"Because I enjoyed my first experience, I decided to order from them again about a month later. This time, I opted for the Tandoori Chicken, and I was disappointed; it tasted like leftover chicken that had simply been reheated and served with some fresh red onions, green peppers, and a lime wedge. It wasn't terrible, but it lacked flavor. I've had leftover Tandoori Chicken before, and this had the unmistakable taste of something that wasn’t fresh. I was really disheartened they would sell a customer leftover chicken—who does that?
The Goat Curry was flavorful, but it was mostly sauce—70% sauce, 20% bone, and just 10% meat. I wish they offered a boneless option because it felt like I was paying for sauce and bones. It was tasty, nonetheless. I also ordered the Chicken Biryani, which was decent but nothing special.
One thing that bothered me was the absence of napkins or utensils in the bag. This is a basic expectation for any restaurant, even from a takeout spot in NYC. Napkins and utensils, please! And for the love of all that is good, don't try to pass off leftovers as fresh to someone who knows Indian cuisine well. I've been enjoying Tandoori Chicken and Indian food since I was 8 years old, and I'm now 41—I can tell the difference.
I wanted this to be my new go-to restaurant, but I'm really unsure about it now. I think I’ll stick with another fantastic place called The Cotillion on Jericho Turnpike.
Another downside to India Cafe is the atmosphere; when you walk in, you feel a bit lost. There’s never anyone at the door to take your order, and there’s a lack of greeting or smiles when you are finally acknowledged. It’s a restaurant, not an after-hours club—there should be some hospitality. If the food is outstanding, poor customer service can be overlooked, but when the food is just okay, it’s essential to make customers feel welcome and satisfied.
While I’m unlikely to return to India Cafe, if you find yourself in a pinch and very hungry, there may be a few dishes worth trying. However, I’ll continue to choose The Cotillion; they are pricier, but their food is consistently outstanding, and they treat my family and me like family every time we visit. The extra travel is well worth it. India Cafe has a lot to improve on, but I hope they can turn things around. Best wishes."
