How Much Should You Spend at an Indian Restaurant?

Nobody likes guessing. Here's a straightforward look at what a meal actually costs and how to eat well without overordering.

Dinner for two

One appetizer, two mains, two breads, one rice, two drinks. That's a full, generous dinner with leftovers, and it lands in the range most people expect from a sit-down neighborhood restaurant — comparable to a mid-priced Italian or Thai place, and it usually feeds you twice.

Dinner for four

Two appetizers, three mains, four breads, two rices. The trick here is that mains don't scale one-per-person. Four people ordering four separate entrees is the most common way to overspend at an Indian restaurant *and* end up with too much food.

Where the value is

• Biryani. A single order is a complete meal — rice, meat, spice, all in one.
• Vegetarian mains. Dal makhani, chana masala and palak paneer cost less than meat curries and are just as satisfying.
• Mixed grill platters. Several tandoori items on one plate for less than ordering each separately.
• Lunch, if you can make it. Same kitchen, smaller portions, lower prices.
• Sharing. Two mains genuinely feed three people if you add rice and bread.

Where the money goes

• Bread adds up. Four garlic naans is a line item. Roti is cheaper.
• Lamb and goat cost more than chicken — bone-in cuts, longer cooking, higher raw cost.
• Seafood is the priciest protein on almost every Indian menu.
• Drinks. Two lassis per person is a real number.

Feeding a crowd

Per-head catering is far cheaper than per-plate dining — trays, not entrees. Our packages usually work out well below what the same food costs à la carte, and we deliver across Hercules, Pinole, Rodeo, Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo and Vallejo. For parties, our banquet hall seats up to 200 and we quote per person.

One more way to save

Pickup. No tip on service, no drinks markup, and our online ordering usually has it ready in 20–30 minutes.

Current prices are always live on our menu. Anything you want quoted, just ask.