Looking for an Indian Restaurant in Regensburg? North vs. South Indian Explained

If you want to eat Indian food in Regensburg, you can choose between several restaurants. What many people do not know: almost all of them serve North Indian cuisine – butter chicken, naan bread, tandoori, creamy curries. That is delicious, but it is only a small slice of what India has to offer. India is larger than all of Western Europe, and the cuisine of the South differs from the North roughly as much as Greek food differs from Norwegian.

The North Indian cooking you know from most Indian restaurants in Germany is built on wheat (naan, roti), cream, yoghurt and the tandoor oven. Its flavours are rich, creamy and mildly spiced. South Indian cuisine, by contrast, is built on rice and lentils, on coconut, curry leaves, tamarind and mustard seeds. It is lighter, often naturally vegan and gluten-free – and it ferments: the batter for dosas and idlis rests overnight and develops its typical delicate tang.

One example: the dosa, South India's most famous dish, is a paper-thin, crispy crêpe made from fermented rice-lentil batter – served with sambar (a spiced lentil stew) and fresh coconut and tomato chutneys. You will not find it on any North Indian menu. The same goes for idli, vada, Kerala curries with coconut milk, or the thali served on a banana leaf.

When we opened Oota at Steinergasse 4, we were the first South Indian restaurant in Regensburg – and we still are. Sheetal and Rakshith, the founders, come from Bangalore in Karnataka and cook the recipes they grew up with. No fusion, no shortcuts: the dosa batter is made fresh every day, the biryani follows a family recipe, and we adjust the spice level for every guest.

Who should try South Indian food? Anyone who loves Indian food and wants to discover something new. Vegetarians and vegans – a large part of our menu is fully plant-based. People with gluten intolerance – rice and lentils instead of wheat mean many dishes are naturally gluten-free. And anyone who sometimes finds North Indian curries too heavy: South Indian food is aromatic but light.

You will find us in the heart of Regensburg's old town, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral: Steinergasse 4, open Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00–15:00 and 17:30–22:00. Book a table online or order at home via Lieferando, Wolt and Uber Eats. We look forward to showing you the other half of India – nandri, and see you soon!