Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant in Houston that serves a variety of Indian cuisine, or if you’re looking for a particular type of Indian cuisine, there’s a place for you. With so many options, it’s hard to pick just one!
Musaafer
Located inside The Galleria VI, the new Musaafer Indian vegetarian restaurant in Houston was recently named as TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2021. The restaurant is owned and operated by Dubai-based Spice Route Company. Its name is derived from the Hindi word musafir, meaning traveler.
The interiors of Musaafer are inspired by Indian palaces and spice markets. Each room features a different inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary take on traditional Indian sweets or a lavish tea service, Musaafer has something to offer you.
For example, you’ll find a mezzanine inspired by the Sheesh Mahal. This space features brass carvings and whimsical portraits. Then there’s the Dhokra Wall, which features a sixteen-foot-high wooden arched colonnade.
Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine
Located inside the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple in Garden Oaks, Govinda’s is a smorgasbord of Indian cuisine. They offer a full salad bar, a full buffet, and an assortment of piping hot, well-executed vegetarian entrees. They also serve a slew of sweets and savory treats. They also have a reasonably priced menu. A burger and fries will set you back about $8, while a more extravagant lunch will cost you a cool $10 or so.
Located on the lower level of the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Govinda’s Kitchen is the place to go for a hefty vegetarian breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The kitchen is open Monday through Friday from 12-3pm, with Sunday brunch being a particularly big deal.
Tarka Indian Kitchen
Known as the best Indian vegetarian restaurant in Houston, Tarka Indian Kitchen is a fast-casual Indian eatery that offers an upscale twist on the traditional subcontinental fare. The menu includes an array of traditional Indian dishes, including lamb chops, biryanis, and kabobs. It is also home to a number of vegan and gluten-free options.
In early 2016, Tarka Indian Kitchen started looking at expanding in the Houston area. They expected to open at least 10 locations. Typically, they build a restaurant in a 2,500 to 3,000 square foot space. This cost roughly $600,000 to $700,000 in construction costs. They turned to San Antonio-based Prusinsky Quality Builders to help them design and build their Houston location.
Udipi Cafe
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, Udipi Cafe in Hillcroft has the food for you. This popular South Indian restaurant is a great spot for vegetarian Indian cuisine.
The name Udipi translates to “coastal city” in Southern India. You can expect light and fun fare here, like masala dosa and vegan burgers. Udipi is also known for its extensive juice menu. Their staff is friendly and their prices are reasonable.
If you’re in the mood for a more traditional Indian meal, you should try Maharaja Bhog. This upscale restaurant has a variety of chaat options for vegetarians. You can order from the à la carte menu or go for the lunch buffet.
Biryani Pot
Those who are craving authentic Indian cuisine can try a wide variety of Houston restaurants that serve Biryani Pot. This is a Hyderabi eatery that specializes in a pot of rice that is cooked with a variety of ingredients, including fresh spices and herbs. It’s a filling dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
The Biryani Pot menu is a diverse assortment of dishes, with almost 100 items to choose from. The menu includes the classic Indian dishes, as well as vegetarian dishes. The restaurant also has an impressive lunch buffet. This menu is available for pickup or delivery.
There is an exclusive menu for vegetarians, and the staff here can recommend the perfect dish for you. They also offer great customer service.
Himalaya Restaurant
Located in Houston’s Mahatma Gandhi District, Himalaya Restaurant and Catering offers a casual BYOB dining experience. Serving traditional Pakistani and Indian cuisine, the restaurant is owned by multiple James Beard Award-nominated Kaiser Lashkari. The menu offers a wide variety of classic and modern fusion dishes.
The restaurant has received national and local acclaim. It has been featured in national media outlets such as Food Network and CNN. This popular restaurant was also visited by Anthony Bourdain when he was in Houston for his “Parts Unknown” tour.
Himalaya Cafe is open from lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional and fusion dishes, including a special menu for vegetarians.
