The ten best Indian restaurants in Switzerland
Authentic
Indian cuisine is popular in this country, even if very few guests know how diverse the subcontinent’s cooking methods are. In addition to many down-to-earth restaurants, there are also some companies that work at a high level.
For an Indian, talking about Indian cuisine is like expecting a tourist from the Far East in Zurich to look for a restaurant with European cuisine. From the far north to the deepest south, the Indian subcontinent offers a wealth of cuisines. If you want to dine in the best of ways, you have to fly to Mumbai or London, but you can also fly to Berlin («India Club Berlin») eat excellent and will be in Milan («Serendib») find it.
And in Switzerland? You won’t find the finest, star-worthy expression of Indian cuisine here, but a few restaurants cook authentically and very clearly. Their menus are rather small, sometimes the dishes are subtly modernized. Sometimes you can even find wine of remarkable quality – especially fresh whites from Germany or Switzerland (Indian wines can taste good, but are rare) go well with curry and tandoori specialties. With a lassi you are of course always on the safe side.
1. «Malabar» in Zurich: good thali and tandoori
It’s no longer an insider tip «Malabar» in Oerlikon. When I first came here, I was amazed to find that the wine selection goes well beyond the mediocre range of most Asian-influenced restaurants. Also, why not order German Riesling from Andrea Ries and Madhu Padmanabhan, the couple who own it. The cuisine is South Indian with a strong focus on thalis, the curry variants, or chicken biryani – but you can actually order everything without looking at it.
2. “Masala House” in Geneva: enormous variety
As befits many Asian restaurants, the menu at «Masala house» gigantic. However, the popularity is also great in this inviting Geneva restaurant, which is why you can be sure that the starters – pakoras and samosas are both dumplings – will be crispy and that the aubergine with saffron rice will be a success. The vegetarian-vegan range is remarkably extensive, but there is no shortage of chicken and lamb.
3. “Bay leaf” in Basel: pleasantly authentic
If you ask around among the city’s foodies, you will realize that they are authentic and special this Indian restaurant repeatedly described. In fact, some dishes are served here that are not often found elsewhere, such as Chennai chicken prepared with tomatoes and tamarind. The selection of naan is considerable, while the wine selection is rather limited.
4. “Indian Rasoi” in Carouge: Author’s cuisine in Indian
In the rarest of cases, the head chef of an Indian restaurant is in the foreground – at least not in Switzerland. An exception is the one located in a suburb of Geneva «Indian rasoi». Kuldeep Rawat cooks what is described as modern Indian cuisine here. On closer inspection, however, it is a menu that also includes many classics, supplemented by creations such as salmon with mustard and honey or, for dessert, a hazelnut naan.
5. «Vulkan» in Zurich: insider tip at reasonable rates
Not even every local knows this place – and that can be called a mistake. You should ignore the few Thai dishes on the menu and rather order what comes out of the tandoor, the typical Indian oven. Chicken or lamb with yoghurt and spices are among the classics, and the side dishes are above average.
6. «Kerala» in Zurich: southern spice
Kerala is located in southern India and the cuisine there is very different from that in the north. Spices, vegetables and fish play an important role and are mandatory at this restaurant of the same name represented above average. examples? Willingly. A dish made from and beans called Erisseri will not be found often in Indian restaurants in Switzerland, nor will cassava with ginger. The menu is cheap, the attention high: An unconditional recommendation.
7. “Samosa” in St. Gallen: Cooking courses and dumpling skills
To St. Gallen for Indian cuisine? Absolutely, because this manageable large family business lives and loves his craft. The differently filled dumplings called samosas are of course at the top of the menu, but lamb curry, flatbread and, for dessert, mango cream and Indian ice cream are also worth a visit. Even better: The prices are low and are organized in irregular cooking classes.
8. “Palace” in Gstaad: Indian from the master
Both in the summer and in the winter season, the dignified Grand restaurant of the imposing hotel an Asian touch. That’s when Ravi Bajaj, who usually works in London and used to work in the legendary restaurant The Taj Palace in Mumbai, cooks his Indian specialties here. From December 20th to March 11th, his curries as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes will once again be available with unusual precision.
9. “Laudinella” in St. Moritz: a different kind of pop-up
To the Engadin to enjoy Indian cuisine? But sure. The pop-up restaurant «FoodiesIndia» in the «Laudinella» will only open on December 9th, from then on every evening and requirements can only be tested in a few days. However, there is much to suggest that winter guests can enjoy curry and more in an authentic way here.
10 «Maharani» in Zurich: Tandoori specialties
Dishes from the tandoor are unusual in this unusual working Restaurant in Hongg available as well as meat and prawns – for example those cooked with basmati rice, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and cashew nuts. You should definitely order naan bread and raita with it.