floor. At «Diwali Mahal», you can try tikkas (pieces of meat or vegetables cooked over fire) made from chicken and, for example, fish. By the way, they also serve fish curry here. The restaurant also offers the main Indian street food — kathi rolls — with variations including chicken, lamb, and traditional South Asian cheese paneer. For dessert, there are two types of Indian halva to choose from — with banana and carrot, and of course, it’s worth having it with masala tea.
• Savski nasip 9a • Instagram •
Maikhana
A family Indian cuisine restaurant in Slavija. The interior features a lot of wood, exposed brickwork, and luxurious leather sofas in the corners. The menu is not very extensive: curry, Indian appetizers, and several types of paratha flatbreads. Among the unusual offerings is a vegetarian kofta (a type of meatball) made from vegetables and potatoes with cottage cheese. You can try the traditional Punjabi dish, matar paneer (curry), or another variation of matar with mushrooms.
• Beogradska 4 • Instagram •
