When it comes to Indian cuisine in Woburn, the strip malls along Main Street might seem like the obvious choice. But this town’s culinary scene is far more nuanced than a few predictable curry houses. From family-run gems tucked away in unassuming plazas to modern kitchens reimagining regional classics, Woburn’s best Indian restaurants are also its most authentic. So skip that generic buffet you were planning on tonight, and start feasting at these spots instead.
Madras Dosa Company
$ | (857) 233-5188 | WEBSITE
Greetings from one of the most satisfying Indian restaurants in all of Woburn, and probably Massachusetts. Madras Dosa Company is cozy and bustling and full of people who appreciate late-night eats, but if you’re looking for the go-to spot for authentic South Indian food, Madras Dosa Company is still where you go. The dosas are tasty, the chutneys are flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to be a treat.
That said, Madras Dosa Company is at its best late at night, when the dinner rush has all gone home, leaving a crowd that’s more relaxed, but just as hungry. The paani puri is equally as wonderful.
Kantipur Cafe
$ | (617) 714-3904 | WEBSITE
Kantipur Cafe is a cozy Indian spot that pops up inside Cambridge’s dining scene with flavorful and hearty dishes. There’s tandoori chicken and paapdi chaat up front and standout lentil soup in the back that satisfies early. While this place is vegetarian-friendly, it’s very inclusive of everyone with clearly labeled gluten-free and vegan choices.
There’s an entire menu of popular items, as well as reasonable prices—the latter of which is usually fair enough that you’d only need one or two dishes before heading home with your fully satisfied appetite for delicious food like Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan.
India Kitchen
$$ | (857) 760-7176 | WEBSITE
We appreciate any restaurant that lives up to its straightforward name, and India Kitchen certainly does. This Woburn favorite has been around for a while by local standards, and for that reason alone, it’s consistently busy. The cozy, unpretentious dining area is small and intimate, which is perfect for people to sit close and share dishes until someone orders seconds. The garlic naan is very popular, and some diners are here for the madras chicken enthusiastically.
That said, the most delightful aspect of this place is its friendly and attentive service, especially from manager Sachin. Go for the super crisp garlic naan, or the sag paneer, made with fresh kale and marked for vegan options.
Spirit of India
$ | (781) 538-5870 | WEBSITE
Once upon a time, Woburn was known for its strip malls and chain restaurants. Those days are fading, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few authentic gems still holding strong. Namely, Spirit of India. This Indian restaurant isn’t where you go if you like your food bland, predictable, and served by indifferent staff. It is where you go if you crave fresh paneer tikka pizza, comforting Indian chai, and your occasional tandoori chicken pizza with an incredible crust.
There’s also warm hospitality if you need some genuine service. Cash-only.
Nirvana The Taste of India
$$ | (617) 441-5566 | WEBSITE
After discovering this spot in Woburn, Nirvana The Taste of India has become a go-to dining destination for authentic Indian cuisine. Yes, the lunch special prices are remarkably affordable even for the area, but we appreciate that Nirvana is more than just a basic curry house filled with generic decor and tourists looking for quick bites. People here are truly enjoying their meals, and if you can believe it, savoring every flavorful bite.
The place skews charming, but not in a kitschy, over-the-top kind of way. There are cozy, intimate tables, and some good Indian music playing at just the right volume. It’s inviting, warm, and gives off the energy of a well-loved neighborhood gem where the food is always served hot and fresh.
Virsa De Punjab
$$ | (781) 538-6136 | WEBSITE
Woburn isn’t the first place most people think when it comes to Indian cuisine, but it is home to Virsa De Punjab, a local favorite that’s been serving consistently delicious food for years. While you can always expect flavorful dishes and a pleasant dining experience here, what makes Virsa De Punjab so special is their rotating buffet with fresh naan and the extremely high chance of finding something perfect for every diet.
The Maharaja
$$ | (617) 547-2757 | WEBSITE
Everybody’s Indian food rotation becomes predictable at some point, and when that moment arrives, head to The Maharaja. The Woburn restaurant is one of the most memorable dining experiences in the Boston area. It’s elegant from the inside, with quiet views of the street, but inside, there’s a vibrant atmosphere, a menu full of flavorful dishes, and attentive service delivering truly unforgettable meals. Also, you get authentic spicier options with every visit.
The food is outstanding, and it’s at The Maharaja ready to impress.
Namaste Spice | Indian & Nepali Cuisine
$ | (781) 777-2033 | WEBSITE
Namaste Spice is all comfort up front … and all flavor in back. Step inside this Woburn space and you’ll find a fairly small dining area with a cozy, clean atmosphere. Head through the menu and you’ll stumble into a world of excellent dishes with great depth and unique complexities. Then head through another section to find a savory lineup that hosts shrimp biryani, lamb curry, and must-try spicy chicken tika.
Namaste Spice is a fun choose-your-own-adventure meal, and just as importantly, fills a much-needed role in the area’s Indian and Nepali dining scene.
Clay Oven
$$ | (781) 674-2990 | WEBSITE
Clay Oven is all about three words: Hot Paratha Bliss. Come any evening, get cozy with some complimentary appetizers, bring the kids along for dinner, and stick around until closing when the most peaceful atmosphere settles in. Clay Oven might not be much of a nightlife hotspot but on pleasant evenings, it’s a destination that you need to work into your routine—especially if you have guests visiting from out of town.
Taste of India
$$ | (781) 321-8800 | WEBSITE
Nestled among the chain restaurants that nobody asked for and the generic takeout spots that litter the area, Taste of India is a Woburn classic, and one of the best Indian spots in town. The atmosphere generally skews warm and family-friendly, far more welcoming and unaffected than its better-known competitors. That said, this place can get busy any night of the week.
Known for their samosas that are just pockets full of spiced perfection, Taste of India is easily your fastest route to deliciousness in the neighborhood. They also have outstanding service if you’re still able to appreciate attentive staff after that chicken tikka.
Godavari
$$ | (781) 935-6060 | WEBSITE
If you tried Godavari when it first opened, you might recognize the restaurant today. The South Indian spot took over the Woburn dining scene and immediately made it the one thing early reviews couldn’t capture: consistently excellent. Gone are the service hiccups and uneven dishes, replaced by attentive staff and flavors that feel like dining in Chennai.
On weekends, the dining room gets lively, and regulars are known to drop by, but the best experience is ordering the Bahubali Thali, featuring generous portions, authentic tastes, and family-style sharing that’s more than enough for five people.
