Best Places for Indian Fare in Bangsar

The Ganga Cafe is well-loved for their yummy curries, breads and thali sets. It’s hard to pinpoint the best dish — they're all delicious! — so here are some must-haves: the crispy Masala Thosai (RM4.70) and the aromatic Vegetarian Mutton Curry (RM5). Alternatively, order the Thali (from RM8) to savour a bit of everything – this comes with rice or bread with vegetables, pappadom and salad.
Photo by Burppler Alyssia Yu

Bookmark this lesser-known spot for great food and friendly service for your next Indian food escapade. Order the namesake Banana Leaf Rice (from RM8) that comes with four veggies. And if you're lucky, the delicious slow-cooked Lamb Shank (from RM25) will be available — order it! But what you're really here at Bala's for are their daily specials, featuring seasonal curries and unconventional thosai flavours such as the Spinach Masala Thosai (RM9.50) and even a Beetroot Thosai (from RM9.50).
Photo by Burppler Bangsar_foodie Emily Jones

Given the punchy flavours, you won't believe the dishes here are 100 percent vegetarian. Take the Tandoori Broccoli (RM20), roasted to tender perfection with a texture reminiscent of grilled chicken. On mains, get the savoury Ghungat Wali Subzi (RM24), a thick, tomato-based curry dish chock-full of vegetables best eaten with their Butter Naan (RM6) – the perfect vessel for mopping up the leftover gravy. Flavours here tend to lean on the spicier side, so the freshly made Sweet Lassi (RM9) is a great way to help tone down the heat.

This former hole-in-the-wall restaurant has merged with its upstairs neighbour Idli Only Cafe and the result is one pretty awesome joint — expect both the warm, fluffy idlis and affordable northern Indian favourites in one place. For a light lunch, get the crisp-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside Butter Podi Idlis (RM12). Otherwise, turn to tummy-filling dishes like a Mutton Briyani (from RM20) and the velvety Palak Paneer (from RM14). The restaurant also has affordable weekday set lunches starting from RM15 featuring thali, naan and briyani.

Whether you’re here for late night eats or for a banana leaf rice lunch, this mamak-restaurant in Bangsar has it all. In the day, customers flock upstairs for air-conditioning and Devi's famed Banana Leaf Rice (RM7.50) — best paired with Devi’s Chicken Sambal (RM12). When the curry bucket reaches your table, always go with the robust crab curry, banjir-style. Come suppertime, the simple and tasty Maggi Goreng (from RM6) and Cheese Naan (from RM7) will satisfy.
Photo by Burppler Brian Leow

If you’re on a hunt for briyani this weekend, take a drive to the newly revamped Fierce Curry House. The Hyderabadi Dum Mutton Briyani (RM22), sporting fragrant basmati rice and ultra-tender mutton cubes, is outstanding. For special occasions, consider the Lobster Briyani (RM280), which Burppler Jackson Sim dubs the 'fiercest of them all'. End your meal on a sweet note with the cold and creamy Pistachio Kulfi (RM10).
Photo by Burppler Jackson Sim

There's almost always a queue at this banana leaf rice joint but rest assured, the wait is worth it. The crowd is here for the Banana Leaf Rice (RM9.50), served with irresistible sides like the famous fried bitter gourd. Make sure to ask for an extra portion (RM2) of the crunchy, addictive fritter — you can thank us later. If there’s still tummy space, consider the Fried Sotong (from RM10), Coriander Chicken (RM7) or the Mutton Masala (from RM12) — all flavour-packed delights.
Photo by Burppler Terence Ong

Swing by this standalone joint for the delightful south Indian grub and stay for the swanky vibes. This spacious bungalow along Lorong Maarof is a great spot for celebrations with friends. The dishes on the menu are good for sharing, and there’s plenty worth trying, from the pleasantly sweet Madurai Vegetable Biryani (RM28) to the creamy Pachakari Kuruma (vegetable curry, RM18), plus non-vegetarian dishes like a spicy Keralan-style chicken curry, Mahabali Feast (RM25). Gajaa at 8 also has an in-house bar — the aptly named Whiskeypedia houses an impressive line-up of whiskies, including one from India.