Indian restaurant & takeaway 196 King Street, Newtown
SERVING TRUE INDIAN FLAVOURS SINCE 1991
Step into Newtown’s OG Indian diner, where decades-old recipes, bold spices, and slow-cooked curries come to life — all served in a vibrant, newly renovated space built for unforgettable dining.
- 4.5★ · 2,200+ Google reviews (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
- Gluten-free naan & vegan options
- Dine in · Pickup · Delivery
Naan Sense at a glance
- Rated 4.5 stars · 2,200+ Google reviews (opens Google Maps in a new tab)
- Time Out: ‘A King Street mainstay’ (opens Time Out in a new tab)
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Since 1991 on King Street
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GF naan & vegan options
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Open Everyday 11:30am–10:30pm
Newtown’s OG Indian diner, since 1991. Butter chicken $21.90, garlic and cheese naan, 3 curries on rice, gluten-free naan, mango lassi. Open 7 days. Order direct and save.
renovated in 2023, same kitchen since 1991
A buzzing Newtown favourite
Recently renovated with a modern touch, Naan Sense Indian Diner blends the energy of Newtown with the warmth of Indian hospitality. Expect a buzzing, casual atmosphere where you can dine in, grab a quick bite, or settle in for a full feast.
Whether it’s a laid-back dinner, a catch-up with friends, or a spontaneous craving for something bold and flavour-packed — this is the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.
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1991 on King Street since
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4.5 stars 2,200+ Google reviews
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7days open 11:30am till late
have a squiz
From the kitchen and dining room
Twelve photos, all shot at 196 King Street, Newtown.
the bain-marie way — pick, point, eat
Meal deals
Our 3-curries-on-rice deals have fed Newtown students, night-shifters and cinema-goers since the Tamana’s days. Same idea, still the best value on King Street.
apps take a cut — we’d rather you kept it
Order direct. Same food, less fees.
Pickup and delivery straight from our kitchen at naansense.getserved.com.au. No third-party mark-ups, and the money goes to the people cooking your dinner.
- Pickup ready in minutes on King Street
- Delivery to Newtown and surrounds
- Meal deals only available at our own prices here
Also on Menulog, DoorDash and Uber Eats if you must — but you’ll pay more.
harmony, not just heat
This is what real Indian food tastes like
Indian cuisine is all about harmony — where spices aren’t just heat, but layers of flavour that unfold with every bite. It’s the slow cooking, the careful blending of herbs and aromatics, and the kind of depth you don’t just taste — you feel.
That’s what gives life to rich, slow-simmered curries layered with warmth and complexity, and fresh naan that’s soft, fluffy, and perfectly charred from the tandoor. Every bite strikes a balance — creamy, smoky, tangy, and bold all at once.
At Naan Sense, that tradition is done right — perfected over 35 years using time-honoured techniques and a passion you can taste in every dish.
plenty of options
Gluten-free naan & vegan options
Most of our curries are made without gluten-containing ingredients, we bake gluten-free naan and pappadums, and vegetarian and vegan dishes make up a big chunk of the menu.
Our kitchen also handles wheat, dairy and nuts, so please tell us about any allergy when you order and we’ll steer you right.
Gluten-free & vegetarian favourites ask for these
- GF naan
- GF pappadums
- Butter Chicken
- Palak Paneer
- Mixed Dhal
- Aloo Eggplant
- Vegetable Korma
GF = made without gluten-containing ingredients · V = vegetarian (many are vegan — ask).
on King Street since 1991
Not the new kids in town
Long before the name Naan Sense, this spot was already a local institution. Previously known as Tamana’s and North Indian Diner, we’ve been serving authentic Indian food in Newtown since 1991. While the name and space have evolved, the heart of the kitchen hasn’t changed.
Namaste. Did you know we aren’t the new kids in town? Our curry connoisseurs have been spicing up Newtown taste buds since ’91 — which makes us the OGs of King Street.
Formerly Tamana's (1991) and Newtown North Indian Diner — same kitchen, same chefs.
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196 King Street, back in the day 1991: Tamana’s opens at 196 King Street
A North Indian diner with a bain-marie full of curries and a line out the door. Three meats and rice for about six dollars, if the regulars are to be believed.
