In 1982, inspired by the curry houses of Europe, Har and Anila Keswani opened their first Indian restaurant, Taj Mahal, in Metairie (still in operation). Since then, the Keswani family has operated 3 other Indian restaurants in New Orleans: Keswani's in Uptown Square, Shalimar in the French Quarter, and now, since 1999, Nirvana on Magazine Street.
Nirvana offers New Orleans the most diverse, authentic Indian menu. From samosas, pakoras and mulligatawny soup to chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, butter chicken and a range of vegetarian dishes, our menu is sure to satisfy the most discerning palate and Indian gourmand.
Nirvana offers New Orleans the most diverse, authentic Indian menu. From samosas, pakoras and mulligatawny soup to chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, butter chicken and a range of vegetarian dishes, our menu is sure to satisfy the most discerning palate and Indian gourmand.
Services
In 1982, inspired by the curry houses of Europe, Har and Anila Keswani brought Indian cuisine to the Greater New Orleans area. Nirvana on Magazine Street has been in operation since 1999. The following are excerpts from the introduction to the unpublished cookbook written by the late Har G. Keswani.
After her husband's passing in 1997, Anila and her son Anjay took over Taj Mahal and opened Nirvana Indian Cuisine in 1999 on Magazine St. Both Taj Mahal and Nirvana have a second floor private banquet room available for parties. Nirvana's Banquet Hall is a unique and beautiful space which has much flexibility It can accommodate up to 150 people, but it is also intimate enough for a gathering of 25.
After visiting the curry houses of Europe, especially of London, my late father (Har G. Keswani) was inspired to bring Indian culture and food to New Orleans. Since 1982, the Keswani family has presented the unique cuisine of India to the New Orleans community. The TANDOOR is a barrel-shaped, pit OVEN made from an amalgam of special clays, oils and natural binding agents.
We also offer catering services for offsite venues. Whether you need us to deliver and set up at a hotel, in your own home, at an office, or other location, we are happy to serve at any occasion. For interest in wedding planning, please visit nirvanaweddings.com. Anila Keswani coordinates every aspect from the food, flowers, and music to wedding attire.
Reviews (10)
Marisa Whitley
Jan 17, 2022
Report
Zane Duffner
Jan 04, 2022
Report
Jackie O.
Dec 15, 2021
Report
When traveling during the holidays, Indian Cuisine is always a great choice. Due to the pandemic my family wanted to do takeout. I was very happy that they were open on Christmas Day and they were doing curbside pick up.
Nirvana Indian Cuisine had a great menu ranging from chicken, shrimp , lamb, Biryanis, fish vegetarian options, last but not least and my favorite Tandoori dishes. The food from Nirvana was tasty.
This experience was disappointing with regards to the price in relation to the serving size I got a12oz containers fill to only 10oz. I chose this place for the food and thier reviews
Nirvana Indian Cuisine had a great menu ranging from chicken, shrimp , lamb, Biryanis, fish vegetarian options, last but not least and my favorite Tandoori dishes. The food from Nirvana was tasty.
This experience was disappointing with regards to the price in relation to the serving size I got a12oz containers fill to only 10oz. I chose this place for the food and thier reviews
Caitlyn Graham
Nov 20, 2021
Report
Katie Baldwin
Nov 18, 2021
Report
Eos De Feminis
Nov 15, 2021
Report
First time here based on article a few week/months ago and having walked by it several times.
Had the Indian flag dish at Indian spice level - yummy and not super spicy. Chicken wings appetizer excellently tangy, and garlic naan perfectly garlicky.
Service very friendly and attentive. And they have a few of the large Indian lager beers - perfect Friday eve dinner!!
Had the Indian flag dish at Indian spice level - yummy and not super spicy. Chicken wings appetizer excellently tangy, and garlic naan perfectly garlicky.
Service very friendly and attentive. And they have a few of the large Indian lager beers - perfect Friday eve dinner!!
Dylan Tran
Oct 17, 2021
Report
AMAZING. Went with my partner- The entire staff was so nice, the food was DELICIOUS. We got the non vegetarian appetizer and split a chicken tiki masala and mixed bread basket, and it was only about $20 for each of us ($40 total). Would’ve gotten desert but we were STUFFED (non vegetarian appetizer pictured)
Brandi Bruce
Sep 19, 2021
Report
The best Indian food in the city. The love and care they put into their food and atmosphere was reflected in our wonderful server Nilesh. The whole staff went above and beyond. There’s no other place in the city that can get 5 stars on quality, selection, staff and atmosphere. Thank you so much for the experience. I’ll always come back!
Edwin Grundy
Aug 25, 2021
Report
First time at Nirvana and the food and service were spectacular. My new favorite Indian restaurant in New Orleans! We ordered the Bombay wings as an appetizer and the Flag of India and the Nirvana special - spice level “hot.” With 3 different items per dish, it served as a sort of a mini buffet sampler. I couldn’t pick my favorite! We will definitely be back soon!!
Carla C.
Jul 02, 2021
Report
