One of the biggest misconceptions about Indian cuisine is that you need to spend a lot of money to enjoy an authentic meal. In reality, some of the most flavorful, satisfying, and traditional Indian dishes in New Jersey cost less than $20.
From crispy dosas and hearty thalis to aromatic biryanis and flavorful curries, diners can enjoy complete meals at affordable prices throughout the Garden State. Whether you’re a student, working professional, family, or food enthusiast, New Jersey offers countless opportunities to enjoy excellent Indian food without stretching your budget.
This guide highlights the best Indian dishes, restaurants, and dining experiences available for under $20.
Why Indian Food Offers Incredible Value
Indian cuisine naturally lends itself to affordable dining because many traditional dishes are built around:
✓ Rice
✓ Lentils
✓ Vegetables
✓ Fresh breads
✓ Regional spices
✓ Slow-cooked recipes
Benefits
- Large portions
- Rich flavors
- Filling meals
- Great leftovers
- Vegetarian-friendly options
Many dishes can easily serve as both dinner and lunch the next day.
Best Indian Restaurants for Meals Under $20
Bombay Spice II (Edison)
One of New Jersey’s most popular destinations for affordable Indian food.
Best Dishes Under $20
- Pav Bhaji
- Chole Bhature
- Masala Dosa
- Chaat Platters
- Vegetarian Thalis
Best For
- Students
- Families
- Vegetarian diners
Why Visit
Offers some of the best value-for-money Indian food in Edison.
Delhi Garden Indian Restaurant (Edison)
A longtime local favorite known for authentic North Indian cuisine.
Best Dishes Under $20
- Chicken Curry
- Chana Masala
- Dal Tadka
- Vegetable Biryani
- Lunch Combos
Best For
- Takeout
- Everyday dining
- Family meals
Why Visit
Generous portions and consistently affordable pricing.
Eggholic – Indian Street Food (Edison)
Perfect for casual dining and Indian street-food lovers.
Best Dishes Under $20
- Surti Gotalo
- Egg Bhurji
- Street Sandwiches
- Egg Curry Meals
- Wrap Combos
Best For
- Quick meals
- Late-night food
- Street-food enthusiasts
Masala Cafe (Newark)
A great option for affordable South Indian cuisine.
Best Dishes Under $20
- Masala Dosa
- Butter Chicken
- Curry Combos
- Indo-Chinese Specials
Best For
- Lunch
- Students
- Quick dinners
Pariwaar Delights – The King of Biryani’s (Jersey City)
A must-visit destination for biryani lovers.
Best Dishes Under $20
- Chicken Biryani
- Chicken 65
- Rice Combos
- Family Meal Portions
Best For
- Biryani lovers
- Takeout
- Group dining
Why Visit
Large portions make many meals an exceptional value.
Best Indian Dishes Under $20
Masala Dosa
One of South India’s most famous dishes.
What You Get
- Crispy dosa
- Potato filling
- Sambar
- Chutneys
Typical Price
$10–$15
Why It’s Worth It
A complete and satisfying meal.
Chole Bhature
A North Indian classic.
What You Get
- Spiced chickpea curry
- Fresh fried bread
- Pickles and sides
Typical Price
$10–$15
Why It’s Worth It
Extremely filling and flavorful.
Vegetable Biryani
A rice-based favorite.
What You Get
- Basmati rice
- Vegetables
- Traditional spices
Typical Price
$12–$18
Why It’s Worth It
Large portions and excellent leftovers.
Chicken Curry Combo
One of the best values available.
What You Get
- Chicken Curry
- Rice
- Naan
Typical Price
$14–$20
Why It’s Worth It
A complete restaurant meal under $20.
Lunch Thali
One of the best bargains in Indian dining.
What You Get
- Multiple curries
- Rice
- Bread
- Sides
Typical Price
$12–$18
Why It’s Worth It
Allows diners to sample several dishes at once.
Best Vegetarian Indian Food Under $20
Vegetarian Indian cuisine often offers the best overall value.
Top Choices
Chana Masala
Protein-rich and affordable.
Dal Tadka
Comforting, nutritious, and filling.
Aloo Gobi
Simple but flavorful.
Vegetable Biryani
Large portions and satisfying flavors.
