The Best Hole-In-The-Wall Indian Restaurant In Every State

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One of the earliest mentions of an Indian restaurant in the U.S. was in an article in the New York Times on April 3, 1921. The Taj Mahal Hindu Restaurant, located in New York City, could arguably be called the first Indian hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the U.S. But, this cuisine has become a way of life for people of all backgrounds. 

While there's no debating that Indian food in the U.S. isn't the same as its country of origin, there's also no denying the merits of a perfectly seasoned and succulent chicken tikka masala, a British national dish. The beauty of Indian food is that it doesn't need to be enjoyed in a fancy restaurant. Some of the best Indian joints in the country are welcoming little family run spots found in the corner of an Indian grocery store, in the parking lot of a gas station, or inside a truck stop. Here, we highlight the best hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurants in your state. If you need help deciding what to order on your culinary adventure to one of these must-visit spots, check out this cheat sheet to Indian restaurants. 

Alabama: Kabob-licious

Curry crusaders can hoover up a Chicken Tikka Botti at Kabab-licious. A food influencer on Instagram says, "If you're looking for an interesting, unsuspecting hole in the wall with a unique menu & fantastic food, you've found your place." According to a local Reddit user from India, Kabob-licious in Hoover has the "best grilled tikka wings and kebabs and nehari i have [had] in the south apart from Atlanta." 

kabob-licious.com

(205) 407-6777

1841 Montgomery Hwy Ste 105, Hoover, AL 35244

Alaska: Mandala

According to the Anchorage Daily News, the best restaurants are frequently located in strip malls. This little joint in the "Kings Row" mall features a menu full of favorites, from butter chicken for mild palates to lamb vindaloo for spice lovers. It's not just the food that slaps at Mandala, the restaurant earned the Best Ambience Award in the 2023 Vegan Chef Challenge. "Paneer naan and paneer tikka masala. Both were perfect," said a passionate foodie on Facebook. 

facebook.com/Mandala.Anchorage/

(907) 562-2662

209 E Dimond Blvd , Anchorage, AK 99515

Arizona: Tap N Tikka

One of the Phoenix Times' best-loved Indian spots, Tap N Tikka pairs fine craft beer with shareable bites, like tandoori chicken wings andmasala fries. A local Reddit patron said, "Their lunch special is incredible, so much food. And the garlic naan is fire." Lunchtime visitors can pair a liquid lunch with a meat or veggie thali or a balanced platter full of Indian favorites, like daal, rice, garlic naan, and the famous chutney.

tapntikkaaz.com

(480) 590-2317

25 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295

Arkansas: Vijayawada India House

One benchmark for a phenomenal Indian hole-in-the-wall is finding it tucked into the corner of a bustling Indian grocery store. Vijayawada India House took over the space in the back of Little Rock's Asian Groceries in 2025, and has been a regular haunt for people ever since. The extensive menu includes tandoori and other unusual North Indian specials. A reviewer on Uber Eats calls it "The absolute best food ever," highlighting the butter chicken, garlic naan, and hot and sour soup, in particular. 

vijayawadahouse.com

(501) 442-9602

9112 N Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR 72205

California: Tandoori Eats

There's a lot of competition when dinner time arrives in LA, but Tandoori Eats should be taken as a serious contender thanks to its "GOATed" status, according to an "Indian of LA" on Reddit. Speaking of goats, the goat biryani is a surefire winner, thanks to the aromatic spices in the basmati rice and an expert spice level. Folks on Food Talk Central also call out the care taken with the tandoori chicken, making it a must-order for new visitors.

tandoorieats.com

(424) 298-8525

10004 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Colorado: Spice Room

Spice Room won the 2021 Westword Readers' Choice award for Best Indian. Food specials, like butter chicken meatballs and shahi paneer, are eye-catching, but the star of the show is the house masala chai, which is "creamy, not too sweet, and spiced perfectly AND free refills," according to a reviewer on Reddit. The OG Spice Room was so popular that the owners opened a second location, three times the size, across town in 2022.

denverspiceroom.com

Multiple locations

Connecticut: Dhaba Wala

Dhaba Wala roughly translates to "hole-in-the-wall," so it's no surprise that this restaurant is our pick for Connecticut's best. The Hartford Courant calls it "quick and authentic."  "Honestly the food here goes crazy, and the portions are great. This was my first time trying the mango lassi and I'm glad I did hence the empty cup," noted a Google reviewer. 

