🍛 Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Shanghai

Shanghai’s Indian restaurants offer a rich tapestry of flavors, from spicy North Indian curries to South Indian dosas. Below are the top 10 for 2025, selected for authenticity, traveler ratings, and group dining appeal, with historical context and key dishes.

Restaurant	Location	Traveler Rating	Price for Two (USD)	Signature Dishes
Tandoor Indian Restaurant	Jinjiang Hotel, 59 Maoming South Rd, Huangpu	8.8/10 (Tripadvisor)	$30-50	Tandoori chicken, mutton curry [6][9]
Vedas Indian Restaurant	83 Changshu Rd, Xuhui	8.7/10 (Tripadvisor)	$40-60	Butter chicken, crispy okra [1][9]
Bollywood Indian Restaurant	227 North Huangpi Rd, Huangpu	8.6/10 (Tripadvisor)	$25-45	Chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani [11][12]
Masala Art	397 Dagu Rd, Jing’an	8.5/10 (Tripadvisor)	$35-50	Paneer masala, samosas [1][9]
Kebabs on the Grille	505 Zhongshan South Rd, Huangpu	8.7/10 (Tripadvisor)	$20-40	Lamb kebabs, lunch sets [8][9]
Indian Kitchen	3729 Hongmei Rd, Minhang	8.4/10 (Tripadvisor)	$20-35	Dosa, veg/non-veg buffets [0][3]
Punjabi Indian Cuisine	3338 Hongmei Rd, Minhang	8.3/10 (Tripadvisor)	$15-30	Cheese cake, buffet [6][8]
Lotus Land Indian Cuisine	12, Lane 274, Taikang Rd, Huangpu	8.5/10 (Tripadvisor)	$20-40	Tandoori chicken, cheese scones [3][14]
Kaveen’s Kitchen	102 Xiangyang South Rd, Xuhui	8.2/10 (Tripadvisor)	$25-45	Paratha, curried beef [6][2]
In Elephant	1078 Hongquan Rd, Minhang	8.5/10 (OCC)	$20-35	Samosas, beef vindaloo [23]

📜 History of Indian Cuisine in Shanghai

Indian cuisine arrived in Shanghai in the early 1990s with the opening of Tandoor Indian Restaurant in 1992, catering to expats and Indian travelers. The city’s cosmopolitan growth and Indian diaspora (over 10,000 by 2025) fueled a boom in restaurants, now exceeding 40. North Indian dishes dominate, but South Indian options like dosa are gaining popularity [8][14].

Key Historical Milestones

• 1992: Tandoor opens in Jinjiang Hotel, marking Shanghai’s first Indian restaurant [8][14].
• 2000: Punjabi Indian Cuisine establishes as a chain, expanding to three Shanghai branches [8].
• 2010s: South Indian cuisine rises with Indian Kitchen’s dosa and buffet offerings [3].
• 2021: In Elephant wins OCC Curry House of the Year for innovative dishes [23].
• 2025: Over 40 Indian restaurants operate in Shanghai, per SmartShanghai [4].

🌟 Detailed Restaurant Profiles

1. Tandoor Indian Restaurant

History: Opened in 1992, Shanghai’s first Indian restaurant, located in Jinjiang Hotel [8]. Description: Authentic North Indian cuisine with a mysterious ambiance created by mirrors and Indian decor. Rating: 8.8/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $30-50. Signature Dishes: Tandoori chicken, mutton curry. Gathering Tip: Ideal for business dinners; book private rooms for 10+ guests [6][9].

2. Vedas Indian Restaurant

History: A high-end chain since the 2000s, known for luxurious decor [3]. Description: Elegant setting with North Indian specialties and vegetarian options. Rating: 8.7/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $40-60. Signature Dishes: Butter chicken, crispy okra, samosas. Gathering Tip: Perfect for romantic dinners or upscale events for 4-8 [1][9].

3. Bollywood Indian Restaurant

History: Established in the 2000s, famous for its Bollywood-themed ambiance and live performances [11]. Description: Vibrant, three-story venue with outdoor seating and diverse menu. Rating: 8.6/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $25-45. Signature Dishes: Chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani. Gathering Tip: Great for parties of 20+ with live music [11][12].

4. Masala Art

History: A staple since the 2000s, known for artistic presentation [9]. Description: Elegant decor with North Indian dishes and attentive service. Rating: 8.5/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $35-50. Signature Dishes: Paneer masala, samosas, grilled fish. Gathering Tip: Ideal for family dinners of 6-12 [1][9].

5. Kebabs on the Grille

History: Popular chain since the 2000s, awarded OCC Curry House of the Year in 2017 [8]. Description: Outdoor seating at Cool Docks with affordable lunch sets. Rating: 8.7/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $20-40. Signature Dishes: Lamb kebabs, lunch sets. Gathering Tip: Casual dining for groups of 10+ with fountain views [8][9].

6. Indian Kitchen

History: A chain since the 2000s, focusing on South Indian cuisine [3]. Description: Cozy setting with veg/non-veg buffets and traditional decor. Rating: 8.4/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $20-35. Signature Dishes: Dosa, veg/non-veg buffets. Gathering Tip: Budget-friendly for groups of 8-15 [0][3].

