Those of us who love Indian food know that the combination of hot curry, cool yogurt, and exotic spices truly can’t be beaten.

Like Tex-Mex, Chinese, or any other cuisine, Indian food is regional. In northern India, you’ll find scrumptious breads (like naan and roti), along with dairy, garam masala spices, and the tandoor oven. To the west, vegetarian cuisine reigns and the proximity to the coastline means more fish. Rice, fruit, dairy, veggies, and mustard-and-fenugreek-based spice are staples of eastern Indian menus, and in southern India, rice and lentils, sour tamarind, spicy curry and stews dominate the plates.

Here are eight places to grab some Indian (and regionally associated Nepalese and Pakistani) cuisine in Fort Worth.
 

Amma’s Indian Cuisine

If you’ve never had a bonda (the south Indian fried pies that are sort of like empanadas), Amma's is a good place to start your journey into a more complex Indian menu. A selection of kothu parottas (Tamil Nadu street food that includes flatbread and veggie or meat fillings), dhosas, spicy stews and homemade yogurt round out the bill of fare.

 

Bombay Grill

Bombay has been a Fort Worth stalwart at its location off Hulen. The menu’s sophistication assumes you know your way around Indian food, but the staff will help you if you don’t. Bombay is a vegetarian’s paradise, although lamb, beef and chicken dishes are also well-represented.

 

Indian Kitchen Cuisine of India

If your heart wants an Indian buffet with all the classics, perhaps you should listen to your heart. Cuisine from northern and southern India, along with Pakistan, are featured at Indian Kitchen. You’ll even find some Indo-Chinese rice and noodle dishes as well.

 

Maharaja

One of Fort Worth’s longest-tenured Indian restaurants, and the slightly more formal, courtly atmosphere makes Maharja somewhat of a celebration restaurant. The length and breadth of the menu is staggering, and you’ll find classics like Mulligatawny muglai soup, both veggie and chicken pakoras, and a selection of meats and seafood from the tandoor oven. The list of bread on the menu –– naan, roti, parantha and kulcha –– is phenomenal, and a carb lover's dream.

 

Nepali Chulo and Indian Cuisine

Just the name tells you that you’re in for a culinary mash-up. The menu at Nepali Chulo includes all the Indian classics (biriyani, tandoor and grilled items, lots of curries), along with intriguing Nepalese specialties that go far afield of the traditional momo (Nepalese dumplings).

 

Sana Indian Restaurant and Grocery

Part restaurant, part grocery, Sana offers a variety of dishes from the whole of the region, including selections from the cuisine of Pakistan and Bangladesh. If you like what you’re tasting, the grocery can set you up to cook the food you like, with chutneys and spices that are traditional to Indian cooking.

 

Spice 8 Indian Fusion Grill

Spice 8 mashes up Indian cuisine with food and spices from neighboring areas. As the name suggests, eight different kinds of momo are on offer, along with spring rolls and at least one fried rice and protein special daily if you are concerned about the spice levels.

 

Swad Indian and Nepalese Cuisine

This North Fort Worth restaurant is perfect for an introduction to Indian cuisine. Swad offers a choice of rice-based bowls or naan wraps or pizza, served build-your-own style with sauce and a choice of meat or plant-based proteins. A few kebabs, curries, and momo round out the fast-casual menu.