Travel the world without leaving the state. The intense flavors at these New Mexico restaurants will briefly transport you to India... without the jet lag. Sample cuisines from both the north and south of the country at these 9 delicious eateries.

1. Raaga (Santa Fe)

Raaga serves Northern Indian fare, with influences from the American Southwest. Chef Paddy Rawal has worked all over the world and this experience has resulted in dishes that are as inventive as they are scrumptious. I have actually wiped a finger around my plate here – surreptitiously because it’s a classy place! Raaga is located at 544 Agua Fria Street in Santa Fe.

2. Sheba Grill (Las Cruces)

This restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. On the Indian side of the menu, the chicken curry and mango lassi are particularly memorable. Sheba Grill can be found at 2265 S Main Street in Las Cruces.

3. Am Spices of India (Albuquerque)

If you’re craving vegetarian, Indian street food, then this eatery has you covered. In addition to serving yummy naan and chaat, all menu items are also free of preservatives and artificial coloring. Am Spices is located downtown, at 317 Central Avenue NW in Albuquerque.

4. Bombay Grill (Gallup)

Bombay Grill is a hole in the wall restaurant with food that far surpasses its underwhelming exterior. Diners love the lunch buffet, which offers excellent value for money. Try the saag paneer, samosas, and lamb dishes. This restaurant can be found at 3405 W Highway 66 in Gallup.

5. Paper Dosa (Santa Fe)

Paper Dosa started out as a catering business, morphed into a company specializing in pop-up dinners, and finally became the slick restaurant it is today. During all these transitions, the quality of the food never faltered.

Enjoy spicy South Indian cuisine accompanied by an impressive array of sauces. The dishes here have the same amount of kick as a grumpy mule, but that’s a recommendation rather than a deterrent to most New Mexicans. The address is 551 W Cordova Road in Santa Fe.

6. Curry Leaf (Albuquerque)

Curry Leaf is the new kid on the block when it comes to Indian food in Duke City. The restaurant serves Indo-Chinese dishes, many of which are from Southern India and have the amount of heat you’d expect from that region. The chicken chettinad really packs in the flavor – it incorporates 21 different spices and condiments - and the lunch buffet is always a good bet. Curry Leaf is located at 6910 Montgomery Boulevard NE in Albuquerque.

7. Taste of India (San Jon)

You might have qualms about eating Indian food at a gas station restaurant. However, set any concerns aside. This is actually a traditional-style Punjabi dhaba, also known as a roadside restaurant, so the location is entirely appropriate. The buffet allows you to sample samosas and parathas (Indian flatbread) to your heart’s content. Hit the brakes to pull over at 2405 State Highway 469 in San Jon.

8. India Grill (Albuquerque)

This Indian restaurant is run by a pair of brothers who have a combined 50 years of culinary experience! Come here for the tandoor dishes – there’s a lengthy tandoori menu featuring chicken, lamb, shrimp, and fish. India Grill is located at 6501 Wyoming Boulevard NE Suite B in Albuquerque.

9. Namaste (Rio Rancho)

Namaste offers Himalayan, Nepalese, Pakistani, and Indian food. The lunch buffet is a total bargain and the restaurant’s website helpfully informs you of the rotating buffet items (it changes according to the day of the week). Go on Monday on Friday for chicken tikka masala and chicken vindaloo or on Wednesday or Saturday for the goat curry.

There’s a reason this place has won best of the city awards. You’ll find the original branch of the restaurant at 1520 Deborah Road SE in Rio Rancho. In 2015, a second location opened at 110 Yale Boulevard SE in Albuquerque.

Which of these spots have you eaten at?

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