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    Pema

    4.8 (29 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Order Pema Takeout or Delivery

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    PEMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Pema

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Chow Mein and Roti Bread
    Kara L.

    We came here last Sunday afternoon and sat outside. The atmosphere was quiet with no one dining in - it seems like most people choose takeout. We were helped by a woman who I believe might be the owner, and she was incredibly kind and welcoming. She prepared our food quickly, and the chow mein portions were generous. The food was fantastic, comforting and home-cooked in the best way. The chow mein was my favorite, the bread was fresh and tasty, and the tikka was excellent (a little on the creamy side for me, but still delicious). Overall, it was a great experience, and I appreciated the warm, personal service, even though it seemed to be just one person running things, it felt intimate and genuine. I'll definitely be back, likely for takeout next time! Update: I wanted to include that the prices were reasonable! We spent about $37.

    Chicken saag
    Lena N.

    Good location, with friendly service. Got take out via the Too Good To Go app, which is a great deal! Got a very healthy portion of chicken saag with rice. First few bites were good but then tasted too salty after I got into it. Nice to have protein and vegetables all in one dish.

    Chicken Chili

    Great food, great ambiance, and great service! The menu is simple with a strong selection of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian food. Their Roti and Aloo Paratha's are fluffy, the rice is cooked perfectly, and they do staple dishes really well. I brought my Tibetan relatives who were really impressed with the food. The restaurant is family owned, and the owner is incredibly nice.

    Chicken Tikka Masala and Keema Noodle with beef. This is not the entire serving.
    Alex S.

    I visited this restaurant for takeout last night. It is new in the neighborhood and I wanted to try it out. I ordered the Keema Noodles with beef and chicken Tikka Masala. The food was ready pretty quickly. The Keema noodles were good, though I have never had this dish before, so I have nothing to compare them to. The chicken tikka masala was average, but did fulfill my cravings. The serving size on both dishes were generous portions, and I have plenty of leftovers. The restaurant was empty when I got there, so if you are looking for good and affordable food in RiNo without having to wait for a table somewhere I would recommend it!

    William M.

    Really good! Ordered to-go and food was fresh & on-time for pickup. Very flavorful and great spice profile. Good portion size as well. 2 entrées was enough for me and the fiancée. Highly recommended trying this Himalayan Cuisine.

    Ron Harman K.

    Absolutely LOVE Pema! A most welcome exotic addition to the neighborhood. The owner has done a remarkable job of an upscale Himalayan decor with modern furnishings, well chosen colors, and authentic artifacts from Central Asia. Prices are quite reasonable for some of the finest Tibetan/Nepalese fare I've had anywhere, including in Nepal. And of course the proprietress -- a bona fide Sherpa from the Everest region -- is overwhelmingly warm and welcoming in the namaste tradition. Pema is becoming a regular habit!

    Saag Paneer, Roti, Chicken Korma
    Kristin P.

    Wow, this spot was such a great find! The coconut soup was HEARTY! The saag paneer and chicken korma were both . Serving sizes are generous and the woman working was a doll! We will absolutely be back!

    Pani Puri
    M N.

    Absolute hidden gem! This place is wonderful with exceptional food and great service! It was the perfect place to stop in for lunch and the vibe was peaceful and calm. We had the momo and the pan puri; exquisite. The chai was also on point, wonderful flavor. Go and support a small local business, you won't regret it!

    Himalayan momo

    First, the FOOD WAS AMAZING!!!! No brainer, would come back again. COME HERE TO EAT! Second, the service was superb! Thirdly, I ordered the coconut soup (not pictured) but it was DELISH! I could've had three more bowls of it. The Himalayan momo dumplings were tasty with the tomato sauce to dip it with. The shapaley with beef was HUGE in portion size and also flavorful. The keema noodle was lovely and I asked for some extra spicy chili sauce on the side to go with it. The owner said she's originally from Nepal and that her business has been open for 5 months now! She's trying to still acquire her liquor license, and I'm definitely wishing her success in the neighborhood! Will definitely be coming back.

    Chicken Chili
    Andrea L.

    The food is really good and flavorful! The chow mein was delicious and the portions are pretty big!

    Hot chai and steamed chicken momo.
    Nick S.

    Pema has friendly staff, a relaxing ambiance, and incredible food. They nail snacks like pani puri and pakora, have excellent fresh rotis, and every entree I've tried (chicken saag, momos) have been delicious. Serving sizes are generous. I usually leav leftovers which are still great the next day.

    Himalayan Curry and Korma

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Everything is delicious and everyone who works there is very friendly. Highly recommend

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Food was amazing and the owner was super sweet. She gave us extra rice. Got one of the curries and the momos.

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    3 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    6 months ago

    The food is amazing! The only issue was the restaurant was very chilly. I will definitely go back and/or take out.

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    5 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Ordered the daal (lentil) soup to go! Was asked about spice level and she did a perfect job nailing the spice. Great flavor and service!

