For many Indian travelers, food is more than just a meal during a trip. It brings familiarity, comfort, and a sense of routine that makes traveling in a new country feel easier. And while both Vietnam and Thailand are incredible destinations, the real question is simple, can you easily find Indian food every single day?
Some travelers are flexible. They enjoy trying local dishes and only look for dal-chawal or paneer butter masala once in a while. Others prefer having Indian food daily, whether for taste, vegetarian needs, religious reasons, or just digestive comfort.
So let’s break it down properly. Not just whether Indian restaurants “exist,” but how reliable, accessible, and affordable they really are.
Table of Contents
- Availability of Indian Restaurants
- Price of Indian Meals
- Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Thailand
- Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Vietnam
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
Availability of Indian Restaurants
When you travel abroad, availability is not just about whether Indian food exists, it’s about how easily and consistently you can find it. Let’s compare how reliable Indian restaurant access really is in Thailand and Vietnam.
Thailand
If food comfort is your top priority, Thailand makes things very easy. In Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi, Indian restaurants are everywhere. Not just one or two options, but entire streets with multiple Indian eateries. You will find North Indian, South Indian, vegetarian-only, Jain-friendly, and even fine-dining Indian restaurants.
- In Bangkok, areas like Sukhumvit and Pratunam have strong Indian communities.
- In Phuket, especially near Patong Beach, Indian restaurants line the tourist streets.
- In Krabi, even though it’s smaller, you’ll still find reliable Indian spots near Ao Nang.
The biggest advantage? Density and reliability.
You don’t have to “search.” You don’t have to depend on Google reviews and hope it’s open. Indian food is consistently available.
Menus are familiar. Butter chicken tastes like butter chicken. Dal tastes like dal. Roti is soft. Spice levels can be adjusted. Staff often speak Hindi or understand Indian preferences.
If you need Indian food daily, Thailand feels comfortable and predictable.
Discover our handpicked Thailand packages.
Vietnam
Vietnam is slightly different. In Hanoi and Da Nang, Indian restaurants are available but fewer compared to destinations like Thailand or Bali. You may find around 6–10 reliable Indian restaurants in main tourist areas, but they are usually spread across the city.
In Hanoi, most Indian restaurants are located around the Old Quarter, making them convenient for travelers staying in central hotels.
In Da Nang, Indian restaurants are mainly found near the beach strip and tourist areas, so they are accessible but not always within walking distance.
When you move to smaller destinations like Hoi An, Ninh Binh, Sapa, or Phu Quoc, options become limited and sometimes inconsistent. You might find:
- One Indian restaurant
- A small cafe serving a few Indian dishes
- Or sometimes none nearby
This is where the difference appears. Vietnam does have Indian food, but the density is lower. It is available in major tourist zones, but not always instantly convenient.
So if you prefer guaranteed Indian meals every day without planning, Vietnam may require a little more research compared to places where Indian restaurants are available on almost every tourist street.
Plan your Vietnam trip without breaking the bank with 30 Sundays.
Price of Indian Meals
Let’s talk about the cost of comfort.
Thailand
Casual meal (veg thali / basic curry + rice): ₹400 – ₹700 (150–300 THB)
Proper dinner (starter + curry + bread + drink): ₹900 – ₹1,500
Veg options pricing: Very good variety. Many pure veg restaurants. Jain options available in bigger cities.
Thailand is slightly more expensive than local Thai food, but Indian food pricing is reasonable considering the availability.
Vietnam
Casual meal (veg curry + rice): ₹500 – ₹900
Proper dinner (starter + curry + naan + drink): ₹1,200 – ₹1,800
Veg options pricing: Available, but fewer dedicated vegetarian Indian restaurants.
Indian food in Vietnam is generally more expensive than Thailand.
Why?
Because:
- Ingredients are imported
- Fewer Indian communities
- Lower competition
You’re paying a premium for familiarity. This is what we call the cost of comfort. If you’re eating Indian food daily in Vietnam, your food budget will increase noticeably compared to Thailand.
Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Thailand
Here are some of the most reliable and popular Indian restaurants across Thailand that travelers frequently choose for consistent taste and comfort.
Gaggan Anand (Bangkok)
A globally celebrated restaurant known for reinventing Indian cuisine with a modern twist. The tasting menus are creative and artistic, offering a fine-dining experience rather than traditional comfort food. It’s expensive, but perfect if you want a special culinary experience in Bangkok.
