Upon entrance we smelled those authentic masalas which took us back to home. Those fresh Masala smells not onlh triggered our hunger but also thought that everything is made fresh. We were immediately seated by super friendly staff and were given the menu. One of the wait staff got us water bottle and set our table neatly with table Mats, china plates, beautifully designed fork and knives and clean glass to drink water in, while we went through the menu.

Moment later a friendly wait staff stopped by our table to take our order. We got Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori Shrimp, Chicken Malai and chicken Biryani. We were asked if we would like to get some appetizers to which we said no. While we waited for food, and talked about our trip to Meteroa, I appreciated the decor inside the restaurant. The restaurant faces the road and the walls are painted with picture depicting Indian ladies most probably from punjab. It reminded me to Sohni and Heer and Laila. Behind me the wall was painted with smaller pictures again reminding of the homeland.

We were informed by Manoj that food is taking a little time as they prep everything fresh. Manoj and another person stopped by our table and we had heartily conversations. It was just like at home, where you would talk to a complete stranger and it doesn’t feel like you are meeting them for the first time. They asked where we are from, how long have we been visiting for and where they are from. The feel of “apnaiyat” (roughly translated to “your own” or “family like”).

While we were chatting a team of wait staff brought our food to the table. The Malai Tikka on the sizzler were first to hit the table, which tandoori shrimps which followed then came the chicken tikka masala and lastly the biryani. We started off with Makai Tikka. I picked one with the fork from the sizzler into my plate. As I picked the fork went right through it. I cut a small piece with the knife. The chicken was super moist and creamy just like how Malai chicken should be. With smoke still coming out and aroma enhancing my sense of smell I took that first bite. I closed my eye briefly to end in pleasure and loved the flavor. It has been a while since I had such amazing Malai Chicken so flavorful so authentic. I knew from that point on that this will be the best food I will have in Athens. I next tried the tandori shrimps were had that tandoori flavor. Chicken tikka masala and biryani were equally flavorful.

We all indulged ourselves in the flavor from back home. Every little bite reminded us of food from the motherland. Tandoori naan and garlic naan came out fresh n everything we had was beyond our expectations. So authentic so flavorful.

If you happen to be in Athens do stop by at Indian Haveli. You will not regret it. The wait staff is amazing, the food is authentic the flavors are mind blowing. This is one stop shop for your desi craving when I’m Athens. It’s definitely flavor of home away from home