24/05/2025: Graduation Dinner or Great Masala Mystery?
We were out celebrating a major milestoneâour son graduating high school! Spirits were high, and so were our expectations as we walked into this well-reviewed Indian restaurant. The playlist was playing desi tunes, the staff were warmly welcoming (and Indian!), and the dĂ©cor leaned elegantânot kitschy Bollywood. Promising start.
We ordered a celebratory spread: Chakra Thali, North Indian Thali, Punjabi Chole, soft drinks for the graduate, a touch of rosé for my wife, red wine for myself, and kulfi to seal the meal. A feast fit for a proud moment.
But then, the first subtle red flagânot a single Indian patron in sight. A full house, yet we seemed to be the only ones who mightâve grown up with actual masala dabba in the kitchen. We exchanged a look. Cautious optimism turned into culinary curiosity.
The North Indian Thali arrived... and well, letâs just say it couldâve been confused for dessert. A sweetness that left us wondering if the chef had confused halwa with curry. It wasnât badâit was just confusing, like a Bollywood movie with French subtitles and a surprise twist ending.
And then came the Masala Chai Moment.
Now, I donât play games with chai. I double-checked with the serverââIs this real masala chai? Not just fancy tea in disguise?â Affirmative nod. I leaned back, awaiting a warm, spiced elixir of comfort.
What I got instead was... a pot of tea with floating masala tea bags and some milk tossed in like an afterthought. A beverage betrayal. I gently asked for it to be taken away. The server returned with the final twist: "This is how we make masala chai."
That was the plot twist I didnât sign up for.
All said, the staff were kind, the kulfi was lovely, and the milestone was well celebrated. But if youâre going here expecting the soulful flavors of a proper Indian kitchen, prepare for a bit of culture shock. Next time, Iâll just BYOCâbring your own chai!!
12/05/2025: Amazing food, it really was outstanding. . fantastic service, all staff were really lovely and friendly, Mia was our waitress and was so nice. Would highly recommend.