dhabawalahartford.com

(860) 232-1500

49 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103

Delaware: Masala Kitchen

Masala Kitchen is tucked away inside the Best of Delaware award-winning New Castle Farmer's Market. Unapologetically authentic, diners should prepare for serious spice at a spot the local Indian community flocks to for a taste of home. As one Reddit user put it, "It's fantastic and spicy as hell." The all-vegetarian menu will still satisfy committed carnivores, featuring unique dishes, like deconstructed aloo tikki and paneer tikka skewers.

masala.kitchen

(302) 544-6979

110 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720

Florida: Curry Leaves

Curry Leaves started life as a beloved hole-in-the-wall with incredible food and welcoming vibes from a location inside a gas station. Word spread, and a major upgrade was in order at the new Westshore Plaza location. Diehard diners who have been there throughout its journey still think of it as the hole-in-the-wall they fell in love with. The new location delivers good vibes and, most importantly, incredible eats, as shown by its gold win in the Tampa Bay Times' Best of the Best Awards 2026. Menu highlights include fried quail and a one-of-a-kind everything bagel naan.

curryleavesindiancuisine.com

Multiple locations

Georgia: Aamar Indian Cuisine

Nothing beats a bustling late-night dining experience in Atlanta at a true hole-in-the-wall, like Aamar Indian Cuisine. One YouTuber called this "the best Indian food he's ever had in his entire life." It's also a cheap eat for downtown, and the Chef's Masala Special is a go-to, affordable option, available with a variety of proteins. Atlanta Magazine highlighted Aamar as a must-visit spot within walking distance of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

aamarindiancuisine.com

(404) 257-6959

100 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Hawaiʻi: Spice Up, House of Indian Cuisine

Spice up your life at Spice Up, House of Indian Cuisine in Honolulu. This hole-in-the-wall took home the silver award for the Indian restaurant category in Honolulu Magazine's Hale 'Aina Awards 2026. In a review of the chicken malai tikka, Frolic Hawai'i highlighted its succulent chicken and super-creamy yogurt that seeped into the meat, with the right amount of tandoor char on the outside.

spiceupindian.com

(808) 784-0338

1289 S King St Unit 101, Honolulu, HI 96814

Idaho: Madhuban Indian Cuisine

Madhuban Indian Cuisine fought off stiff competition to be crowned the best Indian restaurant in the Idaho Press' Best of Boise. If you don't mind a tight squeeze and dining elbow to elbow with other tables, this true hole-in-the-wall is worth checking out. This place features nine different types of naan bread. Dip your naan of choice into the creamy coconut sauce of the local fave, Mughlai Makhani. As one Reddit user says, "Madhuban is probably the best in the state honestly, they use actual spice levels too!"

madhubanindiancuisine.com

(208) 853-8215

6930 W State St, Boise, ID 83714

Illinois: Ghareeb Nawaz

Ghareeb Nawaz translates to "helper of the poor," and this budget-friendly Chi-Town spot lives up to its name. Curry-loving Chicagoans hail the affordable menu options and the fact that there is at least one restaurant left where you can eat out for under $15. Patrons highlight the spicy chili chicken main and the beef nihari. 

ghareebnawazonline.com

Multiple locations

Indiana: Everest Momo House

In a Reddit callout for sketchy looking places in greater Indy, Everest Momo House gets a mention. Great things come in small packages, in this case momos. Chill out and enjoy classic Bollywood movies on a loop as you enjoy chicken steam momo, served with an array of spicy dipping sauces. The menu also includes flavorful butter chicken and chicken tikka masala.

everest-momohouse.com

(317) 419-2666

3816 N High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254

Iowa: Taj Mahal Restaurant

Take a trip to Taj Mahal to sample the go-to Indian restaurant in the area where the "flavor, price, and portion size are the best around," according to one Reddit user. Dig into the mumtaz biryani for a filling main and pair it with a crunchy, onion kulcha naan. In true, Indian, hole-in-the-wall fashion, this spot is takeout only and found inside attached to an expansive Indian grocery store.

tajiowa.com

(319) 294-4953

3939 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Kansas: Shagan's

Shagan's is a family-run hole-in-the-wall with wonderful customer service, serving Northern Indian cuisine. According to a local Redditer, "Shagan's is the best Indian food I have ever had (and I eat a lot of Indian food). It would be awesome for a first experience because you can get a plate with 3 different things + rice and parathas." This awesome first dish is a thali, Kansas City Mag's food editor's fave dish. It even has a literal hole in the wall where you can pick up to-go orders without leaving your car.

