Three Maryland restaurants (all located in Montgomery County) have been recognized among the region’s finest in Eater DC’s “Best Indian Restaurants Around D.C.” list.
Woodlands in Gaithersburg, RASA in Rockville (and additional locations across the DMV), and Kadhai in Bethesda. Each represents a distinct style of Indian cuisine, showcasing the depth and diversity of South Asian dining across Montgomery County.
Woodlands, located at 555 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg, specializes in South Indian dishes such as dosa, uthappam, and a wide range of flavorful curries. Known for its extensive vegetarian menu, the restaurant has long been a favorite among diners seeking authentic South Indian fare. The restaurant site, which sits on the lower level of an office complex, has a rich local history — it most recently housed Taco Daddy Cantina and has also been home to Mrs. O’Leary’s Irish Pub, Blue Finns, 555 Grill, and Chicken Out.
RASA, the fast-casual Indian restaurant with a location at 12033 Rockville Pike and founded by Montgomery County natives Rahul Vinod and Sahil Rahman, also earned a spot on the list. The duo, who grew up in Gaithersburg, were immersed in the world of Indian cuisine from an early age. Their fathers, K.N. Vinod and Surfy Rahman, have been partners and proprietors of Bombay Bistro in Rockville since 1991. Many of Rahul and Sahil’s earliest memories are filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bombay Bistro, where they literally learned how to walk. RASA, which now has multiple locations across the region, including one at Rockville’s Montrose Crossing shopping center, offers modern, customizable Indian bowls inspired by the flavors of their upbringing.
Rounding out the trio is Kadhai Indian Kitchen, located at 7905 Norfolk Avenue in Bethesda, a neighborhood mainstay known for its refined take on North Indian cuisine. Kadhai offers a broad menu featuring tandoori dishes, curries, and regional specialties served in a relaxed, elegant setting. The restaurant has been a staple in downtown Bethesda’s dining scene for decades and continues to draw both longtime patrons and new guests seeking authentic Indian flavors.
