Kiran A.
Yelp
**This place was upsetting... to say the least.**
My girlfriends and I saw a bunch of posts about this spot on Instagram and decided to make reservations and check it out. It wasn't packed when we arrived, but it's still worth reserving a table -- about 70% of the place was full on a Tuesday night. There's parking in the front and back, not a ton, but there's street parking nearby so finding a spot wasn't an issue.
We were seated right away, but wow -- it is *cramped*. There was a group of four guys at the table directly behind us, and every time a server came by to take their order, clear plates, or refill water, our chairs got bumped. Constantly. We were basically sitting back-to-back, rubbing chairs, and could hear each other's conversations word-for-word. Maybe that kind of setup flies in New York, but in Houston? Where space isn't exactly at a premium? It felt unnecessary and uncomfortable.
Then came the part that really soured the night.
When our server came over to introduce himself, drop off menus, and take our drink order, he gave us a little spiel about the restaurant. And in that, he told *a table of three Desi women* that the food wasn't traditional Indian -- it was fusion, borrowing from different cuisines so you get "the best of everything without that bad Indian smell."
We were stunned. Why say that? And to *us*, of all people? What about us made him think that comment would land? It was ignorant, offensive, and honestly, just disappointing.
As for the food -- it doesn't cater to a traditional Indian palate at all. Indian food is bold, layered, and rich. This was, across the board, forgettable. Here's what we tried:
1. **Infladita** - Basically a lamb pani puri. The passion fruit water was nice, but otherwise meh.
2. **Jackfruit Chilla** - Looked beautiful, tasted like nothing. Way too thick.
3. **Pan-Fried Paneer** - Actually pretty good.
4. **Bison Short Rib Nihari** - A complete letdown. Barely any shorba, which is *the* star of nihari. This dish missed the mark completely.
5. **Chili Cheese Kulcha, Garlic Naan, and Layered Sheermal** - Kulcha was tasty but *tiny* for the price. Naan was good but swimming in oil. And the sheermal? Not even close to the real thing -- missed both flavor and texture.
6. **Howdy Gulab Jamun** - Didn't hate it, but there was way too much going on.
We left feeling disappointed and uncomfortable. It wasn't a memorable meal -- at least, not in a good way. And honestly, we were glad our husbands didn't come. That comment from the server alone would've ruined the night for them.
We won't be back. There are too many amazing places in Houston that actually respect the food -- and the culture it comes from.