Craving a taste of home-style Indian food while in Cappadocia? You’re in luck – India Gate Indian Restaurant in Göreme is a popular spot for delicious Indian cuisine right in the heart of Cappadocia.
It’s a go-to for travelers who have been touring Turkey for a while and might miss their curries and rotis.
This restaurant owned by an Indian is also for anyone curious to try something different from Turkish fare for a meal.
What to Expect
India Gate is centrally located in Göreme (on Uzun Dere Caddesi, which is one of the main streets.
The restaurant isn’t huge, but has a cozy ambiance with touches of Indian décor – think vibrant tablecloths, some Indian artwork, and often soft Bollywood music playing in the background.
Indian chefs run it, so authenticity is a highlight. The staff is friendly, and the menu is also in English, making it easy to navigate your choices.
Cuisine
The menu offers a wide range of North Indian and some South Indian favorites.
You’ll find all the classics: Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, Dal Makhani, Biryani, and so on.
There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections, plus a good selection of breads like naan and paratha.
Many travelers recommend the butter chicken—tender and creamy—and the biryanis, which come in generous portions fragrant with spices.
If you’re vegetarian, the paneer dishes (cheese curries) and veggie biryani are flavorful and satisfying.
They can adjust the spice levels if you prefer mild or extra spicy; just let them know your preference.
They have lassi (the sweet yogurt drink) and other beverages to accompany them.
Check out the Indian Restaurants in Cappadocia.
Dishes to Try
Go for a curry + naan combo. The Chicken Tikka Masala has a nice tangy tomato gravy.
Rogan Josh is great if you like mutton—it’s full of robust spices.
The Dal Makhani (slow-cooked lentils) is creamy and comforting, especially with garlic naan.
If you can handle heat, try the Vindaloo, which packs a punch.
Don’t forget a side of raita (yogurt sauce) if you’re having biryani—it balances the spices.
For starters, if they have samosas or pakoras, they make a fun change from typical Turkish appetizers.
Why it’s popular
Aside from serving tasty food, India Gate fills a niche in Cappadocia. After days of kebabs and mezze, some variety is welcome, especially for Indian tourists or anyone who loves Indian cuisine.
They’ve earned a reputation for authentic flavor—likely because they use imported spices and have Indian chefs ensure that the taste is just right (rich curries, proper tandoori cooking, etc.).
Many guests note that the dishes taste “just like in India,” which is high praise.
They also offer halal food, which can be comforting for Muslim travelers looking for halal-certified options.
The restaurant can get busy in the evenings, particularly with tour groups or families from India. It’s common to see a few tables of people happily digging into naan and curry, sharing travel stories.
The service is attentive, and the owner/manager often checks on guests to ensure they enjoy the meal.
Practical info
Prices are moderate—a curry might cost around ₺300–₺460 ($8–$12), naan about ₺57 ($1.5), and rice/biryani perhaps ₺240–₺580 ($7–$15).
So, a full meal for one could be in the ₺570–₺950 ($15–$25) range depending on how much you order.
They open for lunch and dinner. If you’re visiting in high season or with a big group, it’s worth making a reservation because seating is limited.
All in all, India Gate offers a satisfying break from local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Cappadocia’s rich aromas of curry and tandoori might surprise you, but once you dig in, you’ll be glad this little Indian oasis exists.
It’s also a fun cultural crossover – enjoying Indian food in a Turkish cave town! Many travelers leave with both a full belly and a bit of happy nostalgia for home.
So if that paneer butter masala craving hits, you know where to go. Get directions.
