Sabor de la India — Restaurant in Bella Vista

Nestled within the vibrant streets of Panama City, Panama, lies an Indian restaurant that is a treasure trove of culinary delights, drawing both locals and travelers into its warm embrace. This establishment is not just a place to eat; it's a journey to the heart of Indian cuisine, offering a palette of flavors so authentic and vivid, you're transported straight to the bustling streets of India with each bite.The Paneer Pakora here is an absolute revelation – crispy on the outside, with a melt-in-your-mouth center of spiced paneer that's both comforting and exhilarating in its simplicity and taste. The Dal Tadka is a symphony of lentils cooked to perfection, tempered with spices that sing with warmth and depth, a true homage to the staple comfort food of India. However, it's the Veg Kurma that stands out with its rich, creamy gravy teeming with perfectly cooked vegetables, a dish that's both nourishing and soul-satisfying.Yet, the crown jewel of this culinary kingdom is undoubtedly the Masala Loli, also known as Koki Sindhi. This traditional Sindhi flatbread, seasoned with a medley of spices, is a rare find in the gastronomic landscapes of Panama City. It's not just food; it's a piece of cultural heritage, served with a side of nostalgia for those far from home and an introduction to the rich diversity of Indian cuisine for the uninitiated.But what truly sets this restaurant apart is the owner – a person whose passion for food is matched only by his generosity and warmth. From the moment you step in, he welcomes you like family, ready to guide you through the menu with recommendations that never disappoint. His willingness to share insights about the local sights and hidden gems of Panama City adds another layer to the dining experience, making each visit memorable not just for the food but for the hospitality that makes you feel right at home.In a city that thrives on its multicultural influences, this Indian restaurant is a beacon of authentic flavors and genuine warmth. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in the culinary diversity of Panama, this place promises not just a meal but an experience – a celebration of India's rich gastronomic legacy served with a side of heartfelt...

Wish there was an option for negative rating here. This is going to be a long review but trust me you don't want to miss this. The food as other reviewers pointed out is way below average and if someone is trying indian food for the first time A. Do it at your own risk, B. It tastes nothing like real authentic indian food and is more of a gimmick. C. Do not dare give them a feedback on this.

Now for our experience, we went to this restaurant on our very first day in Panama and ordered a Paneer butter Masala which was horrible to say the least.. the gravy was heavily tomato dominated and the cottage cheese was hard as hell. Speaking of hard, the naan bread was no better. A week later, we were around the street, tired and famished thought to go there again and try another delicacy. The owner (apparently) Hori Lal Pal, walked up to us and I told him we would order something else and not Paneer as we didn't like it last time. He then said the most outrageous thing I have ever heard - "to thook ke chaat kyun rahe ho" english translation - "why are you licking your own spit" by which he meant why have you come back here again if you didnt like the food. We immediately stood up and left the place. This was not just downright obnoxious but also totally uncalled for Vs being apologetic and/or accepting feedback. My recommendation is - if this is the last option you have left in the town, I would rather sleep on an empty stomach...

We were just there after a long day for what we thought would be a good Indian meal. We started with a plain dosa which was half burned (picture posted) and when we told her it did not taste right and the chutney and sambhar were also bad in taste. We held out hope that the dal makhni and biryani would be better but the dal was so bad much worse than any place we have ever had Indian food. When we complained she would do nothing about it. Did not even fake an apology. Please do not go to this restaurant. We were not even offeeed water. This place is horrible food...