Best Indian Food Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights: Affordable Indian Eats Guide

Finding the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights can be surprisingly rewarding. Indian cuisine has a long tradition of plant-based cooking, with lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, rice, spices, and grains forming the foundation of countless dishes. That means vegan diners do not have to settle for a simple salad or one vegetable side dish when visiting an Indian restaurant.

Brooklyn Heights itself has a relatively compact Indian restaurant scene, but restaurants within the neighborhood provide a useful starting point for plant-based dining. Nearby Downtown Brooklyn, Court Street, Boerum Hill, and other surrounding areas expand the choices even further, particularly for diners interested in South Indian food and regional Indian specialties.

For this guide, it is also important to distinguish vegan-friendly from fully vegan. Most Indian restaurants in the Brooklyn Heights area are not exclusively vegan establishments. Instead, they offer vegetarian menus with some dishes that can be vegan or can potentially be prepared without dairy. Ingredients such as ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, and paneer therefore need to be checked carefully.

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Why Brooklyn Heights Has Great Indian Restaurants

Brooklyn Heights is a convenient starting point for Indian food because its restaurants combine familiar Indian favorites with the neighborhood’s broader dining culture. Although the selection is smaller than in some of Brooklyn’s larger food districts, nearby neighborhoods make it easy to expand the search when you want more variety.

For vegan diners, this geographic advantage matters because different Indian regions offer very different naturally plant-based dishes.

Indian Cuisine Naturally Offers Many Vegan-Friendly Dishes

Indian cooking is particularly well suited to plant-based dining. Chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, rice, potatoes, cauliflower, okra, eggplant, spinach, tomatoes, and spices can form complete meals without meat.

Some dishes to look for include:

• Chana masala
• Aloo gobi
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Vegetable curry
• Dal
• Vegetable biryani
• Vegetable pakoras
• Dosa
• Idli
• Sambar
• Roti

The challenge for vegan diners is usually not finding vegetables—it is identifying hidden dairy ingredients.

A dish can be completely vegetarian while still containing ghee or butter. Cream and yogurt are also frequently used in Indian sauces and marinades.

Brooklyn Heights Has Vegan-Friendly Indian Restaurants

Two restaurants are particularly relevant to a vegan Indian food search within Brooklyn Heights.

Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is described by current listings as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options. Its menu includes a range of vegetable and paneer dishes, while the restaurant’s own information promotes options suitable for creating a vegan and gluten-free meal.

Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street also specifically promotes vegetarian and vegan options. Its current restaurant information identifies vegan dining as an available option and lists dishes including chana masala and baingan bharta.

This makes Brooklyn Heights a practical place to begin if you want Indian food while following a plant-based diet.

Vegan Diners Can Explore More Than Curries

One of the biggest misconceptions about vegan Indian food is that it consists mainly of vegetable curries.

In reality, Indian cuisine offers a much broader range of plant-based possibilities.

Depending on the restaurant, you can explore:

Street-food-inspired dishes: samosas, pakoras, chaat, and other snacks.

North Indian dishes: chana masala, aloo gobi, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, and vegetable curries.

South Indian dishes: dosa, idli, sambar, uttapam, and coconut-based preparations.

Rice dishes: vegetable biryani, pulao, and other spiced rice preparations.

Breads: roti and some dairy-free flatbreads.

That variety makes Indian food particularly appealing when several vegan diners want different flavors during the same meal.

Nearby Downtown Brooklyn Expands the Choices

Brooklyn Heights is also close to Downtown Brooklyn, where diners can find additional Indian restaurants and different regional styles.

For example, Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi are associated with South Indian cuisine, providing an alternative to the North Indian curry-focused menus found at many neighborhood restaurants.

South Indian cuisine is especially interesting for vegans because dishes such as dosa, idli, sambar, and certain vegetable preparations are traditionally centered around rice, lentils, vegetables, coconut, and spices.

Of course, vegan diners should still ask whether ghee, butter, yogurt, or other dairy products are used in a particular preparation.

Vegetarian and Vegan Are Not the Same

This distinction is important when searching online for the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights.

A restaurant may advertise vegetarian options without having a completely vegan kitchen.

For example:

• Paneer is vegetarian but not vegan.
• Butter naan is vegetarian but not vegan.
• Dal makhani commonly contains dairy.
• Saag paneer contains dairy.
• Raita contains yogurt.
• Ghee is clarified butter and is not vegan.

On the other hand, dishes such as chana masala, some dals, vegetable curries, and certain vegetable preparations may be vegan depending on how they are cooked.

Curry Heights explicitly describes its menu as including both vegetarian and vegan options, while its current menu separately identifies numerous vegetarian entrées.

Indian Food Works Well for Vegan Groups

Indian restaurants are also convenient for groups with mixed dietary preferences.

A table might order:

• Chana masala for vegan diners
• Vegetable curry for everyone
• Saag paneer for vegetarians
• Chicken tikka for non-vegetarians
• Vegetable biryani for sharing
• Roti or naan depending on dietary needs
• Several chutneys and appetizers

This makes it easy for everyone to share food while still maintaining different dietary requirements.

For a completely vegan table, simply ask the restaurant to identify dishes prepared without dairy and confirm that shared sauces, breads, and rice are also suitable.

The Surrounding Brooklyn Neighborhoods Add Regional Variety

Another reason Brooklyn Heights works well as a base for vegan Indian dining is its proximity to several other Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Downtown Brooklyn can add South Indian cuisine, while areas around Court Street, Boerum Hill, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights provide additional Indian restaurants.

This means someone searching for vegan Indian food does not necessarily need to restrict the search to a few blocks around Brooklyn Heights. A short trip can open up more choices and introduce different regional cooking styles.

Vegan Diners Should Ask About Ghee

If there is one ingredient vegan diners should remember when eating Indian food, it is ghee.

Ghee is clarified butter and is commonly used for cooking, tempering lentils, preparing rice, and finishing dishes.

A dish can therefore appear completely plant-based while still containing ghee.

Before ordering, ask:

“Is this cooked with ghee or butter?”

You can also ask whether the dish contains:

• Milk
• Cream
• Yogurt
• Paneer
• Butter
• Ghee

This is especially important for strict vegans and anyone following a vegan diet for allergy or health reasons.

A Growing Interest in Plant-Based Dining

Vegan dining has become increasingly mainstream in New York City, and Indian cuisine naturally fits into that trend because many traditional Indian dishes are already centered on plant-based ingredients.

For Brooklyn Heights diners, that means there is no need to view vegan Indian food as a niche category. Instead, it can be an opportunity to explore some of the most flavorful parts of Indian cooking—from smoky eggplant and spiced chickpeas to fragrant rice, lentil dishes, South Indian dosa, and vegetable curries.

Ultimately, Brooklyn Heights is a strong starting point for vegan Indian dining because restaurants such as Mint Heights and Curry Heights offer substantial vegetarian selections with vegan options, while nearby neighborhoods provide additional regional and South Indian choices. The key is to look beyond the word “vegetarian,” ask about dairy and ghee, and choose dishes based on their actual preparation.

Top Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights for Meals Under $20

Finding Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights is very achievable, particularly if you focus on lunch specials, vegetarian entrées, appetizers, rice dishes, and casual takeout. The neighborhood has a smaller Indian restaurant scene than some parts of Brooklyn, but there are still several ways to enjoy a satisfying Indian meal without turning it into a $30–$40 dinner.

For this guide, the key distinction is between restaurants actually located in Brooklyn Heights and affordable Indian restaurants in nearby neighborhoods. Curry Heights is currently listed in the $10–$20 range and has some of the clearest under-$20 meal options, while Mint Heights offers several individual dishes around the $15–$17 range.

1. Curry Heights — Best Overall for Indian Food Under $20

Curry Heights is one of the strongest choices for anyone specifically searching for affordable Indian food in Brooklyn Heights.

Located at 151 Remsen Street, the restaurant is firmly within Brooklyn Heights and currently falls into the $10–$20 price category.

Its biggest advantage for budget diners is the express lunch menu. The current menu lists a vegetarian entrée over rice and naan for $10, or two vegetarian entrées with rice and naan for $12. Choices include saag paneer, chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, cabbage bhaji, tarka dal, and dal makhani.

For diners who want to stay under $20, this is an unusually convenient way to get a complete Indian meal rather than ordering individual items separately.

The regular menu also has several inexpensive choices. Current listings show:

• Papadom — $3
• Samosas — $6
• Aloo tikki with chana — $7
• Aloo paratha — $5
• Saag paneer — $16
• Chicken tikka masala — $18

That means a diner can comfortably build a meal around one entrée, rice or bread, or choose a lower-priced appetizer and side for a lighter meal.

Best for: Lunch specials, vegetarian Indian food, curry, paneer, samosas, takeout, and keeping the total below $20.

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2. Mint Heights — Best for Contemporary Indian Food Under $20

Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is another important option for affordable Indian food directly in Brooklyn Heights.

