"My vegetable vindaloo was phenomenal. Rather spicy, but also flavorful. I felt so much warmth and rejuvenation in every bite. It was unbelievable. It felt like bliss in food form. I didn’t miss the chicken whatsoever, as the vegetables did the job just perfectly. The rice was also warm and spicy. The food also looked beautiful. The vindaloo had a boiling red color that perfectly matched the exhilarating heat. I was doubtful about how good vegetarian Indian food would be, but Samudra didn’t just exceed my expectations, no, Samudra eclipsed all of my preconceptions about what vegetarian food could be. Samudra proved to me that meat’s importance may be overstated, at least from a culinary standpoint. Even without meat, the vindaloo was the most tasty I’d ever had. The spice was perfectly balanced: enough to pack a punch, but still scarce enough not to overwhelm the flavors. And boy, were they good flavors. Did I mention that this meal was $12? $12, for one of the best meals of my life. What a steal. Samudra is why I explore restaurants, to find something brilliant and different, that also illuminates me. Not only was the food brilliant and unique, my dinner at Samudra changed my entire culinary outlook. I once saw meat as crucial, and in fact, I was dreading an Indian meal without warm chicken or pork, but Samudra has changed my mind: vegetarian food can be as good if not better than anything with meat. Adjusted for price, Samudra is my favorite Indian restaurant, even without price, it probably still is. (Although Astoria’s Seva is phenomenal, too. But with price, this food is unbeatable. Not to mention that Samudra is a place I can take everyone: meat eaters and vegetarians. I left Samudra feeling both light, and enlightened. I love everything about Samudra, from the dingy aesthetic, to the expansive menu, to the amazing prices, to the unmatchable quality of the food. Is this my new favorite restaurant? Maybe. Rating: 10/10 Adjusted Rating: 10/10"