shagansop.com

(913) 766-8396

14521 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223

Kentucky: Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar

Kathmandu Kitchen and Bar is a small, family-owned and operated restaurant at the end of a strip mall that specializes in Nepalese food, with some Indian classics on the menu, too. "I'm telling you what. If I could get vegan like this, I'd be a vegan the rest of my life," said a YouTuber who is a certified meat lover, when sampling aloo gobi and other vegan delights. 

kathmandukitchenandbar.com

(502) 202-1481

3825 Bardstown Rd #108, Louisville, KY 40218

Louisiana: Plume Algiers

Food authenticity is key at NOLA's Plume Algiers, even though the husband-and-wife owners aren't from India. The pair traveled extensively around the country and picked up dishes from locals before returning home to open a pop-up version of the restaurant. After a successful soft run, the couple moved permanently, laying down roots for their hole-in-the-wall adventure. "One of my favorite restaurants right now is in Algiers on the other side of the river ... Get the Banana Chaat and Fish Kabiraji – really inventive flavor combos, you won't regret," says one Redditor. 

plumealgiers.com

(504) 381-4893

1113 Teche St, New Orleans, LA 70114

Maine: Jewel of India

If you're searching for a hidden gem and don't want to cook an Indian meal at home, the Jewel of India could be the answer. It's a family-run place with welcoming vibes and a menu full of classic dishes. Try filling entrees, like the veg-packed golden curry or lamb rogan josh, which is described in as a Mughlai delight. "Jewel of India in Biddeford has never steered me wrong," said one Reddit user.

thejewelofindia.net

Multiple locations

Maryland: Unavu

Baltimore's Unavu is an exclusive takeout-only joint that specializes in South Indian cuisine, giving diners a chance to experience homemade, village-style dishes they won't find elsewhere in Baltimore. According to a journalist on YouTube, Unavu "serves the best Indian food in the city." Fans praise the dosas and vadar with sambal. 

unavu.us

(410) 718-0700

416 E 30th St, Baltimore, MD 21218

Massachusetts: Punjabi Dhaba

Located in Cambridge's vibrant Inman Square, Punjabi Dhaba is usually as packed with people as its Indian food cart-style trays are with flavorful dishes. Five-time winner of Boston Magazine's Best of Boston Indian Restaurant, this restaurant gets a lot of love on Reddit for its chicken tikka masala. Meals are a good value as well, with silver trays packed with curries, rice, na'an, and sides for the same price you'd pay for a standalone meal elsewhere.

punjabidhaba.co

(617) 547-8272

225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Michigan: Pink Garlic Indian Cuisine

Named by the owner's grandmother as an ode to an essential ingredient in traditional Indian cooking, Pink Garlic Indian Cuisine showcases family cooking traditions in a modern setting. This popular take-out-only joint recently came in runner-up in a roundup of Metro Detroit's best Indian restaurants. "Try the lamb (or chicken) biryani. It is on my "last meals" list," says one Reddit user. 

pink-garlic-indian-cuisine.square.site

Multiple locations

Minnesota: Dosa South Indian Grill

Next to Napa Auto Parts and a pawn shop, Dosa South Indian Grill delivers the unexpected. The expert chefs specialize in divine dosas, a South Indian savory crepe. The menu also features rich, delicious dishes like Hyderabad goat roasted in ghee and sambar vada. As one Bloomington Reddit user put it, "It's got that 'hole in the wall' thing going on. The outside is a total dump but I just can't get enough of the food."

dosateluguruchulu.com

(952) 884-1033

8654 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420

Mississippi: Good Karma

Good Karma won the VCA2025 WXXV Viewer's Choice Awards for Best Local Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant, and proudly serves up a menu of plant-based delights. Whatever your dietary requirements, you'll love savoring a perfectly chewy and crispy dairy-free naan. "It's all vegetarian/vegan! I love the potato samosas," says one Reddit user.

facebook.com/goodkarmacafe

(228) 896-7545

2346 E Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507

Missouri: Desi Dhaba

Fill your cart with cheap ingredients for yellow cauliflower curry at Midtown Market, then swing by Desi Dhaba, a KCUR listeners' Kansas City South Asian recommendation, to taste how the experts do it. One Instagrammer ordered a banquet ranging from butter chicken dosa to vegetable samosas, and recommended the Indian-style wings, which are "super crispy and packed with flavor."