The restaurant is positioned as a more contemporary Indian restaurant, so its overall price range is somewhat higher than Curry Heights. However, several individual dishes remain below the $20 mark. Current menu listings include popular choices such as chicken tikka masala for $17, chicken makhani for $17, chicken biryani for $17, lamb biryani for $19, and saag paneer for $15.

For vegetarian diners, that makes Mint Heights particularly useful because several substantial vegetarian entrées remain comfortably under the $20 threshold.

The restaurant’s modern approach also means that budget-conscious diners do not necessarily have to choose between inexpensive food and a more polished restaurant setting.

Best for: Biryani, paneer, vegetarian entrées, modern Indian food, and affordable individual dinner dishes.

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3. Filter Kaapi — Best Nearby South Indian Food on a Budget

Filter Kaapi is located at 383 Bridge Street in Downtown Brooklyn, so it is not technically inside Brooklyn Heights. However, it is worth including for anyone willing to travel a short distance for inexpensive Indian food.

The restaurant is currently listed as an Indian restaurant and operates primarily during daytime hours, making it particularly relevant for breakfast and lunch.

South Indian food can be especially good for budget diners because dishes such as dosa, idli, and vada can provide a complete meal without requiring an expensive meat entrée.

If your definition of affordable Indian food includes exploring different regional cuisines, Filter Kaapi is a useful nearby alternative.

Best for: Dosa, South Indian breakfast, vegetarian meals, and casual daytime dining.

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4. Brooklyn Curry Project — South Indian Dining Nearby

Brooklyn Curry Project at 383 Bridge Street is another nearby South Indian option.

It is currently categorized specifically as a South Indian restaurant and is open for a limited Saturday daytime service according to current local listings.

Because South Indian cuisine has a strong vegetarian tradition, dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and vegetable preparations can provide good value for diners looking to stay around the $20 mark.

Best for: South Indian specialties, vegetarian food, and a casual weekend meal.

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5. Kitchen Grill — Budget Indian Food in Nearby Brooklyn

Kitchen Grill | Indian Restaurant in Brooklyn at 914A Fulton Street is farther from Brooklyn Heights, but its current local listing places it in the $10–$20 price range.

This makes it relevant for diners whose priority is keeping the food bill low rather than staying within walking distance of Brooklyn Heights.

The restaurant is particularly useful as a broader Brooklyn option when you are willing to travel for inexpensive Indian food.

Best for: Casual Indian meals, budget dining, and affordable takeout.

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Best Indian Meals Under $20

If your goal is specifically to spend $20 or less per person, the easiest strategy is to choose dishes carefully rather than ordering a large combination of appetizers, entrées, and drinks.

Here are some practical combinations.

Around $10–$12

At Curry Heights, the vegetarian lunch combination provides one or two vegetable entrées with rice and naan for $10–$12.

This is arguably the best value for a complete Indian lunch in Brooklyn Heights.

Around $15–$17

A single substantial entrée such as saag paneer at Curry Heights or Mint Heights can leave room in a $20 budget for a modest side or bread.

Around $17–$19

Mint Heights has several popular dishes in this range, including chicken tikka masala, chicken biryani, and lamb biryani.

This is a good option when you want a more substantial meat-based meal while keeping the entrée itself below $20.

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Best Vegetarian Indian Meals Under $20

Vegetarian diners generally have an easier time staying within a $20 budget.

At Curry Heights, the lunch menu is especially useful because several vegetarian dishes are included in the $10–$12 lunch combinations.

Good choices include:

• Chana masala
• Saag paneer
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Tarka dal
• Aloo matar gobi
• Cabbage bhaji

At Mint Heights, individual vegetarian dishes such as saag paneer are also priced below $20.

For the best value, choose one substantial vegetable curry + rice or naan rather than ordering several separate sides.

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Best Indian Appetizers Under $10

You can also enjoy Indian food under $20 by building a smaller meal around appetizers.

Curry Heights currently lists several options below $10, including:

• Papadom — $3
• Aloo paratha — $5
• Samosas — $6
• Aloo tikki with chana — $7
• Broccoli malai — $9

These can work well for a light lunch, snack, or shared meal.

For two people, ordering a few inexpensive appetizers and one shared entrée can also be more economical than ordering two complete dinners.

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How to Stay Under $20 at an Indian Restaurant

A few simple strategies can make a significant difference.

Choose Lunch Over Dinner

Lunch specials are often the easiest way to get a complete Indian meal for under $20.

Curry Heights is a particularly strong example, with its current vegetarian lunch combinations starting at $10.

Order One Entrée Instead of Several Small Dishes

Indian portions can be filling, especially when served with rice or bread. One curry plus rice or naan may be enough for a satisfying meal.

Share Appetizers

If you are dining with someone else, share samosas or another appetizer instead of ordering one for each person.

Choose Vegetarian Curries

Vegetarian dishes are often among the best-value choices on Indian menus. Chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, and other vegetables can create filling meals without the higher cost associated with meat.

Skip Expensive Extras

If your $20 limit includes tax and tip, remember that a $19 entrée may already push the final bill beyond your target.

A safer strategy is to aim for a $12–$16 food subtotal and leave room for tax and gratuity.

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Best Places for Indian Takeout Under $20

Takeout can make a $20 budget go even further.

Curry Heights offers direct takeout and delivery, and its menu provides several inexpensive entrée and lunch options.

Mint Heights also offers pickup and delivery, allowing diners to choose individual dishes rather than paying for a full sit-down dining experience.

For takeout, look for:

• Chana masala
• Dal
• Chicken curry
• Vegetable curry
• Biryani
• Saag paneer
• Samosas
• Roti
• Naan

One advantage of takeout is that a generous curry or biryani portion may provide leftovers for another meal, depending on the restaurant and portion size.

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Brooklyn Heights vs. Nearby Areas for Affordable Indian Food

If staying strictly within Brooklyn Heights is important, Curry Heights and Mint Heights should be the first two restaurants to consider.

If you are willing to travel farther, Downtown Brooklyn adds South Indian options such as Filter Kaapi and Brooklyn Curry Project, while other parts of Brooklyn provide additional restaurants in the $10–$20 category.

The important thing is to avoid presenting every affordable Brooklyn Indian restaurant as a Brooklyn Heights restaurant. For local SEO and for readers planning a meal, geographic accuracy matters.

Best Neighborhoods or Areas for Indian Food Near Brooklyn Heights

When searching for the best vegan Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, it helps to look beyond the neighborhood’s exact boundaries. Brooklyn Heights has a relatively compact Indian restaurant scene, but its location makes it easy to explore several nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods with additional Indian restaurants and different regional cuisines.

For vegan diners, this wider search is particularly valuable. Brooklyn Heights provides convenient North Indian and modern Indian options, while nearby areas add South Indian dosa, regional specialties, vegetarian-focused restaurants, and more plant-based choices.

1. Brooklyn Heights

Best for: Convenient vegan-friendly Indian dining and classic Indian dishes

Brooklyn Heights is the natural starting point for a vegan Indian food search. The neighborhood’s two most relevant Indian restaurants are Mint Heights on Henry Street and Curry Heights on Remsen Street.

Mint Heights is particularly relevant because current listings identify it as vegetarian-friendly with vegan options. Its menu combines modern Indian cooking with dishes such as vegetable curries, paneer preparations, biryani, and other plant-forward choices.

Curry Heights also specifically promotes vegetarian and vegan options, including dishes such as chana masala and baingan bharta.

For a strict vegan diner, Brooklyn Heights is therefore a convenient place to start—but it is important to ask whether individual dishes contain ghee, butter, cream, milk, or yogurt.

Why visit: The most convenient area for staying within Brooklyn Heights while still finding vegan-friendly Indian food.

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2. Downtown Brooklyn

Best for: South Indian food, dosa, and naturally plant-forward dishes

Downtown Brooklyn is one of the most useful nearby areas for expanding your vegan Indian food search.

Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi are both located at 383 Bridge Street, giving diners access to South Indian cuisine close to Brooklyn Heights.

South Indian cooking is particularly interesting for vegan diners because many traditional dishes are based around rice, lentils, fermented batters, vegetables, coconut, and spices.

Look for dishes such as:

• Dosa
• Idli
• Vada
• Sambar
• Vegetable uttapam
• Coconut chutney
• Vegetable rice dishes

The important caveat is that some South Indian restaurants use ghee for cooking or finishing dishes, so vegan diners should confirm preparation before ordering.

Why visit: One of the best nearby areas for exploring Indian food beyond the typical North Indian curry menu.

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3. Court Street and Cobble Hill

Best for: Regional Indian cuisine and relaxed dining

The Court Street corridor is another useful area to explore from Brooklyn Heights.

Indian Table at 234 Court Street offers Indian-Goan cuisine, giving diners an opportunity to experience regional Indian flavors rather than focusing exclusively on familiar dishes such as tikka masala and naan.

Another nearby option is Tera Mera at 272 Court Street.