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Great service, super nice owner. I personally really liked the chicken korma and went back a few times for it. The ambiance is great too!

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    Ask the Community - Pema

    Himchuli RINO - Indian & Nepali Cuisine

    Himchuli RINO - Indian & Nepali Cuisine

    4.5
    (143 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    This place is delicious! We had chicken tikka masala, biriyani, and vindaloo. Everything had so…read moremuch flavor and the meat was plentiful and tender. We also tried the momos, packed full with filling and a chewy wrapper. They came with a chilled sauce that wasn't my favorite though. The price is reasonable as well, because each portion can serve 2 for the most part. Definitely recommend!

    As a fellow Indian travelling to Denver, good Indian food was not something I was even expecting…read more After having tried a couple of different spots, my expectations were guarded. But this place completely changed my take on this. Most of the crowd in here was... well... not Indian which was not uncommon for Denver. When we ordered the Kadai Paneer and the Daal Makhni and told them to make it super spicy... they did. And the flavors literally took us back home. This wasn't just the best Indian food in Denver... but it was one of the Top 10 Indian food we've ever had outside of India. It even put some of the places in India to shame. Super fresh ingredients, made to order unlike most places who have the curries and daals ready. The naan was made fresh as well and not reheated frozen stuff which many restaurants still serve at high pricepoints. The service was topnotch as well. Ambiance was quite cozy and not super loud despite how busy it got after about 7pm. Definitely our go-to Indian in Denver... never thought I'd have an Indian spot in Denver I would crave going to again and again.

    Photos
    2025.01.18 - Interior
    2025.01.18 - Interior
    Chilli MoMo
    Chilli MoMo
    Tandoori chicken

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    Tandoori chicken
    SPICE ROOM

    SPICE ROOM

    4.5
    (635 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    I cannot believe it took as long as it did to get here. To be fair we did try a couple times and…read morethe parking was so packed we couldn't find a spot. All pointing to an excellent experience. The timing was right for my husband and I to come for a Sunday lunch. The service was fast and friendly. We started with potato sliders that were really good but not as good as our main courses. My husband opted for the lamb tiki masala and I opted for the eggplant (Baingan Bharta) Thali meal. The dal soup and spiced potatoes that came in the Thali were incredible. My favorite part was the chai though. I cannot drink milk and the alternative was oat milk. This was one of the best chais I have had in my life. So so good.

    Ordered: Thali w Butter Chicken (~$24): served with…read morestreet-style chaat, garlic naan (+50¢), rice, dal soup, jeera potatoes, dessert (rice pudding), and soft drink Lamb Biryani (~$17): spiced rice, marinated lamb, vegetables, nuts, and spices; served with raita (yogurt sauce) Aya's take: I was craving Indian food during my recent trip to Denver and came across Spice Room. The Thali caught my eye as it's essentially a traditional platter with a variety of balanced small plates from rice to potatoes to dal soup and even dessert all on a single tray. I got it with Butter Chicken which was so good! Highly recommend as it was creamy, medium spicy, and very aromatic. I absolutely loved the street-style chaat! It's creamy, crunchy, cold, and loaded with flavors and textures. Such a satisfying bite and I almost couldn't stop until it was gone. I love that this Thali came with both rice & naan as I usually want both and can't decide lol! The rice was fluffy and aromatic from the cumin while the garlic naan was fresh, soft, and delicately brushed with garlic & parsley. I didn't care for the dal soup (bit too watery) or the jeera potatoes (bit undercooked) but the dessert was a nice way to end the meal. Their options included rice pudding and gulab jamun; I went with the "healthier" option lol. It was creamy, sweet, and cooled down my palate after the various dishes. The Lamb Biryani was another good try! The lamb chunks were tender and seasoned, the rice was aromatic, and it paired well with the onions and raita (yogurt sauce). This definitely satisfied my craving and I'm glad I stopped by before the long day I had ahead!

    Photos
    SPICE ROOM
    Chicken Aachari
    Chicken Aachari
    Lamb Biryani (~$17)

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    Lamb Biryani (~$17)
    Tikka & Grill 6Th Ave

    Tikka & Grill 6Th Ave

    4.4
    (90 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Tikka and Grill (all 3 locations) has become our family's favorite go-to restaurant. With several…read morevegans and vegetarians in the family, we always find lots of options. Almost everything can be made vegan if you ask, and they easily adjust the level of spice to every member of the family. We love the saag tofu and the masalas and the curries and the Mushroom Manchurian and the ... oh no, now I am hungry again! Wonderful, wonderful menu and excellent service. Try it!

