What type of cuisine does Mint Leaf Indian Bistro serve?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro serves authentic Indian cuisine spanning North Indian, South Indian, and Punjabi regional traditions. The menu features over 50 handcrafted dishes including butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani, goat curry, tandoori chicken, garlic naan, and traditional desserts like gulab jamun and rasmalai. All dishes are prepared by Chef Jodhvir Singh, who brings 17 years of professional culinary expertise from Punjab, India. The restaurant offers 18 vegetarian entrees, vegan Indian food options, gluten-free dishes, and halal-friendly dining. Prices range from $3.99 for naan breads to $19.99 for specialty biryani and tandoori dishes. Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is located at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, Oregon.

Where is Mint Leaf Indian Bistro located?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is located at 360 High St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301. We are in downtown Salem, easily accessible with ample parking available nearby. We serve the greater Salem area including Keizer, Woodburn, Silverton, and surrounding communities.

What are the hours of operation for Mint Leaf Indian Bistro?

Our hours are: Monday, Wednesday through Saturday: Lunch 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Dinner 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (all day). We are closed on Tuesdays. Holiday hours may vary.

What are the lunch specials at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro serves two lunch thali specials at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, Oregon. The Vegetarian Thali is $12.99 and includes a paneer dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, and rice pudding. The Non-Vegetarian Thali is $14.99 and includes a chicken dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, and rice pudding. Each thali is a complete plated meal, so no side ordering is needed. Lunch is served 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday service runs continuously from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. The full menu of 94 dishes is also available during lunch hours, including butter chicken at $16.99, chicken tikka masala at $16.99, saag paneer at $15.50, channa masala at $13.99, goat biryani at $19.99, and garlic naan at $4.99. Lunch orders for dine-in and takeout can be placed by calling (503) 967-6946.

What are the Saturday and Sunday specials at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro serves six Punjabi weekend specials on Saturday and Sunday only: Choley Bhature at $12.99, Tandoori Paneer Kulcha at $12.99, Tandoori Aloo Kulcha at $11.99, Samosa Choley Chat at $10.99, Aloo Tikka Choley Chat at $10.99, and Dahi Bhalla at $9.99. All six dishes are vegetarian and prices range from $9.99 to $12.99. These weekend specials are not available Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are lunch 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM; Sunday service runs continuously from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The dishes are available for dine-in and takeout at 360 High St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301. Call (503) 967-6946 to order.

Does Mint Leaf Indian Bistro offer vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes! We have an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Our menu includes over 18 vegetarian entrees such as Saag Paneer, Channa Masala, Malai Kofta, Vegetable Biryani, and Dal Makhani. Many dishes can be made vegan upon request. We clearly mark vegetarian (V) and vegan (VG) options on our menu.

Can I make a reservation at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro?

Yes, we accept reservations! You can book online through our website at themintleafindianbistro.com/reservations or call us at (503) 967-6946. We recommend reservations for parties of 4 or more, especially on weekends.

Does Mint Leaf Indian Bistro offer private dining or catering?

Yes, we offer private dining for parties of up to 120 guests. Our private dining room is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, and celebrations. We also provide full-service catering. Contact us at info.mintleafindian@gmail.com or (503) 967-6946 to discuss your event.

Can I customize the spice level of my dishes?

Absolutely! We customize every dish to your preferred spice level, from mild to extra hot. Our staff is happy to recommend dishes based on your spice tolerance. We want every guest to enjoy their meal at the perfect heat level.

Does Mint Leaf Indian Bistro offer Indian takeout and delivery in Salem, Oregon?

Yes, Mint Leaf Indian Bistro offers Indian takeout and delivery throughout Salem, Oregon and surrounding areas including Keizer and West Salem. Takeout orders can be placed by calling (503) 967-6946 during business hours. Delivery is available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates with typical delivery times of 30-45 minutes. Popular takeout items include butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani, garlic naan, and mango lassi. All food is carefully packaged in sealed containers to maintain quality, temperature, and freshness during transport. Online ordering is also available at order.online with the full menu of 50+ dishes. Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is located at 360 High St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301.

What is the best Indian restaurant in Salem, Oregon?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with 313 Google reviews and is widely considered the best Indian restaurant in Salem, Oregon. Located at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, the restaurant is led by Chef Jodhvir Singh, who brings 17 years of culinary expertise from Punjab, India, having previously worked at Tantra in Los Angeles and opened Urban Masala in Hillsboro and CHAAYA in Beaverton. Guests consistently praise the authentic flavors, generous portions, attentive service, and signature dishes including butter chicken, goat biryani, tandoori chicken, and garlic naan. Mint Leaf also offers Indian takeout and delivery in Salem through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, plus private dining and Indian catering for events up to 120 guests. The restaurant is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday for lunch (11 AM - 2 PM) and dinner (4:30 PM - 9 PM), and Sunday 12 PM - 8 PM.

