Michael X.
Yelp
Desi Tadka has been on my to try list for some time - it always looked like an interesting Indian restaurant, and I pass by it and I'm in the area. So I decided to swing by an check this place out! I've been here a couple of times now, once on a Wednesday and once on a Sunday - and I can say that based on the two days that I came, service and seating is usually fast.
The ambiance of the restaurant has music playing and gives off a lively vibe. There are a good amount of seating throughout the restaurant, and seating is first come first serve - you can seat yourself to any open seats. Ordering is done at the cash register and they will bring out your food - after ordering, we got our food about 10-15 minutes after ordering.
I got the Special Tali option, as it looked to be the choice with the most variety - I wanted an opportunity to try as much of a restaurant's food as I could. The Special Tali comes with several different curries - chickpea, spinach, lentil, and paneer. You can also specify the spice level of the dishes from 1 to 5 - I got a level 2 spice, which had a mild level of spice. Level 3 - 4 would probably be better if you are looking for a higher heat level. The flavors of each option was deep and has a good amount of flavor - I would say my favorite would be the paneer and creamed spinach curries. There also is a dessert on the tray that I think is kheer - it is a rice pudding with cinnamon and clove flavoring which was delicious. There are also are small side dishes like a very pure yogurt with popped rice, earthly pickled carrots and vegetables, and spicy radish/pepper/radish salad. The Special Tali also comes with an option of three types of indian bread (roti, naan, etc.), that comes out hot and brushed with I think is ghee.
I also got the Gobhi Pakora, as I enjoy Gobhi items in any form. The cauliflower is fried nicely and the crust is crispy - though a personal preference was that the breading a slightly on the thicker side. I would say that this is a very hearty appetizer that would be nicely split between 3 people.
In the end, I spent about $33 for everything that you see here. If you are looking for a solid place for vegetarian Indian cuisine in the Bellevue area, Desi Tadka would be a good pick. The menu has quite a bit of different entrees that look enticing, and I would definiltely like to revisit to try some of the other options!