The Monks Indian Bistro — Restaurant in Beaumont

I thought I didn’t like Indian food at all!

I had NEVER been to a local Indian Food Restaurant in Beaumont, TX until today.

I was invited to Monk’s to give it a try and I was completely amazed! I honestly never knew there was anything to eat in that shopping center! It’s in the strip center just to the east of 11th street on the i10 access road (west bound side).

Pulling into the parking lot I thought I was in for some suspicious activity… However, when I walked in the door i was greeted with a bright, clean, and inviting environment. The staff immediately greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm!

My business partner, Chuck arrived shortly after me and we had an amazing experience!

As I said, I did not think I’d like it! So, I told the staff to just show me what would be the best way to introduce me to what they offer.

The first things they served us were these chicken legs called “Drums of Heaven” and these little fried rolls called “Magic Maggie Rolls”. The first thing I bit into was the “drums of heaven” and they are aptly named!!! Holy cow, I thought I might have to fight Chuck for them. They’re AWESOME! The “Magic Maggie Rolls” did not disappoint either! The crew brought out these sauces and they each accented the rolls in such a way that it was like it changed the dish with each bite! They had us both completely pigging out just from the appetizers. Then they stepped it up another notch and placed a dish if these stuffed-fried dumplings on the table!

They brought out this Butter Masala Chicken with these little flat breads and it was like Chuck and I were eating our last meal! It was so good we just kept stuffing our faces. We thought for sure that we were done, but not so much!

Then came this enormous bowl of Vijawada Boneless Chicken Biryani! That bowl alone was enough to feed 3 average people!

Let me just say, if you are super hungry for some great Indian food that is far from average expectations. Look no further than The Monk’s Indian Bistro...

I found my new favorite restaurant! So thankful for Mitua, she was phenomenal- I had my mind set on the lamb, but she made so many good suggestions- we had to try them all! (Left with multiple Togo boxes- so we will be eating for a couple days)

Starters: -The Gully Chicken had the perfect amount of flavor and definitely good spice. -The steamed chicken Momos (dumplings) were full of a deliciously mellow herb blend.

Entrees: the Lamb chops were marinated well- cooked tender and came on a sizzling skillet- with creamy mint sauce- subtle- but balanced. my first time eating Goat- the Mughlai- it was delicious- a cashew curry sauce and was surprised to see a boiled egg- which paired well with the long grain rice. That in itself was cooked to perfection… not too mushy and not too dry. the garlic nom had the right amount of crunch on perimeter- but still soft on the inside.

Deserts: again, Mitua pointed us in the right direction. I asked for her opinion and she asked if she could recommend 2. 🤭 glad she did because they were both wonderful in their own ways. I like how both were decadent, with complex flavor profiles, but not overly sweet. my favorite was the Rasmalai: it was a a slightly sweet cheese like dish in a cream. Gulab Jamun- was like 2 cake balls - covered in a yummy sauce, that was made in house.

Will...

I was excited to try this restaurant because I enjoy supporting different restaurants throughout SETX. I used to regularly go to Taz Indian Cuisine and have had great experiences there. Since an executive from my job loves trying new restaurants when he visits Southeast Texas, I wanted to check this place out before recommending it to him. However, after today's experience, that won’t be happening.

When I arrived to pick up my prepaid order, the staff member repeatedly told me to take a photo to "confirm" it. I was confused because I had already paid online with my debit card and even left a tip, I wasn’t sure why I was asked more than once to take a photo of my food… It wasn’t until I said, “Hey I paid for this with my card, what do you mean?” He didn’t even explain hisself he just looked shocked and said oh okay.. Meanwhile, the customer ahead of me who also had a pickup order was handed his food with no issue free to walk out, until the customer himself mentioned he still needed to pay for it. It became clear that I was being unfairly singled out and stereotyped.

I regret even ordering so much just to try different items from their menu. This was my first and last visit. If you're looking for great Indian food and respectful service, I highly recommend...