Indian & South Asian Dining in China
A guide to Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi restaurants across China's major cities — including vegetarian options, halal-certified restaurants, and business dining recommendations.
Indian Dining in China — Overview
Search Tips
Search 印度餐厅 (yìndù cāntīng — Indian restaurant) on Amap or Dianping. Also try 咖喱餐厅 (curry restaurant) for broader results. In Guangzhou, also try 南亚餐厅 (South Asian restaurant).
Vegetarian Options
Indian restaurants in China almost universally have extensive vegetarian menus — a huge advantage in a country where pure vegetarian dining is otherwise very limited. Dal, paneer dishes, vegetable curries and thalis are all available.
Delivery Available
Several established Indian restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai offer Meituan (美团) delivery. Search 印度餐厅 in Meituan for options near you. Delivery quality varies — soups and rice dishes travel best.
Price Range
Indian restaurants in China range from affordable neighbourhood spots (¥60–100/person) to upscale business dining (¥200–400/person). Lunch thalis (套餐) offer the best value at ¥50–80 for a full meal with bread, rice, dal and curry.
Beijing Indian Restaurants
Sanlitun Area
Beijing's highest concentration of Indian restaurants is in and around Sanlitun. Serving the diplomatic community and expats. North Indian cuisine dominates — butter chicken, biryani, naan. Several are halal-certified. English menus standard.
Chaoyang CBD
Multiple Indian restaurants in the Guomao/CBD area cater to the IT and financial services Indian community. Good business lunch options. Thali sets available at lunch, à la carte dinner. Most accept WeChat Pay.
Pakistani Options
A handful of Pakistani restaurants near Yayuncun (亚运村) serve the South Asian diplomatic and student community. Karahi, nihari, and tandoor breads. Very affordable (¥40–70/person). Cash or WeChat Pay.
Full Listings Coming
Individual restaurant names, addresses, and booking details will be added.
Being ResearchedShanghai Indian Restaurants
Jing'an Cluster
The best Indian restaurants in Shanghai are in Jing'an District. Several have been operating for 10+ years serving the Indian business community. North Indian, South Indian, and fusion options. Book ahead for Friday/Saturday dinner.
French Concession
A few upscale Indian-fusion restaurants in the Former French Concession — modern Indian cooking in beautiful concession-era settings. More expensive but excellent quality. Good for business entertaining.
Vegetarian Focus
Shanghai has at least two dedicated Indian vegetarian restaurants — a rarity in China. Pure veg thalis, South Indian dosas, and Jain-friendly options. Popular with the local Shanghai vegetarian community as well as Indian visitors.
Full Listings Coming
Individual restaurant names, addresses, photos, and booking details will be added.
Being ResearchedGuangzhou & Shenzhen Indian Restaurants
Guangzhou — Xiaobei Area
The Xiaobei area in Guangzhou that hosts Arab restaurants also has Pakistani and Indian restaurants serving traders. Particularly busy during Canton Fair. Affordable and authentic — the traders' circuit.
Guangzhou — Tianhe CBD
Several Indian restaurants in Tianhe cater to IT and business professionals. Better ambience and more upscale than Xiaobei options. English menus. Good for client entertainment during Canton Fair visits.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen's large Indian IT professional community supports a cluster of Indian restaurants in Nanshan (南山) and Futian (福田) districts. Good quality North and South Indian options. More vegetarian-friendly than other Chinese cities.