Indian people wearing traditional headpieces gathered at a festival.
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People gather at Portland’s India Festival, which is held every August at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Indian American Community

Find more about the Rose City's growing Indian community.

2 min read

Portland and neighboring suburbs are home to a thriving and growing population of almost 10,000 Indian American residents. Celebrate the Indian American community through events, festivals, food and cultural organizations.

Know Before You Go

As of June 30, 2021, COVID restrictions have been lifted in Portland and the state of Oregon. While events are now allowed, some events may still be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.

Events & Festivals

Know Before You Go

COVID Update: The India Festival event has been cancelled for 2021, but the India Cultural Association, which hosts the event, publishes Chakra magazine as a resource for the community.

The India Festival is held in August at Pioneer Courthouse Square and has an estimated attendance upwards of 8,000 visitors from the Portland community-at-large. The India Festival includes live music, dance, food and entertainment to give participants a taste of Indian culture. This free festival also gives the local community a glimpse of India’s arts, culture, history and people.

DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid regularly host dance nights for those 21 and up, including ANDAZ: A Future Filmi, Bhangra, Bollywood and Desi Bass Dance Party. Anjali has also been teaching Bhangra and Bollywood dance classes at the Viscount Dance Studio in Southeast Portland for years. (Check out the website for more of their events information, and go to Viscount Dance Studio’s website for their current class schedule.)

Local Eats

From food trucks to upscale dining, Portland offers a wide range of Indian food options. Maruti specializes in vegetarian and vegan food that is based on traditional family recipes and given a modern interpretation. Dil Se means “from the heart,” and the restaurant by the same name serves up Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. At the Cartlandia Food Cart Pod, the Best Taste of India is the creation of chef and owner Jaswinder Singh. The cart is well-known for its curries. The Big Elephant Kitchen is a family-owned-and-operated Fijian/Indian restaurant on wheels in Multnomah Village serves meat and vegan curry plates for lunch and dinner.

5 To Try

Indian Cuisine in Portland

  • Bollywood Theater – Division

    You won’t find movies at Bollywood Theater. Instead, grab a seat and sample high-quality, authentic Indian street food like flatbread kati rolls filled with cheese or meat, egg, pickled onion and green chutney.

  • East India Co. Grill & Bar

    This restaurant features complex marinades and time-honored Indian grilling methods to reflect the food trends in today’s India. The menu remains true to classic Indian recipes while also featuring innovative combinations and intricate spicing.

  • The Sudra – 28th Ave.

    This Northeast Portland restaurant serves an all-vegan, Indian-inspired menu, as well as beer and specialty craft cocktails.

  • Open Tandoor

    This bright, friendly restaurant serves traditional Indian dishes like chicken tikka, aloo gobi, naan wraps and kebabs, along with beer, wine and cocktails.

  • DesiPDX

    DesiPDX is a food cart serving food inspired by Indian flavors blended with cooking styles from the West and other parts of the world.

Resources

India Cultural Association (ICA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Indian cultural awareness in Portland. The Association was established in 1980 and hosts the popular India Festival every year in mid-August to celebrate India’s independence day.

The Kalabharathi School of Dance  is committed to promote and present Bharathanatyam, an ancient South Indian dance form, through instructional classes and professional performances.

Kalakendra Performing Arts is a nonprofit that was formed in February 1987. It a premiere dance school and dance company. Kalakendra’s programs draw from centuries-old, culturally diverse performing art forms from India.

PortlandIndian.com is an online community that shares recipes, classifieds, horoscopes, Hindu temple locations, community news and more. Those who visit the website have the opportunity to select a city near and around Portland to get more localized information.

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