LadyRed S.
Yelp
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
I've been several times since the place opened and the food here is wonderful. I've been a gourmet cook for well over 30 years and I've eaten ethnic foods all over the world. I've had Indian food in some of the poshest locations as well as some great hole in the wall places. Chhote's is at the top of my list for really good, simple flavorful Indian food.
They have a small menu of exquisitely made dishes that are seasoned to perfection. Not overly spiced nor under spiced and there is no bitter overwhelming "curry" taste of too much turmeric. Each dish has a distinctive flavor all it's own, not like many Indian places where everything tastes pretty much the same and is super spicy and harsh. The spice level here is just right to let the flavors of the ingredients come through. If you prefer more spice, they are happy to accommodate you and make your dish as spicy as you wish.
Everything is fresh, made to order and delicious. No pre-cooked, pre-packaged fast food or mass produced ingredients in this kitchen. They take great pride in their cooking and it shows. They even have the kitchen surrounded in glass so you can watch them cook. Now that is transparency!
I've tried almost everything on the menu and never been disappointed. They offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes also, so there is something for everyone. I am not a vegetarian or vegan, but find those dishes are also very tasty and well made.
The onion bhaji are now my great addiction, so flavorful and crisp, with a cilantro or tamarind dipping sauce, both of which are excellent. The lamb curry is so tender it melts in your mouth. The chicken tikka masala is perfect and the butter chicken has just the right balance of tomato and cream in the sauce. I am not a big fan of eggplant, but tried the new Baingan Bharta and wow, I was spectacularly surprised at how savory and flavorful it was. I will now order it often I am sure.
The establishment is clean, open and airy and the staff couldn't be more friendly and hospitable. They gladly explained each dish to me, what was in it, how it is made and even told me about the special equipment they brought over from Nepal for creating some of the dishes.
I'm so thrilled that Chhote's chose Garner as their new location. This area needed a good Indian restaurant. They have a new menu coming out next week and I am looking forward to trying the new dishes!