Noe Indian Cuisine: Bringing Authentic Indian Flavors with a Nepalese Twist to San Francisco
Experience the bold flavors of Noe Indian Cuisine in San Francisco’s Noe Valley, where owner Sam brings a unique Nepalese twist to classic Indian dishes. In this article, we dive into his journey from Nepal to restaurant ownership, the fresh, locally sourced ingredients that set his menu apart, and the signature dishes—like Chicken Korma and Rack of Lamb—that keep customers coming back for more.
When Sam first arrived in the U.S. from Nepal eight years ago, he didn’t know he’d eventually open his own restaurant. But after years of working in Indian restaurants and immersing himself in the industry, he found his passion for bringing high-quality, flavorful Indian cuisine to the community. That passion led him to open Noe Indian Cuisine, a restaurant in San Francisco’s Noe Valley that’s quickly becoming a local favorite.
“I liked the people here,” Sam shared. “San Francisco has such a supportive community for small businesses, and there’s also a great opportunity to serve a diverse mix of locals and tourists.” That combination—along with his love for authentic, high-quality food—convinced him that this was the perfect place to start his first business venture.
A Perfect Balance of Dine-In and Takeout
Walking into Noe Indian Cuisine, guests are welcomed by a warm, inviting ambiance that makes for a great dining experience. But for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home, the restaurant also thrives on takeout orders. “It’s really 50/50,” Sam explained. “Half of our business comes from dine-in guests, and the other half is from takeout—whether it’s through our website or delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.”
This balance allows Noe Indian Cuisine to reach even more customers, whether they’re stopping by for a sit-down meal or ordering their favorite dishes to-go.
Signature Dishes with a Unique Twist
With an extensive menu full of mouthwatering Indian dishes, it can be tough to choose just one. But according to Sam, a few dishes have truly stood out among customers:
Chicken Tikka Masala – A rich, creamy tomato-based curry that’s always a crowd favorite.
Chicken Korma – A luxurious dish made with a cashew-based creamy sauce that Sam personally loves. “I like to dip naan into the sauce—it’s so flavorful,” he said.
Rack of Lamb – This dish gets extra attention, thanks to the unique spices imported directly from Nepal. “Some of these spices grow at high altitudes and aren’t available in California,” Sam explained. “They add a distinct, rich flavor that makes our dishes stand out.”
By sourcing some of their ingredients from Nepal, Noe Indian Cuisine offers flavors that are truly unique to the Bay Area, making their dishes a must-try for Indian food lovers.
Locally Sourced, Fresh Ingredients
Quality is at the heart of everything Noe Indian Cuisine serves. “We prepare everything fresh, in-house, every day,” Sam emphasized. From the vegetables sourced from Half Moon Bay and Milpitas to the locally raised goat meat, every ingredient is carefully chosen for its freshness and quality. “We don’t compromise when it comes to serving good food,” he added.
This dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every dish not only tastes incredible but is also made with care.
Lessons from Running a Restaurant
As a first-time restaurant owner, Sam has learned a lot along the way. “Running a restaurant takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” he shared. “But beyond that, it’s about being polite, providing great service, and making sure every dish meets a high standard.”
While the journey hasn’t been easy—especially in the early days when business was slow—Sam credits his loyal customers and the Noe Valley community for helping him push through. “Our guests inspire me every day. They kept coming back, supporting us, and even giving us marketing ideas to bring in more people,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Noe Indian Cuisine continues to grow, Sam is excited about what’s ahead. His focus remains on delivering top-quality Indian cuisine with a unique Nepalese influence, ensuring that every customer leaves happy—whether they’re dining in or ordering takeout.
And if he could invite anyone in the world to try his food? “I’d love for Kevin Paffrath to come in,” Sam said, referring to the well-known entrepreneur and YouTuber. “I follow him, and I’d be honored for him to try our dishes.”
For now, though, Sam and his team are happy serving the San Francisco community one delicious meal at a time.