For vegan diners, the appeal of this area is variety. Regional Indian cooking can introduce more vegetable, rice, coconut, lentil, and spice-based preparations.

When ordering, ask specifically which dishes can be prepared without dairy or ghee rather than assuming that a vegetable dish is vegan.

Why visit: Convenient from Brooklyn Heights and useful for discovering regional Indian flavors.

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4. Boerum Hill and Livingston Street

Best for: Upscale Indian dining and special occasions

The Livingston Street area near Boerum Hill is worth exploring when you want a more polished Indian meal.

Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar at 286 Livingston Street offers a more upscale Indian dining experience and is particularly suitable for dinner, celebrations, and special occasions.

For vegan diners, upscale restaurants can be worthwhile because staff are often better positioned to explain ingredients and accommodate specific dietary requests. Nevertheless, vegan diners should still confirm the preparation of individual dishes.

This area is especially appropriate when the goal is to combine vegan-friendly Indian food with a more sophisticated dining atmosphere.

Why visit: A strong choice for vegan date nights, celebrations, and upscale Indian dining.

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5. Smith Street

Best for: Contemporary Indian dining and restaurant variety

Smith Street is another convenient extension of the Brooklyn Heights food scene.

Dastaan Indian Kitchen at 115 Smith Street offers Indian curries, biryanis, tandoori specialties, and other Indian dishes.

Because Smith Street sits just beyond the immediate Brooklyn Heights restaurant cluster, it is useful for diners who want to explore additional restaurants without traveling deep into Brooklyn.

Diners following a vegan diet should ask which curries, rice dishes, appetizers, and breads are completely dairy-free.

Why visit: Good for expanding the search beyond Brooklyn Heights while staying relatively close to the neighborhood.

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6. Fort Greene

Best for: South Indian cuisine and vegetarian-friendly specialties

Fort Greene is another area worth considering when vegan diners are willing to travel a little farther.

The neighborhood provides access to South Indian restaurants and dishes that can be particularly appealing to plant-based diners.

South Indian cuisine’s emphasis on lentils, rice, vegetables, coconut, fermented batters, and chutneys means vegan diners can often find interesting dishes beyond the standard curry-and-naan combination.

This is a good area to explore if your priority is dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and other South Indian specialties.

Why visit: Excellent for exploring plant-forward South Indian cooking.

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7. Prospect Heights

Best for: A broader Brooklyn Indian-food experience

Prospect Heights expands the Indian restaurant options considerably compared with Brooklyn Heights itself.

The Vanderbilt Avenue corridor is particularly useful. OMAR’S INDIAN FINE CUISINE at 568 Vanderbilt Avenue and Mumbai Place at 655 Vanderbilt Avenue are examples of Indian restaurants in the area.

This makes Prospect Heights a useful destination when you have already explored Brooklyn Heights and want to compare different Indian cooking styles.

For vegan diners, the key advantage is simply more restaurants to choose from. That increases the likelihood of finding vegetable curries, lentils, rice dishes, and other plant-based preparations that fit your preferences.

Why visit: Good for a wider Indian-food tour and comparing different restaurants.

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8. Crown Heights

Best for: Casual Indian dining and a wider selection

Crown Heights is farther from Brooklyn Heights, but it can be worthwhile when your search is specifically about finding more Indian food rather than staying within walking distance.

Dhania on Prospect Place is one of the Indian restaurants in this broader area.

The neighborhood offers additional opportunities to explore Indian curries, vegetable dishes, rice preparations, and regional flavors.

For vegan diners, Crown Heights can be especially useful when combined with Prospect Heights as part of a larger Brooklyn food outing.

Why visit: More choices for diners willing to travel beyond the immediate Brooklyn Heights area.

Best Area for Staying Close to Brooklyn Heights

Choose Brooklyn Heights itself. Mint Heights and Curry Heights are the most convenient starting points, and both have vegetarian/vegan-friendly options.

Best Area for South Indian Vegan Food

Explore Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, particularly if you want dosa, idli, vada, and sambar rather than traditional North Indian curries.

Best Area for Regional Indian Cuisine

Try Court Street and Cobble Hill, where restaurants such as Indian Table provide a different regional perspective.

Best Area for a Special Vegan Dinner

Look toward Boerum Hill and Livingston Street, particularly around Kashi, where the dining experience is more upscale.

Best Area for Exploring Brooklyn’s Indian Food Scene

Expand toward Prospect Heights and Crown Heights once you have explored the restaurants closest to Brooklyn Heights.

Ultimately, Brooklyn Heights is the best starting point, not necessarily the best stopping point. The neighborhood provides convenient vegan-friendly Indian options, while Downtown Brooklyn, Court Street, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights give plant-based diners a much wider range of Indian cuisines and dining experiences.

Popular Indian Dishes People Should Try Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights

Finding Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights does not mean settling for a small meal or skipping the dishes that make Indian cuisine so enjoyable. In fact, some of the most popular Indian dishes—chana masala, dal, samosas, vegetable curries, biryani, and several chicken curries—can be found for less than $20 at restaurants in and around the neighborhood.

The best strategy is to look for dishes that provide a complete meal on their own or combine an affordable entrée with rice or bread. Current menus at Brooklyn Heights restaurants show that there are multiple Indian dishes priced below the $20 mark, particularly at Curry Heights and Mint Heights.

1. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is one of the most recognizable Indian dishes in the United States and an easy choice for first-time diners.

At Curry Heights, the current menu lists chicken tikka masala at $18, while Mint Heights lists it at $17.

The dish typically combines roasted pieces of chicken with a tomato-based sauce enriched with spices and, depending on the recipe, cream or yogurt.

Best with: Basmati rice or naan.

Budget tip: If the entrée already includes rice, you may not need to order an additional rice dish.

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2. Chicken Makhani

Often called butter chicken, chicken makhani is another popular choice that can fit comfortably within a $20 budget.

Mint Heights currently lists chicken makhani at $17.

Its rich tomato-based sauce and tender chicken make it particularly popular with diners who prefer milder, creamy Indian curries.

Best with: Naan or basmati rice.

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3. Chicken Curry

For diners who want a more traditional Indian curry flavor, a classic chicken curry is worth trying.

Mint Heights currently lists its authentic chicken curry at $17, with the restaurant describing it as chicken cooked with freshly ground spices.

Compared with creamy dishes such as chicken makhani, a traditional chicken curry can offer a more pronounced spice profile.

Best with: Rice or roti.

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4. Chicken Saagwala

Chicken saagwala combines chicken with spinach and Indian spices.

Mint Heights currently lists chicken saagwala at $17, keeping it comfortably within the article’s under-$20 target.

It is a useful option for diners who want a curry with leafy greens rather than a tomato- or cream-dominant sauce.

Best with: Basmati rice or naan.

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5. Chicken Vindaloo

If you enjoy spicy food, chicken vindaloo is one of the dishes worth seeking out.

Mint Heights currently lists chicken vindaloo at $17.

Vindaloo is associated with a tangy, aromatic sauce and a stronger chili profile. Spice levels can vary considerably between restaurants, so ask how hot the preparation is before ordering.

Best with: Rice and a cooling side.

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6. Chana Masala

For an affordable vegetarian option, chana masala is difficult to beat.

This classic dish features chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices. It is hearty, flavorful, and pairs naturally with rice, naan, or roti.

Curry Heights currently includes chana masala among its $10 express lunch entrée choices when ordered with rice and naan.

Best for: Vegetarians, budget diners, lunch, and sharing.

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7. Saag Paneer

Saag paneer combines spinach or other leafy greens with cubes of paneer, a fresh Indian cheese.

Mint Heights currently lists saag paneer at $15, while Curry Heights lists it at $16.

That makes it one of the easiest ways to enjoy a substantial vegetarian Indian entrée without going over the $20 target.

Best with: Naan, roti, or rice.

Note: Saag paneer is vegetarian but not vegan because paneer is dairy.

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8. Baingan Bharta

Baingan bharta is a flavorful vegetarian dish made from roasted eggplant cooked with peas, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Curry Heights currently lists baingan bharta at $16, while Mint Heights lists its bhartha at $15.

The smoky character of roasted eggplant makes this a particularly good alternative to the more familiar paneer dishes.

Best with: Roti or naan.

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9. Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi is a classic combination of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with Indian spices.

Mint Heights currently lists vegetable dishes such as aloo gobi at around $15, while Curry Heights offers an aloo matar gobi preparation at $16.

It is filling, affordable, and easy to share with another curry.

Best with: Roti, naan, or dal.

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10. Bhindi Masala

For something beyond the usual potato-and-paneer dishes, try bhindi masala, an okra preparation cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Curry Heights currently lists bhindi masala at $16, while Mint Heights offers vegetable dishes in the same general price range.

The dish has a distinctive texture and works especially well as part of a shared vegetarian meal.

Best with: Roti and dal.

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Best Indian Meals Under $20

If your goal is to stay strictly under $20, ordering strategically makes a big difference.