Does Mint Leaf Indian Bistro accommodate food allergies?

Yes, we take food allergies very seriously. Our menu includes allergen information, and our kitchen staff can accommodate most dietary restrictions including gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free preparations. Please inform your server of any allergies when ordering, and we will ensure your meal is safe and delicious.

What makes Mint Leaf Indian Bistro different from other Indian restaurants?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro stands out for our commitment to authenticity. Chef Jodhvir Singh brings 17+ years of experience from Punjab, India, using traditional recipes, house-ground spice blends, and the freshest ingredients. We offer a diverse menu spanning multiple Indian regions, private dining for up to 120 guests, and a warm, modern ambiance that honors Indian hospitality traditions.

Is there parking available at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro?

Yes, there is convenient street parking along High Street NE and several public parking lots nearby in downtown Salem. The restaurant is also accessible by public transportation via Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots) bus routes.

Where can I get chole bhature in Salem, Oregon?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro at 360 High St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 serves Choley Bhature for $12.99 as a Saturday and Sunday weekend special. The dish is spiced chickpea curry slow-simmered with tomato, ginger, and house-ground masala, served with hot puffed deep-fried bhature bread. It is prepared to order by Chef Jodhvir Singh, who trained in Punjab, India, where chole bhature originated. It is available Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, for dine-in and takeout. Call (503) 967-6946 to order.

Where can I get Indian chaat and tandoori kulcha near Salem, Oregon?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro serves freshly assembled Indian chaat and clay-oven tandoori kulcha on Saturday and Sunday at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, Oregon. Chaat options are Samosa Choley Chat at $10.99, Aloo Tikka Choley Chat at $10.99, and Dahi Bhalla at $9.99, which is gluten free. Tandoori kulcha options are Tandoori Aloo Kulcha at $11.99, stuffed with spiced potato, and Tandoori Paneer Kulcha at $12.99, stuffed with tandoori-spiced paneer, fresh herbs, and green chili. Each kulcha is hand-stuffed and baked to order against the wall of a clay tandoor. All of these dishes are vegetarian and are served on weekends only. Call (503) 967-6946 to order for dine-in or takeout.

What is the best place for Indian lunch in downtown Salem, Oregon?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 313 Google reviews, is the highest-rated Indian restaurant for lunch in downtown Salem, Oregon. It is located at 360 High St NE, within walking distance of the Oregon State Capitol, the Salem Public Library, and downtown offices. Lunch runs 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, with thali specials at $12.99 for vegetarian and $14.99 for non-vegetarian that arrive as one complete plate, which suits a one-hour lunch break. The full menu of 94 dishes is available at lunch, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly marked and every dish adjustable from mild to extra hot. Street parking is available on High Street NE, and takeout orders can be called ahead to (503) 967-6946 for pickup.

Indian Lunch Thali in Salem, Oregon: $12.99 Complete Plate

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon serves a complete Indian lunch thali for $12.99 vegetarian or $14.99 non-vegetarian during lunch service, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem. If it is 11:45 AM and you have forty-five minutes and a budget, the short version is this: one plate, five components, no decisions, under fifteen dollars. Below is what lands on the plate, what that food costs ordered piece by piece, and the one day you should not drive over.

What is on the lunch thali at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon?

The Vegetarian Thali is $12.99 and includes a paneer dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, and rice pudding at 650 calories, while the Non-Vegetarian Thali is $14.99 and includes a chicken dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, and rice pudding at 750 calories. Both are served during lunch. Nothing is an add-on and nothing is upsold: the curry, the lentils, the bread, the rice, and the dessert arrive together as one composed plate.

Lunch thali	Price	What is on the plate	Calories
Vegetarian Thali	$12.99	Paneer dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, rice pudding	650
Non-Vegetarian Thali	$14.99	Chicken dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, rice pudding	750

The "of the day" part is deliberate. The paneer and chicken preparations rotate, so the dish in the curry compartment changes from day to day. To hear today's rotation before you leave the office, call (503) 967-6946, or browse the full menu to see the style of cooking it draws from.

What time does lunch start, and which day is Mint Leaf closed?

Lunch runs 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is closed all day Tuesday. Sunday is one continuous service from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM with no break between lunch and dinner, so for a Sunday midday meal, call (503) 967-6946 to confirm the thalis are on that day's board.

