Bellevue is a hub of Indian and South Asian culture
The Seattle area’s Eastside (a local term to describe the region to the East of Lake Washington and Seattle) undoubtedly has a stronghold of great Indian restaurants, making Bellevue, Washington a hub of South Asian food and culture. The region is known for its vibrant population of residents that emigrated from India to work in our tech and gaming industries.
Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Sculpture
In fact, the government of India gifted a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi to the people of Washington State in 2009. Recognizing the growing link between the country of India and Washington, and specifically here in the Eastside, the 1,000-pound bronze sculpture crafted by Indian artist Anil R. Sutar sits on the south lawn at the Bellevue Public Library.
Celebrate HOLI, A Festival Of Colors
As winter transitions into spring, Bellevue is alive with celebration, including the ancient Hindu tradition of Holi. The festival of colors welcomes the arrival of spring.
- CRY Seattle’s HOLI returns to Bellevue Downtown Park with music, Indian food, and organic and skin-friendly colors for purchase on March 23, 2024.
- There is also an annual Festival of Color celebration organized by the Sammamish-based Vedic Cultural Center at Marymoor Park on March 23, 2024, with DJ Prashant spinning tunes as attendees throw vegetable-based, non-allergic colored powder at one another.
- On March 30, 3032, Beats of Redmond is hosting "Holi: The Colors Festival 2024 - United" at Crossroads Park, featuring nonstop DJ music, live dhol-tasha, singing, and other performances.
Best Indian and South Asian Food in Bellevue, Washington for Holi
With an abundance of Indian cuisine widespread across the Eastside, here are the top places to enjoy the culinary marvels of South Asia.
Farzi Café
Address: 515 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004
Along the busy corridor of Bellevue Way, Farzi Café is a molecular gastronomic experience of Indian cuisine and craft cocktails, with smoke, bubbles, and centrifuges involved in the preparation of its culinary offerings. The first Farzi Cafe opened in New Delhi by Zorawar Kalra, known as the “Prince of Indian Cuisine,” and Bellevue’s location is the first entry into the United States. Here, the mocktail menu is as expansive as the cocktail menu and the cuisine offers tantalizing delights for carnivores and vegans alike.
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
Address: 14625 NE 24th St Suite 3, Bellevue, WA 98007
Another legendary Indian export has made its way to the United States by way of Bellevue. Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, colloquially known as MTR, is a wildly popular restaurant that was first established in 1924 as one of Bangalore's oldest and most well known culinary enterprise. Enjoy the authentic representations of Rava Idly, the world’s best Masala Dōse, rich desert Chandrahara, tangy rich Bisibele bhath, classic Kharabhath, in-house roasted pure filter coffee and more.
Chaat House
Address: 14725 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA 98007
A go-to North Indian fast-food joint in the PNW, Bellevue’s Chaat House is a purely vegetarian restaurant with some Indo Chinese fusion menu items. The parathas are flaky, the curries are flavorful, and the vibrant ambiance reflects the colorful spirit of Indian street food culture. Their shakes and lassis are a hit and the Schezwan noodles are a crowd favorite.
Desi Tadka Indian Grill
Address: 304 105th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Desi Tadka Indian Grill is consistently a local favorite, delivering authentic Punjabi cuisine with mouthwatering flavors through an all-vegetarian menu. For the most variety, try the Special Tali, which comes with chickpea, spinach, lentil and paneer curries, as well as a rice pudding dessert and side dishes. Here’s a pro-tip for spicy food lovers: ask for Indian style spicy and this restaurant will add green chilies to the kulchas and parathas. It’s spicy!
Dosa House
Address: 15259 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98007
In the Bel-Red neighborhood, Dosa House has a wide variety of dosas, including some special Indo Chinese fusion dosas. There’s also a kids menu with cheese and chocolate flavors. On the drink menu, you’ll find the crowd favorite Mango Lassi as well as items like Masala Chaas, which is a spiced buttermilk beverage.
Kathakali
Address: 11451 98th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
Take a trip up to Kirkland, where Kathakali: An Indian Eater has been serving their South Indian staples for over 20 years. With an emphasis on Kerala cuisine, Kathakali has some great seafood forward items, like the Green Mango Prawns Curry, alongside a wide vegetarian menu and a selection of freshly made naan and other flatbreads.
Honest Restaurant
Address: 2241 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007
With humble roots as a simple food cart from Ahmedabad, Honest Restaurant is a staple from the streets of India. The Bellevue location offers signature dishes like the Pav Bhaji, Special Pulav, and Bhel Puri. There’s also a selection of Indian Chinese dishes, as well as South Indian dosas. Come here for delicious street food.
Choose Bellevue as your base camp
Big city amenities. Easy access to mountains, evergreen forests, and beaches. Countless adventures. Stay the weekend.
