As South Asian students at Tulane, we often miss the flavors of home. Discovering great Indian restaurants in New Orleans became our little quest. Here are some favorites that have captured our hearts (and taste buds).
Saffron NOLA
Located on Magazine Street, Saffron surprises many as an Indian food spot. It offers traditional dishes packed with familiar flavors and some exciting fusion options, like the Chai Espresso Martini. Their vegetarian meals fit well within a student budget, and hearty dishes like biryani won’t break the bank. For group gatherings, they have a private dining room that accommodates 10 to 30 guests.
LUFU NOLA
With locations in the Central Business District and the French Quarter, LUFU does street food right. The chole bhature is a must-try. It’s a delightful twist on chana masala, served with crispy, deep-fried bread. They also serve a stellar papadi chaat that reminds us of home. If you’re craving dosa, arrive for lunch; it’s available during that time only.
Namaste Nola
For takeout, Namaste Nola is hard to beat. This Central Business District gem always serves piping hot food. Their bullet naan pairs perfectly with the flavorful paneer tikka masala, showcasing their skill with spices.
Nirvana
Nirvana, also on Magazine Street, makes you feel at home. Their motto is “When Mumbai meets NOLA,” and they deliver on that promise. You can’t go wrong with their vegetable samosas and garlic naan, but skip the tandoori chicken if it’s burnt. The cozy atmosphere feels like a local hangout.
Aroma
We had high hopes for Aroma, but it fell flat. The butter chicken and lamb biryani were bland and overpriced. It lacked the depth that makes Indian cuisine special, leaning too much toward Western tastes. If you’re thinking of going there, consider grabbing a frozen meal from Trader Joe’s instead.
While we’ve enjoyed this culinary journey, it’s clear that there’s no single “best” Indian restaurant in New Orleans. Each place offers something unique. Exploring them all will help you find your personal favorite comfort food.
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