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

The practical reading: the weekday lunch window closes at 2:00 PM and the kitchen reopens at 4:30 PM, so a 2:15 PM arrival means a locked door. Aim for 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

Is the $12.99 thali actually cheaper than ordering the same food a la carte?

Yes — rebuilding the Vegetarian Thali from the regular menu costs about $25.48 (a $15.50 vegetarian entree, Roti $3.99, and Kheer $5.99), which makes the $12.99 thali roughly $12.49 less for a comparable spread.

Ordering approach	Items and prices	Total
Vegetarian Thali at lunch	Paneer dish + daal + roti + rice + rice pudding	$12.99
Closest a la carte build	Saag Paneer $15.50 + Roti $3.99 + Kheer $5.99	$25.48
Non-Vegetarian Thali at lunch	Chicken dish + daal + roti + rice + rice pudding	$14.99
Closest a la carte build	Butter Chicken $16.99 + Butter Naan $3.99 + Kheer $5.99	$26.97

One caveat, to keep this honest: an a la carte entree is a larger single portion than the curry compartment on a thali, and the thali's daal is a portion rather than the full $13.99 entree. You are buying a balanced meal, not identical volumes. Even so, the thali is the least expensive way on the menu to eat a full multi-component Indian meal.

What is a thali, and why is it the traditional complete Indian meal?

A thali is a round platter holding several small portions at once — a curry, lentils, rice, bread, and something sweet — and it is how a home-cooked meal is traditionally served across India, including Punjab, India, where Chef Jodhvir Singh is from. The idea is contrast rather than quantity: rich beside plain, soft beside chewy, savory finished by sweet.

That structure is why a thali suits a lunch break. A single curry with naan is a good dish; a thali is a meal with a beginning, middle, and end, sized so you leave satisfied rather than hungry or heavy. Chef Singh brings 17-plus years of culinary experience to the kitchen, and the thali is the clearest expression of that background — there is more on the regional traditions behind it on the heritage page.

Is there an Indian buffet in Salem, or is a thali something different?

The menu here is built around thalis and a la carte dishes rather than a buffet line — the listed services are dine in, takeout, catering, and events. If "Indian buffet Salem" is what you searched, that distinction matters: the two formats produce very different food.

A buffet rewards volume and has to keep dishes hot for hours. A thali is assembled when you order, so every component is at its best when it reaches the table. You trade unlimited refills for food that has not been sitting, which on a lunch break is a clear win: instead of eating your money's worth in thirty minutes, you eat one well-built plate for $12.99 or $14.99 and go back to work clear-headed.

What are the vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free lunch options in Salem, Oregon?

The Vegetarian Thali at $12.99 is fully vegetarian, and beyond it the menu offers 18 vegetarian entrees from $13.99 to $15.99 plus vegan and gluten-free choices across the small plates and sides. Vegetarian lunch here is not an afterthought — 18 of the entrees on the menu are vegetarian.

Vegan small plates include Veg Pakora $6.99, Vegetable Samosa $5.99, Aloo Tikki $6.99 (also gluten-free), and Gobi Manchurian $11.99. Gluten-free sides include Papad Basket $3.50, Mixed Pickle $4.50, and Saffron Rice $5.99. Entrees run from Yellow Daal $13.99 and Channa Masala $13.99 up to Shahi Paneer, Malai Kofta, and Baingan Bharta at $15.99 each. All meat served is halal, and any restriction is worth mentioning when you order.

How hot is the food, and can you choose your own spice level?

Every dish is customizable from mild to extra hot, so a thali can arrive gentle enough for a first-timer or genuinely fiery on request. Spice level is a choice you make when ordering, not a risk you take.

Ordering for coworkers with different tolerances? The same $12.99 plate can be mild for one person and hot for another. New to Indian cooking? Start at medium. To see how the heat is built rather than just how much there is, visit the spice lab.

Can state workers and downtown professionals finish a thali inside a one-hour break?

The thali is built for that constraint: all five components come out together on one platter, so there is no waiting between courses, and the lunch window at 360 High St NE runs 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, letting you arrive on either side of the noon rush. For anyone working in downtown Salem's core, it is a walk, not a drive.

Two ways to go faster: call (503) 967-6946 ahead and have the thali packed for takeout, or arrive at 11:00 AM Monday or Wednesday through Saturday, when lunch service opens, and beat the noon wave. To have the meal brought to you instead, see our guide to Indian food delivery in Salem.

What else is worth ordering at lunch besides the two thalis?

