Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Indian Food

Tandoori chicken, masala and all the naan you could want can be found at Champaign-Urbana’s favorite Indian restaurants

Our delightfully diverse restaurant scene in Champaign-Urbana does not disappoint when it comes to great options for Indian food. We have a number of options for some of the most authentic Indian food we think you can find. Let’s go through our options.

It wasn’t too long ago there were only a couple restaurants serving Indian food in Champaign-Urbana. With Indian restaurants now all over the community, we’re living in the golden era of Indian food here in Central Illinois. It makes sense, since there are many Indian students at the University of Illinois. In addition, many Indian and Indian-American families call Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding community home.

Without further ado, let’s see what is available.

Kohinoor, Champaign (downtown)

This restaurant drew multiple recommendations from our readers. Kohinoor is located in the former Escobar’s space, and we love that it is just footsteps from downtown (but parking is much easier right here). Its lunch specials are a great deal, if you can time your trip during weekdays. Many chambanamoms team members call Kohinoor their favorite stop on our list for Indian food.

Himalayan Chimney, Champaign (downtown)

This one also comes up time and time again among our readers. Many great dishes here to try and kids love its butter chicken (and naan, of course). We hear that the avocado jhal muri may be one of the best things you ever try. This is one of the pricier options for Indian food on our list, but as we said, it comes with a glowing recommendation any time you ask anyone where to go.

Signature Grill, Campus

When Signature Grill came to town, there was a great deal of excitement. This place specializes in South Indian cuisine. You choose your protein, sauce and toppings.

Ambar India, Campus

We hear there is a lunch buffet at this stop on our list. We are unsure if this happens during the summer or the buffet’s typical hours. Definitely a spot to check out — and you know we love visiting campus restaurants when the students are on breaks.

Naya Indian Cuisine, Campus

We love the ambiance at Naya and that makes it a great choice for date nights all on its own. The cuisine has evolved here over the years, but some of our readers tell us the Indian food is worth a try with the current menu of offerings.

Did we miss someone? Email us and let us know who has the best Indian food around Champaign-Urbana and what makes them delicious.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Indian Food