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.

Chole Bhature $12.99: Weekend Indian Specials in Salem, Oregon

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon now serves a six-dish Weekend Specials menu on Saturday and Sunday only, anchored by Choley Bhature at $12.99 — the puffed fried bread and spiced chickpea plate that Punjabi families eat on a weekend morning. Prices run from $9.99 to $12.99, all six dishes are vegetarian, and they are available exclusively on Saturday and Sunday at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, near the Oregon State Capitol. To hold a table, call (503) 967-6946.

This is not a Western brunch menu with an Indian accent bolted on. It is what lands on a Saturday morning table in Punjab: bread that arrives hot and hollow, chickpeas simmered dark with spice, tangy chaat, and cold yogurt-soaked lentil dumplings to finish. Chef Jodhvir Singh, from Punjab, India, with 17+ years of culinary experience, built the board around those dishes; the heritage page has more on that background.

Bold spices. Real ingredients. Pure satisfaction. Made fresh. Made for you.

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

The weekend specials are six vegetarian Punjabi dishes served on Saturday and Sunday only: Choley Bhature $12.99, Tandoori Paneer Kulcha $12.99, Tandoori Aloo Kulcha $11.99, Samosa Choley Chat $10.99, Aloo Tikka Choley Chat $10.99, and Dahi Bhalla $9.99. None of the six appear on the weekday menu.

Weekend Special	Price	What it is	Dietary
Choley Bhature	$12.99	Fluffy, golden bhature with spicy, flavorful choley	Vegetarian
Tandoori Paneer Kulcha	$12.99	Soft kulcha stuffed with tandoori paneer, spices and herbs	Vegetarian
Tandoori Aloo Kulcha	$11.99	Soft, tandoor-baked kulcha stuffed with spiced potatoes	Vegetarian
Samosa Choley Chat	$10.99	Crispy samosa, spicy choley, tangy chutneys and fresh toppings	Vegetarian
Aloo Tikka Choley Chat	$10.99	Crispy aloo tikka with choley, tangy chutneys and fresh toppings	Vegetarian
Dahi Bhalla	$9.99	Soft lentil dumplings, yogurt, tangy chutneys and fresh toppings	Vegetarian, gluten-free

Two are chaat, two are stuffed breads, one is the classic bread-and-chickpea plate, one is a cold yogurt dish — fried, baked, saucy, crunchy and chilled, no entree required. The rest of the 94-dish menu stays available, so a group can split weekend plates and still order Butter Chicken or a biryani.

What is chole bhature, and why do Punjabi families eat it on the weekend?

Chole bhature — spelled Choley Bhature on the Mint Leaf Indian Bistro board and priced at $12.99 — is a two-part dish: bhature, a leavened wheat bread that puffs into a hot golden balloon when it hits oil, and choley, chickpeas simmered in a dark, deeply spiced gravy. It is served Saturday and Sunday only.

Why it is weekend food in Punjab is practical: bhature dough needs time to rest and rise, and the bread has to be eaten within minutes of frying or it deflates. Nobody makes it on a Tuesday before work. It belongs to a morning when the family sits long enough to eat bread straight out of the pan.

First-timers should expect bread that is soft and elastic rather than flaky, and chickpeas that are savory and tangy rather than sweet. Ask for the heat you want: every dish is customizable from mild to extra hot, and the spice lab page breaks down the blends.

What is a kulcha, and how is it different from naan?

A kulcha is a leavened Punjabi flatbread stuffed with a filling before it is baked, which is the main difference from a plain naan like Butter Naan or Garlic Naan. The kitchen offers two stuffed kulchas on weekends: Tandoori Aloo Kulcha at $11.99, filled with spiced potatoes and baked in the tandoor, and Tandoori Paneer Kulcha at $12.99, filled with tandoori paneer, spices and herbs.

Practically, a naan is a side and a stuffed kulcha is closer to a meal. The potato filling makes the aloo version soft and comforting; the paneer version is firmer, with more bite. Add Mixed Vegetable Raita at $3.99 or a Papad Basket at $3.50 for a full plate under $17.

