Ken M.
Yelp
I'm not feeling well, so I'm going local. Getting to the Strip in an Uber/Lyft rude is an easy $80+ both ways. Besides, I have a $25 off coupon (with a minimum order of $75). This is North Indian cuisine (and some South mixed in). Let's see how it goes!
A little about them:
"In an overwhelmingly large pool of food options for both tourists and locals in Las Vegas, India Palace is a standout. Surjit Heera & Devinder Singh brought new life to Las Vegas when they opened the doors of India Palace in Las Vegas over 25 years ago. The restaurant has been open under the same ownership since and has become a staple in the community, known primarily for its deliciously authentic North Indian curries.
Today with the grand re-opening of the newely remodeled restaurant, Las Vegas residents and tourists alike again have the opportunity to experience an amazing culinary journey within a entirely new atmosphere. India Palace presents authentic Indian cuisine in a contemporary environment that has generated a loyal following, including many Indian nationals and ex-patriots who like both North and South Indian specialties."
The music is very authentic!
They have a full bar here. Here's the test. I'll take an " Old Fashioned. Let's see what comes out. The old fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey (typically rye or bourbon), and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry. It is traditionally served with ice in an old fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass). I'm impressed! It is served with a high quality, round ice cube with two amarena cherry garnishes. It is quite strong. I'm not sure if they used any simple syrup or a muddled sugar cube. The bitters is also MIA. I taste only liquor, but hey, who am I to complain? They used Maker's Mark. No wonder it's so good! 90 proof!
For my first appetizer, I'm trying the "Chaat Papdi" which is boiled garbanzo beans mixed with fruit and chutneys, topped with crisp dal waders and puffed rice. It is garnished with yogurt and fresh cilantro. The immediately brought out the mint and tamarind sauce. This dish is big and meant for two. The wafers are very crunchy. This has kick too. The sauces are used with the appetizer. I love the it!
For my soup, I'm having their mulligatawny soup. Mulligatawny is a soup which originated from South Indian cuisine. The name originates from the Tamil words miḷagu ( 'black pepper'), and taṇṇi (, 'water'); literally, "pepper-water". It is related to the dish rasam. Main ingredients commonly include chicken, mutton, and lentils. According to the Oxford Companion to Food, the simplest version of the soup included chicken or mutton, fried onion, and spices. More complex versions may call for "a score of ingredients". Versions originating in southern India commonly called for lentils. It is hot and very yummy! I think it's a little lighter then the South Indian version. Cute bowl. I taste an unusual ingredient at the bottom. I have no idea what it is. They also use tandoori chicken in it!
For my salad , I'm having the "Onion and Chili" salad . This is new to me. It's red onions and green chili pepper with a brown spice of some sort. Those peppers are hot so I only had a few slices. There is also a slice of lemon to sprinkle too.
I'm also trying a side of "mixed pickles." I believe those are vinegarized mango . I used to hate this. I no longer do. It is salty so beware. For many, this is an acquired taste! I have acquired it.
It's official. I have clearly baffled the server. She was talking to two other employees and looking my way. I'm not sure you. I think she is baffled that I order one item at a time.
For my next drink, I'm having the "Taj Mahal." I just saw the bartender shake that mixing cup for a LONG TIME! I heard it was made of run, pineapple juice and grenadine. It's not strong, (like zero alcohol), but otherwise tastes good ! The long shake or just too little alcohol (or both or none at all) could explain the taste.
For my entree, I'm having the "Andhra Chicken Curry" which is actually a South Indian style chicken curry with a chef special Andhra Masala sauce. This is a very complicated sauce to make!
Yikes! This is real good ! It's hot, spicy and delicious! Low cholesterol too.
For dessert , I'm having the "Gajjar Halwa" which are shredded carrots cooked over hours with ghee and a blend of nuts . The dish of real warm. Wow ! Is this good !!!
Ghee is a type of clarified (butter from which all milk solids have been removed. The result is a clear, yellow butter that can be heated to higher temperatures before burning) butter, originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly used for cooking, as a traditional medicine, and for religious rituals.
What a great meal!