Food choices often look exciting when you’re planning a trip. New cuisines, local flavors, and street food experiences feel like part of the adventure.
But once you’re actually traveling, the reality can shift. After a few days, many travelers begin to look for something familiar, a proper Indian meal, simple spices, or even just a comforting cup of chai.
For Indian travelers, especially vegetarians or families, this becomes more than just a preference. It’s about consistency and comfort during the trip.
Vietnam and the Philippines are both stunning destinations in Southeast Asia, but when it comes to Indian food, the experience is quite different.
So instead of focusing on attractions, let’s answer a practical question: Where is it easier to find Indian food every single day?
Table of Contents
- Availability of Indian Restaurants
- Price of Indian Meals
- Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Vietnam
- Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Philippines
- Final Verdict
- FAQs
Availability of Indian Restaurants
The ease of finding Indian food depends on tourism flow, expat communities, and local food culture.
Vietnam
Vietnam has a growing Indian food scene, especially in major cities.
Common options include:
- Indian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
- Vegetarian-friendly Indian cafes
- Some Indian dishes in international restaurants
- Limited options in smaller towns
Cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi offer a decent number of Indian restaurants. However, once you move to places like Ha Long Bay or smaller towns, options become limited.
Key strength of Vietnam: Strong presence in major cities.
Limitation: Less consistent across the country.
Overall, Vietnam offers Indian food access, but mainly in urban areas.
Plan your Vietnam trip without breaking the bank with 30 Sundays.
Philippines
The Philippines has fewer Indian restaurants compared to Vietnam.
Common options include:
- Indian restaurants in Manila and Cebu
- A few expat-run Indian eateries
- Limited vegetarian-focused options
- Rare availability in island destinations
In major cities like Manila, you can find Indian food, but the spread is not very wide. On islands like Palawan or Boracay, options become quite limited.
Key strength of Philippines: Available in select city areas.
Limitation: Very limited presence across islands.
Overall, the Philippines requires more effort and planning if you want Indian food regularly.
Price of Indian Meals
Cost matters if you plan to eat Indian food daily.
Vietnam
Indian food in Vietnam is moderately priced.
Typical pricing:
- Casual meal (curry + rice/naan): ₹500 – ₹1,200
- Full meal (starter + main + drink): ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Prices are reasonable, especially in cities where competition exists. Vegetarian meals are also easier to find.
Philippines
Indian food in the Philippines tends to be slightly more expensive.
Typical pricing:
- Casual meal: ₹700 – ₹1,500
- Full meal: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500
Due to limited availability and import costs, prices can feel higher compared to Vietnam.
Overall, Vietnam offers better value for regular Indian meals.
Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Vietnam
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Here are some reliable options in Vietnam’s major cities.
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.
Google Rating: 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.
Google Rating: 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.
Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Philippines
Here are some of the better-known Indian dining options in the Philippines.
Kosturiangel Restaurant
Kosturiangel Restaurant offers a mix of authentic Indian flavors with a simple and comfortable dining setup. The menu includes classic curries, naan, and rice dishes prepared with balanced spices. It’s a good option for travelers looking for a satisfying and familiar Indian meal.
Google Rating: 4.4
Swaad Food Lovers
Swaad Indian Kitchen is known for its homely taste and well-prepared North Indian dishes. The restaurant focuses on simple, flavorful food that feels close to everyday Indian cooking. It’s ideal for a relaxed meal without overly heavy or rich flavors.
Google Rating: 5.0
Ganges Indian Restaurant
Ganges Indian Restaurant serves a wide variety of Indian dishes, from tandoori items to rich curries. The flavors are authentic, and the portion sizes are generous. It’s a reliable choice for both casual dining and family meals.
Google Rating: 4.1
The Herbs & Spice
This restaurant offers a blend of traditional Indian recipes with a slightly modern presentation. The menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options with well-balanced spices. The calm ambiance makes it a comfortable place for a proper sit-down meal.
Google Rating: 4.8
Bollywood Tandoor
One of the few well-known Indian restaurants in Cebu offering a mix of traditional dishes. The menu includes curries, biryanis, and vegetarian options. It’s a dependable choice in the region.
Google Rating: 4.1
Final Verdict
Vietnam and the Philippines both offer Indian food, but the ease of access feels very different.
Vietnam feels more structured when it comes to finding Indian meals. In major cities, you’ll have multiple options, consistent quality, and reasonable pricing. As long as your itinerary includes urban areas, eating Indian food regularly is manageable.
The Philippines, however, feels more scattered. You may find good Indian restaurants in cities like Manila or Cebu, but once you move to island destinations, options become limited quickly.
So the difference comes down to consistency.
If your trip is city-focused or you don’t mind planning ahead, Vietnam works well.
If your itinerary includes multiple islands and remote areas, the Philippines may require more flexibility with food choices.
Both destinations are beautiful, but when it comes to daily Indian meals, Vietnam clearly makes things easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philippines better or Vietnam?
Vietnam is generally better for travelers looking for structure, affordability, and easier access to Indian food in cities. The Philippines offers beautiful islands and beaches but feels more scattered and less convenient for daily comfort. Vietnam suits travelers who prefer a smoother, more predictable experience. The Philippines works better if beaches are your top priority.
Is it easy to get Indian food in Vietnam?
Yes, Indian food is fairly easy to find in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. These areas have multiple Indian restaurants with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. However, availability becomes limited in smaller towns and island destinations. Staying in cities makes daily access much easier.
What is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam?
One common mistake is planning a trip only around smaller towns or remote destinations without considering food and transport convenience. This can make daily travel and finding familiar meals difficult. Another mistake is underestimating travel time between cities. A balanced itinerary with major cities makes the experience smoother.
Vietnam enchants couples with rich cultural experiences
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