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So, why are there so many Indian restaurants in Pattaya? Our research revealed a few key reasons. Firstly, Pattaya attracts a large number of tourists from around the world, including a significant proportion from India. The Indian tourists contribute to the demand for Indian cuisine in the city. Additionally, Thai and Indian cuisines share similarities in their use of spices and flavors, making Indian food appealing to both locals and tourists seeking bold and aromatic dishes. Finally, there are many business opportunities in the Indian restaurant sector in Pattaya, as opening such establishments can be a profitable venture due to the high demand for diverse cuisine.

The challenge began when we decided to push our culinary boundaries and explore as many Indian restaurants as possible. Our goal was to narrow down our selections to the two best Indian restaurants, one being 100% vegeterian and the other not. We visited various Indian restaurants in central Pattaya until we finally settled on the two below.

How We Choose the Best: Our Restaurant Review Criteria

But before we dive into our reviews, it’s important to understand our criteria for selecting the best:

• Food Taste and Quality: Naturally, the top priority is how delicious and well-prepared the food is.
• Cleanliness and Ambiance: We take note of the restaurant’s cleanliness and overall atmosphere.
• Staff and Service: Friendly, attentive service can greatly enhance the dining experience.
• Wait Time for Food: Prompt service and minimal wait times are always appreciated.
• Privacy and Table Spacing: Adequate space between tables ensures a comfortable dining environment.
• Location and Views: While not essential, a scenic location or pleasant views can elevate the dining experience.
• Value for Money: We assess whether the prices are justified by the quality and quantity of the food and overall experience.

Spirit of India Restaurant

Spirit of India Restaurant is located in a small alley surrounded by other restaurants, hotels, massage places, and small shops. The restaurant is family-owned run by an Indian husband and Thai wife. The name of the restaurant says it all offering a culinary experience that truly captures the spirit of India.

We found the interior setting really nice, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The cleanliness was noticeable, and as soon as we entered, the tantalizing aroma of the delicious dishes being prepared greeted us. Soft Indian music in the background added to the overall atmosphere. The staff here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive dining experience. Also, the wait time for your food is impressively short.

The menu was so tempting that we couldn’t resist trying numerous dishes, and ended up overordering.

Yellow Indian Rice tastes so good, packed with flavor from various spices like cumin, cardamom, and garlic on top, giving it a rich and aromatic taste.

The Aloo Muttar tastes delightful, with a blend of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander adding depth to the flavor. The combination of potatoes and peas in the tomato sauce is particularly satisfying, making it our favorite dish at this restaurant.

Dal Makhani was a dish we tried for the first time. It reminded us of European lentil soup but with an Indian twist. Made from lentils and kidney beans, it was cooked to perfection with a blend of spices like cumin and fenugreek leaves. The texture was just right, especially when enjoyed with rice and naan bread

Afghani Chicken Tikka is our go-to choice when we crave a protein-rich dish. It’s marinated pieces of chicken in a unique blend of yogurt and various spices like garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. I even enjoy making this chicken at home, and it turns out delicious every time. Pairing it with naan bread or rice is amazing.

Roasted Papad and Cheese Garlic Naan are our favorites. We can’t have an Indian meal without them. Here in Pattaya, some Indian restaurants serve them as complimentary appetizers, while some do not. Either way, we love them, and they have to be on our table when we have an Indian meal.

The Roasted Papad was so crispy and flavorful that I find myself craving it even as I write this blog post.

We love Lemongrass & Ginger Chai (Indian Tea), and I even enjoy making it myself. It’s incredibly flavorful and refreshing, perfect for any time of day. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, it’s a must-try if you’ve never experienced it before.

Govindam Indian Restaurant 100% Pure Veg & Jain Food

At Govindam Indian Restaurant, situated along the busy Pattaya Klang Rd., you’ll find convenient parking right in front, for both cars and motorbikes. This restaurant stands out for its dedication to serving 100% vegetarian cuisine, including Jain food—a unique feature among Indian restaurants in Pattaya.

But what sets Jain food apart? In Jain philosophy, it emphasizes a plant-based diet rich in fruits, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Jain cuisine avoids root vegetables, onions, and garlic, aligning with principles of non-violence and purity.

With Indian owners, Govindam Indian Restaurant brings authentic culinary expertise to the table. Their mastery of traditional cooking methods and expert blending of herbs and spices result in dishes that epitomize the rich flavors of Indian cuisine.

Our dinner started with a complimentary Roasted Papad accompanied by some veggies and green chili sauce. The sauce was freshly made and absolutely delicious.

This was our first time trying Paneer Do Pyaaza, and it was a fantastic dish. It’s made from paneer or also known as Indian cottage cheese and onions cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. We also learned that the name “Do Pyaaza” means “two onions,” since the dish features onions in two different forms. It’s seasoned with various spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving it a mildly spicy kick. It pairs wonderfully with the Roasted Papad, adding to the overall taste.

We love this type of Indian rice with mixed veggies and aromatic spices. You can taste the different spices inside like cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, and the cashew nuts add to the taste.

The combination of mushrooms and green peas creates a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. The rich flavors of cumin and coriander, perfectly complemented by the tender mushrooms and pairing it with warm naan bread make it complete.

This potato dish is rich with flavor; it’s not your ordinary potatoes. The combination of spices like turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and cumin seeds elevates the potatoes to a whole new level of taste. The potatoes are soft and melt in your mouth.

This dish is perfect for green pea and tomato lovers. It reminds me of European soup that my grandma used to make for us in the summer. With all the spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, it gives the dish a rich, spicy taste. We enjoyed eating it with naan bread.

The restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of the main beach, allowing us to enjoy a breathtaking sunset after delicious dinner.