The nine everyday breads run $3.99 to $6.99 all week; the two tandoori kulchas are weekend-only.

What is Indian chaat, and how do the two chaat plates differ?

Chaat is a family of Indian street snacks built on contrast — crisp, saucy, tangy, fresh — and the kitchen serves two chaat plates on weekends at $10.99 each: Samosa Choley Chat, a crispy samosa under spicy choley, tangy chutneys and fresh toppings, and Aloo Tikka Choley Chat, which swaps in a crispy aloo tikka.

The difference is the crunchy base. Samosa Choley Chat starts with a filled pastry, so you get flaky shell, potato filling and chickpeas in one bite — the heartier of the pair. Aloo Tikka Choley Chat starts with a crisped potato patty, softer inside, and the chutneys read brighter against it.

Both are vegetarian. Craving chickpeas on a weekday? All-week small plates include Vegetable Samosa Chole at $11.99 and Aloo Tikki Chole at $11.99, the latter vegan and gluten-free.

What is dahi bhalla, and is it gluten-free?

Dahi Bhalla is $9.99, vegetarian and gluten-free, and it is the only gluten-free dish among the six weekend specials: soft lentil dumplings served with yogurt, tangy chutneys and fresh toppings, Saturday and Sunday only.

Because the dumplings are lentil-based rather than wheat-based, this is the plate for a gluten-free guest while everyone else tears into bread. It is also the coolest dish on the board, the counterweight to spicy choley, and a smart opener for a sharing table. The kitchen confirms ingredients for any dish at (503) 967-6946.

What should you order first if you have never had Punjabi weekend food?

Order Choley Bhature at $12.99 first — the dish that defines Punjabi weekend eating, and a complete plate on its own. For two people, add Dahi Bhalla at $9.99 and you cover both poles of the board for $22.98 before drinks.

Solo first-timer, $12.99: Choley Bhature. One plate, no decisions.
Two people, $22.98: Choley Bhature plus Dahi Bhalla — hot and fried against cold and tangy.
Table of four, $46.96: Choley Bhature, Tandoori Paneer Kulcha, Samosa Choley Chat and Dahi Bhalla, shared family style.

All six are vegetarian, which makes the board easy for mixed groups. If part of your table wants meat, the regular menu runs 19 non-vegetarian entrees from Butter Chicken at $16.99 to Lamb Keema at $20.99, and all meat served is halal.

When can you get chole bhature in Salem — the exact Saturday and Sunday hours

Weekend specials are available Saturday during lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday continuously from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. They are not served Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is closed on Tuesday.

Day	Hours	Weekend specials?
Monday	11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM	No
Tuesday	Closed	No
Wednesday	11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM	No
Thursday	11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM	No
Friday	11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM	No
Saturday	11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM	Yes
Sunday	12:00 PM - 8:00 PM continuous	Yes

The Sunday schedule is worth circling: a 2:45 PM plate of Choley Bhature is possible on Sunday but not on Saturday, when the kitchen breaks from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. For late-afternoon Indian brunch in downtown Salem, come Sunday.

What should you drink and order for dessert with a weekend plate?

Order a Mango Lassi at $5.50 with anything spicy, or Chai at $2.99 for the traditional weekend-morning pairing, and finish with Gulab Jamun at $4.99 or gluten-free Kheer at $5.99. Nimbu Paani, the Indian lemon drink, is also on the six-item drinks list spanning $2.99 to $5.99.

Choley Bhature + Mango Lassi $5.50: yogurt softens the heat without dulling it.
Tandoori Aloo Kulcha + Chai $2.99: bread and tea, how a Punjabi morning starts.
Any chaat + Nimbu Paani: citrus against chutney.
Dessert to share: Rasmalai $6.50, Carrot Halwa $6.50 or Pistachio Kulfi $5.99, all gluten-free.

