"Food quality Service Ambiance Value Menu selection Location/Accessibility Overall experience Date visited: 11/11/2023 During a weekend excursion to the vibrant city of Columbus, I seized the opportunity to indulge my palate in the diverse and rich flavors of Indian cuisine at Aab India Restaurant. Accompanied by my dining companion, KK, our culinary escapade unfolded with the promise of an extraordinary dining experience. Arriving just before noon, we found the exterior of Aab India unassuming, a subtle facade that betrayed little of the culinary marvels concealed within. The challenge of parking, however, proved a minor detour on our quest for gastronomic bliss. Having secured a spot in the Big Lot parking lot down the street, we waited outside, eagerly anticipating the moment when the doors would swing open to reveal the warmth and aromatic allure that awaited us. As the clock struck 12, the portal to this culinary haven opened, and we eagerly sought refuge from the brisk autumn air. A gracious staff member ushered us to a neatly arranged table, allowing my companion to peruse the menu while I immersed myself in the restaurant's ambiance. The interior unfolded with systematic organization—tables optimized for space, a bar counter adorned with a curated collection hinting at a storied history, and at the far end, a buffet counter laden with an enticing array of Indian culinary treasures. The decor, an elegant fusion of warmth and antiquity, transported diners to a bygone era. With its antique-inspired ceiling, floor, and furnishings, Aab India exuded an authenticity that promised an immersive dining experience. The warm color palette and tantalizing aroma further heightened the anticipation, especially as I imagined the ambiance taking on a magical allure as daylight gave way to night. Choosing the all-you-can-eat buffet, we joined a queue that mirrored our eagerness to explore the Indian culinary landscape. Labels adorned each tray, providing glimpses into the myriad dishes that awaited us. My plate became a canvas for a symphony of flavors—a scoop of herbal basmati rice, curry that was a departure from the familiar Chicken Tikka Masala, naan bread, fresh vegetables, and a dessert whose uniqueness intrigued my senses. Returning to our table, the first bites were revelations. The curry, a choreography of spices, danced on my palate, and the naan bread, while exemplary on its own, ascended to sublime heights when dipped in the curry. KK, fully immersed in the experience, relished basmati rice, Chicken Tikka, and an assortment of vegetables with evident delight. In the midst of our culinary reverie, an attentive waitress graced our table, ensuring our glasses remained filled. A managerial or culinary presence, keen on enhancing our experience, paid a gracious visit, adding a personal touch to our culinary journey. Our senses satiated and the ambiance savored, we lingered a while before bidding adieu to the burgeoning crowd. Overwhelmed by the newfound popularity, we settled the bill, generously tipping for the delightful fare and attentive service—a mere $16 per person, a paltry sum for the culinary symphony we had indulged in. Overall, Aab India Restaurant emerges as an unparalleled gem in the culinary scene of Columbus. A haven for those seeking not just a meal but a gastronomic journey, it stands as a testament to the alluring wonders of Indian cuisine. As I departed, the promise echoed—an assurance that whenever Columbus beckons, Aab India will be my chosen sanctuary for an encore of extraordinary flavors and warm hospitality."
Mixed Platter
