11 Top South Asian Restaurants in The Cotswolds

Visiting the Cotswolds is akin to stepping back in time where you are surrounded by enthralling natural beauty.

The captivating Cotswolds lies two hours west of London, covering five counties and nearly 800 square miles of idyllic villages and scenery.

It has been the backdrop of many films and novels as well as inspiration for poetry and paintings.

Medieval markets, ancient laneways, honey-coloured stone buildings and thatched cottages turn up the charm factor to define prettiness. No wonder then that Cotswolds is a popular destination for travel-loving South Asians too.

And whilst you might be filling the memories bucket you will want to fill your stomach too!

So where should you go for your spice fix?

Here are 11 of the best South Asian restaurants in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.

Spice Lounge, Burford

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, you can dine in or order a takeaway from this easy to get to location.

Signature dishes are prepared passionately with the freshest ingredients and their biryani is quite the hit.

They even serve Alphonso mangoes and ice cream during mango season.

The restaurant offers a standard selection of vegetarian dishes including Vegetable Korma, Aloo Channa, Mattar Paneer and Daal.

Various curry options range from mild to spicy like Podina, Shatkora, Korai and Balti. All are available in different meat options and vegetarian versions are also served.

Considering the high street and pleasant ambience, the price might be ever so slightly high, but for the area, it is a good catch.

If you want an Indian fix, this place is ideal to stop for lunch or dinner when exploring the town.

The Maharaja, Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden is an ideal area to explore the Cotswolds and it has a good selection of hotels.

The Maharaja is located inside The Volunteer Inn in Chipping Campden and offers a vibrant dining experience.

Polite attentive staff, flavoursome food and reasonable prices make it an attractive option.

There is a Banquet Night every Tuesday which includes starters, mains, poppadoms, naan or rice for just £10.99, making it an enticing restaurant to visit.

They offer Indian, Balti and Bangladeshi dishes and vegetarians are also catered for.

Indian favourites such as Korma, Tandoori, Jalfrezi, Rogan Josh and specialities created by the chef are served in a modern clean setting.

You also get a good selection of rice, drinks and condiments.

Memsahib’s Lounge, Cheltenham

Memsahib’s Lounge is a delightful and elegant basement venue.

The décor at the wood-panelled bar feels like an old-fashioned club but with a modern feel.

With a thrilling cuisine that boasts a variety of flavours, this restaurant is a firm favourite among locals.

Their little green book is always filling up for various bookings. From the Memsahib Experience, Afternoon Tea and Pre-Theatre dining, you’ll never be stuck for choice.

An amazing selection of gin and tea-infused gin along with a host of signature cocktails are also available.

Small dishes to share like trout, steak and venison will treat your taste buds.

Memsahib’s Experience Menu is available for pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans. Gluten-free options are available too.

Memsahib’s Lounge is an excellent venue should you visit the Cotswolds.

Asha Indian Kitchen, Cirencester

If you happen to be near Corinium Museum and want to enjoy a curry, Asha Indian Kitchen is the place to go. It is located at ‘Somewhere Else’, a popular venue in Castle Street.

Chefs will adapt the curry to your preferences whether you prefer some spice to your korma or extra oomph to your tandoori salmon.

Asha Indian Kitchen offers a contemporary menu featuring 40 meat, fish and vegetable dishes, plus multiple side options.

They have put an Indian twist on popular dishes. This includes an Aged Beef Naan Burger and a Lamb Naan Bab Burger. You can also opt for one of the delicious roti rolls.

Side options like Masala Fries and Brie and Mango Parcels are popular.

A good selection of curries and tandoori dishes are available. Vegetarian options include Chana Palak Paneer, Aloo Gobi, Tarka Daal, Bombay Potatoes and more.

Their takeaway options are pretty popular too.

Coupled with a cocktail, fine wine or beer from Somewhere Else, you will be hard-pressed to find a better Indian dining experience in Cirencester.

The Raj, Chippenham

With contemporary interiors, Indian/Bangladeshi food prepared with expert care, generous portions and bring your own (BYO) option no wonder this one is hugely popular in the Cotswolds and has bagged some awards. They do takeaway as well.

Multiple prawn dishes are on offer like Prawn Chingria, Prawn Achari, Prawn Biryani and much more.

In addition to the classic curries, there is also a variety of choices for vegetarians. Dishes include Vegetable Zabra, Vegetarian Korma and Vegetable Dhansak among others.

With a relaxed atmosphere, it is a good venue to dine in with family and friends.