    Gaia Masala & Burger: Where Smash Burgers Meet Curry House Comfort…read more Gaia Masala & Burger has built an intriguing niche by blending Indian comfort food with American fast-casual favorites. With locations stretching from San Francisco to Kansas City and New York City, plus four outposts across Northern Colorado, the concept has clearly found an audience eager for culinary crossovers. Our visit took us to the Denver location at 6th Avenue and Grant Street, tucked into a modest strip mall parking lot shared with a Wendy's--a decidedly unassuming setting for a menu that promises far more adventure than its surroundings suggest. The dining experience begins with a bit of uncertainty. Upon entering, it's not immediately clear whether guests should seat themselves or order first. A small "Order Here" sign pointed us toward the register, but we were escorted to a table by a server who proceeded to take the order there. It wasn't a major issue, but it set the tone for a service experience that felt a little disjointed throughout the meal. Fortunately, the menu quickly shifted our attention. Gaia's offerings are expansive, ranging from traditional Indian dishes to playful fusion creations. To get a broad sense of what they do, we ordered a signature item, something entirely new to us, and a classic Indian entrée. The signature choice was the Beef Tikka Masala Burger, a creation that perfectly captures the restaurant's concept--recently featured in Denver Post's "5 of the most underrated burgers in Denver." Built in the style of a juicy smash burger, it arrived topped with marinated cucumbers and a creamy masala sauce. Guests choose both the burger's temperature and spice level; we opted for well-done and mild. Despite the well-done preparation, the burger remained impressively juicy and flavorful. The masala brought warmth and depth without overwhelming the beef. Next time, I'd probably venture up to the "Mild Plus" spice level for a little extra kick. Our adventurous selection was the Dry Chili Paneer, an appetizer that immediately became one of the highlights of the meal. Despite its name, there was nothing remotely dry about it. Large cubes of paneer were sautéed in a savory soy-based sauce packed with fresh chilies and vibrant flavor. Spice levels range from one to six, and even at level one, a few bites carried a surprising spark of heat. The balance of richness, saltiness, and spice made this dish both addictive and memorable. For our traditional entrée, we chose the Chicken Korma. Served alongside rice, the korma leaned slightly more turmeric-forward than many versions I've encountered, but the flavor was warm, comforting, and well-rounded. Generous pieces of chicken and chunks of cashew throughout the sauce added both substance and texture, making it a satisfying and flavorful classic. The timing of the meal, however, was somewhat unusual. The burger arrived nearly five minutes before either the appetizer or the korma, which disrupted the flow of sharing dishes at the table, as well as the delay of utensils. Seeing a soda fountain in the dining room, we ordered fountain drinks, but were a little confused it was not self-serve nor were free refills offered. Another eyesore was the heap of dirty dishes that were bussed from the empty tables to the area right next to the soda fountain, instead of hidden and out of sight. Service remained pleasant but somewhat inattentive, and we ultimately had to flag down our server to request the check. While the dine-in experience left room for improvement, the food itself made a strong impression. Gaia Masala & Burger succeeds where it matters most: delivering bold flavors and creative combinations that feel more thoughtful than gimmicky. The menu still offers plenty of territory worth exploring, including fusion items like Mediterranean pizzas and calzones that further showcase the restaurant's willingness to experiment. For us, Gaia feels less like a destination dining experience and more like a future delivery favorite. With availability across all major delivery platforms and a menu packed with craveable options, it's easy to imagine these dishes becoming regular additions to a takeout rotation. The service may not inspire a special trip back to dine in, but the food is compelling enough that we'll certainly be ordering again.

    Photos
    Tikka & Grill 6Th Ave
    Tikka & Grill 6Th Ave
    Daal Tadka

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    Daal Tadka
    Mint Indian Restaurant & Lounge

    Mint Indian Restaurant & Lounge

    4.2
    (549 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Wow! Delicious Indian food with both North and South Indian options…read more I happened in by myself just a few minutes before closing, but they were very nice and seated me even though the kitchen was about to close. The veggie samosas were amazing! Crispy outside, not the more common soft outside, flavorful filling. And huge portion. Two very large samosas were more appropriate for two to split the appetizer portion. Garlic nan was fabulous. Because it was late i I got something quick which was chicken tiki masala. Excellent! Perfect rich creamy sauce with very tender pieces of chicken. Staff was super friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be back if I'm ever back to Denver!

    Stopped in here for dinner while exploring 16th st!…read more Solid Indian restaurant! The inside decor may feel outdated to some but I like the hole in the wall/small business feel. Made me feel right at home. And the server was very attentive and answered any and all the questions we had about the food! My go tos at an Indian restaurant are typically a mango lassi, garlic naan, and a lamb Rogan Josh or lamb curry. I saw they had something I hadn't heard of before so I had to try it, the Chettinad chicken curry. I think that was my favorite! Food was seasonable perfectly (not surprised) and medium was the perfect spice level for us. Would recommend if you're downtown and looking for GOOD Indian food!

    Photos
    Entree Bar
    Entree Bar
    Cheese Naan.
    Cheese Naan.
    Bar area

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    Bar area

    Pema - himalayan - Updated June 2026

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