Best $10–$15 Vegetarian Lunch

Curry Heights’ express lunch is one of the strongest options. The current menu lists one vegetarian entrée over rice and naan for $10 and two vegetarian entrées with rice and naan for $12.

Good combinations include:

• Chana masala + rice + naan
• Aloo matar gobi + rice + naan
• Bhindi masala + rice + naan
• Baingan bharta + rice + naan

Best $15–$18 Individual Entrée

Mint Heights offers several Indian entrées around $15–$17, including saag paneer, vegetable preparations, chicken tikka masala, chicken makhani, and chicken curry.

This gives diners a broad selection while keeping the main dish below $20.

Best Cheap Appetizer

Curry Heights’ current two-piece samosa order is $6, while aloo tikki with chana is $7.

These are useful choices when you want to sample Indian food without committing to a full entrée.

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Best Dishes Under $20 for Vegetarians

For vegetarian diners, some of the strongest budget choices are:

1. Chana masala
2. Saag paneer
3. Aloo gobi
4. Baingan bharta
5. Bhindi masala
6. Vegetable jalfrezi
7. Dal
8. Matar paneer
9. Vegetable biryani
10. Vegetable samosas

Curry Heights and Mint Heights both currently have multiple vegetarian dishes below $20, making them particularly relevant to an affordable Indian-food guide focused on Brooklyn Heights.

For vegan diners, remember to ask whether dishes contain ghee, butter, cream, milk, or yogurt.

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Best Dishes Under $20 for First-Time Indian Food Diners

If you’re trying Indian food for the first time and want to stay under budget, start with familiar, approachable dishes.

Mild and creamy: Chicken tikka masala or chicken makhani

Traditional curry: Chicken curry

Spicy: Chicken vindaloo

Vegetarian: Chana masala or saag paneer

Vegetable-focused: Aloo gobi or baingan bharta

Rice-based: Vegetable biryani

Snack: Vegetable samosas

This gives you an easy way to explore Indian cuisine without spending $20 or more on every item.

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How to Build a Complete Indian Meal for Under $20

One of the best ways to stretch your budget is to avoid ordering too many separate items.

For one person, consider:

Curry + rice = complete meal

For two people, try:

2 vegetarian curries + rice + bread

Or:

1 curry + samosas + rice

Curry Heights is particularly well suited to this approach because several lunch combinations already include rice and naan.

The key is to focus your spending on one or two flavorful main dishes rather than ordering multiple appetizers, sides, and breads individually.

With current menu prices, $20 can still go a long way at Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, particularly when you choose lunch specials, vegetarian curries, rice-based meals, or combination platters. For diners looking for the best balance between price, portion, and variety, Curry Heights and Mint Heights are the most useful places to start.

Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Food Options in Brooklyn Heights

For diners searching for Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights, vegetarian and vegan dishes are some of the easiest ways to enjoy a filling meal without stretching the budget. Indian cuisine naturally offers a wide range of affordable meat-free options, including dal, chickpeas, potatoes, cauliflower, okra, spinach, rice, and vegetable curries.

The most important distinction is that vegetarian does not automatically mean vegan. Vegetarian dishes may contain paneer, butter, cream, milk, or yogurt, while vegan diners need to avoid all dairy and other animal-derived ingredients.

Vegetarian Indian Food Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights

Two restaurants located directly in Brooklyn Heights stand out for affordable vegetarian dining: Curry Heights and Mint Heights.

Curry Heights is particularly strong for budget-conscious diners because its current express lunch menu offers one vegetarian entrée with rice and naan for $10, while a two-vegetable-entrée combination with rice and naan is $12. Available choices include saag paneer, chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, cabbage bhaji, tarka dal, and dal makhani.

That makes it possible to enjoy a complete vegetarian Indian lunch for well under $20.

Mint Heights provides another option directly in Brooklyn Heights. Its current menu includes vegetarian dishes such as saag paneer and other vegetable and paneer preparations, making it possible to build an affordable meal by choosing one entrée with rice or bread rather than ordering several dishes.

Best Vegetarian Dishes for a Budget Meal

If you’re trying to stay below $20, some of the best dishes to look for include:

• Chana masala — spiced chickpeas with onions, tomatoes, and aromatics
• Dal — lentils cooked with Indian spices
• Aloo gobi — potatoes and cauliflower
• Bhindi masala — okra with onions and spices
• Baingan bharta — roasted eggplant cooked with tomatoes and spices
• Saag paneer — spinach and Indian cheese
• Vegetable biryani — fragrant rice with vegetables and spices
• Vegetable samosas — crisp pastry filled with potatoes and peas
• Roti — whole-wheat Indian flatbread

For the best value, look for combination lunches rather than ordering several individual entrées.

Vegan Indian Food Options

Vegan diners can also find affordable Indian food, but ingredient checks are important.

Some naturally plant-focused dishes that are worth asking about include:

• Chana masala
• Aloo gobi
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Vegetable curry
• Some dal preparations
• Vegetable biryani
• Roti
• Vegetable samosas
• South Indian dosa
• Idli
• Sambar

The main ingredients to watch for are ghee, butter, cream, milk, yogurt, and paneer.

For example, dal may appear completely plant-based but can sometimes be finished with butter or ghee. Vegetable biryani may also use ghee depending on the restaurant’s recipe.

Affordable Vegan Options Near Brooklyn Heights

If you’re willing to travel a little beyond Brooklyn Heights, the choices become even broader.

Dhania in Crown Heights, for example, currently lists a dedicated vegan section with dishes such as Punjabi yellow dal tadka, red pumpkin thoran, chana masala, baigan bharta, aloo matar gobi, kadhai bhindi, cabbage fry, and other vegetable preparations. Many of these are currently listed at $18 with rice.

This is useful for diners who want a complete vegan Indian meal while keeping the entrée around the $20 mark.

South Indian Food Can Be Excellent Value

Another strategy for eating Indian food under $20 is to explore South Indian cuisine in nearby Downtown Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Curry Project is categorized as a South Indian restaurant, while nearby Filter Kaapi is another South Indian-focused option.

Dishes such as dosa, idli, vada, and sambar can make satisfying vegetarian meals without requiring an expensive entrée.

A masala dosa, for example, combines a crisp fermented rice-and-lentil crepe with spiced potatoes and is traditionally served with sambar and chutney.

Vegan diners should still ask whether ghee or butter is used during preparation.

Vegetarian Lunch Specials Are the Best Value

If your goal is specifically Indian food under $20, lunch is usually the best time to look for value.

Curry Heights is a particularly strong example in Brooklyn Heights, with its $10 and $12 vegetarian lunch combinations.

Nearby Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar also has a weekday vegetarian lunch special for $19.99, including a choice of appetizer, entrée, dal, rice, naan, raita, and dessert. It is located at 286 Livingston Street rather than inside Brooklyn Heights.

That kind of combination can be a good choice when you want a more substantial sit-down meal while still staying at or below the $20 target.

Vegetarian Lunch Boxes Near Brooklyn Heights

Indian Table, located nearby at 234 Court Street, offers another interesting budget option. Its current vegetarian lunch box is $16.99 and includes a choice of appetizer and entrée, along with the vegetable of the day, dal makhani, rice, plain naan, and dessert.

Vegetarian appetizer choices include samosas, tandoori mushrooms, paneer, aloo tikki, and other meat-free selections. Its vegetarian entrées include saag paneer, kadai paneer, chana pindi, aloo gobi matar, and several regional vegetable preparations.

For someone searching for affordable Indian food near Brooklyn Heights, this is a strong example of how a complete combination meal can provide more value than ordering individual dishes.

How to Stay Under $20

To keep your Indian meal within the $20 budget, consider these strategies:

Choose lunch specials. Restaurants often provide more food for the money during lunch.

Order vegetarian curries. Chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, cauliflower, and other vegetables can be very filling.

Share dishes. Two people can order two vegetable dishes with rice and bread instead of purchasing separate full meals.

Choose a combination box. Lunch boxes often include rice, bread, sides, and dessert for one price.

Try South Indian dishes. Dosa, idli, and vada can provide a complete meal without the price of a large dinner entrée.

Watch beverage costs. Adding multiple drinks can quickly push an otherwise inexpensive meal beyond the $20 target.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan: What Can You Order?

For strict vegan dining, always confirm the preparation rather than relying only on the dish name.

Best Choices for a Vegetarian Meal Under $20

If you’re eating inside Brooklyn Heights, Curry Heights is one of the clearest choices for a budget vegetarian meal because its current lunch combinations start at just $10.

Mint Heights is another good choice for individual vegetarian dishes and lunch options.

If you’re willing to go nearby, Indian Table’s $16.99 vegetarian lunch box and Kashi’s $19.99 weekday vegetarian lunch special offer more complete meals.

For vegan diners, look for explicitly vegan dishes and ask about ghee, butter, cream, and yogurt before ordering. With a little planning, Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights can be filling, varied, and genuinely satisfying rather than simply being the cheapest option on the menu.