desidhabakc.com

(913) 326-9291

3967 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Montana: Curry n' Naan

Curry n' Naan in Jay's 1 Stop gas station serves the best Indian food for miles around. According to one Reddit user, Jay's 1 Stop "...is entirely all that. If you like Indian food; 10/10, no notes." According to the Hellgate Lance: "That empty hole in your heart? Search no more for a salve; for the butter chicken served on basmati rice will sit comfortably within your soul and with its spicy warmth, you become whole again."

jayscurry-n-naan.com

(406) 493-0906

505 Highton St, Missoula, MT 59802

Nebraska: Taste of India

Taste of India transcends its truck-stop location. Curiosity attracted a local Redditor who said: "Holy smokes!! Ate 2 Samosas in my car and just finished half of my dish when I got home. I had the Palek Paneer and it came with some Naan. With the tip it was still less than $20!" One reply read: "Looks sketch af, but their food is great and cheap!"

facebook.com/p/Jay-Bros-Truck-stop

(308) 987-2111

74975 Road 444, Overton, NE 68863

Nevada: Rani's

Rani's is located inside Nevada's largest Indian food store. City Cast Las Vegas hails it as the best Indian restaurant inside a grocery store, drawing special attention to the variety of paratha. A popular Las Vegas YouTuber, calls it "a must-go restaurant for home-style taste and purity in Las Vegas," and recommends the Makki roti and Sarso da saag.

ranisworldfoods.com/rani-las-vegas

(702) 522-7744

4505 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102

New Hampshire: Asian Kabab and Grill

Asian Kabab and Grill is one of the reasons Manchester could be the next cool city, according to New Hampshire Magazine. Menu highlights include the perfectly charred chicken sheek kabab and the Asian special mix kabab grill. "Their bullet naan comes with jalapenos. I dip it in my Tikka Masala and it is heaven on earth to me," said a spice-loving Redditor.

asiankababgrill.com

(603) 782-3366

376 Massabesic St, Manchester, NH 03103

New Jersey: Sonny's Indian Kitchen

Sonny's Indian Kitchen is one of Morris County's best restaurants, according to NJ.com, and Reddit users often call it the best Indian joint in the area. The chef, who learned to cook from his mother and has honed his craft around the world, is known for Sonny's Famous Butter Chicken. This classic, silky dish includes oven-baked thigh meat and a velvety, rich gravy.

sonnysindiankitchen.com

(973) 507-9462

225 Main St, Chatham, NJ 07928

New Mexico: Taste of India

Taste of India is located in a strip mall and "hits every time," according to a Redditor. A New Mexico-based food blogger highlights the lamb rogan josh, which is backed up by a Redditor who says, "Taste of India on Juan Tabo has an INCREDIBLE lamb curry. Everything there is delicious, but that dish is by far my favorite! Cannot recommend it enough."

tasteofindiaabq.com

(505) 294-6342

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

New York: Punjabi Deli

Punjabi Deli is an iconic hole-in-the-wall in Manhattan's Lower East Side. NY Daily News highlights the malai kofta, noting it'll leave you wanting more. One YouTuber managed to snag one of the eight dining-in spots and said: "There is just something so comforting about being able to select multiple things and kind of have this really delicious, and honestly, this is a dense bowl of food."

facebook.com/PunjabiGroceryDeli

(212) 533-3356

114 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009

North Carolina: Himalayan Nepali Cuisine

Himalayan Nepali Cuisine has been family owned for 25 years. The best way to get a true taste of this hole-in-the-wall's cooking is to order the thali. Don't just take our word for it: The News & Observer's Best Indian Restaurants in the Triangle lists it in the top 30, and it also received a nomination for the 2023 Maggy Awards for Best Indian Restaurant.

himalayannepalicuisine.com

(919) 466-0550

746 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511

North Dakota: Indian Street Food Fargo

One Instagrammer, was blown away by Indian Street Food Fargo: "Wow ... this spot does NOT miss. I got the pani poori, samosa chaat, Bombay sandwich, and the tandoori chicken panini — and that panini absolutely blew me away."  A Facebooker on a discussion board agreed: "The Tandoori Panini was so crispy and delicious, I can't wait to get that again."

