2025 is here, and before you commit to that ambitious resolution about cooking more at home (we give it until mid-January), why not start the year by letting someone else handle the spices? These Bakersfield spots are serving everything from fiery vindaloo to buttery naan, so you can indulge in complex curries and crispy samosas without lifting a finger. Most require a reservation, so we’ve included details to simplify your feast.
Chutney Indian Grill
$ | WEBSITE
The full menu for Chutney Indian Grill’s holiday specials hasn’t been announced yet, but the Bakersfield spot has consistently delivered authentic and flavorful dishes to celebrate the season. The complete dinner plates run you under $20 each, and can be ordered for takeout or enjoyed in the cozy dining room.
New Taj Palace Indian Restaurant
$ | (661) 834-7737 | WEBSITE
New Taj Palace Indian Restaurant in Bakersfield is a cozy spot perfect for date night. Their buffet is a solid deal at around $18 per person, and features a spread of authentic Indian dishes. The variety includes favorites like butter chicken, lamb saag, chicken biryani, samosas, and Shahi Paneer, with soft, freshly prepared naan. The friendly staff provides excellent service in the warm, inviting atmosphere. Grab a table here.
Bombay Burgers
$ | (479) 544-3367 | WEBSITE
Want to spend December 28th surrounded by bold spices and savory aromas? Head to Bombay Burgers in Bakersfield for dinner ($16). The fusion Indian-burger spot is serving generous portions with options for classic and adventurous combinations. Expect dishes like the Bombay Burger with high-quality meat, their standout curry fries, and tandoori chicken burrito. They also have a lunch option for $12, also available for takeout.
Viceroy Indian Cuisine & Bar
$$ | (661) 564-9621 | WEBSITE
This Bakersfield Indian restaurant offers a fancy, clean atmosphere with an authentic dining experience. Expect tandoori chicken and vegetarian highlights, though some dishes may be a bit saltier than expected. There’s a fully stocked bar with cocktails, imported beers, and wines—try it all here. The staff is friendly and well-informed, and the bread is exceptional.
While service can be subpar at times, the food quality is commendable with good portions and reasonable prices considering the luxury feel. The environment is nice with music, clean restrooms, and good seating areas—book it for a full, filling Indian cuisine experience.
Heart of India in Valley Plaza
The standout dishes at Heart of India in Valley Plaza include plates like butter chicken with jasmine rice or the popular Shahi paneer for vegetarians. Similar generous portions are available in the combo meal—there’s a two-entree option ($28) and a three-entree one ($38), plus a $45 ticket that includes extra naan and a dessert sampler. Reservations are available online.
Noor Indian Cuisine w/ Chicago Pizza
$ | (661) 665-0000 | WEBSITE
There’s a lunch buffet for $15 at Noor Indian Cuisine w/ Chicago Pizza in Bakersfield, but don’t expect just Indian classics—the mix includes crispy french fries, deep dish combo pizza, and what’s called the best chicken tikka masala in town. Stop by.
Jay Bhavani Vadapav
$ | (661) 495-5629 | WEBSITE
Jay Bhavani Vadapav is a family-friendly spot for a quick Indian street food fix—the kid’s menu runs about $12, while adults can feast for under $25. The Bakersfield restaurant has one of the best hidden gems in town, complete with warm string lights and Bollywood music playing all evening. Reservations are available online.
Heart Of India Bar & Restaurant
$ | (661) 836-0100 | WEBSITE
This popular Indian restaurant in Bakersfield will offer a lunch buffet on the 28th. Options for the dishes include malayi soya chaap, malai kofta, and a variety of curries and sides, topped off with delicious desserts. Make a reservation here.
Aarmann indian food
$ | (661) 573-4815 | WEBSITE
A lineup of Punjabi classics—saag, chana, chicken biryani, and goat curry—are all on the menu at Aarmann Indian Food. The made-to-order takeout from this gas station spot just off Interstate Five runs about $15 per entree, plus an extra few bucks for the freshly made flatbread. Grab your order here.
Kwality Ice Cream & Chaat Corner
$$ | (661) 501-1317 | WEBSITE
This vegetarian Indian spot in Bakersfield is offering a $25 street food sampler to celebrate the season. You get your choice of two chaat items and one main dish (options include aloo tikki chaat, dahi puri, and shahi paneer), plus a scoop of Indian ice cream. Order takeout or delivery here.
The Indian Oven
$ | (661) 363-0704 | WEBSITE
The Indian Oven is one of the best-value Indian meals in town. But for a special occasion, the Bakersfield spot is trading the usual $15 lunch plates for a $35 family-style feast (takeaway available here). They’ll also have complimentary chai ready with every order.
India Pavilion
$ | (661) 231-8100 | WEBSITE
The value-focused menu at India Pavilion in Bakersfield is about $15 per person and includes several traditional dishes, from biryani bursting with fresh spices and chicken curry with ginger-chili tadka to soft roti and perfectly spiced sabzi and dhal. It’s also one of the few places offering both dine-in and takeout for any spontaneous road trippers. Stop by the gas station location.
Indian village vegetarian kitchen
$ | (661) 501-1520 | WEBSITE
If your ideal comfort meal involves a lot of paneer, dal, and naan, the homemade-style vegetarian cuisine at the aptly named Indian Village Vegetarian Kitchen is right up your alley. It’s $25 per person and features extra flavorful dishes, like the exceptional Palak Paneer, beautifully presented Gobi Manchurian, and the perfectly spiced Dal Makhani. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make the experience even more special. Customers can’t wait to return for another delicious adventure.
Sandhu Punjabi Dhaba
$$ | (661) 302-9988 | WEBSITE
The traditional manjha seating at Sandhu Punjabi Dhaba is a wonderful spot to experience authentic India—it’s one of the few places in town where you can immerse yourself in vibrant culture without feeling out of place. Their vegetarian feast runs about $28 per person for three courses, featuring parantha, shahi paneer, and saag. Book ahead.
Haveli Indian Grill
$ | (661) 473-1136 | WEBSITE
The most affordable option on this guide is brought to you by Haveli Indian Grill, at $15 a head (don’t worry, the butter chicken is included). The family-style restaurant in Bakersfield hasn’t released a new menu yet, but if it’s anything like its usual offerings, it’ll be Indian-inspired and all about comforting, flavorful dishes. Reserve here.
Kelly s Tandoori Grill & Catering and Western Kitchen Catering & bbq
$ | (661) 549-3316 | WEBSITE
Ring in the new year at Kelly’s Tandoori Grill, one of our favorite Indian spots in Bakersfield. The standout butter chicken is $18 with the option for a $4 garlic naan side (snag a seat in the cozy dining room in advance). If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, walk up to the open kitchen counter and order the chicken tacos.
Muskaan Indian Cuisine
$ | (661) 564-8001 | WEBSITE
Three standout Indian dishes await at Muskaan Indian Cuisine. It’s $12.99 per person for a buffet packed with butter chicken, dal makhani, garlic naan, and more. There’s also an option for vegan choices like Southern Aloo Gobi and Punjabi Chole. Visit here.
24 Seven Travel Plaza
24 Seven Travel Plaza’s Indian restaurant offers a satisfying meal for around $12–$18 per entrée, available both at the counter and in the casual seating area. The menu features classic Indian dishes in a clean, functional space attached to the truck stop. Stop by for a bite.