Been coming here since 1996 and was mostly known as the North Indian Diner till recently and was originally about $6 for three meats and rice back then!
John, Google review -
the three-curries-on-rice years 2000s: Becomes Newtown North Indian Diner
Same family, same chefs, same three-curries-on-rice. Cinema-goers from the Dendy, students from Sydney Uni and half of Enmore ate here on the way home.
“A King Street mainstay” — Time Out, 2015
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new pink walls, new neon 2023: Renovated and renamed Naan Sense
New pink walls, new neon, same kitchen. We kept the recipes and the people; we only changed the sign.
experience matters
Same chefs. Same passion. Same recipes that have been winning over locals for decades.
That’s why generations of customers continue to return — because when it comes to real Indian food, experience matters.
196 King Street regulars, since 1991
Loved by locals, Backed by decades of loyalty
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Been coming here since 1996 … very good food court style Indian ready to go.
John — Google review -
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Flavourful, affordable, and had generous portion sizes … the lady serving us offered to cook them fresh.
Jacob — Google review -
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Massive samosas, they are so good. Incredible food and sooo many options, friendly staff.
Anna — Google review -
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Every dish was beautiful, full of flavour, and clearly made with care … I’ve lived just up the road for years and I’m kicking myself that this was my first visit.
Cait — Google review -
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The vindaloo is the perfect spice level … Great value for money.
Krissie — Google review -
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Butter chicken … it’s crazy good … Their naan is super good too … the vibes inside are really good.
Rosi — Google review
Rating and count as shown on Google, checked September 2026.
tonight, the weekend or the whole crew
Secure your table & skip the wait
Book in under a minute. Walk-ins welcome too — but Friday and Saturday nights fill up.
- Open Everyday11:30am–10:30pm
- Groups of 8 or moreTables of 8 or more — please call us so we can set the room up properly.
Gluten-free or vegan? Pop it in the booking notes.
Pick a time — you’ll get a confirmation by SMS and email.
Can’t see the booking form? Call (02) 9519 2035 or message us on Instagram @naansense_newtown.
the things people ring us about
Good questions
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Do I need to book?
Not always — walk-ins are welcome and the bain-marie means you can be eating in minutes. For Friday and Saturday dinners, or a group, book above so we can hold a table.
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Can you take group bookings?
Yes. For parties of eight or more, call (02) 9519 2035 and we’ll set up the room and talk you through sharing options like the Family Feast.
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What are your opening hours?
Open every day, 11:30am–10:30pm. That includes most public holidays — check our Instagram for holiday changes.
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How do I get there / where do I park?
We’re at 196 King Street, a few minutes’ walk from Newtown Station towards the city end of King Street. Buses stop right outside. Street parking on and around King Street is timed and mostly metered, so if you’re driving, try the side streets and walk the last block — or just take the train.
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Do you have gluten-free and vegan food?
Plenty. Most curries are made without gluten-containing ingredients, we bake gluten-free naan and pappadums, and vegetarian and vegan dishes make up a big chunk of the menu. Our kitchen also handles wheat, dairy and nuts, so please tell us about any allergy when you order and we’ll steer you right.
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Is your food halal?
Please ask us before you order — call (02) 9519 2035 or ask at the counter and we’ll tell you exactly which dishes suit you.
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Can I BYO?
Give us a quick call on (02) 9519 2035 before you come and we’ll let you know the current BYO arrangements.
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Do you do delivery, pickup, catering or kids?
Pickup and delivery: order direct at naansense.getserved.com.au (no marketplace mark-up). Kids: very welcome — mango chicken, cheese naan and mango lassi are the usual winners, and there’s room for prams. Catering or events: ask us — call the diner and we’ll see what we can do.
Something else? Call (02) 9519 2035 or DM @naansense_newtown.
Ready for a proper Indian feast?
Book your table today and experience the rich flavours, bold spices, and iconic dishes that have made us a Newtown favourite since 1991. Or order direct for pickup and delivery — same kitchen, no app fees.
the naan and only, since 1991
Find us and get in touch
