Desi Bites — Restaurant in Aurora

Too bad a 1 star is all you can select. February 20, 2024 at around 6:50 p.m. Just a few people in the restaurant. This would be my first time eating at this restaurant and definitely the last time. I was not ready for level of unprofessionalism, deliberate rudeness, and blatant differential treatment. My granddaughter wanted to take me out to eat but the restaurant she originally chose was closed, so we went next store to this restaurant called “Madras Cafe” . The hostess/waitress who seated us stared at us oddly from the moment she laid eyes on us. She was visibly irritated when we asked questions about different choices on the menu, sharply answering with a two word sentence, with not even a hint of a smile, or gratitude that we came to this establishment to eat. She said they were out of several things when we were ordering. I could have reacted at that time, perhaps I should have, but I’m thinking her attitude is unacceptable but possibly a bad day? It would have been a shorter review, if this was the case. She brought what we ordered and literally moved the empty cup to the side slamming it on the table, while carelessly putting down the food and turning around to walk off. At that point I should have got up and left but curiosity and why someone thought they could treat us this way got the best of me. I motioned her back asking her name as she mumbled what sounded as if she said “sweetie”, and abruptly walked off. I’m quite sure for many reasons that was the wrong name. She was the only waitress there, so she can easily be identified. I watched to see if this was her demeanor with the next customers she interacted with, a white couple that was in the booth in front of us. Fortunately for them she was talking, smiling and friendly. Surely, it couldn’t of been discrimination because her skin tone was darker than mine, you think?? We asked for the bill, paid and begin to walk out without a “thanks for coming, goodnight” or anything, from her. She watched us leave with only the quick odd look and unspoken words of “your not welcome here”. It proved to be a continuous learning experience for my granddaughter and I, which is “we don’t insist on paying our money anywhere that we are not welcomed”, you’ll never see us again. I certainly would not recommend this restaurant to anyone with such...

My family and I ordered takeout last night from The Madras Cafe, and we are in complete consensus that this is our new favorite Indian food restaurant. They offer such a large variety of curries (North and South Indian style), sides, soups, and even beverages. My family and I ordered the Palak Paneer, Kadai Paneer, Koon Curry, Garlic Naan, and Vegetable Samosas. I wish I would have taken photos to do the food justice, but as soon as we brought it home and started opening things up, it was quickly plated and devoured. The naan is substantial and flavorful. The samosas (2 per order) are packed to the brim with delicious filling and are wrapped perfectly in flaky pastry. The Palak Paneer is very similar to a Saag Paneer, but creamier than most. The Kadai Paneer is incredibly flavorful with a great masala base. I've never had anything like their Koon Curry, but it was delicious. It seems like a more fragrant, spicier masala. We ordered medium spice for all three curries, but the Koon was certainly the spiciest. I would say their spice levels are true to description (I have an above-average spice tolerance). This amount of food comfortably fed 5 people, with left-overs to spare. I called-in to place my order and paid at the restaurant. Everyone at the restaurant was incredibly friendly and professional. From the short time I spent in the restaurant picking up my food, I could tell the atmosphere was quite nice and clean. I really cannot say enough wonderful things about this restaurant. I find it important to note how amazing it is that they are 100% vegetarian. I'm not vegetarian, but I try to not eat meat whenever I can, and this restaurant offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy some incredibly delicious meat-less food. For all the carnivores out there, please do not be deterred by their veggie menu, give it a try, I promise you won't be disappointed. I will likely be returning to The Madras Cafe very soon, and I will be sure to take some pictures next time....

We loved the food here at Madras Cafe. It tastes like Home. We moved to Denver a few days ago. With our movers taking time to bring us our stuff, we wanted to have some comforting Indian food and looked toward Madras cafe. We had the Lunch Thaali on Sunday afternoon. And it was THE most delicious plate of food we had in an Indian restaurant in US. It consisted of 15 varieties of dishes - 2 vegetable curries, dal, rasam, sambar, dessert, rice, roti, finger fryums, bajji, Biryani, coconut rice, plain rice, and buttermilk. But, above all, the taste was so fresh, the flavors spot on, each vegetable, lentils and beans were cooked to perfection, and the spice levels absolutely perfect. Believe me when I say, we polished the plate off. The food was not so spicy that our stomachs would burn, and the food was not swimming in oil.

We went back there for a simple and light Thursday (last night) dinner and ordered Hot & Sour soup and Podi idli. The soup was perfect for the chilly weather here. Right consistency, right balance of spicy and sour. Abba, the Podi Idli was a party of textures. The fluffly idli, the well spluttered spices, the crunchy bits of lentils and that hint of Ghee. Perfection!

Guess what?! We will be going back there on Saturday for their Lunch Thaali - which is going to have different varieties this weekend. Their Thaali's are available every weekend. But, don't wait until the weekends, they do have other delicious dishes on their menu. Don't miss out on this experience of truly amazing South Indian food. The owner is very helpful when ordering dishes and friendly too. Listening to Ilayaraja and other South Indian songs, while savoring the food and aromas wafting out of the kitchen just sets the home-y ambience. Overall, we had a great experience here.

Madras cafe has got loyal customers in us. Whenever we crave something different, healthy, and reminiscent of home - Madras cafe is...