Indian Restaurants in Dublin & Ireland: Complete Guide for Students & Expats

Ask any Indian student in Ireland what they miss most about home, and the answer is almost always the same: food. That craving for proper dal-chawal, the comfort of a familiar spice blend, the joy of sharing a thali with friends—it's the #1 homesickness factor. But here's the good news: Ireland's Indian food scene has exploded in recent years, and you can find everything from authentic street food to Michelin-recommended fine dining.

This guide covers 40+ Indian restaurants across Ireland, with honest reviews, price ranges, student discounts, and tips for eating well without breaking the bank. For those just arriving, check out our first week in Ireland guide to get settled quickly.

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The Indian Food Scene in Ireland

Ireland's relationship with Indian cuisine has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once limited to generic "curry houses" serving anglicized versions of butter chicken has evolved into a vibrant scene with regional specialists, street food vendors, and chefs trained in Michelin-starred kitchens.

Why the change?

• Growing Indian student and professional population (50,000+ Indians in Ireland)
• Increased travel to India by Irish food enthusiasts
• Second-generation Indian-Irish chefs bringing authentic flavors
• Rising demand for vegetarian and vegan options

What you'll find:

• North Indian: Punjabi, Mughlai, Kashmiri cuisines (most common)
• South Indian: Dosa, idli, uttapam (growing rapidly)
• Street Food: Chaat, kathi rolls, vada pav
• Modern Indian: Fusion and contemporary interpretations

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Dublin City Centre: Top 15 Indian Restaurants

1. Pickle

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 51 Pembroke Lane, Ballsbridge | | Price Range | €€€ (€30-50 per person) | | Cuisine | Modern Indian | | Student Discount | 10% with valid ID | | Reservation | Essential on weekends |

Pickle is Dublin's most celebrated Indian restaurant, offering contemporary Indian cuisine with Irish ingredients. Chef Kannan's tasting menus are legendary. The lamb rogan josh with local Wicklow lamb is exceptional.

Must Try: Tasting menu (€55), Lamb Rogan Josh, Pickle's signature cocktails

2. Rasam

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 8 Sussex Terrace, Upper Gardiner Street | | Price Range | €€ (€20-30 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian, Mughlai | | Student Discount | 15% Monday-Thursday | | Reservation | Recommended |

A neighborhood gem that delivers consistently excellent food. The butter chicken here is arguably Dublin's best—creamy, perfectly spiced, and generous portions. Great value lunch specials at €12.95.

Must Try: Butter Chicken, Lamb Biryani, Garlic Naan

3. Ananda

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 19 Pembroke Lane, Ballsbridge | | Price Range | €€€ (€35-55 per person) | | Cuisine | Modern Indian | | Student Discount | No | | Reservation | Essential |

Ananda holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and offers refined Indian cuisine in an elegant setting. The tasting menu showcases regional specialties with modern techniques. Perfect for special occasions.

Must Try: Chef's Tasting Menu (€65), Duck Tikka, Dal Makhani

4. Jaipur

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 41 South Great George's Street | | Price Range | €€ (€18-28 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% with student ID | | Reservation | Recommended weekends |

One of Dublin's longest-running Indian restaurants, Jaipur offers reliable classics in a central location. The lunch buffet (€13.95) is popular with office workers and students alike.

Must Try: Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Korma, Onion Bhaji

5. Shiva

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 13 Dame Street | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian, South Indian | | Student Discount | 15% with valid ID | | Reservation | Not required |

Shiva offers excellent value in a prime city centre location. The dosa selection is surprisingly good for a restaurant that also serves North Indian classics. Quick service makes it ideal for lunch.

Must Try: Masala Dosa, Chicken Chettinad, Vegetable Biryani

6. Roti

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 35 Lower Kevin Street | | Price Range | € (€10-15 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian, Street Food | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | No reservations |

Roti is the go-to spot for affordable, authentic Indian food. The kathi rolls are legendary—freshly made roti wrapped around succulent fillings. Perfect for a quick, budget-friendly meal.