Beyond the thalis, lunch regulars order Butter Chicken $16.99 — the most popular dish on the menu — or Vegetable Biryani $15.50, and on Saturday and Sunday only the weekend specials board adds six dishes including Choley Bhature $12.99 and Dahi Bhalla $9.99. Those six are genuinely weekend-only.

Saturday and Sunday only	Price	Notes
Choley Bhature	$12.99	Fluffy bhature, spicy choley; vegetarian
Tandoori Paneer Kulcha	$12.99	Kulcha stuffed with tandoori paneer; vegetarian
Tandoori Aloo Kulcha	$11.99	Tandoor-baked kulcha, spiced potatoes; vegetarian
Samosa Choley Chat	$10.99	Crispy samosa, choley, chutneys; vegetarian
Aloo Tikka Choley Chat	$10.99	Aloo tikka, choley, chutneys; vegetarian
Dahi Bhalla	$9.99	Lentil dumplings, yogurt, chutneys; vegetarian, gluten-free

Add a Mango Lassi $5.50 or a Chai $2.99 and the $12.99 Vegetarian Thali still lands under twenty dollars. The specials board puts it best: "Bold spices. Real ingredients. Pure satisfaction."

Where is Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in downtown Salem, and how do you get there?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is at 360 High St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301, in the heart of downtown Salem, with street parking on High St NE and several public lots nearby. The entrance is street level and wheelchair accessible, and Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots) routes serve downtown.

The dining room seats up to 120 guests, and the private dining room takes group bookings. Guests drive in from Keizer, Woodburn, Silverton, Independence, Monmouth, Dallas, and Stayton, and the restaurant holds a 4.8 out of 5 star rating across 313 Google reviews. To hold a table, use the reservations page; for directions, see the contact page.

How do you order a lunch thali for takeout in Salem, Oregon?

Call Mint Leaf Indian Bistro at (503) 967-6946 between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, name the Vegetarian Thali at $12.99 or the Non-Vegetarian Thali at $14.99, give your spice level (mild, medium, hot or extra hot), and it will be packed and waiting. Dine in, takeout, catering, and events are all available.

If you have defaulted to the same downtown sandwich for months, the lunch thali at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon is the easiest upgrade available: a full plate of Punjabi cooking for under fifteen dollars, minutes from your desk. Call (503) 967-6946 to have one ready for pickup, or walk in during any lunch service between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. For more on the midday menu, see our overview of Indian lunch in Salem, or if evening suits you better, dinner runs 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Indian lunch thali cost in Salem, Oregon?

$12.99 for the Vegetarian Thali and $14.99 for the Non-Vegetarian Thali at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro, 360 High St NE in downtown Salem. Both include a curry, daal, roti, rice, and rice pudding on one plate.

What time is lunch served?

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The restaurant is closed Tuesday, and Sunday is one continuous service from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Is this an Indian buffet?

No. It serves thalis — plated, portioned meals assembled to order — rather than a buffet line. You choose the $12.99 Vegetarian Thali or the $14.99 Non-Vegetarian Thali and it comes out freshly plated.

What exactly comes on the Vegetarian Thali?

A paneer dish of the day, daal, roti, rice, and rice pudding, at 650 calories for $12.99. The Non-Vegetarian Thali swaps in a chicken dish of the day and comes to 750 calories for $14.99.

Yes. A comparable a la carte build — a $15.50 vegetarian entree plus Roti $3.99 plus Kheer $5.99 — totals $25.48, about $12.49 more than the $12.99 Vegetarian Thali.

Can I choose how spicy my food is?

Yes. Every dish is customizable from mild to extra hot, including both thalis. Tell your server, or state your level when you call (503) 967-6946 for takeout.

Are there vegan and gluten-free lunch options?

Yes. Vegan choices include Veg Pakora $6.99, Vegetable Samosa $5.99, and Gobi Manchurian $11.99; gluten-free options include Aloo Tikki $6.99, Papad Basket $3.50, and Saffron Rice $5.99. All meat served is halal.

Is there parking near the restaurant in downtown Salem?

Yes. Street parking on High St NE plus several public lots nearby in downtown Salem, and Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots) routes serve the area. The entrance is street level and wheelchair accessible.

Can you seat a large lunch group from outside Salem?

Yes. The dining room seats up to 120 guests and hosts private dining for groups, and guests travel in from Keizer, Woodburn, Silverton, Monmouth, and Independence. Book on the reservations page or call (503) 967-6946.

The Indian Lunch Thali in Salem, Oregon: A Complete Meal for $12.99