Kinnera Indian Restaurant

Rhode Island

Oct 26

Oil-Free, Flavor-Heavy.

"Authentic is always authentic,” says Neelu Sambaraju. Since opening in 2023, Kinnera Indian Restaurant has been quietly winning over the community one guest at a time. Neelu and his wife, Neelima Sambaraju, trust the slow process of building their business confident that authentic flavors speak for themselves. Regional specialties from across India delight diners, tikka masala from Northern India to tiffins, small plates from the South. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted from family recipes, with a focus on authentic Indian flavors. The chicken biryani has become a local favorite, and the couple knows their way around the dish. They’re from Hyderabad, known for its iconic style of biryani. An historic dish with origins dating back to the seventeenth century. Hyderabadi dum biryani is a layered preparation of meat and rice that is sealed and slowly simmered, “dum” meaning sealed and slow cooked. Their chicken tikka masala, succulent chicken doused in richly spiced gravy and served over rice, keeps diners coming back. Meanwhile, the tandoori oven works its magic, delivering oil-free grilled meats and soft, pillowy naan, perfectly cooked every time.

For the pair, opening a restaurant in the US was a dream that was decades in the making. With Kinnera, that dream has finally become reality. Kinnera means “angel,” a celestial being from Hindu and Buddhist mythology known for spreading music, love, and joy. We are so proud to work with Neelu and Neelima!