Must Try: Chicken Kathi Roll, Lamb Seekh Kebab Roll, Chole Bhature

7. Chai & Craving

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 6 Crow Street, Temple Bar | | Price Range | € (€8-15 per person) | | Cuisine | Indian Street Food, Chaat | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | No reservations |

This tiny Temple Bar spot specializes in Indian street food and chaat. The pani puri is made fresh to order, and the samosas are perfectly crisp. Great for a quick snack or light meal.

Must Try: Pani Puri, Samosa Chaat, Masala Chai

8. Doolally

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 5 Wicklow Street | | Price Range | €€ (€18-28 per person) | | Cuisine | Modern Indian | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | Recommended |

Doolally brings a modern twist to Indian classics. The small plates format encourages sharing and trying multiple dishes. The cocktail menu features creative Indian-inspired drinks.

Must Try: Lamb Sliders, Butter Chicken Arancini, Tandoori Prawns

9. Kinara

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 25 Clarendon Street | | Price Range | €€ (€20-30 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian, Pakistani | | Student Discount | 15% Monday-Wednesday | | Reservation | Recommended |

Kinara serves robust, flavorful dishes from both sides of the Punjab border. The karahi dishes are particularly good—cooked in traditional wok-like vessels with fresh spices.

Must Try: Lamb Karahi, Chicken Handi, Seekh Kebab

10. Shalimar

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 43 Lower Kevin Street | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | Not required |

A reliable neighborhood spot that's been serving consistent food for years. The lunch special (€11.95 for two courses) is excellent value. Generous portions and friendly service.

Must Try: Chicken Jalfrezi, Lamb Bhuna, Vegetable Samosas

11. Usha

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 28 Cathal Brugha Street | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | South Indian, North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | Not required |

Usha is one of the few places in Dublin that does proper South Indian food alongside North Indian classics. The dosas are crisp, the sambar authentic, and the filter coffee perfect.

Must Try: Masala Dosa, Rava Dosa, Thali

12. Tiffin

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 13 Lower Liffey Street | | Price Range | € (€10-18 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 15% | | Reservation | Not required |

Tiffin focuses on quick, affordable Indian food. The lunch boxes (tiffins) are great value at €9.95. Perfect for students on a budget who want a proper meal.

Must Try: Tiffin Box, Chicken Curry, Dal Tadka

13. Spice of India

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 17 Parnell Street | | Price Range | € (€10-15 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | Not required |

Located in the heart of Dublin's Asian district, Spice of India offers authentic flavors at very reasonable prices. The portions are generous, and the food is homestyle rather than restaurant-style.

Must Try: Chicken Curry, Dal Fry, Aloo Gobi

14. Diwali

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 6 Crow Street, Temple Bar | | Price Range | €€ (€18-28 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | Recommended |

Diwali offers a slightly more upscale experience in Temple Bar. The interior is beautiful, and the food is consistently good. The thali is excellent value at €18.95.

Must Try: Diwali Thali, Lamb Pasanda, Paneer Tikka

15. Mint House

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 54 Ranelagh | | Price Range | €€ (€20-30 per person) | | Cuisine | Modern Indian | | Student Discount | 10% | | Reservation | Recommended |

A local favorite in Ranelagh, Mint House serves fresh, flavorful Indian food in a cozy setting. The lunch special is popular with the local crowd, and the dinner menu has excellent variety.

Must Try: Lamb Rogan Josh, Fish Moilee, Vegetable Korma

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Dublin Suburbs: 10 Indian Restaurants

Tallaght & South Dublin

1. Spice Kitchen - The Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght

• Price: €€ (€15-25)
• Student Discount: 10%
• Notes: Reliable local spot, good delivery options

2. Taste of India - Main Street, Tallaght

• Price: € (€12-20)
• Student Discount: 15%
• Notes: Great value lunch specials, generous portions

Blanchardstown & West Dublin

3. Jaipur Express - Blanchardstown Centre

• Price: €€ (€15-25)
• Student Discount: 10%
• Notes: Same quality as city centre Jaipur, easier parking

4. Spice Garden - Castleknock

• Price: €€ (€18-28)
• Student Discount: 10%
• Notes: Local favorite, excellent biryanis

