Indian family kitchen — Restaurant in Albany

My mom and I have been waiting years for an Indian restaurant in Albany and to find out that the empty space that used to house Frankie's is now an Indian restaurant delighted us. I read a couple of reviews from when it first opened and they were favorable. I took my mom there on Labor day, a couple of days after her 93rd birthday, and we absolutely loved it! We shared the Lunch special: Chicken Tikka Masala, Naratan (vegetable) Korma, rice, garlic naan, and a little sweet dessert cake in a sweet, spiced liquid. It was delicious and very reasonable at $15. We also ordered Butter Chicken as other reviewers mentioned how good it is and it was wonderful! I ordered the regular naan bread and we got samosas for an appetizer. The samosas were the best I have ever eaten! Hot and fresh with two sauces given to us; a spicy mint sauce and a dark brown sweet and sour sauce (tamarind, perhaps?) The menu is huge so I will definitely have to keep coming back to try more of their offerings. The chef/owner was at the checkout and I praised him for his excellent cooking. The other two people working were a young man who greeted and sat us and a young lady. Both of these individuals are so attentive and helpful, checking on us throughout our meal. I don't remember if they gave us their names. It is nice to see that there were several tables of patrons in addition to my mom and I. Two weeks earlier I popped my head in to see if they were open since they hadn't finished with the signage and the restaurant had two tables in use at 1pm on a Monday. I'm happy the word is out and I hope they are successful and here to stay! The modern Indian songs that were playing on the sound system were very nice, but maybe a little louder than needed, at least where we were sitting, but not so loud that we couldn't hear each other talk. The decor is still in progress as this was a very different restaurant as Frankie's, so they haven't spent the time to make it their own style. Being so new, it's understandable, and if they never do any further decorating and just keep making outstanding food with exceptional guest service it will still be worth it to continue coming back. The chef/owner told me that they are planning a Buffet...

I wish I had remembered to take some pictures, next time. Very friendly and accommodating family operated business. Two sons and a proud father were working when we dined. The food was authentic and delicious. We were offered a selection of spice levels (heat 🥵) on dishes where appropriate. I chose mild spice at my husbands suggestion as this was my 1st experience with Indian cuisine. I feel I could have chosen medium for my dish, Chicken Patia. This sweet and (mildly) spicy dish was a nice entry-level choice, I believe, and the white rice accompaniment was beautifully cooked to light and fluffy perfection. For reference and because many will be familiar. I am comfortable with Taco Bell Hot Sauce and, sometimes, the Diablo. My Chicken Patia dish was Mild. My huband thought he would be safe with spicy vs. extra spicy for his Lamb Biryani. He does enjoy some pretty spicy foods and lots of hot sauces to boot. Spicy was exactly that. He said he would compare the heat to lots of chili oil. It is what he asked for, and that is what they gave him. I tried about a tablespoon full of his dish, and that was it for me. The heat was too much for me, but the lamb was so tender. We also tried an appetizer, Mixed Vegetable Pakora. Served with a spicyish green sauce or a sweet red sauce. It didn't take too many bites for these crispy little fritters to become addictive. I recommend squirting sauce directly onto your piece rather than trying to sop up the sauce. The Rasgulla was picked as dessert. Served chilled this sweet treat was different than most things texture wise, and some might struggle with that. It has almost a burst of sweet cold liquid, then a sponginess followed with a grit that reminds me of cream of wheat that sat for a spell. The flavor was delightful (I love sweet), and maybe the texture will grow on me. As for the atmosphere, it is pretty bare. Various strands of holiday lights are strung along walls. Some bright white leds were harsh on the eyes. A lack of decor as it is a new business and appears to be a work in progress. I'm sure as things will improve with time. Thank you, Indian Family Restaurant. We...

First of all, I am not an "Indian food person." I went with three other friends, so four total. Two gals were in absolute love and had enough leftovers to give their kids later. One of them would eat Indian food daily if given the opportunity. She absolutely loved the food!

I don't ever gravitate toward Indian food, but now I have not stopped thinking about this place since I was there four days ago! All I want to do is make excuses to go back!! If you want flavor, this is the place! If you're picky, as I've read some reviews that are bad, tend to be picky, then these people are amazing! Simply TELL THEM what you want! (Less salt, more salt, less heat, more heat, less done, more done!) Just like anything in life, use your communication skills FIRST so you don't have to use your complaining skills SECOND, as the case may be for those giving this place one star!)

One nice thing about several dishes, being it is called a "family" restaurant, is that if you're like me and want to share with everyone, many are served family style, meaning they bring your plates out empty, then they bring the various dishes out with their own serving spoons so you can dish up how much you want or share amongst your table.

Remember-

They are new! Which means they are learning as they go with how to do just about everything!

Family run, authentic Indian culture/people. Very nice hard working people I might add!

Portion sizes were larger than normal. Decor was lovely.

And for the person who left a nasty comment on their door Friday about never coming back because they had to open later than they had intended(because life happens and it just so happens to be because one of them got hurt) SHAME ON YOU! Put your big girl pants on, and go back and actually try the food before you start knocking...