Tandoor Indian Restaurant – Tried it for the first time to change things up and got hooked right away
In Saigon, if you want authentic Indian food, many people mention Tandoor on Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 – right next to the walking street, large, easy to find. Got curious and stopped by, then understood why this place is always packed with foreign customers.
Space & Location
Step in and immediately smell the characteristic Indian curry scent – fragrant, not pungent. Spacious space, warm yellow lights, quite elegant decor, that "premium" vibe and it's not used lightly. One friend pulled a whole group of friends here and commented straight: the experience here is "on a very different level compared to other Indian eateries in SG". Restaurant right in central District 1 but prices surprisingly cheaper than expected, many people are surprised upon entering.
Food – curry is the main highlight
Most people order curry and are all satisfied. Shrimp curry is the most reviewed – rich, flavor somewhat like Vietnamese style, easy to eat. Mango green sea bass curry is unique, delicious in a mildly sour way. Chicken curry is super addictive in the literal sense. Goat curry also gets recommended enthusiastically. Spices bold but not heavy-smelling, not hard to eat like many people worry with Indian food – this is a huge plus for first-time Vietnamese customers.
There are many types of bread to eat with. Puri bread is crispy, sweet and sour, unique taste. Paratha bread is mildly sweet, better for dipping curry. Cheese naan many people like, but garlic naan has opinions saying not garlicky enough and a bit thick. The round crispy shell inside with yogurt – this dish almost every table orders. Panipuri is characteristically tangy, good for those who like unique flavors.
Steamed basmati rice, grains unique. Tomato shrimp soup appetizer has herbal leaf scent, mildly sour – decent. Mango lassi is praised as a must-order here.
Staff
This point is praised everywhere. Staff include both Indians and Vietnamese, Indians speak Vietnamese quite well. Continuously come to check taste preferences, see if customers need anything else. One reviewer said staff saw them arrive on motorbike and asked if they've been to Kashmir yet then stood chatting until manager reminded :))) Overall, everyone finds service enthusiastic, friendly.
Security guards park bikes enthusiastically, toilet clean – small things but many people notice and give points for.
Price
Ranges quite widely depending on number of people and dishes ordered. Many eating dinner 2-4 people fall into 200k–400k/person most common. Large groups ordering a lot can go up to 900k–1 million/person. According to many reviews, this price compared to central District 1 location and quality is quite reasonable.
Book in advance if coming evening weekends because restaurant quite crowded, especially many foreign customers and local Indians – good sign that food is authentic.
A few minor drawbacks
Some complain about small insects flying around the table, probably due to yellow lights attracting moths. Service sometimes a bit slow with Vietnamese customers compared to foreigners – not sure intentional or just prioritizing familiar tables. Desserts tasty but portions a bit small for the price. Garlic naan not outstanding.
In summary
If never tried Indian food or tried but not suited, Tandoor is worth trying once. Flavors adjusted easy to eat for Vietnamese tastes, beautiful space, enthusiastic staff. Address: 39A–39B Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
