Indian cuisine has woven itself into Hillsboro’s culinary fabric for years, transforming the city into a vibrant destination for aromatic curries, sizzling tandoori, and flaky naan. These restaurants aren’t just good—they’ve earned their place on our best lists, making them our top picks for authentic flavors.
Curry & Crust Indian Cuisine Desi Pizza
$ | (503) 992-6363 | WEBSITE
Hillsboro’s Curry & Crust Indian Cuisine Desi Pizza is a local legend in the Indian food scene and helped popularize the desi pizza with its creative, satisfying pies. The unassuming spot pioneered adding a fun, flavorful twist to pizza with cleverly named, Indian-inspired toppings like the Paneer Tikka, spiced to your liking, or Lamb Tikka Masala, featuring tender meat, creamy sauce, and aromatic spices.
And it’s all completely delicious—no matter what your very full stomach will tell you after you eat just two slices. Curry & Crust consistently delivers great-tasting, quality food, so you’ll be met with a wait for a table during peak hours. Just know the delay is worth it.
Biryani Express PDX
$ | (503) 207-6768 | WEBSITE
Biryani Express PDX follows the model of a modern quick-service Indian spot, delivering familiar favorites with efficient flair—consider it comfort food with a streamlined approach, offering customizable spice levels to suit any palate. The standout Masala Paper Roast Dosa is the must-order, described as super delicious and huge, with a crispy texture and rich, aromatic fillings.
Grab a seat in the well-maintained, clean dining area, where the space feels bright and inviting, with simple wooden tables, neat tile floors, and a casual, no-fuss vibe that keeps the focus on the fresh, generously portioned food.
Punjabi Sundew
$ | (503) 809-6750 | WEBSITE
The kind and personable owner is credited for bringing authentic, home-cooked Punjabi food to Hillsboro with this welcoming location. The restaurant serves standout dishes, giving patrons the unmatchable experience of savoring complex flavors and medium spice levels simultaneously. The must-try order is the lamb curry, a regional specialty with rich, slow-cooked depth.
Or just grab the Chicken Tiki Masala, sit at the simple wooden tables, and enjoy the warm atmosphere that reminds customers of the Punjab region. But don’t let the authentic flavors fool you, Punjabi Sundew keeps the vibe relaxed and repeat-worthy with generous portions and excellent customer service.
Curry On Indian Cuisine
$ | (971) 448-4444 | WEBSITE
For a food truck to become a post-work destination that stays open until 9 pm, it must be convenient. For that same spot to earn a reputation as a go-to for Indian food years later, it must be exceptional. Curry On Indian Cuisine is exactly that. Nary a customer—not a vegan, not someone with gluten restrictions, nobody—will ever describe the food here as bland or skimpy.
(We know they aim for generous portions, but we’ve always thought the butter chicken could use a touch more heat.) But they will say the yellow rice is a favorite, the samosas are praised, and the service from Pal and the staff is always accommodating.
Biryani Corner
$ | (503) 747-4770 | WEBSITE
Even as the pandemic reshaped dining habits back in 2020, Biryani Corner emerged with confidence—and comfort, with its clean tablecloths and consistently warm service that makes every visit feel like a homecoming. Owner Vishnu, noted for being extremely sweet and accommodating, clearly understands how to cultivate loyalty.
Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, Biryani Corner’s menu of Indian cuisines spanning indo-chinese, south and north Indian dishes—like the standout butter chicken and authentic Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani—has firmly captured the hearts of Hillsboro’s flavor-seeking regulars.
Hillsboro Swagat Indian Cuisine
$ | (503) 844-3838 | WEBSITE
When you need a special dinner out, stepping into Hillsboro Swagat Indian Cuisine feels like entering a cozy, welcoming home, with its culturally appropriate decor, pleasing music, and beautiful atmosphere. (The family-friendly vibe doesn’t hurt either.) A generous menu—catering to various tastes with options like mild aloo paratha and great vegetarian choices—adds to the appeal. Despite the occasional smaller dish that may lack flavor, the food here is consistently tasty.
And staples like the delicious lamb tikki masala dinner, rich butter chicken, and highlight naan are always worth ordering.
