Passage to India — Restaurant in Cambridge

Solid Indian restaurant in East Cambridge.

Tucked away in a neighborhood lacking in good Indian food options, Passage to India has stood out as a curiosity for me. Having observed the restaurant's transformation under the same management twice in recent years, I first tried them via takeouts and was intrigued enough to go for a dine-in experience.

On my most recent visit, I tried Passage Mixed Appetizers, Shrimp Biryani, Goa Shrimp Curry, and Chicken Tikka Masala. An assortment for samosa, pakoras, and aloo tikki, the Passage mixed appetizers was a satisfying start to the meal. Although a touch over-seasoned, the selection of dipping sauces provided balance.

Transitioning to the main courses, I opted for regular spice levels, which turned out to be quite fiery. However, the creaminess of the Tikka Masala's tomato sauce and the toasted nuts in the Shrimp Biryani eased the heat, contributing to a layered flavor profile. Despite this, the spice level was still slightly challenging.

In terms of authenticity, Passage to India leans towards a more Westernized interpretation of Indian cuisine, scaling back on traditional spices and opting for a creamier touch to their dishes. This might not appeal to those seeking a hardcore Indian culinary experience, but it gets the job done otherwise.

Portion sizes were reasonably modest compared to some local competitors, yet they sufficed for a satisfying meal. So, while it may not be a quintessential Indian experience, it serves as a solid Indian food option in a neighborhood where such choices are limited. It's a place I would recommend to those who appreciate a spicy kick to their meals and a gentle introduction to...

IF I COULD GIVE THIS PLACE ZERO STARS OR EVEN NEGATIVE STARS.. I WOULD!

Hear me out: this is, without a doubt, the worst Indian food I’ve ever had in the US. I’ve been eating Indian food for 30 years, and whatever this is, it’s far from being anything close to authentic Indian cuisine. The irony of the name “Passage to India” is laughable—especially when the waiter admitted that their menu isn’t even designed for Indians.

Here’s the breakdown of the disaster: • I ordered chicken kalmi kebab and chicken tikka masala, only to find both dishes used the same dry, flavorless chicken. • The chicken tikka masala was especially offensive: no salt, no spices, just an insipid mess. • When I asked for something else, they brought out chili chicken, which somehow managed to be worse. The chicken was rock-hard and completely inedible.

As if the bad food wasn’t enough, they charged $25 for a 30 ml whiskey shot. Let me put this into perspective: that’s more expensive than some 5-star luxury bars in NYC.

Final thoughts: The owner or chef seriously needs to taste their own food and realize they’re misrepresenting Indian cuisine in the worst way possible. This isn’t just bad food; it’s inedible and tasteless. Save yourself the regret and avoid this place...

Ordered Uber Eats. Chicken Tikka Masala entree was missing. The 2 orders of Lamb Samosas were flattened into 1 container & also the dough was undercooked. I called the restaurant to complain about the missing entree & undercooked items. The restaurant asked me to place a 2nd Uber Eats order so he could send the missing items & the undercooked ones. I said I do not want to place a 2nd order please just refund the missing items. He offered a store credit. I said, "Sir, I'm on vacation & do not want a store credit. Please just refund the missing items." Restaurant would not do it. I tried to get help from UBER EATS & they also would not refund. I had to get my credit card company to refund. I am also filing a complaint with the BBB & have spoken with my attorney about a law suit as well. Charging a customer for items they didn't receive is stealing & falsely charging for items not received! The food was really good. The experience overall is AWFUL. And I'm still dealing with it. I wish they would have refunded the missing items & this 1 star review could have...