Paneer Dishes
Excellent source of protein for vegetarians.
Best Indian Street Food Under $20
Street food delivers maximum flavor at affordable prices.
Must-Try Items
Pav Bhaji
$8–$14
Dabeli
$5–$10
Bhel Puri
$7–$12
Sev Puri
$7–$12
Samosa Chaat
$8–$14
These dishes are ideal for casual dining and sharing.
Best Indian Lunches Under $20
Lunch specials are one of the easiest ways to stay within budget.
Popular Options
- Curry Combos
- Rice Bowls
- Thalis
- Dosa Meals
Average Cost
$10–$18
Best Restaurants
- Delhi Garden
- Masala Cafe
- Bombay Spice II
Best Indian Dinners Under $20
Affordable dinners are easy to find throughout New Jersey.
Recommended Meals
Chicken Curry with Rice
Vegetable Biryani
Chana Masala Combo
Masala Dosa
Thali Meals
These meals are filling and often generate leftovers.
Best Indian Takeout Under $20
Indian food travels exceptionally well.
Top Choices
Biryani
Chicken Curry
Chana Masala
Dal Tadka
Butter Chicken
Why
Easy to transport and reheat.
Best Indian Food for Students
Students often prioritize value and portion size.
Recommended Meals
- Dosa
- Chole Bhature
- Street Food Combos
- Lunch Specials
- Rice Bowls
Why
✓ Affordable
✓ Filling
✓ Easy leftovers
Best Indian Food for Families
Families can maximize value by choosing:
Thalis
Multiple dishes at one price.
Large Biryani Portions
Perfect for sharing.
Vegetarian Curries
Affordable and satisfying.
Street Food Samplers
Great variety at low cost.
Tips for Eating Indian Food Under $20
Visit During Lunch
Lunch specials often provide the best value.
Order Vegetarian Dishes
Usually less expensive than meat-based entrées.
Share Large Portions
Many Indian dishes are ideal for sharing.
Explore Street Food Menus
Often the most affordable section.
Save Leftovers
Many meals taste even better the next day.
Why Indian Food Is One of the Best Dining Values
Indian cuisine continues to attract budget-conscious diners because it offers:
✓ Authentic flavors
✓ Generous portions
✓ Affordable pricing
✓ Diverse menu options
✓ Excellent leftovers
Few cuisines provide as much variety and satisfaction for under $20.
Affordable Indian Food Without Compromise
Whether you’re enjoying a crispy Masala Dosa in Newark, sharing a Chicken Biryani in Jersey City, exploring street food in Edison, or ordering a traditional Thali for lunch, New Jersey offers countless opportunities to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine for less than $20.
For food lovers seeking maximum flavor, generous portions, and exceptional value, Indian food remains one of the smartest dining choices in the Garden State.
Best Indian Buffets in New Jersey: All-You-Can-Eat Indian Dining Guide
Indian buffets are one of the best ways to experience the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine. Instead of ordering a single entrée, diners can sample dozens of dishes, from curries and biryanis to tandoori specialties, chaat, desserts, and regional favorites. New Jersey is home to some of the best Indian buffets in the United States, particularly in areas such as Edison, Piscataway, Parsippany, and Central New Jersey.
Whether you’re new to Indian food or a longtime fan looking to try multiple dishes in one meal, these buffets offer exceptional value and variety.
Why Indian Buffets Are So Popular
Indian buffets allow diners to:
✓ Try multiple dishes in one visit
✓ Sample regional Indian cuisines
✓ Enjoy vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
✓ Experience authentic flavors at a fixed price
✓ Discover new favorite dishes
They’re especially popular for family gatherings, business lunches, and weekend dining.
Best Indian Buffets in New Jersey
Chand Palace – Piscataway
One of New Jersey’s most famous Indian buffet destinations.
Buffet Highlights
- Extensive vegetarian selections
- Fresh dosa station
- Chaat options
- Traditional Indian desserts
Best For
- Vegetarian diners
- Families
- Weekend buffet lovers
Why Visit
Many diners consider Chand Palace one of the state’s premier Indian buffet experiences because of its variety and consistency.
Chand Palace – Parsippany
A sister location that offers a similarly impressive buffet experience.