Budget-Friendly Indian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights

Finding Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights is relatively easy, especially if you focus on lunch specials, vegetarian entrées, biryani, appetizers, and combination meals. The neighborhood has a compact Indian restaurant scene, but several restaurants offer individual dishes below the $20 mark, making it possible to enjoy a filling Indian meal without moving into the higher-priced dinner options.

For the best value, Curry Heights is particularly notable for its dedicated lunch combinations, while Mint Heights has a selection of vegetarian and other Indian entrées priced below $20. Nearby restaurants can also expand the choices for diners who are willing to travel a short distance outside Brooklyn Heights.

1. Curry Heights — Best Indian Food Under $20

Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street is one of the strongest choices for affordable Indian food directly in Brooklyn Heights.

Its current menu includes numerous entrées below $20. Chicken tikka masala is listed at $18, lamb biryani at $19, vegetable biryani at $17, saag paneer at $16, karahi paneer at $16, and aloo matar gobi at $16.

For lunch, the value is even better. Curry Heights currently offers an express lunch with one vegetarian entrée, rice, and naan for $10, while the two-vegetable-entrée combination with rice and naan is $12.

Vegetarian choices include:

• Aloo matar gobi
• Saag paneer
• Chana masala
• Bhindi masala
• Baingan bharta
• Cabbage bhaji
• Tarka dal
• Dal makhani

The restaurant also offers delivery and takeout, giving budget-conscious diners another way to enjoy Indian food without paying for a more formal dining experience.

Best for: Indian food under $20, inexpensive lunch, vegetarian meals, biryani, paneer, and casual dining.

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2. Mint Heights — Best for Indian Entrées Under $20

Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is another excellent option for affordable Indian food within Brooklyn Heights.

Although the restaurant offers a more contemporary dining atmosphere, many of its individual dishes remain below the $20 threshold. Current menu listings show vegetarian entrées such as karahi paneer, bhartha, matar malai methi, matar mushroom, malai kofta, vegetable korma, vegetable tikka masala, daal saag, vegetable curry, and matar paneer at around $15.

For diners who want meat, current menu listings put chicken tikka masala and chicken makhani at $17, while chicken and vegetable biryani options are also available below $20.

That gives budget-conscious diners plenty of ways to stay below $20 without limiting themselves to appetizers.

A particularly good strategy is to order one entrée with rice or bread rather than building an expensive multi-course dinner.

Best for: Modern Indian food, vegetarian entrées, chicken tikka masala, biryani, lunch, and casual dinner.

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Best Indian Dishes Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights

If your goal is specifically to keep your Indian food order under $20, several dishes offer especially good value.

Chicken Tikka Masala

At Curry Heights, chicken tikka masala is currently listed at $18, while Mint Heights lists it at $17.

This makes it one of the easiest classic Indian dinner choices to fit into a $20 food budget before tax, tip, delivery fees, or additional sides.

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani is another filling option. Curry Heights currently lists its vegetable biryani at $17.

Because biryani combines fragrant rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices in one dish, it can work as a complete vegetarian meal.

Saag Paneer

Curry Heights lists saag paneer at $16, while Mint Heights lists it at $15.

It is a good option when you want a substantial vegetarian entrée without spending close to $20.

Chana Masala

Chana masala is another budget-friendly choice, particularly for vegetarian diners. It is filling, flavorful, and pairs well with rice or bread.

At Curry Heights, chana masala is included among the vegetarian lunch selections, allowing diners to combine it with rice and naan for a particularly inexpensive meal.

Aloo Matar Gobi

Potatoes, cauliflower, and peas make aloo matar gobi a filling vegetarian option. Curry Heights currently lists it at $16 as an individual entrée.

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Best Indian Lunch Deals Under $20

Lunch is generally the easiest time to find Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights.

Curry Heights is the standout because its express lunch menu combines an entrée, rice, and naan rather than charging separately for each component.

The current options include:

This is particularly good value for someone who wants a complete meal rather than a single inexpensive appetizer.

Mint Heights is another useful lunch choice because its menu includes a range of vegetarian dishes around the $15 price point.

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Best Vegetarian Indian Food Under $20

Vegetarian diners have some of the strongest budget options in Brooklyn Heights.

At Curry Heights, you can choose from chana masala, saag paneer, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, tarka dal, cabbage bhaji, and other vegetarian dishes through the lunch menu.

Mint Heights similarly offers a broad selection of vegetarian entrées at around $15, including:

• Bhartha
• Matar mushroom
• Malai kofta
• Vegetable korma
• Vegetable tikka masala
• Daal saag
• Vegetable curry
• Matar paneer
• Karahi paneer

For the best value, order a vegetarian lunch combination when available rather than ordering several individual dishes.

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Can You Get a Full Indian Meal for Under $20?

Yes, particularly at lunchtime.

The easiest way is to choose a combination that already includes the main components of the meal.

For example:

Curry Heights:
Vegetarian entrée + rice + naan = $10

Or:

Two vegetarian entrées + rice + naan = $12

For dinner, staying under $20 is still possible if you select one entrée such as chicken tikka masala, vegetable biryani, saag paneer, or another entrée priced below $20.

However, remember that $20 in menu price is not necessarily $20 total. Tax, gratuity, delivery fees, service fees, and beverages can push the final bill higher.

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Budget-Friendly Indian Food for Two

If two people want to eat Indian food without spending too much, sharing is usually the best strategy.

Instead of ordering two large entrées with multiple sides, consider:

Option 1:
2 vegetarian entrées + rice + naan

Option 2:
1 biryani + 1 curry + shared bread

Option 3:
2 lunch combinations

Indian cuisine works particularly well for sharing because curries, biryani, dal, and vegetable dishes can all be placed in the center of the table.

This also lets diners try multiple flavors without ordering a full entrée for everyone.

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Budget-Friendly Indian Takeout

Takeout can be another practical way to keep an Indian meal affordable.

Curry Heights offers takeout and direct ordering, while Mint Heights also provides pickup and delivery.

For takeout, look for dishes that are satisfying on their own:

• Chicken tikka masala
• Vegetable biryani
• Chana masala
• Saag paneer
• Aloo matar gobi
• Dal
• Bhindi masala

If you’re feeding two people, one larger rice dish plus one curry and a couple of breads can often provide better value than ordering several individual meals.

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Affordable Indian Food Near Brooklyn Heights

If you are willing to go beyond the immediate Brooklyn Heights boundaries, the selection becomes larger.

Nearby Indian Table on Court Street and Dastaan Indian Kitchen on Smith Street provide additional Indian dining options, although their prices and menus vary.

Downtown Brooklyn also has Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi, particularly useful for diners interested in South Indian cuisine.

However, for someone specifically searching for the best Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights, it makes sense to start with the restaurants actually located in the neighborhood before expanding the search.

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Tips for Eating Indian Food on a $20 Budget

A few simple strategies can make your budget go further:

Choose lunch over dinner.
Lunch combinations can include rice and bread for substantially less than ordering individual dinner entrées.

Look for vegetarian combinations.
Vegetable curries, dal, chickpeas, and rice are often among the most affordable choices.

Share dishes.
Indian food is naturally suited to family-style dining.

Skip unnecessary extras.
Ordering multiple breads, appetizers, drinks, and desserts can quickly push a $20 meal over budget.

Choose biryani when you want one complete dish.
A vegetable or meat biryani can be more economical than ordering a curry, rice, and bread separately.

Consider pickup.
Delivery fees and service charges can significantly increase the final cost of an otherwise inexpensive meal.

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Best Places for Indian Food Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights

For this particular search, Curry Heights is the clear budget leader, especially at lunch. Its $10 vegetarian combination and $12 two-entrée option provide some of the strongest documented value in the neighborhood.

Mint Heights is the better choice if you want a slightly more contemporary restaurant experience while still finding numerous entrées in the $15–$19 range.

The key to finding affordable Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is not simply looking for the cheapest restaurant. Instead, focus on lunch specials, vegetarian entrées, biryani, combination meals, and shared dishes. With the right order, you can enjoy flavorful Indian food without turning a casual meal into an expensive night out.

Fine Dining Indian Restaurants Near Brooklyn Heights

For diners searching for fine dining Indian restaurants in Brooklyn Heights, it is useful to distinguish the neighborhood itself from the surrounding areas. Brooklyn Heights has excellent Indian restaurants, but the most clearly upscale Indian dining experiences are concentrated in nearby Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Park Slope.

That makes the area particularly convenient for diners who want to enjoy Indian cuisine for a date night, business dinner, anniversary, celebration, or special occasion without traveling far from Brooklyn Heights.

1. Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar — Best Upscale Indian Dining Near Brooklyn Heights

Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar is located at 286 Livingston Street, in the Downtown Brooklyn/Boerum Hill area.

Kashi is one of the clearest choices when you specifically want a more upscale Indian restaurant. Its official website describes the menu as a modern expression of North Indian cuisine, drawing on Awadhi, Mughlai, and Punjabi traditions. The menu features slow-cooked biryanis, char-grilled kebabs, curries, and Indian street-food-inspired dishes.

