Advertisement

Indian Restaurants in Cairns

Indian food in Cairns hits all the right notes if you know where to go. You probably won’t find huge chains here, but that’s part of the charm. Places like Tandoori Flame, tucked near Sheridan Street, offer rich, slow-cooked curries that taste like they came straight from someone’s family kitchen. And if you’re into dosas or vegetarian options, check out Indian Court up near the city center – they do some of the best masala dosas I’ve had in town.

A heads-up: Cairns can be humid, so a cool mango lassi or a refreshing masala chai might be the perfect antidote. If you’re around during the dry season (May to September), sitting outside with a curry feels just right. But be warned – weekends at the popular places fill up fast, so booking or showing up early isn’t a bad idea. Oh, and don’t skip the garlic naan; it’s unreal with any curry here.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Cairns:

If you're booking your trip to Cairns last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

My Cairns Indian food tips

If you’re new to Cairns and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the selection, here’s a tip: head to Sheridan Street for some of the city’s best Indian joints. It’s not fancy, just honest cooking you’d want if you were visiting a friend’s house.

Another thing locals love is grabbing a mango lassi to cool down from the spices,it’s like a sweet, creamy rescue on a sticky Cairns day. And order your curry with medium spice unless you’re really into heat; Cairns locals are fair with spice but usually don’t go full fire-breathing. You’ll thank me later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Indian food in Cairns? Here’s what locals often ask.

Definitely. Cairns isn’t flooded with Indian places, but the ones here like Tandoori Flame and Indian Court really focus on authentic flavors. You’ll find traditional dishes, not just generic curry plates.

Yes, many do. Indian Court is especially great for vegetarians, with plenty of lentil-based dishes and vegetable curries. They’re pretty flexible if you ask for vegan versions too.

Not really. Most Indian spots close by 9 or 10 pm. If you’re craving a curry late, your best bet is to order early or see what takeaway options are available around the city center.

Hard to pick just one, but if you see Lamb Rogan Josh or Butter Chicken on the menu, try those. And definitely grab some garlic naan on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, the dosas here are also excellent.

Absolutely. Most places welcome families and kids, especially spots like Tandoori Flame which have a relaxed vibe. Just ask for mild spice, and the staff are usually happy to accommodate.

Yes, quite a few do. Indian Court offers delivery through local apps, and Tandoori Flame does as well. It’s handy when it’s humid out and you just want to stay in.

Explore Restaurants Categories

Pub (25 places) If you’re heading to Cairns and want an authentic local spot to kick back, you can’t skip the pubs. These places are more than just watering holes,they’re where you’ll get a real feel for the laid-back lifestyle here. Sure, you’ll find a few touristy spots around the Esplanade, but venture a little off the beaten… Explore
Coffee Shop (20 places) Explore
Breakfast (16 places) Explore
Asian (15 places) If you’re craving authentic Asian flavors while in Cairns, you’re in luck. The city punches well above its weight here,from the bustling Parramatta Street in Cairns Central to the quieter nooks near Lake Street. I’m talking about places that know their way around a good laksa, not just the run-of-the-mill takeaway. A… Explore
Seafood (12 places) Cairns and seafood go hand in hand, but it’s not just about sitting down to a plate of prawns. The city sits on the doorstep of some of Australia’s richest fishing waters, and you'll find everything from busted crab claws to slippery reef fish on menus all around town. Most locals have their go-tos around the… Explore
Italian (11 places) If you’re craving classic Italian in Cairns, you’ve got more choices than just your usual pizza joints. Some spots nail the basics like perfect thin-crust pizza or creamy carbonara, while others bring in that real-deal homemade feel that transports you straight to Italy. And don’t be surprised to find places that… Explore
Japanese (8) • Thai (8) • Top Rated - Restaurants (6) • American (6) •

Top Things To Do in Cairns

See All →

Top Things To Do in Cairns

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide MelbourneMy Guide TasmaniaMy Guide Lombok and Gilis

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again