Tarka Indian Kitchen

The Vegetable Pakoras were perfectly seasoned and very good. Chicken Kabob Platter was also delicious with Grilled Vegetables, and Basmati Rice. Excellent Customer Service, everything was hot, generous servings, sauces and perfectly seasoned, all very good. Really enjoyed the Indian music and decor.

I recently placed an online order from Tarka Indian Kitchen and had a great experience with their ordering system. Smooth, user-friendly, and accurate with spice level selections. I ordered the Tikka Masala, Mirchi Mirch Curry, Combo Kabob, and Chicken Biryani. The flavors were spot on, with just the right amount of spice for each dish. The Tikka Masala and Mirchi Mirch Curry were rich and satisfying, and the Combo Kabob with Tikka Sauce was a standout. However, I was a bit disappointed with the portion size, especially with the Chicken Biryani. It felt like the container wasn't properly filled, which made it feel like less value for the price compared to the other entrees. Despite that, I really enjoy the taste and quality of Tarka’s food and will definitely be ordering again. I just hope the team takes a closer look at the portion sizes, particularly for the entrees, to ensure consistency across the board.

In the mood for some curry and this place hits the spot especially for quick service. Curry was good and has things labeled for vegetarians. For fast food curry I think it's good, if you're looking for authentic Curry, it doesn't hit with the spicy goodness and isnt super flavorful. If you love spicy, just get the hottest, hot was more like a shy spicy. Overall pretty good though

This place is awesome! The food is wonderful. The manager, Clem, is so nice and so service oriented. She she makes your experience at this wonderful restaurant. We look forward to dining there each time! She is a great asset to the company!!!

Chic Indian restaurant that doesn't change much in terms of the menu, but simply elevates the best of the cuisine to a visually aesthetic presentation. Tarka feels classy and post modern with its vivid murals and gritty street pictures of Indian scenes. The food was plentiful and delicious. The saag channa and malai kofta were good. The naan was soft and fluffy. The paneer biriyani was decently spicy and flavored and came with the caveat that it wasn't a traditional Hyderabadi style. Masala was chai was functional; nothing to write home about. All the food was above average and below excellence. But I'd take someone leery of Indian food here.

I never post reviews because I’m lazy but I just love this place so much that I HAD to! The food here is delicious, creamy, full of flavor and all that with such decent prices! The quality is always so consistent and I just crave their tika masala every 2 weeks like my life depends on it! The place and the staff just have a really good energy about them, feeling like you’re having home made food and I’m not even Indian! Overall love love love this place! My coworker recommended it to me and I keep recommending it to everyone I know.

I am Indian-American and in my dear hometown, Austin, TX....Tarka is my "go-to" place for Indian food. The app is so easy to use, I love their Rewards /Points program, and love the food ( it's always consistent & I know what I'm getting). The food is great to the taste, quality and quantity. I love the staff. They clearly enjoy working there. They're always smiling and so upbeat, chattering away. The staff is obviously treated with respect by the owners and it shows in their work. I enjoy visiting restaurants where the staff is treated with respect and happy - this is very important to me. The staff at Tarka clearly loves working there. While I mostly do "take away", in the times I've dined-in, the restaurant was clean and comfortable. Overall, I love Tarka and strongly recommend going there for Indian food.

I was highly disappointed and shocked to find a rubber tube in my Biriyani from my last order. This highly discourages me to order food from tarka anymore and I doubt the food safety and hygiene here.

This is one of those places where I don't need a menu. Always get the same thing. The lamb biryani is awesome. Plenty of food for 2. Add an order of garlic naan and I've got two meals for under $20. The folks are always nice and the restaurant is convenient, clean, and not too loud.

