Mughal Garden Restaurant — Restaurant in Merritt

I have enjoyed butter chicken in probably a dozen other restaurants, but none ever came CLOSE to what was served to us. It was fragrant and perfectly spiced, with bite-sized pieces of tender chicken and SO much flavour.

It was served with a bowl of perfectly-cooked rice and a generous stack of crispy-chewy naan.

I also had a delicious cup of authentic masala chai.

When we walked in, there was an Indian family already enjoying a meal and a second large Indian family came in as we were eating. (If you know anything about ethnic restaurants, them being half-filled by people of that ethnicity says the food is REALLY authentic and delicious. ... and it was.)

In fact, the friend I was with not only ordered another serving to go, but fully intends to drive all the way from Kelowna to take his wife here on a date.

All-in-all, if you ever have a reason to drive to/through Merritt--or even just an excuse to--this is the place to make your tummy happy.

(...and did I mention that it was on special for only...

The stuffed naan was really good, but everything else was disappointing. Aloo gobi should have been called Aloo greasy as it was swimming in it (see photos). Veggie pakoras, while generous serving, were too doughy. The mango lassi was the worst I've had anywhere and there were still sugar crystals in it. So out of 4 menu items, one was worthwhile. Not enough to warrant a return visit or recommendation. Response to Owner reply: While I appreciate the offer, there is no second chance to make a good first impression. Your restaurant failed on 3 out of 4 menu items so I have no desire to return nor recommend. I hope that my review is constructive in that it provides some insight on areas to improve so future reviews may be more favorable to...

Real Indian food. Authentic flavour and ingredients. I'm trained and have been cooking Indian food for years and this cook has some awesome tasting food on the menu. Saag paneer, Chicken Tikka, Butter chicken... I ate every bit and was sad that I was full. I just wanted to keep eating. After tasting Indian food restaurants from Vancouver to Toronto, this food is easily in the top 5. Pretty good rating for COVID times. Thank you to the cook. I'm bringing some Vancouver and Victoria friends up to Merritt for lunch tomorrow, Aug 26. UPDATE Still as good today! 26 Feb. 2025. Had some chicken SAAG, fish curry, mixed vegetables in curry sauce. All great tasting. Thanks...