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Top picks in Little India

Indian food and tea

You want a meal that pairs the depth of Indian spices with a proper cup of tea. You expect both parts of the experience to be handled with care.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine image 1
Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine image 2
Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine image 3
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Small, unassuming restaurant offers authentic Kerala cuisine with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels like home. The vibe stays relaxed and casual, welcoming quiet conversation. Known for delicious South Indian dishes like dosa and biriyani, it stands out for its genuine flavors.

Masala dosa stands out with its perfect texture and rich flavor, especially paired with silky coconut chutney and steaming sambar. The mutton biriyani and beef roast also deliver strong, tasty Indian flavors.

Masala tea stands out with its rich, spicy flavor. The black tea here is strong and authentic, making it a solid choice for tea lovers.

People are saying

"I found the Kerala food here to be really authentic and nice."

"The masala chai here is spicy and delicious."

"I found the Kerala Indian food here to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Mintza South Indian & Kerala cuisine opens at 7am, making it ideal for early breakfast.

2

Parking can be very limited, so plan to arrive early.

3

The restaurant offers the cheapest masala dosa at $4.99.

02
Ruman Chai Shai & Restaurant(Zabiha Halal) image 1

Small, cozy space with outdoor seating and beautiful decoration creates a welcoming, homely vibe. Atmosphere feels like a Dhaba-style spot where people relax and enjoy authentic Hyderabadi flavors and chai. The place is lively with many visitors, making it less private but perfect for casual gatherings.

Samosa chaat stands out with its sweet yogurt sauce and mix of textures. Biryani offers balanced flavors and precise cooking. Drinks like Mango Lassi complement the spices well.

Irani chai stands out as the most authentic and flavorful, capturing the true essence of Hyderabad. The chai pairs well with Osmania biscuits and offers a welcoming spot where people enjoy hanging out and sipping tea.

People are saying

"I found the Irani chai here to be the best in town."

"I found the Iranian chai to be the best in town."

"The Indian food here is flavorful with tender goat and aromatic rice."

Good to know

1

Prices at the counter may differ from those advertised on the menu.

2

Some menu items may take longer to prepare than others.

3

The portion sizes are generous, providing good value for money.

03
JK Kabab Express Chicago image 1

Bright, hospital-like lighting contrasts with a chill, quiet atmosphere that suits late-night dining. The menu offers extensive options, including vegetarian dishes, with flavorful, well-seasoned kabobs and rich butter chicken standing out. The place draws those seeking authentic, late-night meals in a clean, calm setting.

Biryani stands out with authentic flavors and a perfect balance of masala and spices, often served in large portions. The butter chicken is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, pairing well with garlic naan that is soft inside and crisp outside.

Akbari chai stands out with its exceptional flavor and is served generously, sometimes with complimentary refills. The tea consistently impresses with its excellent quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and tasty."

"The Indian food biryani here is flavorful and authentic."

"I found the chai to be very, very good."

Good to know

1

They have a buy one get one free biryani deal on weekends.

2

Finding a suitable parking spot in Devon, especially on weekends, is challenging.

3

The restaurant is open late for late-night cravings.

04
Thali Corner image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy space with a casual, relaxed vibe and clean, no-frills atmosphere. The place feels charming and passionate about traditional Indian cuisine. It draws people looking for authentic, well-spiced thali and biryani dishes.

Masala dosa and onion masala dosa come out light and crispy with generous fillings. Biryani options like chicken and mutton offer rich flavors and tender meat. Vegetable thali includes a variety of spiced vegetables, papad, roti, and rice, all well-prepared.

Ginger chai stands out with a strong, authentic flavor like in India. The sulaimani chai and zafrani chai also rank highly and pair well with thali dishes.

People are saying

"I found the biryani here to be the best flavored in town."

"I found the ginger tea here to be amazing and refreshing."

"The Indian food biryani here is amazing and smoky."

Good to know

1

Tips are cash only.

2

The biryani thali offers a generous portion for the price.

3

Student discount deals provide a good amount of food for the money.

05
AJWAAH SWEETS image 1
Restaurant

Small space with limited seating encourages quick visits and takeout. Bright, clean environment supports a friendly atmosphere focused on authentic Desi sweets and snacks. Prices remain affordable despite occasional menu changes and crowding during peak times.

Authentic flavors shine in sweets like gulab jamun, barfi, and jalebi. Savory options include crispy samosas, flavorful chaat, and halwa puri, paired well with masala tea and mango lassi.

Bubble tea stands out for its unique and exceptional taste. Masala tea pairs well with fresh samosas and halwa puri, offering a flavorful experience.

People are saying

"These samosas are crispy, flavorful, and reminded me of home."

"Their Indian food, especially the samosas and chaat, is authentic and flavorful."

"I thought the bubble tea here was exceptional and unique."

Good to know

1

They have special offerings on Saturday and Sunday, especially halwa puri.

2

Samosas cost $1.50 each and chaats are for $6 each.

3

The place gets crowded and seating is limited.

06
Mehrab Restaurant image 1
South Indian restaurant

South Indian restaurant offers a clean and peaceful atmosphere with a separate private section for families. The interior feels a bit old but is generally tidy. The place serves large, delicious dosas with unique flavors that stand out in the area.

South Indian dishes like masala dosa, idli, and vada come fresh and flavorful here. Crispy dosas pair well with authentic chutneys and the tandoori chicken is well marinated and warm.

Indian Masala Chai stands out with its rich, spiced flavor. Traditional South Indian tea complements authentic breakfast items like idli and dosa well.

