10 Best Indian Dishes to Try in Paris Right Now
Paris, famed for its baguettes and Bordeaux, might not be the first place you think of when craving India’s rich culinary landscape. But hidden within the elegant heart of the city, nestled in the gourmet wing of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, The Crossing is rewriting the narrative. Here, classic Indian flavors are reimagined through craftsmanship, heritage, and a deep reverence for regional authenticity. Curious what the best Indian dishes in Paris are right now? This isn’t just a menu—it’s a map of India, plated and perfected.
Table of Contents
- Butter Chicken – Delhi’s Most Beloved Export
- Gunpowder Prawns – Pondicherry’s Coastal Heat
- Paneer Butter Masala – The Vegetarian Royalty
- Chicken Biryani – Lucknow’s Legacy in a Pot
- Shami Kebab – Lucknow’s Meaty Whisper
- Cauliflower 65 – Madras’ Fiery Favorite, Reinvented
- Dahi Puri – A Street Food Gem from Mumbai
- Lamb Korma – The Regal Curry from Hyderabad
- Saag Aloo – Punjab’s Creamy Greens on a Plate
- Goa Date Toffee Pudding – A Sweet Ending from the Tropics
Butter Chicken – Delhi’s Most Beloved Export
Velvety, rich, and deeply comforting, Butter Chicken stands as the undisputed icon of North Indian cuisine — a dish defined by balance rather than bravado. At The Crossing, this classic is approached with reverence and restraint. Cashew lends a gentle nuttiness and silk-like body, tomato brings acidity and structure, and fenugreek adds its unmistakable aromatic finish. Together, they create a sauce that feels indulgent without excess, coating each piece of chicken with warmth and depth rather than weight.
The chicken itself is first cooked as tikka, locking in juiciness before being folded into the sauce, allowing char and creaminess to coexist. Every bite feels composed: familiar yet refined, comforting yet elegant. If you’re searching for the best Indian dish in Paris, this Butter Chicken makes a compelling case. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser, elevated through technique and intention — proof that when tradition is handled with care, it doesn’t need reinvention, only respect and a thoughtful, modern touch.
Gunpowder Prawns – Pondicherry’s Coastal Heat
Seafood with an edge. These prawns are sautéed in garlic butter and coated with podi masala, a southern spice blend with a fiery kick. The French-Indian roots of Pondicherry shine in every bite, making this a perfect Indo-French marriage for the Parisian palate.
Paneer Butter Masala – The Vegetarian Royalty
Homemade paneer is bathed in a luscious tomato and onion gravy, elevated by crushed cashews. For vegetarians, this is the king of curries. Paired with truffle naan—yes, truffle naan—this dish is the most luxurious meat-free indulgence at The Crossing.
Chicken Biryani – Lucknow’s Legacy in a Pot
Nothing says regal Indian dining like a fragrant Chicken Biryani. Originating from the nawabi kitchens of Lucknow, this version is slow-cooked with cardamom, saffron, and pepper, and layered with saffron basmati rice. The aroma alone seduces before your first forkful.
Shami Kebab – Lucknow’s Meaty Whisper
These melt-in-the-mouth lamb and lentil patties are a refined nod to Mughlai cuisine. At The Crossing, the kebabs are gently pan-seared, offering a perfect contrast of crisp edges and soft interiors. Pickled onions offer the acidity needed to balance the richness.
Cauliflower 65 – Madras’ Fiery Favorite, Reinvented
A creative twist on the iconic Chicken 65, this vegan take uses cauliflower florets, deep-fried and drenched in chili sauce with curry leaves. It’s crunchy, spicy, and addictive—making it the best Indian snack you didn’t know you needed in Paris.
Dahi Puri – A Street Food Gem from Mumbai
A burst of flavor in one bite. These crispy semolina shells are filled with spiced potatoes, sweet tamarind chutney, cooling yoghurt, and zesty coriander. It’s a dish that Paris’s sophisticated diners can appreciate—playful, complex, and unexpectedly elegant.
Lamb Korma – The Regal Curry from Hyderabad
Delicate cardamom mingles with a yoghurt-mint base in this slow-cooked lamb curry. What could be a heavy dish is instead graceful and fragrant. It’s best enjoyed with a side of garlic naan, and a glass of red for the full Parisian-Indian experience.
Saag Aloo – Punjab’s Creamy Greens on a Plate
Spinach and potatoes have never tasted this indulgent. Creamy, smoky greens and roasted baby potatoes make this a deceptively simple but deeply satisfying vegetarian option. It’s a nod to rural Punjab, now starring in one of the best Indian restaurants in Paris.
Goa Date Toffee Pudding – A Sweet Ending from the Tropics
A decadent finale. This sticky date cake is infused with cinnamon, drenched in toffee sauce, and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s India via an English pudding, with Goan spirit. Chef’s secret? “A dash of spice that plays with your memory.”
A Journey Beyond the Dish
What sets The Crossing apart isn’t just authenticity—it’s innovation inspired by India’s own diversity. From the saffron-threaded Karak Chai to the mint-laced lemonade with toasted cumin, even the drinks follow a philosophy of tradition twisted creatively.
The Crossing is more than just one of the best Indian restaurants in Paris—it’s where Paris meets Punjab, where Tamil spice meets French technique, and where every dish dares to be remembered.
So, if you’re wondering where to find the best Indian food in Paris, look no further than The Crossing.