Swords & North Dublin

5. Shalimar Swords - Main Street, Swords

• Price: €€ (€15-25)
• Student Discount: 10%
• Notes: Same reliable chain, good for families

6. Indian Kitchen - Swords Pavilions

• Price: € (€12-18)
• Student Discount: 15%
• Notes: Quick service, good for shopping centre visits

Other Suburbs

7. Rasam Raheny - Raheny Village

• Price: €€ (€18-28)
• Student Discount: 10%
• Notes: Neighborhood gem, excellent service

8. Spice of Life - Blackrock

• Price: €€ (€18-28)
• Student Discount: 10%
• Notes: Upscale suburban dining, good for special occasions

9. Tiffin Box - Dundrum

• Price: € (€10-15)
• Student Discount: 15%
• Notes: Quick, affordable, near the shopping centre

10. Curry House - Drumcondra

• Price: € (€12-18)
• Student Discount: 15%
• Notes: Popular with DCU students, great value

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Cork: 5 Indian Restaurants

1. Imperial Spice

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 21 Cook Street, Cork City | | Price Range | €€ (€18-28 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% |

Cork's finest Indian restaurant, Imperial Spice offers authentic flavors with excellent service. The lunch buffet (€12.95) is popular with UCC students.

2. Aroma

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 5 French Church Street, Cork | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian, Bangladeshi | | Student Discount | 15% |

Aroma delivers consistent quality at reasonable prices. The chicken tikka is particularly good, and the portions are generous.

3. Spice Route

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 10 Bridge Street, Cork | | Price Range | €€ (€18-28 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% |

Spice Route offers a modern take on Indian classics. The interior is stylish, and the food is creative without being pretentious.

4. Indian Kitchen

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 22 Paul Street, Cork | | Price Range | € (€12-18 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 15% |

Great value option near UCC. The thali is excellent value at €13.95, and the service is quick.

5. Namaste India

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 6 Marlboro Street, Cork | | Price Range | € (€10-15 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 15% |

Budget-friendly option with authentic homestyle cooking. Perfect for students looking for a quick, affordable meal.

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Galway: 5 Indian Restaurants

1. Da Tang Noodle & Indian Cuisine

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 17 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian, Chinese-Indian | | Student Discount | 10% |

A unique fusion spot that serves both Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. The chilli chicken is a must-try for those who like it spicy.

2. Curry House

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 12 Dominick Street, Galway | | Price Range | € (€12-18 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 15% |

Popular with NUIG students, Curry House offers generous portions at student-friendly prices. The lunch special (€9.95) is excellent value.

3. Spice of India

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 4 Mary Street, Galway | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% |

Reliable Indian food in the heart of Galway. The biryanis are particularly good, and the naan is always fresh.

4. Rajdoot

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 15 Eyre Square, Galway | | Price Range | €€ (€18-28 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% |

A more upscale option overlooking Eyre Square. Good for special occasions or when parents visit.

5. Masala Kitchen

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 2 High Street, Galway | | Price Range | € (€10-15 per person) | | Cuisine | Indian Street Food | | Student Discount | 15% |

Quick, affordable, and authentic. The kathi rolls are excellent, and the samosas are freshly made.

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Limerick: 3 Indian Restaurants

1. Spice Garden

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 3 Thomas Street, Limerick | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 15% |

Limerick's best Indian restaurant, Spice Garden offers authentic flavors with generous portions. Popular with UL students.

2. Shalimar

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 54 O'Connell Street, Limerick | | Price Range | €€ (€15-25 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 10% |

Reliable chain restaurant with consistent quality. The lunch buffet (€11.95) is great value.

3. Tiffin

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Location | 12 Cruises Street, Limerick | | Price Range | € (€10-15 per person) | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Student Discount | 15% |

Budget-friendly option perfect for students. Quick service and homestyle cooking.