Google Rating: 4.5
Punjab Grill (Bangkok)
A premium North Indian restaurant known for rich curries, flavorful kebabs, and elegant presentation. The ambiance is upscale, making it ideal for a proper sit-down dinner. Great choice if you’re craving authentic Punjabi flavors in a refined setting.
Google Rating: 4.6
Saras Veg Food (Bangkok)
One of the most trusted pure vegetarian Indian restaurants in Bangkok. It specializes in South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis, and thalis, along with North Indian options. Very popular among Indian families and vegetarian travelers.
Google Rating: 4.1
Tandoori Nights (Phuket)
A reliable option near Patong Beach offering familiar North Indian dishes. From butter chicken to naan and biryani, the flavors are comforting and consistent. It’s a convenient spot for tourists staying in Phuket’s busy beach area.
Google Rating: 4.6
Taj Palace (Phuket)
A long-running Indian restaurant known for its wide menu and consistent taste. You’ll find everything from vegetarian curries to tandoori platters. It’s a safe and dependable choice for travelers who want variety and comfort.
Google Rating: 4.7
Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Vietnam
These are some of the best-known Indian restaurants in Vietnam where you can expect fairly dependable flavors and familiar dishes.
Namaste Hanoi (Hanoi)
One of the most established Indian restaurants in the capital, known for consistent quality and authentic flavors. It offers a wide range of North Indian dishes along with vegetarian options. A dependable choice for Indian travelers staying near the Old Quarter.
Google Rating: 4.4
Tandoor Indian Restaurant (Ho Chi Minh City)
Located in District 1, this restaurant is convenient for tourists exploring central Ho Chi Minh City. It serves classic North Indian curries, naan, and tandoori dishes with reliable taste. The ambiance is simple but comfortable for a relaxed meal.
4.3
Dalcheeni Indian Restaurant (Hanoi)
A well-reviewed Indian restaurant praised for its balanced spices and homestyle flavors. Vegetarian dishes are especially popular here. It’s a good option if you’re looking for authentic taste without overly heavy pricing.
4.5
Baba’s Kitchen Indian Restaurant (Ho Chi Minh City)
Very popular among Indian tourists for its familiar flavors and friendly service. The menu covers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian classics. It’s considered one of the safer and more consistent Indian dining options in the city.
4.8
Ganesh Indian Restaurant (Multiple Cities)
Ganesh has branches in several Vietnamese cities, which makes it slightly more dependable if you’re traveling across the country. The menu is extensive, covering North Indian staples and vegetarian dishes. A practical choice when you want predictable Indian comfort food.
Final Verdict
If you need Indian food daily without stress, Thailand clearly wins.
The density of Indian restaurants is higher. The pricing is slightly better. Vegetarian and Jain options are easier to find. And most importantly, you don’t need to plan your meals in advance. Indian food is simply part of Thailand’s tourist ecosystem.
Vietnam, on the other hand, works well if you are a flexible comfort eater. If you’re okay trying local Vietnamese food most days and eating Indian food occasionally, Vietnam is absolutely manageable. But if you depend on Indian food daily for comfort or dietary reasons, you will need more planning, and a slightly higher budget.
So the choice depends on your food flexibility.
- Daily Indian food needed? Thailand wins.
- Comfort food occasionally? Vietnam works perfectly fine.
At the end of the day, both countries are beautiful. Just choose the one that matches your stomach as much as your travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indian food easily available in Vietnam?
Indian food is available in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but options are fewer compared to Thailand. In smaller towns, availability can be limited or inconsistent, so daily access requires more planning.
Which has better food, Thailand or Vietnam?
Both countries have excellent local cuisine, but if you are specifically looking for reliable Indian food, Thailand offers more variety and easier access. Vietnam works better if you are open to eating local food most of the time.
Is Thailand or Vietnam better for vegetarians?
Thailand is generally easier for vegetarians, especially those needing pure veg or Jain options. Vietnam has vegetarian Indian restaurants in big cities, but choices reduce significantly outside major hubs.
Perfect Thailand Escape For Best Indian Food Daily
- Romantic Thailand Holiday Packages
- Adventure & Thrill-Seeker Thailand Tours
- Wellness & Rejuvenation Retreats in Thailand
- Offbeat & Hidden Gem Thailand Explorations
.webp)
.webp)
