Unearth The Voyage
Edison, New Jersey has earned its reputation as one of America’s top destinations for authentic Indian cuisine. Oak Tree Road and the surrounding areas have transformed into a vibrant corridor where you can taste dishes from every corner of the Indian subcontinent. From elegant fine dining to casual street food stalls, these restaurants have turned this small township into a must-visit spot for food lovers across the entire region.
1. Moghul Restaurant
Nearly four decades of excellence have made Moghul Restaurant the crown jewel of Edison’s Indian dining scene. This Oak Tree Road landmark has consistently ranked among the finest Indian establishments in the entire Tri-State area, drawing food enthusiasts from New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
What sets this place apart is its commitment to regional authenticity. The menu spans North Indian classics, coastal Goan specialties, and Bengali delicacies, all prepared with meticulous attention to tradition. The tandoori selection alone could fill an entire evening’s exploration, while the curry offerings showcase depth and complexity that only decades of refinement can achieve.
The elegant buffet has become legendary among regulars. Attentive service and upscale decor create an atmosphere perfect for celebrations or introducing someone to high-quality Indian cuisine for the first time.
2. Akbar Restaurant
Since 1976, Akbar has been weaving itself into the fabric of Edison’s community celebrations. This restaurant has hosted countless weddings, anniversaries, and family gatherings, becoming more than just a place to eat but a venue where memories are made.
The full bar and weekend brunch offerings distinguish Akbar from many competitors. Traditional Indian hospitality meets modern amenities here, with banquet facilities that can accommodate large parties without sacrificing food quality or service standards. Some evenings feature live or light classical music, adding another sensory dimension to the dining experience.
Mughlai dishes form the heart of the menu, with tandoori specialties that have earned devoted followings. The popular buffet allows newcomers to sample widely, while the à la carte menu satisfies those seeking specific regional favorites.
3. Deccan Spice – Edison
Bringing a slice of Manhattan sophistication to Edison, Deccan Spice represents the new generation of Indian dining. This modern establishment has helped shift perceptions beyond traditional curry houses, proving that Indian cuisine can be both authentic and contemporary.
Hyderabadi specialties dominate the menu, particularly the various dum biryanis that arrive at tables still sealed in their cooking vessels. The Deccan Special chicken dishes have developed cult followings, with diners praising the balance of spice and flavor. Chicken lollipops and richly spiced gravies round out an adventurous menu.
What really elevates the experience is the serious beverage program. A curated wine list and creative cocktail menu pair thoughtfully with the complex spice profiles, making this spot popular for date nights and special occasions.
4. Bawarchi Biryanis (Bawarchi Biryani Corner)
Part of a beloved nationwide chain, this Oak Tree Road location knows exactly what it does best and delivers consistently. Biryani is the star here, and the kitchen treats it with the respect this iconic dish deserves.
Multiple biryani styles cater to different preferences: chicken for those seeking familiar comfort, goat for traditional authenticity, and vegetarian versions that prove meat isn’t necessary for satisfaction. Beyond rice dishes, the menu stretches to encompass South Indian staples and Indo-Chinese favorites like Gobi 65, creating a broad appeal that keeps tables full.
Operating seven days a week, Bawarchi has become a reliable option when cravings strike. Tandoori options add variety, while the casual atmosphere welcomes families, students, and everyone in between without pretension or fuss.
5. Saravanaa Bhavan
When a global vegetarian powerhouse plants roots in your town, you know you’ve arrived as a food destination. Saravanaa Bhavan’s Wood Avenue location brings Chennai directly to central New Jersey, specializing in the breakfast and lunch dishes that South India perfected centuries ago.
Dosas in countless varieties anchor the menu, from simple masala to elaborate rava creations. Idli, uttapam, and comprehensive thalis offer alternatives, while the filter coffee provides an authentic finish that transports regulars back to Tamil Nadu. The completely vegetarian approach never feels limiting, thanks to creative preparations and bold spice combinations.
Online ordering platforms stay busy with takeout requests, but dining in captures the full experience. The presence of this international chain in Edison validates the town’s status as New Jersey’s premier Indian food hub.
6. Pakvaan Desi Spice
Finding authentic Gujarati and Kathiyawadi cuisine outside of India can feel like searching for treasure. Pakvaan Desi Spice makes that search unnecessary, specializing in the vegetarian traditions of western India that remain underrepresented even in diverse food scenes.
The elaborate thalis here are not just meals but culinary journeys. Multiple small preparations showcase the subtle differences in spice blends and cooking techniques across Gujarat and the Kathiyawad peninsula. Pav bhaji and various chaat options provide more casual entry points for those unfamiliar with these regional styles.
Strong ratings across review platforms reflect consistent execution and steady hours that make planning visits easy. Diners specifically call out the Gujarati thalis, recognizing the rarity of finding such specialized regional cooking done this well outside major metropolitan areas.
7. Mithaas
Street food culture thrives at Mithaas, where the chaos and excitement of Indian roadside vendors gets translated into a family-friendly restaurant setting. This Oak Tree Road fixture has mastered the art of making casual Indian snacking feel special without losing its essential character.
Pani puri arrives at tables with all the ceremony it deserves, while bhel puri delivers the textural contrasts that make chaat so addictive. The extensive dessert selection gives the restaurant its name (which means sweets), ranging from traditional mithai to more contemporary creations. Full meals round out the menu for those seeking substance beyond snacks.
The vibrant atmosphere matches the bold flavors, with families appreciating the vegetarian-friendly options and accessible price points. Delivery platforms stay busy, though eating in captures the energy better.
