Petaling Jaya, or PJ, has no shortage of Indian food, with restaurants serving everything from South Indian staples and banana leaf rice to North Indian curries, biryani, naan, and tandoori dishes. The city’s diverse neighbourhoods also mean you can find Indian restaurants in shopping areas, commercial districts, and quieter residential communities.

Whether you are craving a quick plate of thosai, a hearty banana leaf rice meal, or a dinner with several curries to share, there is an Indian restaurant in PJ for different tastes and occasions. Here are some places worth adding to your food list, along with popular dishes to try and tips for exploring Indian cuisine around Petaling Jaya.

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From traditional South Indian restaurants to modern dining spots, these restaurants offer different ways to enjoy Indian food in Petaling Jaya.

Located in Bangsar, close to Petaling Jaya, Sri Nirwana Maju is well known for its banana leaf rice. The restaurant serves rice on a banana leaf with vegetables, curry, papadum, and other accompaniments.

You can add dishes such as fried chicken, fish, or other meat options to make the meal more substantial. Its straightforward approach makes it a popular choice for diners who want to experience a classic banana leaf rice meal.

Kanna Curry House is a familiar name among Indian food lovers in the PJ and surrounding areas. The restaurant serves South Indian and Malaysian Indian favourites, with banana leaf rice being one of its popular choices.

The menu also includes curries, fried dishes, seafood, and other sides. It is a practical option for both casual meals and group dining.

Acha Curry House offers a selection of Indian and Malaysian Indian dishes in a casual setting. Its menu covers rice dishes, curries, vegetables, and meat options.

If you want a relaxed meal without the formality of fine dining, this type of restaurant is a good fit. Try pairing rice with several curries and side dishes to sample different flavours.

Betel Leaf focuses on Indian cuisine with dishes influenced by different regional traditions. The menu includes curries, biryani, tandoori dishes, and other Indian favourites.

Its broader selection makes it suitable for diners who want to explore more than one style of Indian food in a single meal.

For a more contemporary Indian dining experience, Wood & Col offers a menu that combines Indian flavours with modern presentation.

The restaurant can be an option if you are looking for something different from a traditional banana leaf restaurant. It is particularly suitable for a meal with friends or an evening where you want a more modern dining atmosphere.

Although its speciality is Sri Lankan cuisine rather than strictly Indian food, The Lankan Crabs can be an interesting choice if you enjoy South Asian flavours.

Seafood is the main attraction, with crab and other dishes prepared using aromatic spices. It offers a different culinary experience from typical Indian restaurants in PJ.

Sri Ananda Bhawan is known for its selection of vegetarian and South Indian dishes. The menu includes staples such as thosai, idli, vadai, curries, and rice dishes.

It is a good choice for a simple breakfast or lunch, particularly if you want to try several vegetarian Indian dishes.

Saravanaa Bhavan is an international vegetarian restaurant chain specialising in South Indian cuisine.

You can find dishes such as dosa, idli, vadai, uttapam, and vegetarian curries. Its extensive vegetarian menu makes it useful for travellers who want plenty of meat-free choices.

Sri Steven's Corner is a casual local eatery where you can find Indian and Malaysian favourites. The menu includes rice dishes, roti, noodles, and other comfort food.

It is more suited to an informal meal than a special occasion, especially if you want to experience everyday local dining in PJ.

Ratha Raub is known for its Indian cuisine and traditional dishes, particularly its curries and banana leaf rice.

The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and a variety of dishes that work well for lunch or dinner. It is worth considering if you want a straightforward Indian meal with generous portions.

Not sure what to choose from the menu? Start with some of these Indian favourites.

Banana leaf rice is one of the most popular South Indian meals in Malaysia. Rice is served on a banana leaf with vegetables, curry, pickles, papadum, and other accompaniments.

You can add fried chicken, fish, prawns, or other meat dishes depending on your preference.

Biryani is fragrant rice cooked with spices and served with meat, seafood, or vegetables. Chicken and mutton biryani are common choices, while vegetarian versions are also available.

For the best experience, try ordering it with raita or curry on the side.

Dosa, commonly called thosai in Malaysia, is a thin crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It can be served plain or with fillings such as spiced potatoes.

Popular variations include masala dosa, onion thosai, and egg thosai. They are usually served with sambar and chutney.

Roti canai is a flaky flatbread commonly served with dhal and curry. It is particularly popular for breakfast and late-night meals.

You can also find variations such as egg roti, cheese roti, and other versions depending on the restaurant.

Naan is a soft flatbread traditionally cooked in a tandoor. It pairs particularly well with rich curries, tandoori chicken, or other grilled dishes.

Garlic naan and cheese naan are popular variations if you want something more flavourful.

Tandoori chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices before being cooked at high heat. The result is tender meat with a smoky flavour and a distinctive spiced exterior.

It works well as a main dish or as part of a meal shared with naan, rice, and curry.

Indian restaurants in PJ offer many types of curry, including chicken, mutton, fish, prawn, and vegetarian versions.

Try ordering two or three curries with rice or naan if you are dining with friends so you can compare different spice blends.

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PJ is made up of numerous neighbourhoods, each with its own dining scene. These are some areas worth exploring.

Section 17 has a long-established food scene with local restaurants and casual eateries. It is a useful area to explore if you want affordable Indian meals and everyday Malaysian food.

Taman Paramount is known for its cafés, restaurants, and lively neighbourhood atmosphere. Indian restaurants here range from casual spots to more contemporary dining venues.

SS2 has a large selection of local eateries, making it easy to combine Indian food with other Malaysian cuisines. It is particularly suitable for casual food trips.

The wider Damansara area offers a mix of restaurants, shopping centres, and dining spots. You can find both traditional Indian food and more modern Indian-inspired menus.

Kelana Jaya is another area with plenty of local food options. It is worth exploring if you are staying in western PJ or want to avoid travelling into central Kuala Lumpur.

The right Indian restaurant in PJ can depend on the type of meal you want.

For breakfast: Try thosai, idli, vadai, or roti canai with dhal and curry.

For lunch: Banana leaf rice and biryani are filling options that can be customised with meat, seafood, or vegetarian sides.

For dinner: Choose a restaurant where you can order several curries, naan, tandoori dishes, and rice to share.

For vegetarian dining: Look for dedicated vegetarian restaurants or restaurants with extensive South Indian vegetarian menus.

For group dining: Family-style Indian restaurants are ideal because you can order several dishes and share them at the table.

With so many choices, a few simple tips can help you find the right place:

After choosing an Indian restaurant in PJ, you can arrange the rest of your Petaling Jaya trip with Traveloka. Book your flight to Kuala Lumpur and choose a hotel in Petaling Jaya or nearby Kuala Lumpur based on the areas you want to explore.

For more flexibility, consider Traveloka Car Rental when travelling between different neighbourhoods, restaurants, and attractions. You can also browse Traveloka Experiences to find activities and attractions to add to your itinerary.

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