The Coconut Tree, Cheltenham

The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham serves Sri Lankan food but not as you know it.

It aims to be more than just a bar and restaurant as its website states:

“Shaping Sri Lankan Eats in the UK.”

Expect explosive flavours in the meat, fish and vegetarian dishes accompanied by sweet and fiery cocktails.

Warm hospitality served in a stripped-back ‘street style’ interior with great music. Reasonable prices mean you will not be left with a sour taste in your mouth.

Cocktails are served in hand-made ceramics created in Sri Lanka and are the highlight of the venue.

Hit Me Up Mezcal, Raspbangin Martini and The Drunken Sri Lankan are a must-try.

Or play it safe with the non-alcoholic Fallen Pornstar.

In terms of dishes, meat lovers will appreciate the Jaffna Goat Curry among others.

An absolute must-visit if you are in Cheltenham and love South Asian food.

Hassan’s Grill & Kitchen, Moreton-in-Marsh

Formerly known as Hassan’s Balti, this restaurant’s menu has a quirky combination of Mexican and Indian dishes.

Squid, cheeseburger rolls and curries are all on the menu.

As for drinks, beers are on draught while creamy milkshakes have flavours like Coconut and Cookies n Cream on offer

Hassan’s Grill & Kitchen has more of a café-style setting, making it ideal for casual dining. The staff are also polite and helpful.

If you are in Moreton-in-Marsh, Hassan’s Grill & Kitchen might be a South Asian restaurant to visit.

Muse Brassiere, Cheltenham

For a special experience where there is Indian food with a French twist, head to Muse Brassiere.

A highly rated restaurant among diners who come from far, it offers dishes with a unique gastronomical appeal.

French chef Franck Grillet and Indian culinary artist Chef Pramod, inspired by each other’s cooking, came together to offer a tantalising and memorable experience.

Hariyali Chicken Tikka, Tomahawk Steak, Guinea Fowl, Kokum-crusted Halibut and Chickpea Sweet Potato curry and Saffron Risotto are just some of the innovative dishes served.

Starters are also enticing, with Prawn Chettinad, Crispy Okra and Cheese Soufflé on offer.

These can be washed down with one of the many beverages on the drinks menu.

When combined with helpful staff and a fabulous ambience, Muse Brasserie is a restaurant to visit.

Coach and Horse & Alibaba Indian Restaurant, Cheltenham

Coach and Horse & Alibaba Indian Restaurant is passionate about serving delicious Desi food.

Located in Bourton-on-the-Water, the restaurant’s priority is meeting the customer’s needs.

The Lamb Roshni is one of the chef’s specialities but if you prefer some spice, go for the Naga Chicken.

There is also a Thali option, allowing you to enjoy a sample of different dishes.

The tapas is an assembly of anchovies, olives, stuffed peppers, hummus, bread rolls, pitta bread and slices of cold meat.

While there is not a huge selection of vegetarian dishes, the ones on the menu are well prepared.

Aroma Indian Restaurant, Gloucester

Aroma Indian Restaurant is a great place to get your masala fix.

The interior is a lush green with luxurious accents of gold and brass. The inviting soft blue velvet furniture beckons for a lavish evening.

The popular mixed grill includes lamb chops, tandoori chicken, prawns, crispy chicken and naan.

They also have a hazy ale called Bombay Bicycle which is a hit among diners.

Some of their signature dishes include the delicious Butter Chicken Masala and Kozhi Chettinadu, which is made with 18 different spices.

Some of the South Indian dishes on offer include Goan Prawn Curry and Chennai Fish Curry.

Vegetarian options include Baigan Bharta, Saag Aloo, Paneer Butter Masala and others.

Prithvi, Cheltenham

Considered to be one of the top fine dining restaurants in Cheltenham, Prithvi is where you can enjoy Indian cuisine in intimate and relaxed surroundings.

For mains, you could try Chicken Breast with Fenugreek, Slow Cooked Beef Bhuna, Roasted Cauliflower with Petits Pois or Lemon Herb Rice. Also, give the Blue Cheese and Fig Naan Bread a try.

For sides, Caramelised Onion Pilau and Daal Makhani are tasty options.

The desserts will cap off the meal, with Pistachio Profiteroles and Hibiscus Raspberry Parfait some of the dishes to try.

These restaurants have a loyal set of diners and provide the perfect addition to the beautiful scenery of the Cotswolds.

The various cuisines that they specialise in means that there is a South Asian restaurant for different taste preferences.

If you live in or are visiting the Cotswolds, these South Asian restaurants will tantalise your tastebuds.