Mar 27th, 2017, 11:45 AM

Flavors of India in Paris

By Leah Levine
Image Credit: Flickr/Danny Choo
A choice of ambiance, price and area.

Food is life and life is food and I love Indian food.

When I first arrived in Paris all I wanted to do was explore and what better way to do so than to eat your way through the city. Through many dinners and celebrations, I have found my three favorite Indian food eateries and I am happy to share.  Now, I would like to say I am an undercover celebrity food critic, but I can't be everything. When discovering these three places, I always went due to recommendations. When visiting Muniyandis Vilas in the La Chapelle area of Paris, for instance, you'll find yourself teleported into a city in India: Sari ateliers, spice shops and the all the signs of Indian culture. 

I found myself thinking: where did this come from? Due to the French colonial power, in Pondicherry and Indochina, independence in the 19th century brought about migration. During the 1970s, immigrants came from Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Northern India. With the migrants intentions to arrive in the United Kingdom, this came to a screeching halt for South Asian-ers which resulted in settlement in France. Although Indian food restaurants span across all of Paris as you will see below, in between the 18th and 19th arrondisments are the prime locales for the student budget lifestyle. 

Before you start your reading journey, each restaurant has a different price point, please see the key below.

€ = 6-13

€€ = 12-30

€€€ = 20-40


Image Credit: TripAdvisor

Muniyandis Vilas €

207 rue du Faubourg Saint Denis
75010 Paris
01 40 36 13 48


Image Credit: Trip Advisor

The tiny restaurant with a vibrant green sign above the entrance is filled with noise, locals and people patiently queuing for take out. For the an authentic, chaotic and energizing dining experience, this hole in the wall restaurant is your BFF. After a long stressful day this may not be the fitting destination, but your wallet and tummy will thank you. Tandoori chicken comes in at the oh so steep price of four Euros or six vegetable dishes with pappadam and rice for six Euros fifty.

I almost want to live here.

Anthea Siou brought me here during an Indian food craving because, according to her, "I found it through reading blogs about food and I like it because it tasted a lot like the food I am used to back in Malaysia." The prize of the whole place is the freshly hand tossed Parotta, luke warm to the touch and a doughy softness that melts in your mouth. 

Muniyandis Vilas is quickly hunted down from metro stops La Chapelle, Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord. Open daily from 12:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-10:30 PM


Image Credit: Trip Advisor

Chez Raja €€

28 rue Surcouf
​75007 Paris
01 45 56 10 40 


Image Credit: Chez Raja

The ideal setting for a quiet and calm Sunday dinner is Chez Raja, located right off the rue Saint Dominique. Known for their delivery to the 7th, 15th and 16th (UberEATS as well) this is that friendly neighborhood restaurant with charm that you are searching for.

I was introduced to this place by a dear friend while we serenely dined in the quaint atmosphere on Sunday preparing myself for the busy week ahead. The local feel doesn't stop with the personal service. Recommendations are easily given upon request and complete attention is given to every guest. Lastly the portion sizes are perfect after a long day of walking or a hearty supper. 


Image Credit: Yelp

Marcel €€€

90 Quai de Jemmapes
75010 Paris
01 42 03 57 20


Image Credit: Yelp

For a trendy and cool vibe to get your indian grub on, I suggest Marcel located on Canal Saint Martin. Marcel is known for their array of vegetarian and vegan dishes but meat eaters are also welcome. I came here due to an invitation for a birthday party for a friend who choose Marcel because "...I liked that it seemed very trendy while being unpretentious and the food is delicious."

Located right in the middle of the 10th, 11th and 3rd arrondisement this is the place for a Friday or Saturday night. Easily accessible via the Republique metro stop, you can also always continue your night with the many clubs and bars in the area. (Shout out Comptoir General, less than a minute walk)

But what should you eat? The chicken briyani comes in watermelon shaped bowl and don't forget to ask for the spices; a sauce with peppers, a milder tomato red sauce and the avocado green mint sauce that compliments the veggie samosas like star-crossed lovers.

Bonus: When it is warm outside, they open up the floor to ceiling glass windows for ideal people watching.


Image Credit: Yelp

Image Credit: Yelp