A curated first-week guide to the Desi community in Washington DC. Find your temple, your grocery store, and your people.
Share with a friend →Step 1: Find a temple, mosque, or gurdwara
Your first connection to the community. Most welcome newcomers.
ISKCON DC Temple
📍 10310 Oaklyn Dr, Potomac
(301) 299-2100
Hindu Temple of Rajdhani
📍 4900 Sully Station Dr, Chantilly
703-263-0060
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Chantilly
📍 3900 Centerview Dr, Chantilly
(703) 378-7747
Durga Mata Temple Germantown
📍 19312 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg
(301) 601-0030
Step 2: Stock up on groceries
Indian grocers carry everything from atta to fresh curry leaves.
Patel Brothers Fairfax
📍 11221 Lee Hwy, Fairfax
703-352-9661
Bharat Bhavan Grocery
📍 6856 Old Dominion Dr, McLean
703-893-4555
Patel Brothers Virginia
📍 4757 Beauregard St, Alexandria
(703) 379-6900
Step 3: Connect with the community
Cultural associations, non-profits, and newcomer networks.
India International Center DC
📍 1615 H St NW, Washington
202-638-4877
Indian Community Center DC
📍 4115 Annandale Rd, Annandale
(703) 941-5688
India International Center DC
📍 2536 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington
Step 4: Eat your comfort food
From biryani to dosa — find the flavors that feel like home.
Minerva Indian Restaurant
📍 9462 Main St, Fairfax
(703) 766-9440
Rasika Restaurant DC
📍 633 D St NW, Washington
202-637-1222
Indique Heights DC
📍 2728 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington
202-244-6600
Rasika
📍 633 D St NW, Washington
(202) 637-1222
Step 5: Get essential services
Desi doctors, accountants, salons, and travel agents who understand you.
More community resources
Everything else you need to settle into Washington DC