Indian Dinner in Salem, Oregon: What to Order at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro
Dinner at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon runs 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, plus continuous Sunday service from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The restaurant sits at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars across 313 Google reviews, with Chef Jodhvir Singh and his 17+ years of culinary experience from Punjab, India running the kitchen. Here is what to order from the 94-dish menu, for whom, and at what price.
What time does dinner start in Salem, Oregon?
The restaurant serves dinner from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, serves continuously from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, and is closed all day Tuesday.
| Day | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM continuous | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM continuous |
Sunday is the flexible day, since service never breaks: you can eat a full dinner at 2:30 PM. The $12.99 Vegetarian Thali and $14.99 Non-Vegetarian Thali are lunch-only, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, as covered in our Salem Indian lunch guide. Everything below is on the evening menu.
What comes out of the tandoor, and what should you order from it?
A tandoor is a clay oven that cooks with intense dry heat, and the five tandoori plates here run from Chicken Tikka at $17.99 to Lamb Seekh Kebab at $19.99, with Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Fish and Chicken Seekh Kebab each at $18.99.
Marinated meat cooked fast against searing clay walls chars outside while staying juicy inside, and arrives dry rather than sitting in sauce. Tandoori plates are the opposite of a curry, which is why they pair so well with one.
| Tandoori dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tikka | $17.99 |
| Tandoori Chicken | $18.99 |
| Tandoori Fish | $18.99 |
| Chicken Seekh Kebab | $18.99 |
| Lamb Seekh Kebab | $19.99 |
Rule of thumb for two people: one tandoori plate, one curry, one bread. Butter Naan is $3.99, Garlic Naan $4.99, and Mixed Vegetable Raita at $3.99 is the cheapest way to cool a plate down. For char as a starter instead, Chicken Chapli Kebab, Chili Chicken and Chili Paneer are each $12.99 and gluten-free.
Which curries should first-time guests order at dinner in downtown Salem?
Butter Chicken at $16.99 is the most popular dish on the menu, and Chicken Tikka Masala at the same $16.99 is the other reliable first order for anyone new to Indian food in Salem, Oregon.
Both are rich, tomato-forward and cream-finished, and both can be dialed down in heat. Those two sit inside a 19-dish non-vegetarian list: korma is mildest and creamiest, vindaloo is hottest, and keema means minced meat rather than chunks.
| Curry | Price | Order it for |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Chicken | $16.99 | First-timers |
| Chicken Tikka Masala | $16.99 | Familiar, mild to medium |
| Chicken Vindaloo | $16.99 | Heat seekers |
| Lamb Saag | $17.99 | Lamb with spinach |
| Lamb Korma | $17.99 | Mild and creamy |
| Goat Curry | $19.99 | Traditional and deeply spiced |
| Shrimp Curry | $19.99 | Lighter than lamb |
| Scallops Masala Curry | $19.99 | Seafood in a masala sauce |
| Lamb Keema | $20.99 | Minced lamb |
Most chicken entrees are $16.99 and most lamb entrees $17.99, while Chicken Kebabs Korma is $18.99, Lamb Kebab Korma and Apricot Lamb are $19.99, goat, fish, shrimp and scallops are $19.99, and Lamb Keema at $20.99 tops the list. The flavor profile page explains why one spice blend tastes gentle in a korma and fierce in a vindaloo.
What is biryani, and how much does biryani cost in Salem, Oregon?
Biryani is a layered basmati rice dish rather than a curry, and the kitchen prices its six biryanis from $15.50 for Vegetable Biryani to $19.99 for Goat Biryani.
That difference changes how you order. A curry is a sauce you spoon over rice; a biryani arrives as one composed plate, long-grain basmati layered with spiced meat or vegetables so the grains stay separate. It needs no bread and no second rice.
| Biryani | Price |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Biryani | $15.50 |
| Paneer Biryani | $15.99 |
| Chicken Biryani | $17.50 |
| Lamb Biryani | $17.50 |
| Shrimp Biryani | $18.50 |
| Goat Biryani | $19.99 |
Add Mixed Vegetable Raita at $3.99 for a complete single-plate dinner. If someone still wants sauce, add one shared curry rather than a second biryani.
How do you build a full vegetarian Indian dinner?
