When you're craving a rich, flavorful swirl of aromatic spices, vibrant curries, and comforting biryanis, one question pops up: Where can you find the best Indian restaurant in Amsterdam? For me, the answer led me to Samrat Indian Restaurant, located on Bethaniëndwarsstraat in the heart of Amsterdam’s city centre.
In this blog, I’ll take you on a sensory journey—share the atmosphere, the food, the people, and why Samrat stands out. And yes, if you fall in love with it, there’s a little nudge at the end so you can reserve your table easily.
1. Setting the Scene: Why “Best Indian Restaurant in Amsterdam” Matters
Amsterdam is a melting pot of global cuisines. Yet when Indians—especially first-generation immigrants—crave the comfort of home, they often find the local renditions diluted or overly adapted to suit European tastes. That’s what makes searching for the title of “Best Indian restaurant in Amsterdam” all the more meaningful: it’s not just about good food, it's about cultural authenticity, aroma, spice, and warmth.
Enter Samrat. Tucked away on a quiet street, this place isn’t flashy, but it hits every note for Indian diners looking for a taste of home.
2. A Warm Welcome: The Ambience at Samrat
Samrat is often described as “cozy,” “peaceful,” and “authentic” by visiting food lovers few outside—it feels intimate and homely. The décor is unpretentious but thoughtful: warm lighting, clean tiled floors, and a few framed Indian artworks. The atmosphere invites conversation—ideal for date nights, friendly gatherings, or family dinners.
Reviewers on platforms like Trust the Crowd highlight that Samrat delivers a genuinely “Indian cultural experience” paired with generous portion sizes. At dinner time, it fills up—but in a hustle-free, relaxed way. If you prefer calm dining, it’s one of the few places that offers that in the busy core of the city.
3. A Menu That Speaks Volumes
What makes Samrat a contender for the best Indian restaurant in Amsterdam is its vast and diverse menu. With appetizers, tandoori grills, vegetarian options, seafood, lamb and chicken curries, and biryanis—this place is a haven for variety seekers. Let’s dig into some standout sections:
3.1 Appetizers & Starters
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Onion Bhajee and Samosa: crisp, lightly spiced, perfect with tangy chutneys.
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Butterfly Prawns and Pepper Chicken Tikka: ideal for seafood lovers or those craving grilled heat.
3.2 Tandoori Grill Specialities
Fresh from the clay oven:
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Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka Tandoori: smoky, succulent, and tender.
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Paneer Tikka Tandoori: perfect for vegetarians craving that charred, grilled bite
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Tandoori Mix Grill: a celebration platter combining chicken, lamb, prawns, and seekh kebab.
3.3 Biryanis That Sing
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Chicken Tikka Biryani, Lamb Biryani, Vegetable Biryani, and King Prawn Biryani, each elevated with fragrant spices, long-grain rice, and yogurt-based raita.
3.4 Curries: Lamb, Chicken & Seafood
From classic to creamy—and fiery:
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Lamb Rogan Josh, Vindaloo, Saag, Madras, Dhansak, Kurma, Chilly Masala,
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Chicken Kurma, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken—house specialties praised in reviews.
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Seafood fans can indulge in King Prawn Curry, King Prawn Madras, Fish Curry, Fish Tikka Masala, etc.
3.5 Vegetarian & Vegan Offerings
A robust vegetarian menu with options like:
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Paneer Butter Masala, Shahi Paneer, Saag Paneer, Aloo Gobi, Mixed Veg Kurma, Dal Tarka, Channa Masala, Bhindi Bhajee, Baigan Bharta, and more.
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Vegan adaptations like Dal Makhani (without cream), Baingan Bharta, Aloo Gobi—with customization available for plant-based diets.
4. Standout Dishes: Tried & True
Based on reviews and crowd favorites, here are some that shine:
• Butter Chicken
A rich, tomato-cream delight and one of Samrat’s most-beloved curries—”a classic and rich dish”.
• Chicken Tikka Masala
Creamy, aromatic, and consistently praised by patrons .
• Lamb Rogan Josh
Soft, flavorful, and seasoned with a special spice blend—meat that practically melts in your mouth.
• Paneer Tikka & Paneer Butter Masala
Ideal vegetarian picks that balance smoke and cream—popular and praised on Samrat’s menu.
• Vegetable Biryani
Colorful, fragrant, and a complete meal on its own .
5. The Experience: What to Expect
Here’s what a typical visit to Samrat might look and feel like:
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Reservation Recommended
With limited indoor seating, reserve ahead—a motto you'll keep hearing. -
Friendly Indian-Staffed Service
The vibe is familial, with staff who care about spicing dishes just right. Need extra heat? Just ask. -
Appetizers & Bread
Kick things off with hot onion bhajees, samosas, or tandoori prawns. Be ready to dip them into cooling chutneys. -
Main Course Magic
Decide between the smoky tandoori grill, soupy curries, or fragrant biryanis. Wash it down with classic lassi, wine, or a beer. -
Portion Sizes = Decent Value
Most diners leave pleasantly full—and pleasantly surprised at the value. -
Casual & Relaxed Ambience
Small but well-spaced tables, subtle music, and an air-conditioned interior make it snug yet refined.
6. Insider Tips & Takeaways
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Spice Customization: Specify your spice tolerance. They’ll usually honor it.
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Popular dishes: Stick with Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Paneer dishes.
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Book ahead: Limited seating, so call or reserve online. Especially for weekends.
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Perfect for groups: Order a mix—grill platter, biryani, curries, appetizers—and share family style.
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Vegetarian & vegan: Plenty of options—dal, paneer, veggie curries—all well-prepared.
Conclusion
While Amsterdam offers many Indian spots catering to tourists and casual diners, Samrat Indian Restaurant stands out for its commitment to authenticity, generous portions, friendly atmosphere, and varied menu. With consistently high praise for dishes like Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer specialties, and Biryani—combined with the charm of a cozy ambiance—it earns its spot as a top pick when searching for the best Indian restaurant in Amsterdam.
Contact us: (+31) 020-624-6033
Email: info@samratrestaurant.nl
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