Beyond its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, Bali has also earned a reputation as one of Asia's best food destinations. This island brings local traditions and global flavors together so naturally. You can find authentic Balinese favorites like babi guling, sate lilit, and nasi campur just as easily as international cuisine from around the world. And while wandering through its lively food scene, I stumbled upon what I now consider the best Indian restaurant in Ubud, completely by accident.

A hidden Indian Food Gem in Ubud

Indian food has always been one of my favorites. I love how every dish balances fragrant spices, creamy sauces, and fresh herbs without overwhelming the palate. And in Ubud, finding Indian cuisine is surprisingly easy. Restaurants serving Indian food are scattered across the town. Still, I never expected to find the best Indian restaurant in Ubud in such an unexpected place.

That discovery on Jalan Sukma. It's a lively street lined with cafes, local shops, guesthouses, and small restaurants. Right in the middle of the street, I noticed an Indian street food restaurant called Chai of the Tiger. It wasn't large place, but its inviting atmosphere immediately caught my attention.

The menu offered far more than the usual curry selection. Here, you can order flavorful Indian street food, hearty curries, colorful thalis, homemade desserts, and refreshing beverages. Long story short, I ended up ordering pani puri, butter chicken, and refreshing mango lassi.

A Delicious Surprise 

My order arrived surprisingly fast, even though the restaurant was fairly busy. I started with the pani puri, and the first bite was everything I had hoped for. The crispy shells, flavorful potato and chickpea filling, and tangy spiced water created a refreshing burst of flavor that instantly woke up my taste buds. It was exactly what I hoped to find at an Indian restaurant in Ubud.

Pani Puri

Then I took my first bite of the butter chicken. It genuinely surprised me. The chicken was tender and beautifully marinated. Even better, the creamy tomato-based sauce was rich, slightly buttery, and full of fragrant spices. Every bite felt comforting without being too heavy. It paired perfectly with the warm naan.

Butter Chicken

The mango lassi was just as good. It was smooth, creamy, and refreshingly sweet, making it perfect companion to the bold flavors of the meal. Every dish tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared, leaving me completely satisfied. Chai of the Tiger easily earned this place as the best Indian restaurant in Ubud, at least in my book.

Where to Find Chai of the Tiger

If you're in Ubud craving authentic Indian food, head straight to Chai of the Tiger. It's the kind of Indian restaurant in Ubud I'd happily recommend to anyone visiting Bali. This cozy restaurant is located at Jl. Sukma Kesuma No. 25, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali. It's just a short five-minute ride from Ubud Palace. You can walk, grab a Gojek, or rent a scooter to get there easily. Prefer staying in? You can also order online through chaiofthetiger.com.