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Budget-Friendly Options (Under €15/Meal)

Money-Saving Tips:

1. Lunch specials are almost always cheaper than dinner
2. Takeaway often costs 10-15% less than dining in
3. Share dishes - Indian food is meant to be shared
4. Skip drinks - order tap water, save €3-5 per person
5. Student ID - always ask for the discount

Understanding the overall cost of living in Ireland for students will help you budget for dining out while managing your monthly expenses effectively.

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Fine Dining Indian (€30+/Meal)

When to Splurge:

• Parents visiting from India
• Graduation celebrations
• Special birthdays
• Business dinners
• When you need a proper Indian food fix

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Vegetarian & Vegan Indian Restaurants

Fully Vegetarian Options

1. Chai & Craving - Temple Bar

• Fully vegetarian menu
• Many vegan options
• Excellent chaat and street food

2. Usha - Cathal Brugha Street

• Extensive vegetarian menu
• South Indian specialties
• Vegan-friendly dosas

Restaurants with Excellent Vegetarian Options

| Restaurant | Vegetarian Dishes | Vegan Options | |------------|-------------------|---------------| | Rasam | 15+ | 8+ | | Jaipur | 12+ | 6+ | | Shiva | 15+ | 10+ | | Tiffin | 10+ | 5+ |

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Indian Street Food in Ireland

The street food scene is growing rapidly, with several spots specializing in chaat, kathi rolls, and other quick bites.

Best Street Food Spots:

1. Chai & Craving (Dublin) - Pani puri, samosa chaat, vada pav
2. Roti (Dublin) - Kathi rolls, chole bhature
3. Masala Kitchen (Galway) - Kathi rolls, samosas
4. Tiffin (Multiple locations) - Quick curries, tiffin boxes

What to Try:

• Pani Puri - Crisp hollow puris filled with spiced water
• Samosa Chaat - Samosas topped with chutneys and yogurt
• Kathi Roll - Wrap-style roll with grilled meat or paneer
• Vada Pav - Mumbai-style potato burger
• Chole Bhature - Spiced chickpeas with fried bread

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Student Discounts & Deals

Additional Student Tips:

• Lunch menus are typically 30-40% cheaper than dinner
• Early bird specials (5-7pm) offer great value
• Group bookings (6+) often get additional discounts
• University societies sometimes organize group dinners with special rates

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Tips for Eating Out on a Budget

1. Time Your Meals Right

• Lunch is always cheaper than dinner
• Early bird menus (5-7pm) offer significant savings
• Weekday specials are often better than weekend deals

2. Share Strategically

• Order rice and naan to share - portions are usually generous
• Thalis offer variety at a fixed price
• Appetizers can be meals in themselves

3. Skip the Extras

• Tap water is free and safe in Ireland
• Papadums are often complimentary
• Mint sauce and raita are usually free

4. Use Technology

• Deliveroo/Just Eat often have first-order discounts
• Restaurant apps may offer loyalty points
• Student discount apps like UNiDAYS sometimes have restaurant deals

5. Join the Community

• Indian student societies organize group dinners with discounts
• WhatsApp groups share deals and recommendations
• Facebook groups for Indian students often have restaurant recommendations

For more tips on managing your finances, see our comprehensive cost of living guide for students in Ireland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion: Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank

Ireland's Indian food scene has something for everyone—from €8 kathi rolls to €75 tasting menus. As a student, you don't have to miss out on the flavors of home. Here's your strategy:

For everyday meals:

• Stick to budget spots like Roti, Tiffin, and Chai & Craving
• Always ask for student discount
• Order lunch specials when possible

For special occasions:

• Splurge on Rasam or Jaipur for a proper restaurant experience
• Save Pickle and Ananda for when parents visit or graduation celebrations

For homesickness:

• Find your local Indian grocery store and cook at home
• Join Indian student societies for group dinners
• Share meals with friends—it's more economical and more fun

The indian community in ireland has created a food scene that rivals many larger European cities. Whether you're craving a simple dal-chawal or an elaborate biryani, you'll find it here. Just remember to bring your student ID!

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Internal Links

• Cost of Living in Ireland for Students
• First Week in Ireland Guide
• Indian Grocery Stores in Ireland
• Student Accommodation in Ireland
• Part-Time Jobs in Ireland for Students