Buffet Highlights
- Chaat station
- Fresh curries
- South and North Indian dishes
- Dessert selections
Best For
- Group dining
- Family outings
- First-time visitors
Why Visit
Known for offering a broad selection of Indian dishes under one roof.
Moghul Restaurant – Edison
One of the most recognized Indian restaurants in New Jersey.
Buffet Highlights
- Butter Chicken
- Tandoori dishes
- Paneer specialties
- Regional Indian cuisine
Best For
- Business lunches
- Family celebrations
- Upscale buffet dining
Why Visit
The restaurant is widely known for its extensive buffet offerings and authentic Indian cuisine.
Aroma Indian Bistro
A longtime favorite among buffet enthusiasts.
Buffet Highlights
- Kerala specialties
- Chicken 65
- Fish dishes
- South Indian favorites
Best For
- South Indian cuisine lovers
- Weekend dining
Why Visit
Customers frequently praise the buffet’s variety, quality, and overall value.
Royal Indian Restaurant
A popular choice for buffet dining in Central New Jersey.
Buffet Highlights
- Traditional curries
- Tandoori dishes
- Vegetarian selections
- Fresh naan
Best For
- Casual family dining
- Lunch buffets
Why Visit
Frequently recommended among New Jersey’s top Indian buffet destinations.
Best Dishes to Try at an Indian Buffet
Butter Chicken
A creamy tomato-based chicken curry and one of the most popular buffet dishes.
Chicken Tikka Masala
A classic favorite with rich flavors and broad appeal.
Chana Masala
A protein-rich chickpea curry popular with vegetarian diners.
Palak Paneer
Spinach and Indian cheese cooked with aromatic spices.
Vegetable Biryani
A fragrant rice dish that complements any buffet plate.
Tandoori Chicken
Marinated chicken cooked in a traditional clay oven.
Best Vegetarian Indian Buffets
Vegetarian diners have excellent options in New Jersey.
Top Choices
- Chand Palace Piscataway
- Chand Palace Parsippany
Why
✓ Extensive vegetarian selections
✓ Fresh ingredients
✓ Regional specialties
✓ Dosa stations
Vegetarian Indian cuisine is often one of the highlights of buffet dining.
Best Indian Buffets for Families
Buffets are ideal for families because everyone can choose their own dishes.
Recommended Restaurants
- Chand Palace
- Moghul Restaurant
- Royal Indian Restaurant
Benefits
✓ Variety for all ages
✓ Fixed pricing
✓ Kid-friendly options
Best Indian Buffets for First-Time Diners
If you’ve never tried Indian food before, buffets provide the perfect introduction.
Start With
- Butter Chicken
- Naan
- Vegetable Biryani
- Palak Paneer
- Gulab Jamun
This combination offers a balanced introduction to Indian flavors.
Lunch vs. Dinner Buffets
Lunch Buffets
Advantages
✓ Lower cost
✓ Faster service
✓ Great value
Dinner Buffets
Advantages
✓ More selections
✓ Expanded dessert options
✓ Premium dishes
Choose based on your appetite and budget.
Tips for Enjoying an Indian Buffet
Start Small
Sample small portions before filling your plate.
Mix Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Dishes
This allows you to experience more flavors.
Save Room for Dessert
Indian desserts are often a buffet highlight.
Try Something New
Buffets are perfect for discovering dishes you may not normally order.
Visit During Peak Service
Fresh dishes are replenished more frequently.
Why Indian Buffets Offer Outstanding Value
Few dining experiences provide:
✓ Multiple cuisines in one meal
✓ Unlimited servings
✓ Wide variety of dishes
✓ Authentic regional flavors
✓ Affordable fixed pricing
This combination makes Indian buffets one of the best dining values in New Jersey.
A Feast of Indian Flavors
Whether you’re enjoying the vegetarian spread at Chand Palace, exploring the extensive selections at Moghul Restaurant, or discovering regional specialties at Aroma Indian Bistro, New Jersey’s Indian buffets offer an unforgettable culinary experience.
For diners seeking variety, value, and authentic Indian cuisine, an Indian buffet remains one of the best ways to explore the rich and diverse flavors of India.