Bombay Biryani House
$ | (503) 352-4944 | WEBSITE
The culinary team behind Bombay Biryani House has established itself as a cornerstone in downtown Hillsboro, joining the vibrant collection of eateries that define the area’s dining scene. Housed in a welcoming space, the restaurant feels like it’s been serving the community for years, dishing out goat dum biryani and paper roast dosa to a generation who’ve come to rely on its consistent quality.
Yet, the dining area’s warm, contemporary decor with subtle traditional touches keeps the experience feeling fresh. And the kitchen masterfully blends the comfort of classic Indian staples with delightful surprises like the raw banana bajji that gets a satisfying crunch from its light batter. While you get the familiar aromatic spices in their curries, the chicken tikka masala takes a memorable turn with its tender pieces and rich tomato-cream sauce.
Heart Of India
$ | (971) 337-8720 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been craving authentic Indian flavors since discovering Heart Of India’s food truck origins, you’ll be thrilled it now has a permanent spot in that bustling food truck area. A cozy space with sheltered seating areas that work in any weather, Heart Of India is perfect for lunch, dinner, or that hungry gap between errands.
(Just remember parking can be tricky—try the south side.) Whatever you order, the garlic naan will be warm and pillowy, and dishes (especially the fiery Chicken Tiki Masala) will be amazing. The Gobi Manchurian hits that perfect balance between crispy and saucy while the generously sized Samosa, big enough to share, complements any meal. If you can’t stay to experience the friendly owner’s hospitality yourself, take advantage of the helpful staff who’ll carry your food right to your table.
185th & Indian
$ | (503) 649-9880 | WEBSITE
With a menu rooted in authentic Indian flavors and a dining space that feels cozy and inviting, 185th & Indian sets the tone for a satisfying, flavorful meal. The dishes will be the highlight of your visit. Think: the Chicken Dum Biryani, which arrives at your table like a fragrant, spiced masterpiece. And they do takeout and dine-in.
While the restaurant has become highly regarded for its Indian specialties, they still offer popular choices like the Samosa and garlic naan that keep customers coming back.
Hyderabad Hub
$ | (971) 371-4149 | WEBSITE
Opened in the early 2000s and widely known as one of Hillsboro’s favorite Indian spots, this family-owned gem has been run by the same passionate team since day one. Over that time, there have been a few recurring rumbles about Hyderabad Hub. The weekend buffet line does stretch out the door. The dining area could use a refresh. Yes, your bill will run $40 for two people at dinner.
Still, no matter how many times we’ve muttered about the occasional service hiccup—we’re well over 50 visits by now—we’ve never left unsatisfied. The best Indian restaurant in the area has its challenges, yes, but cooking exceptional goat biryani, chicken tikka, and hakka noodles isn’t on that list.
Apna Chat Bhavan
$ | (503) 718-7841 | WEBSITE
Apna Chat Bhavan is consistently popular, so arrive early or call ahead to ensure you get to enjoy their generous Goat Dum Biryani, authentic Vegetable Dum Biryani, and delicious lunch thali without too much of a wait. The attached grocery store and deli/cafe, with its clean shelves of Indian spices, vegetables, and gluten-free frozen breads, invites you to browse after your meal.
So whenever you’re in need of more than a quick snack, this is a go-to spot for affordable, hearty Indian food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bombay Chaat House
$ | (503) 241-7944 | WEBSITE
With the warm scent of frying samosas and simmering curries drifting from the food truck and Bollywood classics playing softly from a portable speaker, this Aloha gem creates a welcoming roadside scene. But just when you start to savor your saag paneer, fragrant naan, and perfectly spiced aloo bonda, a modern pop remix comes on. And wait, is that really a sleek digital menu board glowing beside the order window? Yep, it sure is.
Thankfully, this blend of authentic and contemporary works because the food is so incredibly delicious.
Chennai Masala
$ | (503) 531-9500 | WEBSITE
In 2023, Chennai Masala opened its doors in Portland, turning an unassuming storefront into a destination with visits from locals who quickly made it their favorite spot. After a few years of success, they’ve maintained their reputation as one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. The consistency hasn’t changed the quality of the food—this place still serves some of the best dosas in Portland, including the signature Chennai paper dosa, flavorful rava dosa, and satisfying vegetable pakoras.
The Channa Poori remains a highlight, rich and delicious. Daily visits reveal why it’s so popular, so the best way to experience it is to stop by and taste for yourself.