On West Henrietta Road sits Taste of India, a restaurant full of rich flavors and recipes that will undoubtedly leave you satisfied. Upon entry, the smell of the cuisine pervades the quiet and undisturbed dining area, stimulating your taste buds and growling stomach.
Arriving with a large appetite is the key to experiencing the delectable flavors from India. But don't worry about having to suffer a long, hungry wait, as you will promptly be served papad, a thin, crisp traditional cracker, accompanied by multiple dipping sauces.
If you're dining in a group, why not start with an appetizer of aloo samosas, deep-fried pastry dough stuffed with mashed potatoes and green peas for only $3? The warm spices will only encourage you to savor every bite. The chicken pakora is another great starter, with mildly spiced boneless chicken pieces dipped in thick batter and fried.
Overwhelmed by the menu's wide variety? For a reasonable price the chicken tikka masala – chicken tikka cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and bell peppers served with Basmati rice – is an authentic dish appealing to a large audience of eaters. Naan, white flour bread baked in a Tandoor, is a perfect table-order to share, as you can dip it into the sauce of whatever you eat for a spotless plate. And don't avoid experimenting for fear of a singed tongue, because no matter what you order, the server will make sure to ask what level of spiciness you prefer.
If you're feeling adventurous, the menu offers the Chef's Special – a platter showcasing dishes baked in a traditional Indian clay oven. Chicken tandoori, chicken malai kebab, boti kebab, seekh kebab, shrimp and your choice of curry is served on a sizzling plate with authentic spices and a basket of naan.
For all those vegetarians out there who love a spicy dinner, the restaurant has over 20 vegetarian dishes, along with vegan options upon request.
Taste of India hosts a lunch buffet Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and a dinner buffet Mondays 5 – 9 p.m.