OpenTable currently categorizes Kashi as fine dining, with a typical price range of $31–$50, and describes it as suitable for special occasions and business meals.

The restaurant is also worth considering for diners who want an elevated lunch without paying a full dinner price. Kashi currently advertises a weekday lunch special from Monday through Friday, with a vegetarian option priced at $19.99.

Best for: Fine dining, date nights, business dinners, celebrations, modern North Indian cuisine, and upscale lunches.

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2. Indian Table — Best for Regional Indian-Goan Dining

Indian Table is located at 234 Court Street, just outside the core Brooklyn Heights area.

Indian Table stands out because it focuses on Indian-Goan cuisine, rather than presenting only the familiar North Indian restaurant staples. Its official website describes the restaurant as serving Indian and Portuguese flavors from Goa and identifies chef Eric McCarthy as a 7x Michelin-starred chef.

That regional focus makes Indian Table particularly interesting for diners who want a more distinctive Indian dining experience.

For a special occasion, the restaurant can be a good alternative to conventional curry restaurants, especially if your group enjoys exploring regional cuisine.

Best for: Goan cuisine, regional Indian food, special occasions, leisurely dinners, and diners seeking something beyond standard Indian restaurant menus.

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3. Mint Heights — Best Polished Indian Restaurant in Brooklyn Heights

Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is one of the strongest choices when you want a more polished Indian dining experience without leaving Brooklyn Heights.

Mint Heights describes its cuisine as modern Indian cooking that combines traditional recipes with seasonal New York produce. Its menu includes tandoori specialties, paneer tikka, coastal curries, aromatic biryanis, and a range of vegan and gluten-free choices.

The restaurant also promotes craft cocktails, shareable plates, stylish interiors, and an atmosphere designed for date nights, family dinners, and group celebrations.

While it is better described as a modern, polished neighborhood Indian restaurant than formal fine dining, it is arguably the most convenient elevated Indian option for someone who wants to stay within Brooklyn Heights.

Best for: Date nights, celebrations, modern Indian food, vegetarian diners, cocktails, and dining within Brooklyn Heights.

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4. Dastaan Indian Kitchen — Contemporary Indian Dining on Smith Street

Dastaan Indian Kitchen at 115 Smith Street is another nearby option for a more refined Indian meal.

Dastaan offers curries, biryanis, tandoori specialties, and other Indian dishes in a contemporary setting. Its location on Smith Street makes it a convenient choice for diners exploring the restaurant corridor between Brooklyn Heights and nearby neighborhoods.

The restaurant is better categorized as upscale-casual or contemporary Indian dining rather than formal fine dining, but it works well for a relaxed celebration, dinner with friends, or a more polished Indian meal.

Best for: Contemporary Indian cuisine, dinner with friends, groups, curries, biryani, and special evenings.

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5. LORE — Modern Indian Dining in Park Slope

LORE is located at 441 7th Avenue in Park Slope, making it farther from Brooklyn Heights than the restaurants above.

For diners willing to travel, LORE provides a more contemporary Indian dining experience. Its current business listing identifies it specifically as a Modern Indian restaurant, with a higher-end positioning and strong local customer feedback.

Because it is outside Brooklyn Heights, it should be considered a destination option rather than a neighborhood restaurant for this guide.

Best for: Modern Indian cuisine, contemporary dining, special occasions, and diners willing to travel for a more elevated experience.

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6. Pangat — Higher-End Indian Dining in Park Slope

Pangat at 369 5th Avenue is another higher-end Indian restaurant farther from Brooklyn Heights.

Its current business listing places it in the higher price category and identifies it as an Indian restaurant with strong local ratings.

Pangat is worth considering when the goal is to explore Brooklyn’s broader upscale Indian dining scene rather than staying strictly within Brooklyn Heights.

Best for: Higher-end Indian dinners, special occasions, and exploring Park Slope’s Indian restaurant scene.

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Best Fine Dining Indian Restaurants by Occasion

Best for a True Fine-Dining Experience

Kashi is the strongest choice if your priority is a restaurant that is explicitly positioned as fine dining. Its North Indian menu, contemporary presentation, cocktails, and special-occasion positioning make it particularly appropriate for celebrations and business dinners.

Best for Staying in Brooklyn Heights

Mint Heights is the most convenient option if you want a polished Indian dinner without leaving the neighborhood. Its modern menu and stylish setting make it particularly suitable for date nights and celebrations.

Best for Regional Indian Cuisine

Indian Table is the standout choice when you want to explore Goan cuisine and Indian-Portuguese culinary influences rather than ordering the usual North Indian favorites.

Best for a Modern Indian Experience

LORE is a good destination for diners who are willing to travel farther and want a contemporary Indian restaurant rather than a traditional curry house.

Fine Dining Indian Food Under $20: Is It Possible?

If your broader article is “Best Indian Food Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights,” there is an important distinction between fine dining and affordable Indian food.

A traditional fine-dining dinner will generally exceed $20 once you add an entrée, tax, tip, and drinks. However, Kashi’s weekday vegetarian lunch special is currently $19.99, making it a notable exception for diners who want a more upscale experience while staying close to the $20 food-price target.

For a genuinely budget-friendly meal, however, casual restaurants such as Curry Heights and the more affordable lunch options at Mint Heights are better choices.

The best strategy is therefore to treat fine dining as an occasional upgrade, while using lunch specials, vegetarian combinations, rice dishes, dal, and individual curries for everyday Indian meals under $20.

Takeout and Delivery Tips for Indian Food Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights

Getting Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights is often easier through takeout than through a full sit-down meal. Indian cuisine travels well, and many of the most filling options—dal, chana masala, vegetable curries, biryani, rice, naan, and samosas—can make a satisfying meal without pushing the budget too high.

The key is to choose individual entrées, lunch combinations, and shareable dishes carefully. Delivery fees and service charges can also turn an inexpensive $15–$18 meal into a $20+ order, so the final checkout price matters just as much as the menu price.

1. Curry Heights — One of the Best Choices for Affordable Takeout

Curry Heights at 151 Remsen Street is particularly useful for budget-conscious takeout.

The restaurant’s current menu includes an express lunch with one vegetarian entrée, rice, and naan for $10, while the two-vegetable-entrée combination is $12. Vegetarian choices include chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, saag paneer, aloo matar gobi, tarka dal, and dal makhani.

For an under-$20 meal, these combinations are much more practical than ordering several separate dishes.

Good choices include:

• Chana masala + rice + naan
• Bhindi masala + rice + naan
• Aloo matar gobi + rice + naan
• Two vegetable entrées + rice + naan
• Samosas as an additional shared appetizer

Curry Heights offers both delivery and takeout, and its current delivery listing shows pickup as an available option.

Budget tip: Pickup can be the better choice when delivery fees and service charges would push a small order over your $20 target.

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2. Mint Heights — Good for Individual Entrées and Small Orders

Mint Heights at 46 Henry Street is another convenient Brooklyn Heights option for takeout.

Its current delivery menus list individual dishes such as saag paneer for $15, chicken tikka masala for $17, chicken biryani for $17, and lamb biryani for $19. Plain naan is currently listed at $4.

That makes it possible to construct a meal around one entrée while staying close to the $20 food-price target.

For example:

Saag paneer + plain naan = about $19 before taxes and fees

or

Chicken tikka masala + plain naan = about $21, so this combination is slightly above the $20 target before fees.

Mint Heights also offers both pickup and delivery, according to its current online ordering listings.

Budget tip: If your goal is strictly under $20, vegetarian entrées such as saag paneer are easier to combine with bread while keeping the food subtotal close to your limit.

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Takeout vs. Delivery: Which Is Better for a $20 Budget?

When the target is Indian food under $20, pickup is usually easier to control.

A $17 entrée may look inexpensive on a delivery app, but the final checkout can include:

• Delivery fees
• Service fees
• Taxes
• Small-order fees
• Driver tip

For example, an $18 food order can easily become more than $20 after additional charges.

That does not mean delivery is a bad choice. It simply means you should compare the final total, rather than judging affordability from menu prices alone.

Current delivery listings for Curry Heights and Mint Heights show that fees and ordering conditions can vary by platform and order.

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Order Directly When Possible

For a budget-focused Indian meal, check whether the restaurant accepts orders directly before automatically choosing a third-party delivery app.

Curry Heights currently directs customers toward direct ordering for delivery and takeout.

This can sometimes provide a simpler checkout and may give you access to restaurant-specific promotions or ordering options.

For New York City takeout and delivery generally, recent dining guidance also recommends supporting restaurants by ordering directly when practical.

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Choose Pickup for the Best Under-$20 Value

If you live, work, or are already spending time around Brooklyn Heights, pickup is one of the easiest ways to make an inexpensive Indian meal stay inexpensive.

Instead of paying for delivery, you can spend that money on food.

