Best Indian Food Near Austin? Why San Marcos Is Worth the Drive
Searching for Indian or Nepali food near Austin? San Marcos is a half-hour down I-35. Here is how to choose, what to order and how to plan a group visit.
If you are searching for the best Indian food near Austin, the answer might be a short drive south on I-35. San Marcos is about 30 miles from Austin, and Himalayan Nepalese & Indian Cuisine on Wonder World Drive is a Nepali and Indian restaurant that is easy to reach from Austin, Kyle, Buda, New Braunfels and the Texas State campus.
What "best Indian restaurant in Texas" really depends on
There is no single best restaurant for everyone. The right place depends on what you want that night. Here is how most people decide:
- A family dinner: a table that fits a group, spice levels for kids and adults, and vegetarian dishes for everyone.
- A quick lunch or a student budget: a buffet or a fast pickup order.
- Something new: Nepali dishes such as momos, rather than the same curries.
- A celebration: a reservation, plus catering or a private event option.
Our menu is set up for all four. You can eat in, order online for pickup, or ask about catering and events.
Why people drive from Austin to San Marcos for dinner
San Marcos is a convenient stop between Austin and San Antonio. It is also home to Texas State University, so a lot of the dining out here is groups, families and friends sharing dishes. If you are heading to the outlet malls or the river, you can plan a meal on the way, whether you want the buffet or a sit-down dinner.
How to pick a good Indian restaurant anywhere in Texas
Whether you are in San Marcos, Austin or San Antonio, the same short checklist works. Read the menu: does it list real regional dishes rather than the same ten curries? Look at the bread: is naan baked to order? Ask about spice: can you choose a level? And look for vegetarian depth, because kitchens that do paneer and chickpea dishes well tend to do everything well. If a restaurant also makes something less common, like Nepali momos, that is usually a sign of a kitchen cooking from its own family recipes.
What to expect at Himalayan
The menu covers appetizers like samosas, pakora and Chicken 65, main courses with chicken, lamb/goat or shrimp, a vegetarian entree section, momos, biryani, rice and noodle dishes, naan and desserts. Everything is on the menu page with prices, and you can add dishes to a cart and pick them up when they are ready.
A suggested order for a first visit
- Chicken momo (steamed or fried) to start.
- Tikka masala with garlic naan.
- Veg biryani or chicken biryani for the table.
- Palak paneer or chana masala for the vegetarians.
- Gulab jamun to finish.
Buffet at launch
We are launching with a buffet. Visit the buffet page to see what is being served today.
Visit
Himalayan Nepalese & Indian Cuisine, 115 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666. Open Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Closed Sunday. Phone (512) 748-0104. Get the menu or reserve a table.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Marcos from Austin?
About 30 miles, roughly a half-hour drive down I-35 when traffic is light.
Is there a Nepali restaurant near Austin and San Marcos?
Yes. Himalayan Nepalese & Indian Cuisine serves Nepali dishes like momos alongside North Indian curries, biryani and tandoor naan.
Do you take large groups?
Yes. Reserve a table online, or request catering for events.