Empress Kitchen - Indian Cuisine

Empress Kitchen brings a warmly personal take on Indian cuisine to Sandringham.

This family-owned eatery serves soulful, homestyle dishes packed with tradition, spice and warmth. The welcome is unhurried, the aromas unmistakable - fresh herbs, slow-simmered gravies and the smokiness of a well-fired tandoor. It’s the sort of place where tradition sits at the table, and comfort arrives in generous portions.

The kitchen charts a course through beloved classics and tandoori staples, favouring depth over fuss. Crisp onion bhaji and golden samosas pave the way for tender chicken tikka or the tang of achaari chicken. Mains lean into silk and spice: butter chicken with its mellow richness, kadai chicken with a sturdier kick, and paneer luxuriating in butter or palak’s gentle earthiness. A nod to Indo-Chinese cravings appears with vegetable fried rice and hakka noodles, with heat levels dialled to taste.

Vegan and gluten-free options are available, with a steady hand on quality throughout. Empress Kitchen also prides itself on quality ingredients, generous portions and genuine hospitality. Whether mild or spicy, there’s something on the menu to suit every palate!

For real Indian comfort food that tastes just like home, Empress Kitchen is a hidden gem in Auckland’s vibrant Sandringham neighbourhood, ready to welcome all who stop by.