Cuisine Scene: Indian Food

Long Beach’s Indian food scene is anything but predictable, spanning classic clay-oven tandoor traditions to playful, rule-breaking fusion. Expect deeply layered curries, fragrant biryanis and street snacks alongside bold spice customization and generous portions. Also, burritos! From family institutions to industrial-chic spots, these places show the city’s love for Indian flavors runs deep and delicious.

NATRAJ CUISINE OF INDIA

Belmont Shore’s Natraj Cuisine of India (5262 E. 2nd St.) is a go-to spot for lunch or dinner, celebrated for classic Indian dishes with thoughtful, flavorful twists. Standouts include Lamb Tikka Masala, aromatic Aloo Gobi, Spinach Paneer, and popular Tandoori Chicken. The expansive menu also features Malai Kofta, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, and Indian street foods like samosas and sev puri, plus tandoori BBQ specialties.

APPU’S TURMERIC CAFE

Appu’s Turmeric Cafe (2211A Palo Verde Ave) serves some of the most exciting food in the city; an Indian-Mexican fusion with fully vegetarian and vegan menus. Best known for the Maharaja Burrito—named the best burrito in the state by Yelp—and its vegan counterpart, the Maharani, dishes feature turmeric rice, paneer or high-protein veggie blends, so expect the unexpected … and tasty. Jackfruit dishes, vegan lassis, soups, and potato creations can be found alongside Paneer Tikki Masala tacos.

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FLAVOR OF PUNJAB

Flavor of Punjab (5650 2nd St) is well-known for the many levels of its spice, though fans of the place will tell you that no matter the heat, it never gets in the way of exquisite, multi-layered flavor. The Lamb and Chicken Masala are always favorites and the Onion Kulcha provides an interesting variation on Naan. Known for a friendly and helpful staff, the folks at Flavor of Punjab are willing to gently educate you about Indian food, flavor and spice profiles so you end up with food that’s just right for you.

FLAMIN CURRY

Flamin Curry (3344 E. Broadway/3387 Atlantic Ave) was such a popular fast-casual spot in Belmont Heights that it opened up a second location in Cal Heights, just south of Bixby Knolls. Known for bold, authentic flavors, the menu features favorites like Paneer Tikka Masala with a balanced tomato-cream sauce and curry cauliflower layered with yogurt, spices, and curry. Of course, the likes of Tandoori chicken and veggie samosas are popular as well. Portions are generous, spices are deeply layered and offerings rotate often.

KAMAL PALACE

This family-operated restaurant, located next to the water in the Marina Pacifica shopping center, Kamal Palace (6274 E. Pacific Coast Hwy) has been serving Long Beach for more than 30 years. Well known for their tandoor delicacies cooked in authentic clay pots, they have a popular lunch buffet and a wide variety of chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian curries that show up in succulent meals like Shrimp Vandaloo, a mix of fresh shrimp in hot spices, tomato and potatoes or Aloo Matar, green peas and sauteed potatoes cooked Punjabi style.

CALICHILLI

CaliChilli (4111 Viking Way) has been redefining Indian cuisine since 2022, proudly embracing its self-described “Unauthentic Indian Restaurant” title. Their ever-evolving menu blends Indian, Southeast Asian and American influences, with dishes ranging from Eggplant Bharta Lasagna and lobster panang to Kashmiri-spiced fish and puri. The industrial-chic space features a vibrant bar, brass accents, moody lighting and indoor-outdoor seating, creating a lively yet approachable dining destination. Plus, the restaurant’s creator Chef Manjunath Mural has previously earned four consecutive Michelin stars for his innovative exploration of Indian cuisine.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.