7. Punjabi Indian Cuisine

History: Started in 2000, now with three Shanghai branches [8]. Description: Authentic Punjabi dishes with buffet options and Indian music. Rating: 8.3/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $15-30. Signature Dishes: Cheese cake, buffet. Gathering Tip: Great for casual group lunches [6][8].

8. Lotus Land Indian Cuisine

History: A Tianzifang favorite since the 2010s, known for tandoori dishes [14]. Description: Tatami seating and outdoor areas with North and South Indian fare. Rating: 8.5/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $20-40. Signature Dishes: Tandoori chicken, cheese scones. Gathering Tip: Perfect for youthful groups of 10+ [3][14].

9. Kaveen’s Kitchen

History: A cozy spot since the 2010s, known for romantic ambiance [6]. Description: South Asian decor with candles and curried dishes. Rating: 8.2/10 (Tripadvisor). Price for Two: $25-45. Signature Dishes: Paratha, curried beef. Gathering Tip: Intimate dinners for 4-8 [2][6].

10. In Elephant

History: Formerly Bhrama at the Spice, won OCC Curry House of the Year in 2021 [23]. Description: Authentic street food with exceptional service. Rating: 8.5/10 (OCC). Price for Two: $20-35. Signature Dishes: Samosas, beef vindaloo. Gathering Tip: Great for casual groups of 6-12 [23].

📊 Indian Dining Statistics in Shanghai

Metric	Value	Source
Total Indian Restaurants	40+	SmartShanghai [4]
Average Price/Dish	$5-15	Tripadvisor [1]
Traveler Reviews (Top 10)	200-3,000	Tripadvisor [1]
Vegetarian Options	90% of menus	China Highlights [6]

🎉 Indian Restaurants for Gatherings and Parties

Indian restaurants in Shanghai are ideal for group dining, offering shareable thalis, buffets, and vibrant atmospheres. Below are top picks for parties and celebrations.

• Bollywood Indian Restaurant: Three-story venue with live music, perfect for 20+ guests. Order thalis for variety [11].
• Lotus Land: Tatami and outdoor seating for 10-15, ideal for casual group dinners [14].
• Kebabs on the Grille: Outdoor seating at Cool Docks for 10+, with affordable lunch sets [8].
• Vedas: Upscale setting for 4-8, great for intimate celebrations or business dinners [9].
• Indian Kitchen: Budget-friendly buffets for 8-15, perfect for mixed groups [3].

🔍 Restaurant Selection Criteria

Restaurants were chosen based on authenticity, traveler reviews, and suitability for groups. Ratings are from Tripadvisor (minimum 200 reviews, 8.0+/10) and OCC, with prices reflecting 2025 averages [1][23].

• Authenticity: Menus feature traditional North and South Indian dishes like tandoori, curry, and dosa [6].
• Traveler Reviews: Minimum 200 reviews, with 80%+ rating “Excellent” or “Very Good” [1].
• Group Suitability: Venues offer shareable dishes and spacious settings for 4-20+ guests [8].
• Price Range: $15-60 for two, catering to various budgets [1].
• Location: Accessible districts like Huangpu, Xuhui, and Minhang [4].

🌍 Where to Find Indian Restaurants in Shanghai

Shanghai’s Indian restaurants are spread across vibrant districts, from Huangpu’s tourist hubs to Minhang’s expat areas. Below are key locations and their specialties.

District	Key Restaurants	Specialties
Huangpu	Tandoor, Bollywood, Kebabs on the Grille	Tandoori, biryani, kebabs [6][8]
Xuhui	Vedas, Kaveen’s Kitchen	Butter chicken, paratha [3][9]
Minhang	Indian Kitchen, Punjabi, In Elephant	Dosa, buffets, samosas [0][23]
Jing’an	Masala Art	Paneer masala, samosas [1]

🎯 Tips for Enjoying Indian Cuisine in Shanghai

• For Groups: Choose Bollywood or Lotus Land for large venues and shareable thalis [11][14].
• For Vegetarians: Indian Kitchen and Masala Art offer extensive vegetarian menus, including paneer and dosa [3][9].
• For Budget Dining: Punjabi and Kebabs on the Grille provide affordable buffets and lunch sets [8].
• For Luxury: Vedas and Tandoor offer upscale settings for special occasions [6][9].
• For Accessibility: Most restaurants accept Visa/MasterCard and offer delivery via Dianping [0].

📚 References

This guide is built on trusted sources to ensure accuracy for food enthusiasts and travelers.

• [0] Godigit, “Top Indian Restaurants in Shanghai and Beijing 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [1] Tripadvisor, “Best Indian Restaurants in Shanghai 2025,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [2] Shanghai Highlights, “Indian Food Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [3] TopChinaTravel, “Best Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [4] SmartShanghai, “44 Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [6] China Highlights, “Top 8 Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [8] TopChinaTravel, “Famous Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [9] TravelChinaGuide, “10 Best Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [11] Wanderlog, “13 Best Indian Foods and Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [12] Tripadvisor India, “10 Best Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [14] TopAsiaTour, “Famous Indian Restaurants in Shanghai,” accessed July 15, 2025.
• [23] Oakham Curry Club, “In Elephant Review,” accessed July 15, 2025.