How do the weekend specials compare with the weekday lunch thali?

The weekday alternative is the lunch thali, served 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday and Wednesday through Saturday: a Vegetarian Thali at $12.99 with the paneer dish of the day, daal, roti, rice and rice pudding at 650 calories, or a Non-Vegetarian Thali at $14.99 with the chicken dish of the day, daal, roti, rice and rice pudding at 750 calories.

They do different jobs. The thali is a portioned lunch that gets you in and out inside an hour, which suits a workday near the Capitol. The weekend board is the opposite: shareable, hands-on, unhurried. Saturday is the one day you can have either. More detail sits in our guide to Indian lunch in Salem and our overview of Indian cuisine in Salem.

Where is Mint Leaf Indian Bistro, and how far is it from Keizer, Woodburn or Silverton?

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro is at 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, Oregon 97301, in the Oregon State Capitol area, with street parking on High St NE, public lots nearby and Cherriots (Salem-Keizer Transit) bus service. The room is wheelchair accessible at street level and seats up to 120 guests.

Guests drive in from Keizer, Woodburn, Silverton, Stayton, Dallas, Independence and Monmouth, and Sunday suits that trip best, since continuous noon-to-8:00 PM service means no timing the drive around a kitchen break. If you have been hunting for an Indian restaurant near you in the Willamette Valley, plan the weekend visit.

How do you reserve a weekend table, or order the specials to go?

Call (503) 967-6946 to reserve a Saturday or Sunday table, or book online through the reservations page. Dine In, Takeout, Catering and Events are all offered, and larger parties should call ahead, since private dining accommodates up to 120 guests.

One honest note on takeout: bhature and kulcha are best minutes out of the oil or the tandoor, so eat in if you can, while chaat and Dahi Bhalla travel better. For catering or dietary requests, use the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mint Leaf Indian Bistro serve chole bhature in Salem, Oregon?

Yes. Choley Bhature is $12.99 at Mint Leaf Indian Bistro, 360 High St NE in downtown Salem, Oregon, served Saturday and Sunday only.

What days are the weekend specials available?

Saturday and Sunday only. They are not served Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and the restaurant is closed on Tuesday.

How much does chole bhature cost in Salem?

$12.99 for Choley Bhature. The full weekend board runs from $9.99 for Dahi Bhalla to $12.99.

Are any of the weekend specials gluten-free?

Dahi Bhalla at $9.99 is the gluten-free option — lentil dumplings, yogurt, chutneys and fresh toppings. The other five are wheat breads, samosa pastry, or chaat that is not prepared gluten-free.

Are all six weekend specials vegetarian?

Yes, all six are vegetarian. The regular menu also carries 18 vegetarian entrees priced $13.99 to $15.99, plus vegan options.

What is the difference between kulcha and naan?

A kulcha is stuffed before baking and a plain naan is not. Tandoori Aloo Kulcha is $11.99 with spiced potato and Tandoori Paneer Kulcha is $12.99 with tandoori paneer, while Butter Naan at $3.99 is served unfilled.

Can you get Indian brunch in Salem on Sunday afternoon?

Yes. Sunday service runs continuously from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so Choley Bhature and both chaat plates are available all afternoon.

How spicy is the choley, and can it be adjusted?

Spice is adjustable from mild to extra hot, choley included. Tell your server the level you want.

Can the weekend specials be ordered for takeout or catering?

Yes — Dine In, Takeout, Catering and Events are all offered. Call (503) 967-6946 or email info.mintleafindian@gmail.com, keeping in mind that fried bhature and tandoor-baked kulcha are best eaten fresh.

Mint Leaf Indian Bistro in Salem, Oregon holds a 4.8 out of 5 star rating across 313 Google reviews, and the new Saturday and Sunday board is the most direct way to taste the Punjabi cooking Chef Jodhvir Singh brought with him. Come to 360 High St NE in downtown Salem this weekend, order the Choley Bhature at $12.99, and call (503) 967-6946 to hold a table.