Indian Cuisine in Lafayette

Masala was the trailblazer for Indian food, and it's often the first name locals mention when Indian food comes up. Owner Mr. Gupta makes a point of greeting tables himself, and the kitchen turns out a full lineup of classics: chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, saag paneer, and a popular Chicken 65. The date night restaurant offers a solid range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all clearly marked on the menu. Spice levels are adjustable, so don't be shy about asking for an appropriate heat level.

Downtown Lafayette's Njoy Curry Masala opened in 2024 in a large space on the corner of Jefferson and Johnston. The name is a mashup of the owners Joy Singh and Navvi Kaur, in honor of their son. Head chef Raj brings over 16 years of experience, including a stint cooking aboard Carnival Cruise ships, and it shows. The Pani Poori and samosas are a good place to start, and portions run generous. Do not skip the garlic naan - so good it will convert even the non-adventurous skeptics.

Also on Johnston Street, Destination India Restaurant and Bar leans into full-service Indian dining with a bar attached, open seven days a week. The menu covers a wide range: vegetable samosas, Gobi Manchurian, Chicken 65, tandoori chicken, and a lamb vindaloo that will melt your face off. It's a solid pick for a sit-down dinner or a late lunch, with online ordering for anyone who'd rather eat at home. During the week, they offer a buffet, a perfect way to taste-test the various flavors until you find your favorite. 

Priya's has one of the best origin stories in town. What began as a booth at the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market (known as J&J Tacos) grew into a full restaurant on Johnston Street.  It's now considered one of Lafayette's best spots for vegetarian and vegan Indian food. Priya runs the kitchen herself, and regulars point to the masala chai, the lavender and coconut lemonades, and a rotating Wednesday vegan special as reasons to keep coming back. The chicken biryani and chicken vindaloo hold their own too, for anyone who isn't going meatless.

For the ingredients behind all these dishes, Desi Spice Bazaar is Acadiana's largest Indian and ethnic grocery. Turmeric, garam masala, coriander seeds, asafoetida, and the city's largest basmati rice selection, alongside fresh produce that gets restocked weekly. Prices run well below what you'd find at a bigger chain, and the staff is happy to help track down whatever a recipe calls for, fenugreek leaves included.

On West Congress Street, Desi Mart is the newest addition to Lafayette's Indian and Pakistani grocery scene, opening in June 2026 in the former home of Bismillah Groceries and Kitchen. Owner Sajid Dadwani stocked the shelves with halal meats, fresh produce, spices, and pantry staples from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The real draw might be the kitchen counter, though. Daily hot lunches like biryani, butter chicken, chicken kebab, and goat curry are made fresh in-house, along with samosas and chai, so it doubles as a quick lunch stop as easily as a grocery run. Text them on WhatsApp ahead of time, and they’ll have your order ready for pickup.