It always starts with a craving. Not just for food, but also for something that feels like home. In Amsterdam, where poffertjes and stroopwafels charm every corner, that longing for North Indian food can tug at your heart.
And, one name quietly keeps coming up in conversations and Google searches, The Madras Diaries! Known for its authentic North Indian dishes, the restaurant serves classics with the right balance of flavour, comfort and nostalgia.
But, what exactly makes this place stand out in a city full of choices? Let’s get into it.
The Madras Diaries: The Best North Indian Restaurant In Amsterdam
The Madras Diaries may carry the badge of Southern heritage in its name, but it masters North Indian dishes with remarkable finesse.
Located in one of the liveliest corners of Amsterdam, The Madras Diaries draws food lovers from all walks of life. Here, the North Indian selection finds itself in high demand among regulars, many of whom return weekly, if not more often.
It has become a favourite among Indian expats longing for the taste of home, as well as curious Dutch locals eager to explore deeper layers of Indian cuisine. The balance between authenticity and accessibility is struck with care.
There is heart in the food and soul in the spices here. It does not try to ‘reinvent’ North Indian food or ‘modernise’ it. Rather, it presents the dishes as it was meant to be. Genuine, rich and satisfying.
A little farther from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, the Utrecht branch of The Madras Diaries has tables filled with families, students and long-time residents all brought together by a shared love for Indian food.
What is special in Utrecht is how rooted it feels in the local community. Many diners come by name. Orders are remembered. Preferences are noted. And, just like its Amsterdam sibling, the North Indian offerings have carved out a loyal fan base of their own.
- Incredible Menu
At both locations, the menu extends its arms wide open. You may be a staunch vegetarian, a meat-lover or someone following a vegan lifestyle, regardless of what you order, everyone leaves happy. The inclusivity is sincere and visible.
The menu is curated with care, where each section is built to bring you joy and comfort. It is easy to spot the thought that has gone into making sure no one feels left out, including children.
The spices are on point, the textures feel just right and there is that heartwarming ‘ghar ka khana’ essence that is tough to replicate outside of India.
The kitchen takes just as much pride in dishing out a rich Paneer Butter Masala as it does in preparing a slow-cooked Kashmiri Lamb Curry. What is even more refreshing is how adaptable the menu can be.
For diners with dietary concerns, the staff are more than happy to offer guidance. This flexibility makes a world of difference, especially for families or mixed groups with varying preferences.
- Ambience & Experience
Both the Amsterdam and Utrecht branches share a certain understated elegance. The interiors have a modern and nostalgic vibe. Warm lighting, earthy tones and tasteful Indian accents transport diners back to the country.
The service in both locations deserves a special mention. Staff are attentive, always ready with a warm smile. They offer genuine recommendations, explain dishes with ease and make every guest feel seen.
They take the time to understand preferences, whether someone wants their food less spicy or needs help navigating the menu. Every guest is welcomed as if they have just stepped into someone’s home.
Even the smallest details, such as promptly refilling water, checking in without being intrusive and remembering repeat visitors add up to a polished yet personal dining gesture.
It is a wonderful eatery where birthdays are celebrated, where friends gather after work, where homesick Indians find comfort in a bowl of curry.
What Are Some Of The Must-Try North Indian Dishes Here?
▪︎ Butter Chicken
Yes, we know, Butter Chicken is not a surprise recommendation. But hear us out. There is a reason this dish is the pride of North Indian cuisine and The Madras Diaries knows exactly how to do it right.
Tender chicken that has been marinated just long enough to take in all the spices, grilled with that slightly charred edge and then dunked into a buttery tomato-rich gravy. It is nostalgic, indulgent and totally worth every bite.
▪︎ Dal Tadka
You might be tempted to overlook it because, well, Dal is Dal, right? Well, no. The Madras Diaries’ version is the ultimate comfort food. Yellow lentils are slow-cooked until creamy and topped with a sizzling tadka (tempering) of ghee, garlic, cumin seeds and red chilli.
It is the dish that reminds you of dinners in your childhood, when things were simpler and flavour was everything. Light, yet satisfying. Simple, yet soulful. And surprisingly addictive.
▪︎ Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a forever favourite dish. Cooked in a traditional clay oven, the chicken is juicy on the inside, charred just right on the outside and carries that deep, earthy smokiness that only a true tandoor can give.
A squeeze of lemon, a slather of mint chutney and a cold drink on the side, this one is great for sharing, for starters or simply for when you are craving something bold.
▪︎ Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is one of those dishes you order when you are in the mood to treat yourself and at The Madras Diaries, you should. One bite at a time, maybe with a Butter Naan in hand and you will find yourself slowing down to enjoy the moment.
Soft dumplings made of paneer and potatoes are gently lowered into a luscious cream-based gravy that is sweet, nutty and rich in the best ways. It is decadent without being overwhelming, a true sign of a dish prepared absolutely well.
▪︎ Gosht Rogan Josh
One bite of the Gosht Rogan Josh and it becomes clear this is not just another meat curry. Originating from Kashmir, this dish traditionally relies on aromatic spices, yoghurt and time and The Madras Diaries gets it so well.
The meat falls apart at the touch of a fork. It is truly winter food, hangover food and comfort food, all rolled into one. You definitely do not want to miss this out!
▪︎ Bagara Baingan
Bagara Baingan, an aubergine curry with a nutty twist, is a standout. Deeply flavorful and cooked till the brinjals turn buttery soft, it is a dish that astonishes even those who claim they are not fans of eggplant.
Every mouthful offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. This delicious dish is hearty, warm and almost stew-like, best enjoyed with a soft Roti or even rice if you are going all in.
▪︎ Murgh Chukandri Kebab
Not everyone walks in expecting to fall in love with beetroot chicken kebabs, but the Murgh Chukandri Kebab changes minds. The beetroot lends not just a stunning colour but an earthy sweetness that plays beautifully with the spices in the kebab.
Tender, juicy and grilled to perfection, it has got enough character to hold its own, even next to the classic dishes. Honestly, you will wonder why people do not talk about this lip-smacking dish more!
▪︎ Paneer Do Pyaza
Cubes of soft paneer are sautéed with not one, but two types of onions, sliced and caramelised, to create a dish that is sweet and spicy in all the right places.
If you are a vegetarian or even if you are not, this one hits all the notes. Especially with a soft Tandoori Roti or Plain Naan to scoop up all that goodness.
▪︎ Paratha & Naan
A North Indian meal is never complete without the right bread. The Lachha Paratha is flaky, buttery and slightly crispy on the edges, perfect for scooping up gravies.
And, then there is Naan. You may go for butter, garlic or plain. They all have that slight char from the tandoor and soft texture that gives it character. Dip it into that flavour of some gravy and you may end up ordering a second helping without thinking twice.
So, for anyone wandering the streets of Amsterdam or Utrecht wondering where to get a plate of authentic, utterly satisfying North Indian food, The Madras Diaries is your place to be!