Chicken Tikka Masala 2 too sour, tomatoey Chicken Biryani 2 don't like the spice Lamb Korma 4 tender, creamy, cashew, pistachio Chicken Pakora 3 deep fried strips Samoa 3 potato, not flavorful Mango Lassi 5

This place smacks you in the face as soon as you walk in. In a GOOD way. The spices, the aroma of fresh garlic nan cooking amongst other delicious Indian fare was delightful. Friendly service and plenty of indoor seating. Their curbside orders were BUSY on a Tuesday. I kept seeing the runner go out every 5min. A very unexpected place in a strip mall off Brodie Ln across the street from Academy where the DSW is. Thank you yelpers. I was really missing Indian food. We used to live 15min from Little India in Southern California where you could get any regional indian fare and cruise the snack and carry grocery stores. My eyes were bigger than my tummy when I ordered. When you get a welcomed hug from the spices in the air you can't help but talk yourself into everything you ate craving. What I got: Tikka marsala with chicken (med). It wasn't that hot. Next time I will get the hot. Came with some lovely Jasmin rice. -It was full of flavor and depth like the sauce was cooking for days -It didn't even need the chicken. I could have easily got that with a vegetarian option Soo good and comforting. Not oily or too rich Garlic Nan -warm, chewy, crispy edges -no more vampires here. Heavy on the garlic which was delicious with swipes of butter -let this be your ok carb day and enjoy.. Samosa Chaat Appetizer -mix of hot and cold -spicy, savory and warmth from the mix of spices -it could easily be a meal on its own. I ate a few bites then realized I need to keep space for the marsala All that food came up to around 20.00. When I was done eating, It looked like no one ate. It Could easily have fed 2 adults. I ate the left overs for breakfast the next morning. It was just as good! Would I go again. YES. This will be on my monthly rotation. Its nice to see and eat something besides burgers, bbq, sandwiches or other "beige" foods. Great to bring your family, a business lunch, girlfriends, or date night. Doesn't break the bank which is nice these days. Come visit and be adventurous!

For takeout, we ordered the following items: - Cheese Naan - Kofta Korma - Saag Chicken - Chicken Korma - Paneer Pakora I highly suggest reheating the paneer pakoras in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness. The cheese naan resembled an Indian version of classic cheesy bread. As always, the kormas were delicious , and I would recommend trying the saag with paneer instead of chicken.

If you had told me that Indian food from a quick serve restaurant would be this good, I don't know if I would have believed you. We were all floored how good the food was here. Tarka isn't trying to be an upscale Indian food restaurant; it is making Indian approachable and affordable, and they have done a great job. I was able to eat here, gluten allergy and all, without an issue. We got the tikka masala fries, chicken pakora, mirchi mirch with chicken, and chicken tikka masala + a to-go mango cheesecake and some garlic naan for the boys. Everything was GF other than the naan! The French Fries were fried perfectly, and I liked how they were thicker fries to hold up to the masala spices. I also enjoyed the savory pakora and the chutney dipping sauce was divine. The mirchi mirch was spicy, but not inedible spicy. So delicious, savory, lots of spices, and a ton of chicken along with a big scoop of rice that was perfectly cooked. Next came the chicken tikka masala that was delicious. I was honestly impressed with how much flavor they got into the tikka masala sauce. Again, for what Tarka is, the flavor they get into their food is impressive. Chicken was also perfectly cooked and not dry on either dish! The mango cheesecake is gluten free. Yup. You heard me right! I loved the cheesecake because it was not super sweet. I was half expecting a sugar bomb, but nope! Not even with the sauce! Delicious crust, filling was light and not too rich, and the mango sauce was a nice topping. GF cheesecake is hard to find, but this one is legit. We cannot wait to come back to Tarka. Service and staff were so friendly and helpful. Everyone was so nice to my kiddo. The restaurant and bathrooms were clean, tables were nicely cleaned off even though it was busy, and their outside area will be great when it isn't so muggy outside! Come and stop by Tarka! You'll enjoy it!

Great prices and decent food. This food is not the most amazing Indian food I've had but for the price and the portion sizes I would absolutely make it a regular spot. I ordered the lamb vindaloo, garlic naan and veggie samosas. The lamb was cooked well and the sauce was very flavorful with a good amount of lamb. The rice was really delicious. The garlic naan was okay. Good at first but the farther from fresh it got, even just an hour, the more flat and chewy. Samosas were standard. I wish they had the tamarind sauce I've sometimes had with it, but there was a spicy mint sauce. Overall, 4 stars for the taste+price.

