A Taste of India Abroad: 10 Countries Where Indian Restaurants Thrive

Indian food — from butter chicken to masala dosa — isn’t just delicious, it’s one of the world’s most beloved global cuisines. Thanks to migration, cultural exchange, and growing foodie curiosity, Indian restaurants have sprung up from London to Tokyo. Let’s explore the top 10 countries where Indian cuisine has made a big mark.

1. United Kingdom:
   

   

   The UK tops the list when it comes to the spread of Indian restaurants abroad. Indian cuisine has been part of British food culture for decades — even to the extent that dishes like chicken tikka masala are often thought of as “British favorites” themselves. Cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester are hotspots for authentic and fusion Indian cuisine. Across the UK, there are over 10,000 Indian restaurants.
   

2. United States:
   

   

   The US has seen a steady rise in Indian restaurants, especially in metropolitan and diaspora-rich areas like New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois. With over 8,000 Indian eateries nationwide, you’ll find everything from traditional regional cuisine to upscale Indian fine dining. Indian food in the US blends traditional dishes with local culinary trends.
   

3. Canada:
   

   

   Canada’s multicultural landscape has made it a welcoming home for global foods, including Indian cuisine. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa boast a strong presence of Indian restaurants — estimated to be around 2,700+ — offering classics like naan, chole bhature, and dosas. Indian restaurants range from casual dhabas to elegant dining.
   

4. Japan:
   

   

   Surprisingly to many, Japan has a thriving Indian restaurant scene with roughly 6,800+ Indian restaurants as of 2025, making it one of Asia’s hotspots for Indian cuisine outside of South Asia. Most Indian restaurants are concentrated in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
   

5. Australia:
   

   

   Australia has a growing Indian food scene, particularly in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, thanks to a booming Indian community and adventurous local food culture. According to industry data, there are roughly 1,600+ Indian restaurants across the country. Indian cuisine is popular among Australians for its bold flavours and variety.
   

6. Germany:
   

   

   Germany’s Indian restaurant landscape is robust and steadily expanding, with around 2,100+ Indian restaurants recorded. Cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich feature Indian dining ranging from curry houses to modern fusion eateries.
   

7. United Arab Emirates:
   

   

   In the UAE, Indian cuisine is everywhere from street food stalls to luxury fine dining — a reflection of one of the largest Indian expatriate populations in the world. There are around 1,000+ Indian restaurants throughout the country. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have some of the most vibrant Indian food scenes outside India.
   

8. Malaysia:
   

   

   Malaysia has deep historical ties with Indian culture and a significant Tamil-speaking community, which has helped Indian cuisine flourish. There are around 748 Indian restaurants in Malaysia. Indian food here blends with local flavors — for example, roti canai and briyani with Malay influences.
   

9. Singapore:
   

   

   In multicultural Singapore, Indian food is everywhere — from hawker centers to sit-down restaurants. While exact counts vary, Indian restaurants are a staple of the city-state’s rich food culture. Indian cuisine is loved by both locals and expats, and dishes like roti prata, fish head curry, and biryani are popular.
   

10. South Africa:
    

    

    South Africa’s Indian food scene reflects a long history of Indian settlement and cultural exchange. There are around 419 Indian restaurants across the country. Cities like Durban and Cape Town are known for Indian-inspired dishes such as bunny chow, a local favourite.

From the UK’s curry houses to Japan’s bustling Indian bistros, Indian cuisine has truly gone global. Whether you’re craving dosa in Singapore, biryani in Toronto, or kebabs in Berlin, Indian restaurants offer a world of flavours without leaving home.