India StreEAT — Restaurant in Paris

This was my second time eating at India StreEAT. I brought friends so we could try more of the menu. No exaggeration when I say, everything we tasted was delicious. We ordered the butter chicken, the tikka assortment (can’t remember what it’s called on the menu), the best rice (slow cooked with nuts, great flavor), the bread that is something between naan and roti (ask the owner, he knows what it’s called!) and the best gin and tonics I’ve ever had.

I love Indian food and have eaten butter chicken all over the US and now Paris, this was my favorite! It’s so tender, flavorful and not too spicy (if you like spicy, just let them know). I practically licked the bowl. That’s what the bread is for!

The tikka (which I learned basically means rotisserie/kebab, so it doesn’t come in a sauce, but they do come with three dipping sauces, that I didn’t remember to take a picture of) was so tender and juicy. Each kind (there are three) have their own distinct flavor.

Besides the great food, I really loved the design of this restaurant. It’s bright, colorful and tastefully decorated. It’s like the food, it points back to its Indian origins but in a new, minimalist way. It’s the idea of curating the menu, ingredients and decor to be the less is more mentality, and quality over quantity.

As far as speed goes, this is the Parisienne style of taking your time to enjoy your meal, your time to relax and chat with friends. The owner is welcoming and friendly. We felt comfortable to just hang out and have a nice meal. Will happily return next time...

If you're Indian, and want an authentic Indian food experience, then absolutely avoid this place. If you're not familiar with Indian cuisine, then by all means, this may satisfy your palate.

Now the details: The manager/owner was very friendly. Right from the start, he was very attentive and helpful in the ordering. However, I was very clear to him that I have an Indian palate (and so does my friend), so to please ask the chefs to cook the food accordingly. When the food arrived, it was bland and in some ways even insipid - e.g. the butter chicken (the cornerstone of North Indian cuisine) was extremely watery and had absolutely no flavour! According to the manager, that was because it was prepared fresh, and needed to cook for hours before the curry became thick and flavourful. That's the most bizarre explanation I have every heard. I'm not sure why it hadn't been cooking for hours in that case?! However, he was gracious enough to take it back and not charge for it.

The black dal (another speciality of North Indian cuisine) was just sweet, and had no other flavour. The spinach paneer was the same. The spinach lamb was the same as well, and tasted just like the spinach paneer (just with lamb in it) - which means they were simply reusing the same spinach in both the dishes (i.e. not using different recipes).

Safe to say - unfortunately not going back - even though the manager was extremely nice...

India StreEAT is truly a hidden gem, from the moment you step through the doors, you'll be greeted by Thomas, the owner, and the most attentive and passionate waiter you'll ever meet. His warm welcome instantly makes you feel like part of the family, setting the stage for an extraordinary dining experience.

The restaurant's ambiance is nothing short of inviting. It's cozy and intimate, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment. The clean and well-maintained space adds to the overall comfort, making it a perfect spot to unwind and have a good meal.

But let's talk about the food, the food is a quality of Indian food i've never eaten. Thomas takes great pride in curating a menu that activates your taste buds with every bite. The dishes are carefully prepared with the finest ingredients, and the spices and herbs used are simply perfect. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, you'll be taken on a remarkable culinary journey that will leave you wanting more.

India StreEAT is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Thomas's dedication to ensuring you have the best time possible is evident in every detail. So, if you're on the hunt for an extraordinary dining adventure, head over to India StreEAT. Trust me, you won't be let down at all.

Greetings from the...