This place is my absolute FAVORITE for real. The yellow daal slappsssss plus the rose lemonade is so yummy.

Indian meets fast casual (Panera format). A good option for the everyday dinner rotation or cravings for basic Indian food. The menu has a decent variety of the crowd favorites, to keep boredom at bay. The flavors of Indian cuisine are there, to the extent that it's possible for the mass market appeal -- so it's about having the right expectations. Most of all, it's comforting and accessible. Parking and seating are abundant, and the format and service is straight forward and relatively low frills.

This is such a great spot if you want some quick indian food to satiate your cravings! When you walk into the restaurant; you view the menu, then order at the front table. From there you'll get an order number stick and choose where you want to sit. The place is really chill, perfect as a casual date or hang out spot! It seems quiet enough to even do your homework. There's also outside seating with a roof to give shade, super nice! They'll offer you cups, which I recommend the mango lemonade (it's addicting!) They'll bring the food to you and you can enjoy! I got the chicken saag (mild) with garlic naan and my bf got the lamb biryani (hot). I love the garlic naan here and the saag is pretty good, I'll have to go up a spice level next time though! My bf enjoyed the biryani, but also thinks to go up a spice level next time as well. Make sure to get their app for rewards! I got a buy one adult entree get one adult entree free for my birthday, and the points add up fast for free foods!

Very nasty food. Seriously lacking of seasoning. Small portions. I have no idea what in the world I was even thinking getting this place. It's on me bc I knew better.

Affordable and delicious! I usually get the chicken tikka masala. It's nice that you can choose the spice level, but I do think the xtra hot could be spicier (or that they could make more spice levels). The meats are not as tender compared to high end places, but I think for its affordable price it is definitely worth what you pay for.

The best Indian in Austin. It's tasty, consistently delicious, and affordable. Sure, Clay Pit is a nice treat every now and then; but then I have to stop & remind myself, Tara IS Clay Pit. Same owners, same quality, but less expensive w/ more locations. All of Tarka's curry's are great. My favorites are the Chicken Tikka Marsala, and Vindaloo. The Korma is on the sweeter side. Their Naan is AMAZING!! So fresh... so good!

I love Tarka. We frequent this location regularly at work. My go-to is the Tikka Masala and chicken biryanis. I like that you can choose your heat level. The food is always fresh and flavorful. I wish there were 2 entree options. Recently, I've been ordering 2 kid meals to get 2 small entrees. You can get hot sauce on the side to add heat. SO good! They also have a great reward system in place.

tired this for the first time and before i tried Tarka man oh man was i craving something to eat. my girlfriend and i were deciding on what to get for take out and thank the Gods she said curry. When i walked in the restaurant man oh man it smelt so good! when we got home to eat, we were in total awe. we couldn't even pay attention to our show because our expectations were meant and exceeded. can't wait to go back. shout out to the staff for making a well established restaurant.

Let's just say I went in for an order to go an it smelled so good I ate half of it in the car ! Early dinner when I didn't want to cook after work and stopped in. I end up getting the SAAG Churry, which is puréed spinach sautéed with garlic and onions! I could have even went up on my heat level to make it a bit spicier but overall great flavor! I also added shrimp and surprisingly had a shrimp in every bit ! Each comes with a side of Basmati Rice, delicious as well! The 4 stars is for the Naan, that's the most important part of my Churry, but I think the garlic was a-little to much for me sprinkled on. But my entire meal was about $20 at the most and it's ALOT of food! I will definitely grab something different for lunch soon because the smells of food in this place had my nose dancing !

For the price and flavor together- 100% 5 stars. My usual spot is Jaipur Palace- I'd say JP is higher quality and has way more variety in the dishes, but you pay for that. But for the lower price and fast food atmosphere I was impressed at how tasty the food was. This will definitely be my go-to for fast, cheap, and tasty Indian!