The menu lists 18 vegetarian entrees priced $13.99 to $15.99, and a vegetarian dinner for two of Aloo Tikki $6.99, Shahi Paneer $15.99, Yellow Daal $13.99, Roti $3.99, Saffron Rice $5.99 and Kheer $5.99 totals $52.94 before tax and gratuity, about $26.47 per person.
The structure to copy is one creamy paneer dish, one lentil dish, one dry vegetable dish, bread and rice. Paneer Butter Masala and Saag Paneer are $15.50 each, Shahi Paneer and Kadhai Paneer $15.99, Yellow Daal $13.99, Daal Makhani $15.50, Aloo Gobi $15.50, Baingan Bharta $15.99. Channa Masala at $13.99 is the value pick.
Vegan diners have real choices too: Veg Pakora $6.99, Vegetable Samosa $5.99, Aloo Tikki $6.99 (also gluten-free), Gobi Manchurian $11.99, Roti $3.99 and Saffron Rice $5.99.
What is a good date-night dinner order in Salem, and what does it cost?
A two-person date-night order of Vegetable Samosa $5.99, Chicken Tikka $17.99, Paneer Butter Masala $15.50, Garlic Naan $4.99, Saffron Rice $5.99 and Rasmalai $6.50 comes to $56.96 before tax and gratuity, about $28.48 each; two Mango Lassi at $5.50 bring it to $67.96, or $33.98 per person.
It works because it covers every texture: crisp to start, charred from the clay oven, creamy over rice, warm bread, cold milk-soaked dessert. For a quieter room, arrive near 4:30 or 5:00 PM. Book through reservations, or see the chef's table to let the kitchen lead.
How much is Indian dinner for a family of four in Salem, Oregon?
A shared family dinner for four of Vegetable Samosa, Veg Pakora, Butter Chicken, Daal Makhani, Chicken Biryani, Aloo Gobi, two Butter Naan, one Roti, Mixed Vegetable Raita and Gulab Jamun totals $99.42 before tax and gratuity, about $24.86 per person.
| Item | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Samosa | 1 | $5.99 |
| Veg Pakora | 1 | $6.99 |
| Butter Chicken | 1 | $16.99 |
| Daal Makhani | 1 | $15.50 |
| Chicken Biryani | 1 | $17.50 |
| Aloo Gobi | 1 | $15.50 |
| Butter Naan | 2 | $7.98 |
| Roti | 1 | $3.99 |
| Mixed Vegetable Raita | 1 | $3.99 |
| Gulab Jamun | 1 | $4.99 |
| Total | - | $99.42 |
Two entrees plus one biryani feeds four adults with bread and raita on the table, and Butter Chicken gives kids a mild landing spot while adults order hotter. For six or more, plan one entree per two guests.
Is the meat halal?
All meat served at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is halal, covering every chicken, lamb and goat dish, including Goat Curry at $19.99, Lamb Seekh Kebab at $19.99 and Chicken Tikka Masala at $16.99.
The restaurant serves guests across the Willamette Valley, including Keizer, Woodburn, Silverton, Independence and Monmouth. Questions about a specific dish are answered fastest at (503) 967-6946.
How spicy is the food, and can dishes be made mild?
Every dish is customizable from mild to extra hot, so the same $16.99 Chicken Curry can arrive gentle enough for a child on mild or genuinely fiery on extra hot.
Mild and medium are warm and aromatic without burn, hot is a real step up, and extra hot is for people who mean it. Vindaloo starts hotter by nature, so a medium Chicken Vindaloo reads hotter than a medium korma. Plates are made individually, so one table can span the range. The spice lab explains what each spice does.
What is different about dinner on Saturday and Sunday?
Saturday and Sunday add six brand-new Weekend Specials not available on weekdays, from Dahi Bhalla at $9.99 up to Choley Bhature and Tandoori Paneer Kulcha at $12.99 each, and all six are vegetarian.
| Weekend Special (Sat and Sun only) | Price | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Choley Bhature | $12.99 | Fluffy, golden bhature with spicy choley |
| Tandoori Paneer Kulcha | $12.99 | Kulcha stuffed with tandoori paneer and herbs |
| Tandoori Aloo Kulcha | $11.99 | Tandoor-baked kulcha stuffed with spiced potatoes |
| Samosa Choley Chat | $10.99 | Crispy samosa, choley, tangy chutneys |
| Aloo Tikka Choley Chat | $10.99 | Crispy aloo tikka, choley, chutneys |
| Dahi Bhalla | $9.99 | Lentil dumplings, yogurt, chutneys, gluten-free |
Bold spices. Real ingredients. Pure satisfaction. Made fresh. Made for you.
