Honestly, on a scorching Arizona afternoon, walking into Honest Vegetarian Restaurant felt like finding an oasis in the desert. The ambience was cool, clean, and welcoming, with that understated comfort that makes you sit back, relax, and prepare for something good.
Honestly, I first assumed it was a Gujarati restaurant. Well, I was honestly wrong. The owner smilingly explained that the menu proudly represents the whole of India — from crispy South Indian dosas to Mumbai’s Batata Vada and Dabeli, from Bengali-style chaats of the East to hearty Punjabi thalis of the North. If geography was taught through their menu, I would have scored cent percent.
Honestly, the first sip of my watermelon juice convinced me I had made the right choice to walk in. It was refreshingly fresh, sweet without being heavy, and a perfect antidote to the Arizona sun. A drink that could honestly win a medal for hydration.
Honestly, the main course was a revelation. The butter naan came soft, fluffy, and slathered generously with butter — the kind of naan that makes you forget table manners and go straight into finger-licking mode. And the Malai Methi Mutter? Oh, what an honest masterpiece! Creamy, aromatic, slightly bitter from the freshly ground methi (fenugreek)leaves , sweet from the peas, all tied together with a masala balance so perfect that it immediately transported me back to 1986, to Hotel Marudhar-Panihari in Kota, Rajasthan, where I last had something that memorable. Nostalgia served on a plate — honestly unbeatable.
Honestly, the rice and curd acted like the calm after a flavorful storm, a soothing finish before dessert arrived. And then came the freshly made carrot halwa. Rich, warm, melt-in-the-mouth, with that perfect balance of ghee and sweetness — it honestly felt like eating happiness in its purest form.
Honestly, the service was as good as the food. Friendly, attentive, and quick, without ever being intrusive. The staff seemed genuinely proud of what they served, and that honesty in hospitality showed in every interaction.
Honestly, Honest Restaurant is a gem in the valley. A place where quality meets variety, where food brings both joy and nostalgia, and where “honest” isn’t just the name on the board — it’s the soul of the place.
Finally.....
Read moreLooking for a flavorful and fulfilling vegetarian experience? Look no further than Honest Indian Restaurant! Whether you're a seasoned veggie lover or a curious carnivore, Honest offers a taste of India that will tantalize your taste buds.
The chefs use fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create dishes bursting with authentic Indian spices. From the creamy Malai Kofta to the vibrant Saag Paneer, every bite is a journey to culinary India. Variety Galore: The menu caters to all preferences, with a wide range of curries, dosas, samosas, and biryanis. There are options for those who crave heat and for those who prefer a milder experience. Honest Hospitality: The name truly reflects the experience. The staff is friendly, attentive, and happy to guide you through the menu, making recommendations based on your preferences. A Feast for the Senses: The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, with aromatic spices filling the air. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a delightful meal. Beyond the Highlights:
While I haven't tried everything, I highly recommend the Paneer Tikka Masala and the Vegetable Biryani. The portion sizes are generous, and the value for money is excellent. They offer takeout and delivery options, making it a convenient choice for a busy weeknight.
Honest Indian Restaurant is a gem for vegetarians and anyone who appreciates delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. With its vibrant flavors, friendly service, and warm atmosphere, it's an experience that won't disappoint. I highly recommend...
Read moreWe decided to go to Honest, since we were in the general area (we live in north Phoenix).Since it was a weekday (Wednesday), there was not much of a crowd. Maybe 8-10 diners.
A two wheeler (Bajaj Scooter) Indian motorized scooter greets you when you walk in.
The restaurant is setup and decorated very nicely, with upbeat Bollywood music playing in the background. Very good ambiance. They also have a party room
There was no wait time and we were seated almost immediately, personally, I think the staff should smile more and be a bit more friendly. The owner did stop by our table and chatted for a bit. A very friendly gentleman, perhaps he should impart his friendliness to the staff!
the menu is quite extensive with many different choices. They have excellent falloodas as well.
We got a Honest thali meal, which had Paneer curry, chhole, bhaji style curry, daal, raita, cucumber/tomato/onion, two parathas, rice, gulab jamun, pappadums
Telhey all tasted fantastic, however the rice was way undercooked.
Others had masala dosas and the sambar was indeed good and so wer le the chutneys. The spice level was quite high for the chutney and sambar. Again, tasty food.
We also had a Puri/chutney...basically oaninpoori with a spicy chutney inside and lots of sev. It was different and quite tasty.
Last, we had rasamalai and dry-fruits-fallooda. The rasamalai was standard fare and the falloodas was good.
This restaurant is worth a visit, and if we are in the area, we will...
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