I am a loyal Tarka customer and have enjoyed everything on their menu as they are an original that has several locations. I've always enjoyed the chicken korma, shrimp biryani and butter chicken. Staff is always friendly and efficient to go or dine in and food is made fresh to order.

The fries here are really good. I really like the Malai Kofta and the Tikka Masala. Not the best Indian food ever, but it will get the job done. We sat outside and the weather was so nice. I wish the portions here were a little bigger, but overall it's a good spot.

We've been going here for a long time. I mean - probably since mid 2000's. They were very respectable for an Indian Bistro, and the quality has always been good. But now - we've noticed such a reduction in portions sizes - my goodness it's ridiculous. They use smaller bowls now, so the Tikka Marsala - I mean I get 4 pieces of Chicken, and I'm paying $15? Maybe more? With sauce? Come on, now. Quality is still good, it's still tasty, flavorful. That's what kept this from being a 1-star experience. It's not the best I've ever had, but still tastes good. Garlic Naan is still good too. But they raised prices and reduced portions - all this does is reduce our frequency in going there and we look for another place to go. Not worth the money anymore. Used to go here at least 1-2x a week, now it's like 1x every 3 months. Likely less now after the last disappointing visit. Service has always been good here, prompt and friendly. But I mean - will 3-4 more pieces of chicken and another half ladle of sauce break the bank and cause them to go bankrupt? I don't think so. I'm sure they're doing very well.

I used to enjoy eating at this place: not the best, but not bad. I came back on Thursday, Jan. 18 to try the lamb kebab, ordered everything for dine-in, and then was told that Tarka DOES NOT TAKE CASH. It's a pity that Tarka doesn't take those green bills, every one of which says LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. Promises, promises. Why should I give Jamie Dimon 2% of my money to use one of his credit cards just to have lamb kebab? I guess it's back to Asiana, where they take real money...and where the food is better anyhow.

I hadn't been to this Tarka location in person for years. We went for a date night and we're not disappointed. You order when you walk in then sit down so it helps to look at the menu online first. Don't be scared to get hot as their heat level is modest. The flavor does not disappoint. We enjoyed two entrees and appetizer and 2 alcoholic drinks and still kept dinner under $60 with tip, which can be a challenge these days. I felt the location was clean with good service and very satisfying delicious meal.

I've never actually eaten at Tarka but they are my go to spot for takeout or delivery. Their food is made quickly, it's affordable, and it's delicious. I've tried a few different items at this point but usually stick with my favorites (malai kofta, daal, paneer korma, naan). Everything I've had has been delicious and the portions are quiet large! I normally have enough leftovers for one, if not two, more meals!

The food here was fantastic, and my wife and I enjoyed it. We ordered Masala Fries, chicken pakoras, naan, malai kofta, and a lamb and chicken kabob. Both dishes came with flavorful jeera rice. The only thing we didn't like was the kabobs, which were pretty dry. We will stop here again the next time we visit Austin.

Food is ok. Service is garbage. They don't take cash for your order but they sure AF take cash for tips. Covid ended over 2 years ago, stop with the "it's for health reasons" theatre.

This place is the equivalent of CAVA for Indian food imo - everything was just okay in my experience They are pretty quick and give decently large portion sizes, and the place isn't too busy so there's always seating available. Great for a quick lunch, but not for anything special

Place was amazing. Took forever for our food to come out but it was well worth the wait. Our new go to Indian restaurant. Garlic naan was spectacular

Slow service, slow service... We enjoy the food, the freshness, the flavors and options but please bring all the food to the table at the same time. And please don't take 15 minutes to fulfill our order: this is the second time one of us has received their food and finished it before the other two items on our order have been delivered.

So yummy always slaps will definitely be back. I love the spice. Vibes were right. Good vibes. Tarka.