People are saying

"The Indian food, especially the dosa, is crispy and delicious."

"The South Indian food here tastes like home."

"I loved the authentic South Indian breakfast with delicious tea."

Good to know

1

The breakfast menu only includes South Indian options.

2

Buffet is reasonably priced at $15.99 per person.

3

You need to bring your own drinks as no alcohol is served.

07
Kabab King Grill Fine Dinning image 1

Kebab shop offers a charming traditional ambiance with a warm and welcoming vibe. The atmosphere feels cozy and simple, attracting those who appreciate authentic grilled dishes. Cash-only policy and reasonable prices are typical here.

Mutton Dum Biryani stands out for its authentic and rich flavor. The menu also features tandoori chicken and Chicken 360 Paratha Roll, both packed with bold spices and satisfying textures.

Irani chai stands out with a rich, authentic taste that feels comforting and nostalgic. The tea is perfectly brewed, offering a traditional flavor that transports you to Hyderabad's streets.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Indian food here, especially the biryani, is aromatic and perfectly spiced."

"I thought the Irani chai was the best I had at home."

Good to know

1

They offer a buffet on Fridays for $17.

2

They have a weekly Sunday special of keema khichdi.

3

The restaurant is open till late at night.

08
Pak Sweets image 1
Restaurant

Old colonial-style building sets a casual, cozy scene with a family-oriented, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels like a friendly gathering, calm and inviting for groups. Known for authentic Pakistani flavors, especially fresh sweets and homemade-style dishes.

Chicken biriyani comes in large portions with leftovers. Karachi style fresh paratha and naan stand out. The maghaz masala and aaloo samosas are especially flavorful. Desserts like Halwa Puri and Ras Malai add a sweet finish.

Chai here is authentic and fresh, brewed perfectly with a strong, rich flavor. The karak chai pairs well with sweets like halwa poori, making for an affordable and memorable tea experience.

People are saying

"The Indian Food here is so flavorful, especially the chicken biryani."

"I found the samosas to be always fresh and spicy."

"The halwa puri is heavenly and the puris are super fresh."

Good to know

1

They have the halwa poori deal every day from 10am to 3pm.

2

Pak Sweets offers a large selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

3

The restaurant maintains a very clean and hygienic environment.

09
Bar.B.Q Tonight image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Spacious restaurant with stunning banquet hall and modern, elegant decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Natural light and booth seating add comfort, while background music keeps the vibe relaxed and welcoming. Valet parking enhances convenience for guests.

Biryani stands out with quality matching well-known spots. Chicken peshawari karahi, chicken pakora, and kheer also deliver strong flavors. Butter chicken comes in a small portion, alongside mutton karahi, reshmi kababs, naans, and lassies.

Chai arrives complimentary and offers true comfort at the end of the visit.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really tasty and delicious."

"The chai was acceptable but could improve."

"I thought the Indian food, especially the biryani, was very good."

Good to know

1

Biryani is only available on weekends.

2

The restaurant is Zabiha halal certified.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

10
Ali's Nihari & BBQ image 1

Large dining hall offers spacious seating with clean, orderly decor. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and awkward when empty to crowded and noisy during busy times. Occasional Quran recitation adds a unique auditory element.

Large Gobi Paratha comes spiced perfectly. Nihari, Chana Dal, and Bihari kabobs offer rich flavors. Moist garlic Naan complements the chicken biryani and goat kunna well.

Chai arrives quickly, about 20 minutes after ordering. It tastes just perfect and pairs well with dishes like Beef Seekh Kabob and Bhindi Masala.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the nihari."

"The Indian food here is so delicious, especially the rich and flavorful Nihari."

"The chai was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets packed during peak hours, so arrive early.

2

Portions are generous, enough to feed 2-3 people.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a good value for the quality.

11
Hyderabad House image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a basic setup and cozy environment offers an atmosphere filled with the aroma of spices and sounds of sizzling pans. The place stays buzzing with people even late at night, creating a lively vibe that reflects authentic Hyderabad-style dining.

Mutton Biryani stands out with rich flavors and perfect spice balance. Chicken Biryani features aromatic spices and tender meat, both cooked to perfection. Goat dishes like haleem and curry offer authentic, tasty options.

Offers incredibly pure and authentic Hyderabadi chai for $2. Serves piping hot, amazing chai that pairs well with breakfast items like Shami Kabab and Chicken Fry.

People are saying

"The authentic Hyderabadi flavors here are so good, especially the haleem."

"The Indian food here, especially the mutton biryani, is amazing."

"I ordered some tea and it was good."

Good to know

1

Hyderabad House only accepts cash payments; an ATM is available on-site.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good option for night dining.

12
Sukhadia's Sweets and Snacks image 1

Cozy space with retro Indian music playing softly, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Ample seating supports a casual vibe where people enjoy authentic Indian snacks and sweets. Self-service counter adds to the relaxed, informal setup.

Masala Dosa and Pav Bhaji stand out with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Masala Chai and Samosa Chaat offer bold, authentic tastes that capture classic Indian street food well.

Strong, fresh masala chai stands out as a highlight, often paired with snacks like samosas and vada pav. The tea is consistently described as perfect and among the top in the area.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and really good."

"The samosa chaat and dahi puri here are fresh and flavorful."

"I tried the masala chai and it was the best Iโ€™ve had."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay $2 for bottled water, which is not complimentary.

2

The menu is only available in the original language, making it hard to read.

3

Catering services are available for events and gatherings.

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