Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ethnic cuisine, but the state has a surprisingly diverse food scene. From Indian to Mexican, Vietnamese to Ethiopian, there are plenty of options for those looking to explore the world through their taste buds. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best ethnic eateries in Indiana, where you can find authentic global flavors that will transport you to another part of the world.
Ethnic Restaurants in Indiana
1. Saffron Cafe (Indian)
Located in Indianapolis, Saffron Cafe is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu features a wide range of dishes, from classic curries to tandoori specialties. The restaurant’s signature dish is the butter chicken, which is made with tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The restaurant also offers a lunch buffet, which is a great way to sample a variety of dishes.
2. La Margarita (Mexican)
La Margarita is a family-owned restaurant in Fountain Square, Indianapolis, that has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine for over 30 years. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, as well as more unique offerings like the chile relleno casserole. The restaurant also has an extensive tequila selection, with over 100 different varieties to choose from.
3. Pho 54 (Vietnamese)
Pho 54 is a small, family-owned restaurant in Bloomington that serves up some of the best Vietnamese food in the state. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of pho dishes, as well as other Vietnamese specialties like banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls. The restaurant’s pho is made with a rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles, and is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables.
4. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian)
Located in Indianapolis, Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant is the only Ethiopian restaurant in the state. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes, like injera (a sourdough flatbread) and wot (a spicy stew). The restaurant also offers a vegetarian platter, which is a great way to sample a variety of dishes.
Best Ethnic Food in Indiana
1. Spice Box (Indian)
Spice Box is a popular Indian restaurant in Indianapolis that is known for its flavorful curries and biryanis. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as a lunch buffet. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.
2. El Puerto de San Blas (Mexican)
El Puerto de San Blas is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Lafayette that is known for its authentic flavors and generous portions. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes like tacos and burritos, as well as more unique offerings like the chile relleno. The restaurant also has a full bar, with a variety of margaritas and other cocktails.
3. Saigon Restaurant (Vietnamese)
Saigon Restaurant is a popular Vietnamese restaurant in Fort Wayne that is known for its pho and other noodle dishes. The restaurant’s menu also features a variety of rice dishes, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant’s pho is made with a rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles, and is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables.
4. Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine (Ethiopian)
Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant in Indianapolis that serves up authentic Ethiopian dishes. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of wot dishes, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers injera, a sourdough flatbread that is a staple of Ethiopian cuisine.
Top Ethnic Cuisine in Indiana
1. Chapati (Indian)
Chapati is a popular Indian restaurant in Bloomington that is known for its flavorful curries and biryanis. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as a lunch buffet. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.
2. La Mexi-Gringa (Mexican)
La Mexi-Gringa is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Indianapolis that is known for its authentic flavors and generous portions. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes like tacos and burritos, as well as more unique offerings like the chile relleno. The restaurant also has a full bar, with a variety of margaritas and other cocktails.
3. Pho 99 (Vietnamese)
Pho 99 is a popular Vietnamese restaurant in Indianapolis that is known for its pho and other noodle dishes. The restaurant’s menu also features a variety of rice dishes, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant’s pho is made with a rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles, and is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables.
4. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian)
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant is the only Ethiopian restaurant in the state, and is known for its authentic flavors and traditional dishes. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of wot dishes, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers injera, a sourdough flatbread that is a staple of Ethiopian cuisine.
Authentic Ethnic Dishes in Indiana
1. Chicken Tikka Masala (Indian)
Chicken tikka masala is a classic Indian dish that is made with marinated chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. You can find this dish at many Indian restaurants in Indiana, including Saffron Cafe and Spice Box.
2. Tacos al Pastor (Mexican)
Tacos al pastor is a popular Mexican dish that is made with marinated pork that is cooked on a spit. The pork is then sliced and served on a tortilla with pineapple and cilantro. You can find this dish at many Mexican restaurants in Indiana, including La Margarita and El Puerto de San Blas.
3. Pho (Vietnamese)
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is made with a rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles. The soup is typically served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as your choice of meat. You can find this dish at many Vietnamese restaurants in Indiana, including Pho 54 and Saigon Restaurant.
4. Injera and Wot (Ethiopian)
Injera is a sourdough flatbread that is a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. It is typically served with wot, a spicy stew that is made with meat or vegetables. You can find this dish at Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant and Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine.
Indiana Ethnic Restaurant Guide
If you’re looking to explore the ethnic food scene in Indiana, here are some tips to help you get