Restaurant Reviews

Dining out is a treat! So, it's better to know your options than experiment on your stomach. Below is a collection of restaurants, eateries and cafes that we've had the best luck of eating some amazingly prepared and flavored dishes. The list is categorized by geography and then in alphabetical order. Click on the restaurant name and/or dishes for my reviews. ENJOY!! 

United States: New Jersey

Adyar Ananda Bhavan - Parsippany
Pure vegetarian restaurant. Really good dosas.   

Begum Palace - Madison
I've always been a fan of restaurants that play ethnic music that's usually instrumental and/or pleasing to listen to and enjoy. I enjoyed the fusion music at this restaurant; it set the mood for dining. I loved the attention we received from both the wait staff and the owner; very courteous and helpful. Before I forget, the food here was excellent and flavorful...both for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Check out our review.

Bombay Spice - Bridgewater
We loved their appetizers. Check out our review. 

Chand Palace  - Parsippany
Good vegetarian restaurant in the Northwest Jersey area. Check out our review.

Cinnamon - Whippany

Deccan Spice - Jersey City
Loved their version of Hyderabadi biryani and their prices are reasonable for the portion size. Website is under construction but you can download their menu in pdf. Check out the review.

Hoysala - Somerset
One of the cleanest South Indian restaurants we've been in our area. Their buffet prices are reasonable and have plenty of choices, including non-vegetarian options.

Jashan - Parsippany

Melange: Asian Fusion Restaurant  - Parsippany
My favorite dishes: Lollipop chicken, Bangkok Chicken, and desserts. Check out the review.

Ming II - Morristown
I love the appetizers and the Singapore noodles. Whenever I go there, I feel like I'm sailing on a wooden boat and enjoying a nice meal. They also have really nice cocktails. 

Mirchi (Parsippany, NJ closed)

Papa Pancho Brick Oven Pizza - Edison
The Tandoor Paneer Makhani Signature Indian pizza is a must-try!

Paradise Biryani Pointe - Parsippany & Edison
The biryanis at both Parsippany and Edison are so good. I also liked the Hariyali chicken dish at the Parsippany location. It was perfectly seasoned and flavorful. It's a must-try dish!!

Paratha Junction - Jersey City

Rajni - Parsippany
A good South Indian restaurant in Northwest Jersey. It specializes in cuisines from 4 states: Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. My favorite dishes are Hyderabadi biryanis, King Fish Fry, and Kerala dish called Vegetable Aviyal - it has a coconut base stew with a variety of vegetables and spices.

New York City

Awadh - Upper West Side
Favorite dishes: Kofta Dilnaaz, Paneer Tikka Masala, Sufiana Murgh Biryaani

Chola - East Side

Tamarind - Gramercy (Zagat Rated)
The quality of the food and service beats out other places. I liked the fact that the manager/owner walked up to the tables and chatted with all the guests. If you have a special occasion coming up and want a really enjoyable experience with some authentic food,  I recommend this place. Please note: make reservations ahead of time. 

Vatan - Midtown
Come Hungry and leave Happy. The best place to go when you want to try a lil bit of everything. Check out our review.

Tennessee

Chauhan Ale and Masala House, Nashville

Bawarchi Biryanis, Franklin


Fast Food Joints - USA:

Kati Roll Company - 49 W. 39th St (between 5th and 6th Ave) New York, NY

I love this particular location over the one in Greenwich Village. Why you may wonder? It's because when I ask for medium spicy rolls, I taste just the right about of spices. It's not too karam (spicy) and not too mild. When I can't go there, I make them at home. Click here for the recipe.  


Eateries - USA:

Hot Breads - Parsippany NJ (Off Route 46E) 
Have a great variety of puffs and pastries. I love their selection of popular snacks like samosa chat, bhel puri, chaat, and vada pav. You should also try Paneer Tikka Panini. It's delicious.  It's great when you're on the run or want to enjoy a relaxing lunch. Check out our review.

Sukhadia's - Parsippany & Edison, NJ
I love my favorite fast food treats here because they make them fresh and tasty. Try Bhel Puri, Samosa Chaat, Aloo Papdi Chaat, and the sweets.


International: India

Choki Dhani - Jaipur
It's a re-creation of an authentic Rajasthani Village with live entertainment such as folk music and dances, puppet shows, camel and horse rides, and rich cuisine. It's a unique experience that should be missed. Check out the pictures.  

Chutneys - Hyderabad
Authentic South Indian cuisine with various types of chutneys to experiment with your palate. Need I say more! Oh, by the way, my dad went there recently and he ordered his favorite: Chiranjeevi Dosa.

Dadu's Purani Dilli - Himayath Nagar, Hyderabad

Ganesh Restaurant - Jaipur
It's the best dhaba I've been to that has mouth-watering garlic naan and paneer bhurji. My sister and I dined there with our travel agent and we couldn't help finishing everything on our plates because it was delicious. Check out the pictures.

Haldiram's - Connaught Place, Delhi
They have more than just snacks, they have a wide selection of dishes from all over India. We especially liked the paneer tikka and kulfi served in clay matkas. Also worth mentioning is that they have a well-maintained ordering system that reduces long lines at order pickup and lets customers enjoy their food. Check out the pictures.

Megana Biryani Point - Madhura Nagar, Ameerpet, Andhra Pradesh
I ate my first and best version of Hyderabadi biryani at this little street vendor/joint near my cousin's place. He told me this was the place to go and he was absolutely correct. We bought different varieties (non-veg and veg) and enjoyed the dishes at home. Hyderabadi biryani is known to be spicy and all my tears were while eating it was worth it.  

Yamu's Panchayat - Connaught Place, Delhi
India's first paan parlor - Exclusive range of paans, chuskies, and mukhwas. 

Surabhi Grand Restaurant - Vidya Nagar, Hyderabad, India

Shree Mithai (P) Ltd - S.No. 284/2, Ponniamman Nagar Main Road, Ayanambakkam, Chennai
Have the best kaju katli

Dessert Spots - Domestic & Beyond

Karachi Bakery - Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, India
Fruit biscuits, triple delight: fruit, chocolate, and almond biscuits, and other favorites include the pineapple cake. Click for review.  

Kwality Ice Cream - Edison, NJ
Words cannot convey how delicious and creamy their ice creams really are. Every time, we visit Edison for shopping or dining, I always pay homage to my favorite dessert spot. You must try the Kulfi Falooda Shake; they have two types to choose from and also try the orange-pineapple flavor. And the best part is they let you try them before you pick what you want. Last I time I went, I tried 4 different kinds before I made my choice.

Nirula's - Delhi, India
Initially we used to go to the place for their ice creams but now whenever we are in the area, we stop by for some pizza. My favorite ice cream flavor is mango. It tastes like they just churned the fresh mango pulp into the cream and froze it just for me. It's that good.

Ohri Eatmor - (Opposite Gandhi Medical College) Hyderabad, India
Even though Havmor changed its name, everything still seems the same. I recommend getting the Chole Batura <- Delish!! Don't forget to treat yourself with one of the ice creams creations (try the Lewinsky).