Indian Restaurant Tandoor – First time trying something new 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. Curious to stop by and then understand why this place is always full of foreign customers.
Space & Location
Step in and immediately smell the characteristic Indian curry scent – fragrant, not pungent. Spacious space, warm yellow lights, quite luxurious decor, that "premium" vibe and it's not for no reason. A friend brought a group of friends here and commented straight: the experience here "is on a very different level compared to other Indian restaurants in SG". The restaurant is right in the center of District 1 but the price is 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 – fatty, taste somewhat like Vietnamese style, easy to eat. Mango green bass curry is unique, delicious with a light sour taste. Chicken curry is super addictive literally. Goat curry is also highly recommended. Spices are bold but not heavy-smelling, not hard to eat like many people worry about 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 lightly sweet, better for dipping curry. Cheese naan is liked by many, but garlic naan has opinions saying not garlicky enough and a bit thick. The round crispy shell inside is yogurt – almost every table orders this. Panipuri has characteristic sourness, good for those who like unique flavors.
Steamy basmati rice, unique grains. Tomato shrimp soup appetizer has herbal leaf scent, light sour taste – 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 ask about taste preferences, see if customers need anything else. A reviewer said staff saw them arriving by motorbike and asked if they've been to Kashmir yet then stood chatting until the manager reminded :))) Overall, everyone finds the service enthusiastic and friendly.
Security guards park bikes enthusiastically, toilet is clean – small things but many people notice and give points.
Price
Ranges quite widely depending on number of people and dishes ordered. Many people for dinner 2-4 people fall into about 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 on weekend evenings because the restaurant is quite crowded, especially many foreigners and local Indians – good sign that the 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 for Vietnamese customers compared to foreigners – not sure if intentional or just prioritizing familiar tables. Desserts are good but portions a bit small for the price. Garlic naan not outstanding.
In summary
If you've never tried Indian food or tried but not suited, Tandoor is worth trying once. Flavors adjusted to be easy for Vietnamese tastes, beautiful space, enthusiastic staff. Address: 39A–39B Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