8. Ming
Right next door to Moghul sits its culinary opposite, proving Edison’s range extends beyond traditional Indian preparations. Ming embraces the Indo-Chinese fusion that has become beloved across India, bringing Manchurian dishes, Hakka noodles, and fried rice variations to hungry diners.
The stylish interior signals that this is not your typical takeout joint. Tandoori plates make appearances alongside the Chinese-influenced items, creating a menu that reflects how Indian palates have adapted and adopted outside influences. This cross-cultural approach resonates with younger generations while still satisfying traditionalists.
Lunch and dinner service runs most days, with Monday typically reserved for rest. Locals frequently mention Ming in the same breath as the more traditional spots, recognizing that sometimes the craving calls for Gobi Manchurian rather than curry, and quality matters regardless of the cuisine.
9. Spice House
Route 27 offers an alternative to the Oak Tree Road concentration, and Spice House takes full advantage of its location. Marketing itself as a multi-cuisine destination, this spot refuses to be boxed into a single category, offering Indian, Indo-Chinese, and even Thai-inspired preparations.
Drums of Heaven and Gobi Manchurian represent the Indo-Chinese side, while triple Schezwan fried rice takes the fusion concept even further. A solid North Indian curry lineup ensures traditionalists find comfort, and the catering services extend the restaurant’s reach into homes and offices across the region.
Current ratings consistently hover above four stars across multiple platforms, with daily hours making spontaneous visits possible. The ambitious menu scope could be risky, but execution has kept customers returning and recommending the restaurant to friends seeking variety.
10. Sher-E-Punjab
Punjabi comfort food needs no apology or explanation at Sher-E-Punjab. This Oak Tree Road establishment focuses on the hearty, soul-satisfying dishes that have made Punjab’s cuisine famous worldwide, executed with the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings.
Butter chicken here tastes like someone’s grandmother perfected it over decades. Sarson da saag with makki di roti brings winter warmth regardless of the season outside. Tandoori kebabs emerge from the clay oven with proper char and smoke, while the naan bread stays soft and slightly blistered exactly as it should be.
Seven-day-a-week operation means no day is wrong for a visit. Diners specifically praise the hearty curries and bread, recognizing that sometimes the classics endure because they simply cannot be improved upon, only replicated with care and quality ingredients.
11. Zaika BBQ & Grill
While technically Pakistani in origin, Zaika BBQ & Grill has earned its place in Edison’s broader South Asian food narrative. The focus here is unapologetically carnivorous, with charcoal grills producing the smoky, charred meats that make mouths water from across parking lots.
Mix grill platters arrive piled high with seekh kababs, chicken tikka, and other grilled specialties. Rich curries like chicken karahi and butter chicken provide saucy counterpoints to the drier grilled items. The casual but lively ambiance matches the bold flavors, creating an atmosphere where celebration feels natural.
Hundreds of recent ratings praise the BBQ platters and naan, with Google scores reflecting consistent quality. Daily hours and strong community word-of-mouth have made this spot essential for anyone exploring Edison’s subcontinental dining options, regardless of technical national boundaries.
12. Ruby Ke Kitchen Se
The name translates to Ruby’s Kitchen, and that personal touch permeates every aspect of this Amboy Avenue gem. Ruby Ke Kitchen Se feels less like a commercial restaurant and more like being invited into someone’s home, where recipes pass through generations and shortcuts are unthinkable.
North Indian and Rajasthani specialties dominate, with dishes like gatte ki sabzi and khasta kachori that rarely appear on more generic menus. Traditional thalis showcase the kitchen’s range, while the made-from-scratch approach means everything tastes distinctly homemade. The cozy, family-run atmosphere reinforces this feeling of authenticity.
Recent reviews emphasize traditional flavors executed with care rather than innovation for its own sake. Up-to-date menus and operating hours confirm the restaurant continues thriving, proving that sometimes the most memorable meals come from the simplest, most heartfelt preparations.
13. Desi Galaxy Express
Speed and variety define the Desi Galaxy Express experience. This Oak Tree Road establishment leans into street-food style dining, where the goal is satisfying immediate cravings with bold flavors rather than leisurely multi-course meals.
Kati rolls provide portable satisfaction, while chaat options deliver the tangy, spicy, crunchy combinations that keep people coming back. Dosas offer South Indian representation, and Indo-Chinese small plates add fusion elements. Customers particularly call out favorites like pav bhaji, Mysore masala dosa, and chole bhature, praising both authenticity and value.
Seven-day operation with morning-through-late-evening hours makes this spot incredibly convenient. Current menu and review pages show consistent activity, reflecting how Edison’s food scene supports both destination dining and quick, casual meals with equal enthusiasm and quality standards.
14. Hot Breads
Bakeries with Indian sensibilities remain rare even in diverse food markets, making Hot Breads a unique addition to Oak Tree Road. This bakery-café bridges cultures, offering eggless cakes and pastries alongside distinctly Indian items like vada pav and various savory puffs.
The eggless baking caters to vegetarian customers who avoid eggs for religious or dietary reasons, a consideration many Western bakeries overlook. Standard bakery items get Indian twists in flavor or preparation, while the savory snacks provide quick breakfast or afternoon options. The wide range of cakes makes this a go-to for celebrations within the community.
Reviews show mixed opinions, reflecting the challenge of satisfying diverse expectations. Still, it remains one of few dedicated Indian bakeries in the area, filling a niche that keeps customers returning despite occasional inconsistencies in execution or service.