Because Sunday runs straight through from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, it is the easiest day to try a special alongside a full entree. Call (503) 967-6946 to check availability before driving in.
What should you order for dessert and drinks after dinner?
Desserts are priced $4.99 to $6.50, including Gulab Jamun $4.99, Kheer $5.99, Pistachio Kulfi $5.99, Rasmalai $6.50 and Carrot Halwa $6.50, while Mango Lassi is $5.50 and Chai is $2.99.
Choose by what you just ate: after a hot vindaloo, go cold and creamy with Pistachio Kulfi or Rasmalai; after a tandoori-and-bread meal, Kheer is lighter. Seven of the eight desserts are gluten-free, and Mango Lassi doubles as a mid-meal spice extinguisher.
Do you need a dinner reservation, and can you book a private event?
Reservations can be booked on the reservations page or by phone at (503) 967-6946, and the dining room seats up to 120 guests, and the private dining room takes group bookings.
Book on the reservations page or call (503) 967-6946. Dine-in, takeout, catering and events are all offered, so a birthday, rehearsal dinner or office party can be hosted in-house or catered off-site. For quotes, use the contact page or email info.mintleafindian@gmail.com.
How do you get to Mint Leaf Indian Bistro at 360 High St NE?
Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, Oregon, a short walk from the Oregon State Capitol area, with street parking on High St NE, several public lots nearby and Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots) bus service downtown.
The entrance is street level and wheelchair accessible. Guests drive in for dinner from Keizer, Woodburn, Silverton, Stayton, Dallas, Independence and Monmouth. Our broader Salem dinner overview covers the room and service side in more detail.
Plan your dinner at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon
Dinner at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon runs 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM continuously on Sunday. Butter Chicken at $16.99 is the safest first order, Chicken Tikka at $17.99 is the tandoor pick, biryanis run $15.50 to $19.99, all meat is halal, and every dish is cooked to your spice level. Two eat well for roughly $26 to $34 each; four share a table for about $24.86 each. Browse the full menu and call (503) 967-6946 to book dinner at 360 High St NE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does dinner service start and end?
Dinner runs 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, service is continuous from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so dinner can begin any time in that window. The restaurant is closed Tuesday.
What is the most popular dinner dish?
Butter Chicken at $16.99 is the most popular dish on the menu. Chicken Tikka Masala, also $16.99, is the closest alternative if you want something familiar, mild and tomato-based.
How much does Indian dinner for two cost in Salem, Oregon?
About $53 to $68 for two before tax and gratuity. A vegetarian dinner of Aloo Tikki, Shahi Paneer, Yellow Daal, Roti, Saffron Rice and Kheer is $52.94; the date-night order above, with two Mango Lassi, is $67.96.
Is all the meat halal?
Yes, all meat served is halal, including every chicken, lamb and goat dish on the dinner menu at 360 High St NE in Salem.
Is biryani a curry?
No, biryani is a layered basmati rice dish served as one complete plate rather than a sauce. The six biryanis here run $15.50 for Vegetable to $19.99 for Goat.
Where can I order tandoori chicken in Salem, Oregon?
Mint Leaf Indian Bistro at 360 High St NE serves Tandoori Chicken $18.99, Chicken Tikka $17.99, Tandoori Fish $18.99, Chicken Seekh Kebab $18.99 and Lamb Seekh Kebab $19.99 from its clay oven at dinner.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options for dinner?
Yes, 18 vegetarian entrees priced $13.99 to $15.99, plus vegan plates such as Veg Pakora $6.99, Aloo Tikki $6.99 and Gobi Manchurian $11.99, and vegan sides including Roti $3.99 and Saffron Rice $5.99.
Do I need a reservation for Friday or Saturday dinner?
Reservations are recommended for parties of four or more, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings. Book on the reservations page or call (503) 967-6946.
Are the Weekend Specials served on weeknights?
No, all six Weekend Specials, priced $9.99 to $12.99, are served on Saturday and Sunday only, never on weeknights.
Sharing authentic Indian culinary traditions, spice knowledge, and recipes from Salem, Oregon.