A Wave of New Indian Restaurants in Central Ohio
We rounded up some of the most intriguing newcomers, from the snacks-and-desserts chain Bikanervala to the hip Grandview bistro Taj on Fifth.
From Bikanervala to Taj on Fifth, There are a Wide Range of New Indian Spots to Check Out
By Bethia Woolf
If it feels like Columbus’ Indian restaurant scene has suddenly exploded, you’re not imagining things. Over the past year, a surge of new openings has added depth, variety and regional flair to the city’s already strong South Asian dining landscape. From fast-casual chains expanding into Ohio to upscale spots redefining Indian dining, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s new.
Awadh Indo-Chinese and Taste of Awadh
Veteran chef Anand Kumar expanded his reach in 2024 with a new Indo-Chinese concept on Sawmill Road—dubbed Awadh Indo-Chinese. The concept builds on Central Ohio’s growing appetite for fusion dishes such as dry chili chicken, Manchurian beef and hakka noodles. This year, chef Kumar opened a fourth restaurant, Taste of Awadh, at 3011 Olentangy River Road. The new restaurant also offers some Indo-Chinese dishes in addition to tandoori items, curries and biryanis. Kumar is known for his lamb galawati kebab, a specialty of his home city of Lucknow. Kumar’s first two restaurants are located on Bethel Road and in Powell.
Bikanervala
Among the most anticipated debuts is Bikanervala, a global vegetarian brand with more than a century of history. What began in 1905 as a small sweet shop in Bikaner, India, has evolved into an international chain with over 150 restaurants worldwide. The Columbus location opened in April 2025 at 6377 Sawmill Road (handily right by Trader Joe’s), offering a colorful menu of sweets and snacks. Visitors will find dessert classics like rasmalai, moong dal halwa, kaju katli and gulab jamun alongside savory staples such as chole bhature and raj kachori. It’s a one-stop shop for traditional flavors, whether you’re choosing from the array of desserts or sitting down to a hearty meal.
Curry Kabab Handi Biryani
Tucked into a strip along East Campus View Boulevard in Crosswoods, Curry Kabab Handi Biryani opened quietly early this year. The restaurant offers a weekend lunch buffet (Friday-Sunday) and a menu built around biryanis, Indo-Chinese dishes and North Indian comfort food. The chef is Bengali, so keep an eye out for regional specialties. We especially enjoyed the goat rezala and the baigan bharta (eggplant).
Indian Spice Restaurant & Bar
In Pickerington, Indian Spice Restaurant & Bar has been drawing diners since opening in October 2024. The restaurant, located at 1111 Hill Road North, offers an extensive and good-value menu anchored by weekend lunch buffets. Favorites include Hyderabadi chicken biryani, paneer tikka and chicken 65, along with comforting dishes like yellow dal tadka and chicken curry. Even the kids’ menu includes a few Indian-inspired choices, making it a family-friendly option.
Taj on Fifth
Restaurant veteran Ajay Kumar opened his newest venture, Taj on Fifth, in Grandview in September 2024. Since then, it’s earned a spot on Columbus Monthly’s list of Best New Restaurants of 2025. The price point—no doubt reflecting the rent—is higher than many of the other Indian restaurants we’ve sampled recently. The service and ambiance make it ideal for a leisurely dinner, but insiders say that brunch, featuring dishes like keema and egg pav and chai-spiced French toast, is where it’s at. There’s also a “Chai and Chaat” happy hour 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Tikka Masala
Upper Arlington’s Tikka Masala, which opened in June in the Kingsdale Center, keeps things simple and approachable. With most entrées under $20 and a daily lunch buffet served seven days a week, it’s an easy choice for a casual meal or quick midday fix.
Triveni Express
Bright, bustling and offering far too many tempting choices, Triveni Express celebrated its grand opening in Dublin in September. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, this café and sweet shop at 9539 Pinnacle Drive combines counter service with a wide-ranging menu. Expect everything from dosas and tandoori specialties to Indo-Chinese dishes and baked treats. Breakfast is available all day; tandoor dishes, biryani and curries are served after noon; Indian street snacks start after 3 p.m.; and “live chaat” (snacks prepared to order at a separate counter) is available after 4 p.m. Keep an eye on Triveni’s social media for daily specials.
Expanding South Asian Flavors
The trend extends beyond India as well. In 2024, two new Pakistani-inspired businesses joined Columbus’ dining mix. Food Street (3373 N. High St.), which opened in December, serves up tandoor kebab sandwiches and vibrant street snacks like gappa chaat. We recommend the chicken tikka paratha roll and the beef chapli paratha roll. Meanwhile, Cha Sha & Coffee (1462 Bethel Road) has become a cozy destination for its chai flights, snacks and café-style atmosphere since opening in early 2024. We especially love the Kashmiri chai.
From long-established international chains to ambitious new independents, Columbus’ Indian and South Asian dining scene continues to diversify—and delight.
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