indiastreetfoodfargo.com

(701) 281-8844

855 45th St S Unit j, Fargo, ND 58103

Ohio: Cafe Everest

Cafe Everest is a refugee-owned and operated restaurant serving homestyle Nepalese dishes and Indian staples on Cleveland's West Side. One Reddit user highlights its unexpected charm: "Love this place. Total hole in the wall from the outside. But the interior is fairly nice from what I remember. Food takes a long time to come out, but it is definitely worth it." One of Cleveland Magazine's Best of Cleveland, the momos get a lot of love from the experts. 

cafeeverest.netlify.app

(216) 476-2990

14304 Puritas Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135

Oklahoma: Manna Indian

A Facebooker warns people visiting Manna Indian, "not to judge a book by its cover. It looks a little inconspicuous, but definitely when you pull up inside the flavors will hit you." Chilliheads should heed the words of a local blogger who recommends a classic spicy curry: "The vindaloo is a dark, creamy sauce with big chunks of chicken simmered in it, soaking up loads of extremely tasty and mouth-scorching spices." The chicken tikka is so good that the people of Reddit are trying to replicate it at home.

facebook.com/p/Manna-Indian-Cuisine

(812) 272-8279

7908 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132

Oregon: Curry and Nest

Curry and Nest is a recognizable hole-in-the-wall attached to a Motel 6 in the aptly named city of Madras. A local Facebooker said, "I'm fairly well traveled, and this is some of the best Indian food I've ever had! Tonight we kept it basic with butter chicken and plain paratha, and it was, as usual, fantastic!!" The owner, Atanu Das, recommends his favorite dish, the lamb malai methi, for its creamy sauce.

curryandnest.com

(331) 472-9461

1543 U.S.-97, Madras, OR 97741

Pennsylvania: Trexler Indian Curries

A local Redditor highlighted Trexler Travel Center, a 24-hour hole-in-the wall in a gas station, in a discussion: "Surprised no one has brought up the Trexler Travel Center, a big truck stop in Trexlertown that has excellent Indian food. No joke. Check it out." A Yelp reviewer also gives his menu recommendations: "This place is a jewel in the rough. The food is absolutely spectacular. I personally recommend the goat curry and the chilly chicken as well as the chicken samosas and the garlic naan."

trexlerindiancurries.com

(610) 395-6000

5829 Tilghman St, Allentown, PA 18104

Rhode Island: Chennai Express

Chennai Express serves up the self-proclaimed best biryani in Cranston. In a Yelp review, a local concurs, noting: "I got the lamb biryani and goat curry. The flavors are deep, and the spices are divine. Their medium spice is spicy because they don't play here. Honestly, some of the best Indian food I've had in the state." A local curry lover on Reddit also said: "It's the best Indian food I've had outside of India and London."

chennaiexpressri.com

(401) 497-7840

745 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI 02910

South Carolina: Kolapasi

I'm a regular at the first American Chipotle of Indian food, Kolapasi, and it is one of the best Indian joints I've tried since moving from England. Build your own thali with two mains, including a spicy dry potato roast, spicy coconut chicken, and paneer curry; select from ghee, lemon, coconut, or biryani rice, and top it with yogurt and fresh red onion. If you're not sure what to get, diners are invited to "see, taste, and order." 

kolapasigreenville.com

(864) 729-1818

27 S Pleasantburg Dr Ste 160, Greenville, SC 29607

South Dakota: Shahi Palace India Grill

Punjabi brothers Happy and Parminder Singh moved to Sioux Falls in 2009 to turn their passion for food into a livelihood with Shahi Palace India Grill. According to one Redditor: "Always great food, prepared quickly, with good service." A Facebooker suggests, "Achari Chicken Rogan Josh from Shahi India Palace should be on your list. So perfectly spiced."

shahiindiagrill.com

(605) 361-5050

2527 S Shirley Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Tennessee: Curry Corner

On Instagram, owner Mohan Khemani states: "This is the only Indian kitchen you will see open. I tell everybody. I don't need to hide anything ... you're eating everything in my restaurant fresh." According to one Reddit user on Nashville Good Eats, "Great Guy, great food. Everything I've tried has been fantastic. Highly suggest." The chicken tikka masala and lamb saag are popular favorites. 

currycornermusiccity.com

(629) 702-3941

5119 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211

Texas: Naseeb

Naseeb is an affordable, family-run, hole-in-the-wall in a Sugar Land strip mall. "The best Indian that I've had in Houston metro is a hole in the wall spot in Sugar Land called Naseeb...off hwy 6 close to Williams Trace. We order ~1x month and haven't been disappointed in the 8 years we've lived in Sugar Land," according to one Reddit user. 

