Indian garden — Restaurant in Porto

Extremely Disappointed – Poor Quality Doesn’t Justify High Prices

I rarely write negative reviews, but my recent experience at Indian Garden in Porto was frustrating enough that I feel compelled to share.

As someone who owns and runs an Indian restaurant myself, I understand the standards that should be met — especially when customers are paying premium prices. Unfortunately, Indian Garden failed to meet even the basic expectations of quality and authenticity.

Food Quality: • The Onion Bhaji was made with kaccha (undercooked) besan. It was dense, not cooked from inside as you can see in the picture and heavy — far from the crispy, golden bhajis expected in authentic Indian cuisine. • It was served with something they called Imli (tamarind) chutney, but it was just raw tamarind pulp soaked in water with sugar and chili powder — not cooked, not balanced, and actually harmful for digestion. It’s shocking to see such carelessness. • The chai was made using low-quality Spreta milk, and lacked both flavor and aroma. It had no resemblance to authentic masala chai — felt more like tea-colored water. • The naan was not soft or elastic as it should be. It clearly wasn’t made with a proper dough (no yogurt or oil), and had a dry, flatbread-like texture. • The kadhai paneer was overpriced and not enough to even pair with one roti or naan. They served less than 200g of curry but charged nearly €14.90, which is close to the price of 1 kg of fresh paneer dish in many authentic restaurants!

Overall Impression: This place is not focused on serving good food — they are only running a high-margin business, cutting corners on quality while overcharging customers.

My honest suggestion to the owners: • Please stop using artificial food color. • Use properly cooked and hygienic ingredients. • Focus on quality and authenticity if you’re charging these prices.

This was the first time I truly felt like I paid a premium for the lowest quality meal. Not recommended unless serious...

If you're in the mood for a satisfying Indian meal, this local restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While the atmosphere may be lacking and not the most impressive, the food more than makes up for it with its bold flavors and well-executed dishes.

Our party sampled a variety of menu items, including the paneer, tikka masala, garlic naan, rice, and veggie samosas. The paneer, a classic Indian cheese, was tender and well-seasoned, making it a standout dish. The tikka masala, a beloved creamy tomato-based curry, was aromatic and had just the right amount of heat. The garlic naan, a leavened flatbread, was freshly baked and had a perfect balance of garlic and butter, making it an ideal accompaniment to the rich curries.

The rice was fluffy and fragrant, serving as a perfect base for the saucy dishes. The veggie samosas, a popular Indian appetizer, were crispy on the outside and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced potatoes and peas. Each bite was a delightful explosion of textures and tastes.

While this restaurant may not serve the absolute best Indian food I've ever had (a title currently held by a restaurant in England), it certainly ranks high on my list. The flavors were authentic, and the portions were generous. The service was also attentive, with the staff ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

For those in the area craving Indian cuisine, this restaurant is highly recommended. Despite the somewhat lackluster atmosphere, the food quality and taste more than compensate for it. Whether you're a fan of classic dishes like tikka masala or looking to try something new, this eatery has something to satisfy your Indian food...

Ordered Lamb Seekh Kebab as a starter and was served a Chicken Seekh Kebab which was unpleasantly white (light) in appearance, lacked seasonings and had no taste.

Ordered Butter Chicken which was okay but nothing special. The pilau rice was nice and the Garlic Naan was really good too. Mango Lassi was not nice.

Wanted to point out something that really put me off and disgusted. I asked for ice for my Coca Cola. The waitress brought 2 cubes of ice in a small bowl and used her BARE HANDS to pick the two cubes of ice and drown it in my drink. Her hands were not clean at all, and even if they were clean this is not how you serve ice to your customers.

Unpleasant, repetitive and boring religious melody playing in background constantly without changes.

Prices are exceptionally high. Bear in mind that I'm taking into account the location. Prices should be a little less given the location. This is not Rua das Flores or Santa Catarina or Ribeira.

Had a chat with one of the owners, seemed nice and respectful.

Please take this review in a positive way and use it to train your staff, there is a lot of potential in your restaurant. Wishing you nothing but...