For example, a $10 Curry Heights vegetarian lunch leaves room in the budget for an additional appetizer or another side while keeping the food order comfortably below $20.

Mint Heights is similarly convenient for pickup, particularly when ordering one entrée and a bread.

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Best Indian Dishes for Takeout Under $20

Some Indian dishes are especially well suited to takeout because they remain flavorful after traveling.

Chana Masala

Chickpeas hold their texture well and pair easily with rice or bread.

Dal

Dal is one of the best takeout choices because its flavor often develops as it sits, and it reheats well.

Vegetable Biryani

Biryani is practically designed for takeout. It provides rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices in one substantial dish.

Saag Paneer

Saag paneer is a convenient individual entrée, although it is best enjoyed relatively soon after pickup.

Chicken Tikka Masala

For meat eaters, chicken tikka masala is a classic takeout choice. At Mint Heights, it is currently listed at $17 before taxes and fees.

Samosas

Samosas make an inexpensive addition to a meal and are particularly easy to share.

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How to Build a Meal Under $20

The simplest strategy is to choose one substantial entrée rather than multiple entrées.

Option 1: Vegetarian

Saag paneer — $15
Plain naan — $4
Food subtotal: about $19

This is currently possible at Mint Heights based on its online menu pricing.

Option 2: Budget Lunch

One vegetarian entrée + rice + naan — $10

This is available as a Curry Heights express lunch combination.

Option 3: Two Vegetarian Dishes

Two vegetarian entrées + rice + naan — $12

Again, Curry Heights provides a particularly strong value for this type of order.

These examples show why lunch specials can be significantly better for a strict budget than ordering à la carte at dinner.

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Be Careful With Delivery Minimums

Some delivery platforms impose minimum order requirements.

For example, a current Curry Heights delivery listing shows a $15 minimum order value for that platform.

This is important if you’re ordering a single inexpensive entrée.

If your food subtotal is below the platform minimum, you may have to add another item. In that situation, adding a samosa or side that you actually want can make more sense than paying fees associated with a small order.

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Keep Naan and Rice in Mind

Indian restaurant meals can become expensive when you order an entrée, separate rice, several breads, appetizers, and drinks.

For a single diner trying to stay under $20, you generally do not need all of these.

Choose one main + one bread OR rice.

For two diners, sharing a rice dish and two entrées can often provide better value than ordering separate complete meals.

Mint Heights currently lists plain naan at $4, making it a relatively inexpensive way to turn an entrée into a more complete meal.

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Check the Final Price Before Ordering

Menu price and final price are two different things.

Before placing a delivery order, look at:

1. Food subtotal
2. Delivery fee
3. Service fee
4. Taxes
5. Small-order fee
6. Tip
7. Promotions or discounts

If your goal is “under $20 delivered,” you need to calculate all of these.

If your goal is “less than $20 worth of Indian food,” then menu prices are the more relevant comparison.

This distinction is particularly important for local SEO readers because “Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights” can mean either affordable menu prices or a final delivered bill.

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Best Takeout Strategy for Different Budgets

For the strictest budget, Curry Heights is particularly strong for lunch combinations, while Mint Heights provides convenient individual entrées that can work well for a small takeout order.

The bottom line is that pickup, lunch specials, vegetarian curries, and combination meals are the easiest ways to enjoy Indian food in Brooklyn Heights while staying close to a $20 budget. For delivery, always check the final checkout price rather than relying solely on the advertised menu price.

How to Find Authentic Indian Food in Brooklyn Heights

Finding authentic Indian food in Brooklyn Heights is about more than choosing a restaurant with an Indian name or ordering the most familiar dish on the menu. Indian cuisine represents many different regional traditions, cooking techniques, spice combinations, and dining styles. A restaurant specializing in North Indian food may have a completely different menu and cooking approach from a South Indian restaurant, and both can be authentic.

For diners searching for Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights, authenticity does not have to mean expensive dining. Affordable dishes such as dal, chana masala, vegetable curries, dosa, biryani, and lunch combinations can provide an excellent introduction to Indian cooking without a large bill.

Look for Regional Indian Specialties

One of the best ways to find more authentic Indian food is to look beyond a generic “Indian restaurant” label and identify the cuisine or region represented on the menu.

India’s culinary traditions include:

• North Indian
• South Indian
• Punjabi
• Bengali
• Gujarati
• Rajasthani
• Goan
• Mughlai
• Hyderabadi
• Kerala
• Tamil
• Andhra
• Telangana
• Maharashtrian
• Indo-Chinese and regional street-food traditions

A restaurant that specializes in one particular regional style can offer a more focused experience than a menu attempting to cover every Indian dish imaginable.

For example, Kashi Indian Cuisine & Bar in nearby Downtown Brooklyn describes its menu as modern North Indian cuisine, including slow-cooked biryanis and char-grilled dishes.

Meanwhile, restaurants such as Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi provide opportunities to explore South Indian cooking near Brooklyn Heights.

For an affordable Indian-food search, this regional approach is useful because it helps you find inexpensive specialties instead of simply looking for the lowest-priced entrée.

Pay Attention to the Menu Beyond Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, naan, and samosas are popular for a reason, but they represent only a small part of Indian cuisine.

If every Indian restaurant menu seems to revolve around the same handful of dishes, consider exploring further.

An authentic Indian meal might include dishes such as:

• Dal tadka
• Chana masala
• Baingan bharta
• Bhindi masala
• Aloo gobi
• Regional vegetable curries
• Dosa
• Idli
• Vada
• Sambar
• Regional biryani
• Chaat
• Tandoori specialties
• Regional breads

These dishes can also be excellent choices when your goal is Indian food under $20, because many lentil, vegetable, rice, and South Indian dishes are filling without requiring an expensive meat entrée.

Explore Indian Lunch Specials

An affordable restaurant can still provide a good introduction to authentic Indian flavors.

One of the best ways to experience this is through lunch specials.

Curry Heights, located at 151 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights, currently offers express lunch combinations. Its menu lists one vegetarian entrée with rice and naan for $10 and two vegetarian entrées with rice and naan for $12. Choices include chana masala, bhindi masala, baingan bharta, saag paneer, and dal preparations.

This type of meal is useful because you can sample several components of Indian cooking without spending $20 or more on multiple separate entrées.

Look for Properly Prepared Regional Staples

Authenticity is also reflected in how a dish is prepared, not simply what ingredients appear in its name.

For example, a traditional dosa is made from a fermented rice-and-lentil batter. Fermentation contributes to its distinctive flavor and texture. A properly prepared dosa should generally have a crisp exterior while remaining delicate enough to fold or break easily.

Similarly, biryani is more than rice mixed with curry. The rice, spices, aromatics, cooking method, and regional traditions all influence the finished dish.

When exploring Indian food near Brooklyn Heights, look for restaurants that demonstrate knowledge of the dishes they serve rather than relying exclusively on generic descriptions.

Pay Attention to Bread and Rice

Indian breads can tell you quite a bit about a restaurant’s menu.

Look beyond standard naan and consider whether the restaurant offers:

• Roti
• Paratha
• Aloo paratha
• Poori
• Kulcha
• Regional breads

The same applies to rice.

Instead of automatically ordering plain basmati rice, consider whether the restaurant offers:

• Vegetable biryani
• Regional biryani
• Jeera rice
• Lemon rice
• Coconut rice
• Other regional rice preparations

These dishes can provide a better sense of the restaurant’s cooking style.

Try South Indian Food for a Different Experience

If you have mostly eaten North Indian food, exploring South Indian cuisine can completely change your understanding of Indian cooking.

Nearby Downtown Brooklyn provides access to South Indian restaurants, including Brooklyn Curry Project and Filter Kaapi.

Look for:

Dosa: A thin fermented rice-and-lentil crepe that can be served plain or filled with spiced potatoes.

Idli: Soft steamed cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter.

Vada: Savory fried lentil-based snacks.

Sambar: A spiced lentil-and-vegetable preparation commonly served with dosa and idli.

Chutneys: Coconut, mint, tomato, and other regional chutneys that add different layers of flavor.

South Indian cuisine is also particularly useful for budget-conscious diners because many of its traditional dishes can provide a filling meal without an expensive entrée.

Ask About the Origin of the Dish

One simple way to learn more about a restaurant’s food is to ask your server where a dish comes from.

Questions such as:

“Is this a North Indian or South Indian preparation?”

“What region is this biryani from?”

“Is this dish traditionally spicy?”

“What would you recommend for someone trying this cuisine for the first time?”

can lead you toward dishes that better represent the restaurant’s cooking.

Good Indian restaurants should generally be able to explain the main ingredients and style of their dishes.

Don’t Judge Authenticity by Spice Level Alone

A common misconception is that authentic Indian food must be extremely spicy.

That is not necessarily true.

Indian cuisine uses many spices that contribute aroma, warmth, earthiness, sweetness, acidity, and complexity without necessarily producing intense heat.

Cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds, fenugreek, ginger, and garlic can all contribute significantly to a dish.

