Spices Abroad: Locating Indian Food in Germany

Date- 3rd July 2025

It is a big choice to go and study/work in Germany, and for Indians, the journey comes with an individual as well as collective apprehension—how do I find Indian food over there? The smell of homemade roti-sabzi, a plate of dal, or that Sunday biryani transports you back home. Happiness is that Germany has not remained unfamiliar to the pungent smell of Indian kitchens for too long. With a rising Indian population and interest in everything Indian, Indian food has never been more convenient.

Regardless of whether you’re moving to large city cosmopolis like Munich or Berlin, or smaller university towns like Heidelberg or Aachen, there’ll be Indian restaurants, shops, and even tiffin services that bring home nearer. At BCES Admissions Abroad, we believe that food is a key to settling in life abroad, and this guide is crafted for just the purpose—making you feel closer to home, meal by meal.

1. Indian Restaurants in Germany – Delicious & Budget-Friendly

Over the past few years, Indian cuisine has gained an enormous following in Germany. As of 2024, there are more than 800 Indian restaurants scattered all across the nation. From Berlin to Cologne, Munich, and Hamburg, there are numerous restaurants that serve everything from butter chicken and naan to dosa and filter coffee.

Restaurants such as Amrit, Tiffin, and Chutnify in Berlin are not only popular with Indians but also with the locals who can appreciate the spice of it. Student towns like Bonn, Dresden, and Mannheim have small, family-owned restaurants where you can have a decent meal at a low price—just right for students.

2. Shopping Indian groceries – In-Store and Online

Missing your favorite masalas or ready-to-eat rajma? You’ll be glad to know that Indian grocery shops are easy to find in most big cities. These stores stock a wide range of items—from toor dal, atta, and spices to frozen snacks, chutneys, and even fresh vegetables like tindora or methi.

Well-known stores like Goa Supermarkt, Spice Village, and Bollywood Store are located in cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Düsseldorf. If you’re in a smaller town or prefer shopping from home, websites like Get-Grocery.de, Spiceland.de, and MasalaWala deliver across Germany. Many of these platforms offer bulk discounts and student-friendly rates.

3. Tiffin & Meal Services – Home-Cooked Comfort

For students who do not have time to cook daily, Indian tiffin services could be a godsend. In cities with a sizeable Indian student population—such as Stuttgart, Aachen, or Leipzig—you can find home-based or small business-operated meal services that send lunch and dinner boxes.

These meals typically include roti, sabzi, dal, rice, and something sweet occasionally. A meal typically costs anything between €6 to €10, and most of the providers offer discounts for monthly or weekly packages for saving money. These services come in handy while doing an internship or examinations, when no time is available.

4. Smart Tips to Save Food Money in Germany

• Meal planning and batch cooking—preparation and refrigerating or freezing saves time and minimizes waste.
• Shopper and flatmate shopping—cheaper and less wasteful.
• Request student prices at Indian stores—some provide reduced prices.
• Hybrid German and Indian food—playing around with German fruits and vegetables in Indian dishes can be enjoyable and cost-effective.

5. What to Expect in Different Parts of Germany

While large cities such as Frankfurt and Berlin are full of Indian restaurants, smaller towns might not. Don’t panic, however—you can always order groceries online or reach out to other Indian students via WhatsApp or Facebook groups. You can even end up cooking together, trying out new dishes from various regions in India, and strong friendships.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we understand that adjusting to a new country is about more than academics—it’s also about finding comfort in the little things, like food. Knowing that you don’t have to leave your favorite meals behind makes the transition easier and more enjoyable. Whether you need help with university applications, settling in Germany, or understanding local culture, we’re here to support you at every step. Have more questions about living in Germany as an Indian student? Contact BCES Admissions Abroad today at 9319996328 and let us help make your study abroad experience smooth and satisfying!