James L.
Yelp
Another indication of post-COVID normalcy, is the return of the Jaipur Royal Indian lunch buffet. Granted, the lunch buffet is only available Friday-Sunday currently, but pre-COVID, Jaipur was a main stay for their AYCE lunch offering.
I've been coming to Jaipur for 10+ years...and for good reason. Courteous service, tasty food at reasonable prices, all while the diner is transformed to India's legendary "Pink City." For first time patrons, they will immediately appreciate the care and thought that has gone into the design and décor, with an ornate swing in the foyer, colorful curtains, Indian dolls, and a pink color motif throughout the dining room.
But Jaipur is especially known for their lunch buffet. At a previous job, my co-workers would make Jaipur our every other Friday lunch outing. I visited recently and appreciate the COVID protocols the restaurant has instituted. The staff is masked up, and there are hand sanitizers readily available. And customers are required to don masks when not at their tables, and to wear plastic gloves before grabbing a clean plate and handling the food tongs.
And the food is just as I remember: fresh, flavorful, with all of the "greatest hits" of Indian cuisine. The usual suspects of mini-samosas and some sort of fried protein (there was both a fried fish and chicken) appetizer is available, along with salad and sauce options. I recommend the sweet/spicy tamarind as well as bright green mint chutney for dipping. But don't be a buffet n00b and fill up on these items, since the next station has all of the best food.
Jaipur caters to both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. I LOVE Indian style paneer cheese, and there is usually a paneer dish available. Paneer's texture is semi-soft and adopts the flavor of the sauce it's usually prepared in. I also enjoy the creamed spinach (Palak) which is excellent dipped with the fresh basket of naan bread (have to request it). There is also usually a stewed lentil dish in a savory sauce.
Tandoori grilled chicken has a subtle smoky and charred flavor, but honestly could even do with a bit more seasoning; whether that be more salt, curry, or even some more spicy heat. And of course, the staple of all Indian buffets, the creamy butter chicken is smooth and goes well the basmati rice. Just be sure to save room for dessert, which usually consists of sweet/sticky Gulab Jamun or if you're lucky, there will be mango ice cream.
If planning on visiting during peak lunch hours, I'd recommend calling ahead for reservation, since the restaurant is also limiting seating for COVID. Small inconvenience to have one of my favorite lunch buffets available to the public again.