RASOI Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Austin

A Sunday Afternoon Visit to RASOI – Room for Improvement, But Some Promising Aspects

We visited RASOI on a Sunday afternoon when Austin was experiencing a sweltering 90-degree day. Unfortunately, the air conditioning wasn't operational during our visit, which made the indoor environment quite uncomfortable. The team did make an effort to set up a stand fan to help, which we appreciated. However, with other guests already seated, it was difficult for the fan to provide relief to everyone equally. While we understand technical issues can arise, we hope the AC will be fixed soon, as it greatly affects the dining atmosphere. Ambience: 2/5

For our meal, we ordered Chana Masala (served with rice), Chicken Dum Biryani (with raita, a small curry, onion slices, and a slice of lime), Egg Noodles, Naan, two Gulab Jamun, and tea.

The Chana Masala had a flavor profile that was quite pungent and unfamiliar to us. It might be a unique preparation specific to their style, which some may enjoy, but it didn’t align with our personal taste preferences. That said, we appreciate the kitchen’s creativity and encourage them to consider offering a more balanced version as an option. Rating: 2.5/5

The Chicken Dum Biryani met our expectations. The chicken pieces—a drumstick and a thigh—were well-cooked, and the overall portion was satisfying. While the dish was enjoyable, we didn’t quite get the rich, infused flavor typically expected from traditional dum biryani where the meat and rice cook together in sealed steam. Additionally, the chicken didn’t seem as fresh as we would’ve hoped. Still, the dish had good flavors overall. Rating: 4/5. 4 is for the freshly cooked rice.

The Egg Noodles were a standout dish for us—flavorful, well-cooked, and nicely balanced. Rating: 4.5/5

Both the Gulab Jamun and Tea were excellent—some of the best we’ve had in Austin. Perfectly prepared and served warm, they left a good final impression on our palate. Rating: 5/5

In terms of service, while the restaurant wasn’t crowded (just our party of two and another family of three), the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed. We had to request tea multiple times, and our water glasses were left empty for a while. That said, the server was kind, apologetic, and acknowledged the delays and discomfort due to the AC issue. We truly appreciate her sincerity and hope the team receives the support they need to streamline service during all hours. Service: 3/5

I would like to add one thing- at their entrance there are few pictures of food shown. I am attaching the photo of their entrance here. However, not all the food in the picture were present. Especially the ice cream what we truly wanted and got excited seeing that in the picture and also in the menu. Therefore, it is misleading.

RASOI has some great dishes in their menu and a lot of potential. We truly hope they address technical issues that can change the perspective of guests quickly (like AC in our case), ensure ingredient freshness, and continue to refine food, ambience, and service quality. Wishing the team all the best in...

Before we are leaving here after dinner, we agreed we had to write reviews because we are so blown away. We have never done this before..sat across one another just writing reviews for a place we’re currently at. We’ve been together for over 5 years, and are complete FOODIES, so this means a lot. The staff is very kind, talked with our children which our daughters thought was so sweet, chatted with us and explained menu items we had questions about. Everything we ordered here was better than our top favorite Indian restaurants. I even ordered another entree to go, even though I had plenty of leftovers to take home from my dinner lol. We found out this place is new, I hope this restaurant thrives and succeeds! This is now without hesitation our go to place! The prices are amazing, the portions are amazing, we were treated with kindness, very spacious inside AND they are open until 1am! I’m pretty sure the gentleman that was talking with us was possibly the owner, he was such a pleasure to chat with. I already can’t wait to eat my leftovers tomorrow and I can’t wait to come back. Best way to end our family’s Valentine’s Day, they had hearts hanging from the ceiling too that was so sweet. I have fallen in love with this place, love at...

Basmati rice in the biryani is excellent at this location on spice level 1!

I was able to work with the owner to get the lamb bryiani the way that I would like it to be. It is now perfect!

I had previously ordered the lamb briyani and loved that it was boneless lamb but there wasn't enough lamb included and it was too spicy at level 1.

I was able to order a seperate dish of lamb and rice and get the lamb spice level lowered. It is now perfect! I don't like onion or too much tomato on my food so this dish is excellent for me.

I had previously tried this restaurant several months ago when it was called Lazzat and they had a lamb briyani but I didn't like the lamb supplied. I haven't tried it since they have switched to calling it Rasoi! I was looking for a Halal Pakistani orientated restaurant that did an amazing lamb briyani.

I had previously been acquiring rice from Rasoi and lamb from Halal Hub to create an excellent dish!

I tried the Rasoi butter chicken on spice level 1 and I didn't like the lack of flavor and the lack of chicken.

Lazzat had a broccoli beef Asian dish that I liked to get. The rice was ample and the beef was pretty decent, though there wasn't enough spice! The current Rasoi doesn't offer beef...