Where to Find Authentic Indian Cuisine in Madrid

When I arrived in Madrid as a wide-eyed university freshman, my parents came to drop me off. As soon as we unpacked our bags, we decided to venture out for lunch. I immediately searched for nearby restaurants after my parents announced, in unison, that they wanted Indian food. I couldn’t help but chuckle, rolling my eyes at the all-too-familiar refrain I’d heard on every family trip we’d ever taken.

How predictable. My Indian parents had just landed in Madrid, surrounded by tapas bars, and local flavors, yet their only craving was Indian food. It was peak “brown family” behavior, and I couldn’t help but poke fun. 

“Why don’t we try a Spanish restaurant,” I asked, cautiously testing the waters. 

To my utter dismay, my suggestion was met with horror-stricken looks. It was as if I’d suggested something truly outrageous, like I wanted to be a unicorn when I grew up or something. 

“We can’t eat anything here,” my mom said dramatically. “It’s all red meat, and we won’t even understand the menu!” 

And so began the great hunt. That week, we scoured the city, eating Indian food for nearly every meal. I soon began growing weary of the repetitive flavors, but their stereotypical eating habits surprisingly had a silver lining. After testing eight different Indian restaurants in Madrid, they deemed one the best and most authentic. Their winner? Rangoli, a charming, intimate restaurant tucked away in the bustling streets of Gran Via. 

Situated on Calle Valverde 8, Centro, Madrid, Rangoli is a beacon for Indian food enthusiasts in Madrid. Owned by three Spanish couples, the restaurant skillfully bridges the gap between haute cuisine and authentic Indian tradition. Known for its creativity, Rangoli offers customers a perfect balance of service, quality, and, most importantly, flavor. Many of the head chefs and servers – originating from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Spain, and Latin America – express their multicultural heritage through the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

The restaurant greets you with an understated-yet-elegant decor. Rich golden hues dominate the space, complemented by lush greenery that peeks out from corners. Adorned at the corner of the restaurant sits a majestic gold statue of Lord Ganesha, the elephant God. The soft ambient lighting, polished wooden bar, and downstairs dining area exude a tranquil vibe, perfect for both intimate gatherings and casual family dinners.

Now let’s discuss what you came here to hear: the food. When testing Indian restaurants abroad, I like to order the most universally recognized dishes to gauge their execution. For this visit, my friend and I ordered the aloo (potato) samosas, butter chicken with rice, and a mango lassi to share – a foolproof choice often dubbed as the “white people Indian food order”. 

The menu hosts various North Indian classics, tandoori specialties, fragrant curries (chicken, lamb, fish, and vegetables), and delectable desserts. The prices, ranging from 20 to 35 euros, are reasonable given the generous portion sizes. Before our meal arrived, the waiters brought out a complimentary platter of crispy papadoms accompanied by three flavourful chutneys: mind, tamarind, and tangy onion relish. 

Nazrul, who is in charge of service at Rangoli, is quick to recommend dishes based on spice tolerance. For milder palates, the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are crowd favorites, whereas spice lovers will enjoy the fiery chicken Rogan Josh or the Madras chicken. 

Our order, perfect for two, came to a total of 34.8 euros. The service was incredible – our dishes arrived in minutes, and the tantalizing aroma of spices wafted through the air, only increasing our anticipation. 

The food? Incredible and authentic as always. The golden-brown aloo samosas had a crispy, flaky exterior, giving way to a soft potato filling that paired beautifully with the mint chutney’s refreshing zing. The basmati rice was light, fragrant, and cooked to perfection, serving as an ideal base. 

However, the true stars of the evening were the butter chicken and the mango lassi. The butter chicken was an absolute delight — succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a velvety, aromatic tomato-based gravy, with just the right balance of creaminess and spice. Each bite was indulgent, transporting me straight back to the flavors of home. And the mango lassi? Thick, rich, and bursting with the sweetness of ripe mangoes, it was nostalgia in a glass, reminiscent of the Punjabi lassis I grew up with.

Yet, beyond that, what brings me back to Rangoli every time is their unparalleled hospitality. The entire waitstaff is friendly, professional, and welcoming. They always remember my order and converse with me at length. 

A special mention has to go to Nazrul, as he is deeply patient and kind-hearted and makes me feel at home. In fact, one of my favorite parts of going to Rangoli is conversing with Nazrul in Hindi – my native language – a rare opportunity for me to connect with my roots while living in Madrid. Every time I visit the restaurant, I Facetime with my family, and funnily enough, Nazrul and my father always greet one another affectionately. 

Overall, whether you’re an adventurous foodie or someone like me seeking the comforts of home, Rangoli offers an authentic slice of India in the heart of Madrid. For me, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the memories and the connections. A true home away from home. If you’re ever wandering the streets of Gran Vía, don’t miss out on this hidden gem. It’s worth every bite.