thenaseeb.com

(281) 325-0099

3559 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Utah: SLC Dhaba

SLC Dhaba is one of Gastronomic Salt Lake City's new names on the Utah food and drink scene. One Instagrammer spoke highly of it: "I've got another absolute hidden gem and hole-in-the-wall. This is SLC Dhaba, an Indian restaurant that focuses more on Northern Indian cuisine ... one of my favorites is the malai kofta. It's a creamy curry that is just packed full of flavor." 

slcdhaba.com

(801) 514-5251

3078 W 7800 S #4, West Jordan, UT 84088

Vermont: Namaste Garden

Nominated for the 2026 Seven Daysies Award for Best Indian, Namaste Garden has a "fun family atmosphere and casual Indian cuisine." Ignore the minimal decor, and let the all-vegetarian menu do the talking. One Reddit user has high praise: "Namaste Garden's kadhi pakodi and malai kofta are the best in town. I don't think anyone makes as authentically North Indian kadhi pakoda in Vermont as they do."

namastegardenvt.com

(802) 764-0767

34 Park St, Essex Junction, VT 05452

Virginia: Kohinoor Dhaba

Arlington Magazine highlights Kohinoor Dhaba as a must-visit Indian restaurant. The Trip Takes Us, warns potential diners not to judge a book by its cover: "Look up 'hole in the wall restaurant' in the dictionary, and you may just see a picture of it. The no-frills space does not incite high expectations, but don't be turned off—the food is excellent ... Our favorite dishes are the Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka, and Malai Kofta."  

kohinoordhaba.com

(703) 778-5005

2800 S Eads St, Arlington, VA 22202

Washington: Cafe Ashiana

Cafe Ashiana's affordable menu, tiny space, and welcoming vibes make it a top Indian hole-in-the-wall. A reviewer on Yelp didn't mind the wait from the small kitchen: "The owner, who is also the chef, is so kind and so friendly and gave me his recommendations. I got the chicken tikka boti plate, the veggie wrap, the veggie puffs, and two mango lassis to go." There are only a couple of tables inside, so be prepared to take your Hyderabadi-inspired food elsewhere. 

cafeashianawa.com

(425) 209-9112

1601 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

West Virginia: Spice Connexion

According to one Reddit user, "Spice Connexion is as good as it gets, on par with the best of authentic (Northern) Indian anywhere." The menu has all the favorites, but sample something different with the haleem. "This is the best place to eat in Martinsburg and doesn't get the praise it deserves! Authentic spices, depth of flavor, perfect portions and you cannot beat the hot and creamy tea," said a Yelp reviewer.

spiceconnexion.com

(304) 901-4333

796 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401

Wisconsin: Turmeric Indian Cafe and Bar

Turmeric Indian Cafe and Bar, Paramjit Kaur's second Indian joint in the city, was nominated for Shepherd Express's Best of Milwaukee 2025 Award for locally owned Indian restaurant. People looking for a late-night restaurant with drinks should head here. According to this Reddit user: "The food is solid, the cocktail list is good, and if you ask respectfully, they will make off-menu homestyle stuff."

turmericcafemke.com

(414) 935-2526

1014 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Wyoming: Akal Travel Center

Akal Travel Center is home to a literal hole-in-the-wall. Truck drivers and locals alike visit the tiny window to sample Mintu Pandher and his staff's incredible authentic dishes.One Yelp reviewer stumbled across it on a road trip: "What a hidden gem in the middle of my WY at a truck stop. Honestly, I've eaten Indian food all over this country, and this takeout stand in a gas station was one of the best."

(307) 745-8130

168 Hunt Rd, Laramie, WY 82070

Methodology

Not all Indian hole-in-the-walls are made equal. In fact, some are definitely hard avoids. To make this list, restaurants needed to meet key criteria. Establishments must be a true hole-in-the-wall, which means the food needs to do the talking and the decor or surroundings are an afterthought (i.e., inside Indian grocery stores or truck stops). 

Local foodies, reviewers, and vloggers also need to heap praise on a spot and corroborate each other's findings. I also used my vast experience as a curry expert, growing up less than an hour away from the birthplace of the balti in Birmingham, UK, to assess the dishes on offer.

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