I had my friend from Maryland pick some take out from Tarka. He had Little Thailand (and loved it) now he needs Indian food. Tarka is always consistent and easy to recommend to visitors. I had my 'usual' chicken Korma and Garlic Naan with Veggie Empeñadas. The mint chutney for the empanadas is always fresh and tasty. He tried the Saar Paneer and loved it. I tried it and it was great. The cheese was a nice texture and the red sauce was flavorful. Give this place a try if you want well made Indian food, consistent hours, service and food quality.

This place has gone wayy downhill!! Chicken pieces in biryani is so hard and rubbery! Earlier they use to give thigh pieces which tastes better in biryani but now they use overcooked and likely old breast pieces.. also they increased the price and their serving has gone down.. recently , i had tikka masala pizza.. needless to say one of the worst pizza i ever had for 12 bucks.. this is mot even a pizza. Just naan bread with cheese and old stale pink rubbery inedible chicken pieces on top. I complained to manager and she told me " this is not going to change and better next time i dont order" she was fine with bad quality..

I forgot how much I liked going to Tarka! The garlic naan is flavorful. The curry fries are crispy. This is where I started liking Korma as my favorite curry! It's not going to be the most authentic Indian food you can find in Austin, but it's a quick, clean fix of it. The shrimp and chicken are the same price, just $11.50, so it was a steal for the amount of tastiness you got in that bowl. Medium doesn't have much spice but is still delicious. Service is fast and seating is spacious. Would come again!

So enjoy Tarka Indian Kitchen nourishment! Always get spicy food and lucky me, I can make any meal spicy!!! Korma with lamb is great! I don't eat lamb often so it was good to have this yesterday and today for a late lunch. And Basmati rice is always divine. Don't get me started on the Naan-the garlicky the better!

Tarka rarely disappoints. Everything was delicious. Ordering with the app is so convenient. The curbside delivery folks are very nice and prompt. The prices are very reasonable and the food is hot and very flavorful. It makes for an tasty, effortless lunch or dinner.

A variety of options for gluten-free, vegetarians, and vegans! I got the medium coconut curry with veggies, and it had the perfect amount of sweetness with a ton of various vegetables in the curry! However, their spice level is definitely washed down, so I'll be trying the "hot" version next time!

This place is OK if you're looking for the fast-casual "panera bread" of Indian food. Menu is a paired down version of most Indian restaurants - order at the counter and get a table number for service. We had the create our own curry and not pictured vegetable samosas. The veg samosas were run of the mill, frozen then fried variety. Not terrible but not good either. We went with a medium heat chicken tikka masala and again, ok but could not hold up to good Indian food. Flavor was very tomato forward not much came through on any rich, Indian spices. If you're not picky about Indian and want something quick I guess this would be a place to stop off.

You honestly can't go wrong with really anything on the menu at Tarka. I've been coming here since the start and the food is literally always consistent and more than that, the spice level is always on point for what you ask for. Our personal favs and go tos are always the biryani and tikka masala. However I've tried all the kabobs (they've recently changed them to actual pieces of meat vs before it was a delicious round patty of meat), tried the vindaloo (also a win) and some of the apps. Also, can't forget their green chutney (phenomenal) and their homemade Raita (yogurt sauce). Just go here - you definitely won't regret it.

Everything about this place was good! It was easy to understand the menu, quick to order, food came out quickly and it was delicious! I ordered the coconut curry and it was so good! Paired with the garlic naan and the tiki masala fries, yum!! Portions are good size and can definitely be shared. Service was great, they were all very friendly and helpful when deciding what to get! I will be definitely be coming back!

I love curry!! I think Tarka is the best place to eat simply but delicious food. The service was also fast and good. Love to pay in advance. The ambiance is not luxurious but quite friendly. Also I found that they have reward program!! I just downloaded it. I will definitely comeback when I miss indian food.

Good tikka masala and garlic naan. Has a pretty good customer rewards program as well. Would recommend the samasosas too. The mint/cilantro chutney they serve with it is to die for!

