A tourist in Taipei might have the wrong impression about the city’s dining choices, at least when it comes to Indian food.
Taipei Map, a free handout aimed at English-speaking visitors that is available at many hotels and Western restaurants, lists plenty of bar and grills, burger joints and Italian restaurants, but only one Indian restaurant — the long-established and venerable Tandoor.
But there are plenty of other choices for Indian fare in Taipei, and a tourist or Taipei resident in the mood for a decent curry would do just as well, if not better, with one of the following places.
For location, it’s hard to beat Calcutta Indian Food (加爾各答印度料理), which is just a few minutes walk from Ximen MRT Station (西門捷運站). An oasis of calm in the chaos of Ximending, located at 126 Kunming St, Taipei City (台北市昆明街126號). Tel: (02) 2389-3878.
Although not exclusively serving Indian cuisine, Kunming Islamic Restaurant (昆明園) offers excellent curries, as well as Burmese and Middle Eastern cuisine. This popular spot, also easy to reach on the MRT (Nanjing East Road MRT Station, 南京東路捷運站), has recently been given a much-needed facelift — the drab white walls have been replaced with vibrant orange, there’s a new modern but homey look, and the place is as busy as ever.
Find it at 26, Ln 81, Fuxing N Rd, Taipei City (北市復興北路81巷26號). Tel: (02) 2751-6776.
Masala House (異香料館), located in the National Taiwan Normal University area, offers student-friendly prices, especially for lunch, and is one of the few in town offering South Indian fare. Try the dosas.
Masala is at 19, Ln 13, Pucheng St, Taipei City (台北市浦城街13巷19號). Tel: (02) 2362-0901.
Out of India (印度風情) is another popular spot in the National Taiwan Normal University area.
The address is 26, Ln 13, Pucheng St, Taipei City (台北市浦城街13巷26號). Tel: (02) 2363-3054.
Located in Tianmu, The Spice Shop (香料屋) is not the easiest to reach on public transport, but it’s considered by many to be one of the best Indian restaurants in town.
The restaurant is located at 6, Alley 10, Ln 50, Tianmu E Rd, Taipei City (台北市天母東路50巷10弄6號). Tel: (02) 2873-7775.
Those who don’t think the Spice Shop is the best are likely to point to its neighbor, Saffron, (番紅花) as their favorite. Reservations are a good idea for both restaurants on weekends.
Saffron’s address is 38-6 Tianmu E Rd, Taipei City (台北市天母東路38之6號). Tel: (02) 02871-4842.
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