Vanessa Baumann 
For those of us who are self-proclaimed Foodies, Montclair and Essex County provide endless choices of food from all over the world. There are Greek, French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Italian cuisines, and many more international flavors seemingly around every corner. Indian cuisine provides a cornucopia of flavors due to the many variations and styles of cooking. Indian dishes from the South of India differ greatly from the North of India. There is traditional fare, street food, modern takes on classic dishes, and the vision of a new generation of chefs. Read on for our guide to Indian food in Montclair and Essex County, featuring spices, masalas, samosas, paneers, naans, rotis, aromatic, vibrant curries, and new Indian culinary creations.
Apna Punjab Indian Restaurant | 619 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield
A visit to Apna Punjab is a great opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the traditional flavors of Punjab Indian food and culture. The menu is extensive, including Tandoori Khazana, Rotis, Naans, vegetarian choices as well as seafood, chicken, lamb, and goat specialties. We are told that The Egg Curry is a favorite. Apna Punjab also has an All You Can Eat lunch buffet every Saturday and Sunday.
Read More: Where to Take Your Parents Out to Eat in Northern New Jersey
Basil Indian + Thai Grill | 117 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
Basil Indian and Thai Grill invites guests to experience the cuisines of India, Thailand, and Indo-Chinese menus, all under one roof. The team also serves vegan and plant-based dishes, making this restaurant inclusive of all appetites. We enjoyed the Thai Basil Fried Rice and, whether you are vegan or not, the Vegan Drumstick Manchurian in a sweet and sour chili sauce is sure to please. The Indo-Chinese Chili Garlic Noodles can serve a whole family, and the restaurant’s best seller, India’s Delhi Wala Chicken Changezi, is a must try.
Brick Lane Curry | 540 Valley Road, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Inspired by the curry houses of London’s Brick Lane community and Mumbai’s Irani café culture, Brick Lane Curry is dedicated to its authentic menu and decor. The menu has options of all spice levels from milder classics like Tikka Masala to Phaal curry which the restaurant describes as “fiery” on their website. Visitors have the option to dine indoors in the casual space incorporating vintage Bombay aesthetics or outdoors to enjoy a warm, aromatic meal in the fresh air.
Chatni Indian Restaurant | 381 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
If you are spending a day strolling down Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair and thinking about Indian food, Chanti Indian Restaurant will welcome all comers with open arms.
Dhamaal | 11 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair + Four Monkeys | 83 Summit Avenue, Summit
Dhamaal is the place to be if looking for a chic, metropolitan vibe. The menu is steeped in Indian heritage, then twisted upside down, resulting in a whimsical array of dishes that are familiar and new all at once. MG suggests The Duck Pepper Fry, which is cooked in a banana leaf. Make sure to try The Kokam Branzino and The Chicken Tikka Pizza as well. For a sweet ending, the Gulkanth Rose Kulfi Indian ice cream is stunning. When in Summit, make sure to visit the owner’s other restaurant, Four Monkeys, which is an intimate space serving traditional Indian fare.
Jalwa | 215 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair + Bukhara Grill Caterer | 37 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
The menu at family-run Jalwa is a modern take on North Indian cuisine with an emphasis on roasting spices to slowly build flavor. The owners of Jalwa return to India regularly for new inspiration and bring back creative ideas for the menu. We recommend the Palak Chaat appetizer, which features crispy spinach, pomegranate, yogurt, and two chutneys. The family also owns Bukhara Grill Caterers in Ridgewood to host parties and events.
Mumbai Muskaa | 150 Valley Road, Montclair
Mumbai Muskaa makes guests feel at home while experiencing elevated Indian street food and modern twists on traditional Indian dishes. MG loved the aromatic Tandoori Lamb chops, which are decadent, and the marinated Kerala Shrimp is a great appetizer for sharing. Leave room for dessert. The Orange Kulfi is a refreshing frozen dish, redefining the traditional orange slices served at the end of an Indian meal.
See More: A Guide to Indian Food in Hoboken + Jersey City
Tandoori Chef 2 | 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
When in Maplewood, make sure to eat at Tandoori Chef 2. Amit Bhaiya’s passion and love of his heritage and Indian food will speak to all of one’s senses upon arrival. Everything is made by hand, and locally sourced ingredients are a priority. The samosas are made fresh every day, and the naans and rotis are made to order. We really enjoyed the Lamb Rogan Jos,h which is served in a silky yogurt curry. The Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite of Maplewood locals, and now we know why.
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Montclair updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