I was pleasantly surprised! If you're wanting a quick bite for Indian food - they're the place to stop. You order at the counter and quickly get your food. I really enjoyed the Korma!

There is really nothing wrong with Tarka. Everything I said in my previous review still stands. I'm ever so impressed with the quality to cost ratio. That said, my previous point was that eating here felt like a life hack, and now that same hack has changed... Tandoori Lounge, just a smidge further south at the Brodie/William Cannon intersection, is a MILLION times better than Tarka. Also, a comparable price (just a few bucks more per entrée). Tandoori beats Tarka AND Clay Pit, on every possible marker: Better naan. Better lasi. Better service. Better wait times. More variety. Better location (parking is always a nightmare at Tarka even though the lot seems big, and don't get me started on trying to park at Clay Pit). Better paneer (I could go on for days about Tandoori's paneer). Better Korma (Tarka's korma has great flavor, but it's SO heavy). Better rice (Wowzers, Tandoori's gorgeous rice). Also Tarka is still impressive cost wise, but the quality has gone down a smidge through the years. Especially on to-go orders where we often get burnt naan.

I haven't had a single meal at this location that wasn't exceptional. A lot of people refer to it as indian "fast food", but I disagree. The flavors are consistently comparable to authentic dishes from more expensive restaurants. The spices and masala powder used are both perfect. The chutneys are also delicious. Everyone's tastes are different, so it is a matter of opinion at the end of the day. But, this north India born human considers Tarka one of their favorite spots for Indian food in south Austin, if that gives you any push to try it out.

Tarka is an interesting place. The food is acceptable but the customer service is horrible. I am amazed that it is still in business. If you get there you're lucky to get a reasonable customer service then you're in good shape but the food is still only acceptable as the flavors are muddy and the quality of the ingredients is average. I have nothing further to say you have to judge for yourself. Good luck.

I had an itch for Indian food and Tarka Indian Kitchen came thru! For starters, online ordering was a piece of cake which is ESSENTIAL amidst these trying times. Also great for those who hate placing orders via phone (I feel u). Price-wise, we were surprised to find ourselves paying about $10 less than what we normally would for a two-person meal at other Indian restaurants. Pickup was quick n easy despite the dinner rush and we were chowing down on our food in no time. Both the lamb saag and tikki masala were well-cooked but pretty mild in flavor. The naan could've also been fluffier and the mango laasi thicker. Still, we happily ate everything in one sitting. Tarka may not be the most authentic Indian restaurant but it sure serves up some decent food for a good price. We'll be back for takeout one of these days!

Delicious and consistent. We have loved every dish we have tried so far. We're excited to have come across this place, as it's been a go to lately. My favorite dish so far is the Saag Paneer, and my partner is obsessed with the Malai Kofta. The prices are really reasonable too for the area. Definitely a plus and doesn't make us feel as guilty for getting take out.

I was worried when I got there and the line was long to get the food but the space wasn't filled to capacity. I thought to myself, "is this better enjoyed on a couch?", but we were there for a meeting so that was not an option. I kept it simple but delicious, rice dish with lamb. The picture speaks for itself.

lamb korma is my go to i also love the kofta and lassi. the cheesecake is really good too when they have it

Woke up (hungover) and was seriously craving some Indian food. Did I have a zoom meeting in the next hour? Yes. Was I going to take the call over some buttery garlic naan? Also yes. I made the 20 minute drive to Tarka where I ordered the vegetable pakoras, saag paneer, mango lassi, and some garlic naan. The garlic naan was exactly what I needed. Warm, buttery, pillowy soft in the middle. Just the right amount of seasoning. Everything else I was quite disappointed with. The vegetable pakoras did not have the crunch I wanted, the paneer was just OK, and I didn't even finish the mango lassi. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff, but I felt a bit unsatisfied on my way out.

It's like the Chipotle of Indian food. They even have an app where you can easily place takeout orders. My go to is the chicken biryani with just the right level of spice and seasoning. I grab Tarka often on the way back from work if I'm too lazy to cook that night.