If you prefer mild food, you can still enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. Ask the restaurant to recommend dishes with a lower level of chili heat rather than assuming that mild food is less authentic.

Look at What Local Diners Actually Order

Restaurant popularity alone does not prove authenticity, but customer patterns can provide useful clues.

Pay attention to whether the menu and dining room show interest in dishes beyond the most familiar American Indian-restaurant staples.

A restaurant with customers ordering dosa, regional curries, biryani, chaat, thali-style meals, vegetable preparations, and specialty breads may offer a broader representation of Indian cuisine.

This should be treated as one clue rather than a definitive test.

Use the Restaurant’s Own Menu as a Primary Source

Before visiting, check the restaurant’s current menu rather than relying entirely on old reviews or generic restaurant directories.

Menus can change, prices can change, and restaurants may introduce or discontinue regional specialties.

For example, Curry Heights currently publishes its lunch combinations and individual vegetarian choices, making it possible to check both the dishes and prices before visiting.

Kashi similarly publishes its current menu and identifies its cooking as modern North Indian cuisine.

This is particularly important for a guide focused on Indian food under $20, where even a small menu-price change can affect whether a dish fits the budget.

Don’t Confuse Authenticity With Price

Authentic Indian food does not have to be expensive.

Some of the most traditional and satisfying dishes are inexpensive because they rely on ingredients such as:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Rice
• Potatoes
• Seasonal vegetables
• Flour
• Spices

A $10–$15 vegetarian meal can sometimes give you a more interesting introduction to Indian cuisine than a $30 entrée.

For example, a meal of chana masala, rice, and naan can provide a complete introduction to Indian flavors, while a South Indian dosa with sambar and chutney can showcase a completely different regional tradition.

Look for Balance in the Meal

Indian food is often best experienced through several contrasting dishes.

For two people with a $20-per-person target, a practical approach might be:

• One shared appetizer
• One vegetable curry
• One dal
• Rice or a shared biryani
• One or two breads

Alternatively, at lunchtime, a combination meal can provide several components at once.

This approach allows you to explore more of the cuisine while keeping the total cost under control.

Check Vegetarian and Vegan Ingredients Carefully

Authenticity and dietary requirements are separate considerations.

A traditional Indian dish can contain:

• Ghee
• Butter
• Cream
• Yogurt
• Paneer

Vegetarian diners generally have many choices, but vegan diners should ask specifically about dairy.

Likewise, if you have allergies, tell restaurant staff before ordering. Curry Heights, for example, specifically asks customers to inform the restaurant about allergies before ordering.

Explore Beyond Brooklyn Heights When Necessary

Brooklyn Heights is a convenient starting point, but diners should not feel restricted to its exact neighborhood boundaries.

Nearby Downtown Brooklyn, Court Street, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights can provide additional Indian restaurants and regional cuisines.

That is particularly helpful if you are looking for a specific dish—such as dosa, regional biryani, chaat, or a particular South Indian specialty—that may not be available at the restaurants closest to you.

The broader Brooklyn dining scene is also continuing to evolve, with new international and regional concepts appearing across the borough.

A Simple Authenticity Checklist

Before choosing an Indian restaurant in Brooklyn Heights, ask yourself:

• Does the menu identify a particular Indian region or cooking style?
• Does the restaurant offer dishes beyond the most familiar Indian-American staples?
• Are traditional vegetarian and lentil dishes available?
• Does the menu include regional breads or rice preparations?
• Are South Indian specialties available if that is what you want?
• Can the staff explain the dishes and their ingredients?
• Does the restaurant publish a current menu?
• Are prices clearly listed?
• Can you find a lunch special or combination under $20?
• If you have dietary restrictions, can the restaurant clearly explain its ingredients?

Using these criteria makes it easier to distinguish between simply finding a cheap Indian meal and finding a good-value Indian meal that also provides a meaningful taste of the cuisine.

For an Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights guide, that distinction is especially important. The best affordable choices are not necessarily the restaurants with the cheapest individual item; they are the places where a reasonable budget lets you experience flavorful, well-prepared dishes that represent Indian culinary traditions.

Final Guide to Affordable Indian Food Under $20 in Brooklyn Heights

Finding Indian food under $20 in Brooklyn Heights is very possible, especially if you focus on lunch specials, vegetarian curries, rice dishes, appetizers, and casual takeout. While some Indian restaurants in and around Brooklyn Heights have higher-priced dinner menus, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a filling Indian meal without turning it into an expensive night out.

For the best value within Brooklyn Heights itself, Curry Heights and Mint Heights are the two restaurants to start with. Curry Heights currently lists affordable dishes such as samosas for $6, aloo paratha for $5, and saag paneer for $16, while Mint Heights has several vegetarian entrées around $15 and many chicken entrées at $17.

Best Places to Start

Curry Heights is particularly well suited to budget-conscious diners. Its menu includes inexpensive appetizers and breads, while several complete curry options remain below the $20 mark.

Mint Heights is another strong choice, especially for diners who want a slightly more contemporary Indian restaurant while keeping individual entrées below $20. Its current menu lists vegetarian dishes such as bhartha, matar mushroom, vegetable curry, daal saag, vegetable korma, and vegetable jalfrazie at around $15.

For people willing to go just beyond Brooklyn Heights, Kazi Halal Food is another inexpensive nearby Indian option, currently listed in the $10–20 range.

How to Stay Under a $20 Budget

The easiest strategy is to think of $20 as a food budget rather than an entrée budget.

Instead of automatically ordering an expensive combination, consider:

• Samosas + a curry
• Chana masala + rice
• Dal + roti
• Saag paneer + rice
• Aloo paratha + chutney
• Vegetable curry + naan
• A vegetarian lunch special
• One entrée shared with a side of rice or bread

At Curry Heights, for example, two samosas cost $6 and aloo paratha is currently $5, leaving room in a $20 budget for another item.

Vegetarian Diners Get Some of the Best Value

Vegetarian diners often have an advantage when looking for affordable Indian food.

At Mint Heights, numerous vegetarian entrées are currently priced around $15, including bhartha, matar mushroom, vegetable korma, vegetable jalfrazie, vegetable tikka masala, daal saag, vegetable curry, and matar paneer.

Curry Heights similarly offers vegetarian choices such as saag paneer, plain spinach curry, paneer dishes, and other vegetable preparations.

A meal built around one vegetable curry + rice or bread can therefore remain comfortably below $20 before tax and tip.

Best Budget Choices for Takeout

Takeout can make the $20 budget go even further because you can choose exactly how much food you need.

For one person, a practical order might be:

1 curry + rice + 1 bread

For two people:

2 curries + 1 rice dish + 2 breads

You can also choose appetizers such as samosas and combine them with one larger entrée.

When ordering delivery, remember that delivery fees, service fees, and tips can push an otherwise $20 food order above your total budget. If your total spending limit is strictly $20, pickup is usually a safer choice.

Don’t Assume Dinner Has to Be Expensive

A common mistake is assuming that Indian restaurants are only affordable at lunchtime.

Many individual Indian entrées remain under $20 even during dinner. Mint Heights, for example, currently lists chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, chicken makhani, and several other chicken dishes at $17, while many vegetarian entrées are $15.

Curry Heights also has several individual dishes below $20, including vegetarian options and traditional Indian breads.

The important distinction is between ordering one reasonably priced entrée and building a large multi-course dinner with several appetizers, specialty dishes, drinks, and desserts.

Best Under-$20 Indian Food by Category

What About South Indian Food?

If you’re interested in South Indian food, nearby Downtown Brooklyn adds another option. Filter Kaapi is currently listed in the $10–20 range and operates during daytime hours, making it worth considering for an affordable South Indian meal.

Brooklyn Curry Project is another nearby South Indian option, although its current listing shows limited Saturday daytime hours, so checking the schedule before visiting is important.

These restaurants are technically outside Brooklyn Heights, so they are better described as nearby affordable Indian options rather than Brooklyn Heights restaurants.

Final Tips for Eating Indian Food Under $20

To get the most from your budget:

1. Look at lunch menus first.
2. Choose vegetarian curries when appropriate.
3. Share appetizers instead of ordering several.
4. Pair one entrée with rice or bread.
5. Consider pickup instead of delivery.
6. Check current menu prices before ordering, since restaurant prices can change.
7. Watch additional delivery and service fees if $20 is your total spending limit.

Ultimately, you do not need a large budget to enjoy good Indian food in Brooklyn Heights. Curry Heights is particularly strong for inexpensive individual dishes and casual meals, while Mint Heights offers a broad selection of sub-$20 entrées in a more contemporary setting. Nearby Downtown Brooklyn also provides additional choices for diners interested in South Indian cuisine.

For anyone searching for cheap Indian food in Brooklyn Heights, affordable Indian restaurants under $20, or budget-friendly Indian takeout, the best approach is to focus on individual entrées, vegetarian specialties, lunch deals, and simple combinations rather than full multi-course dinners. Prices can change, so verify the current menu before ordering.