Tamarind Restaurant and Catering — Restaurant in Chino

Tamarind Restaurant Is a Flavor Bomb You Didn’t Know You Needed Ever had a meal that made you pause mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening in your mouth? That was us at Tamarind. That’s the kind of magic Tamarind delivers. The second you walk in, the vibe hits you. Not too fancy, not too casual, just the perfect balance. Think family dinner meets upscale comfort. You’re greeted right away by warm smiles and soft voices, and if it’s your first time, they’ll walk you through everything like you’re already part of the crew. And here’s what really shocked me, the actual cooks came out to check on us, brought dishes themselves, and asked for our feedback. When was the last time that happened? That level of care and pride says everything about this place. Here’s what we tried, and trust me, every bite was a mic drop: Chicken Tikka Masala – I could write a love letter to this dish. The chicken was so tender it practically melted. I’m super picky with texture and this one hit all the right notes, no chew, no dryness, just buttery, flavorful bliss.

Vegetable Samosas – Legit took me back to when I lived abroad in India and Pakistan. Crispy on the outside, warm and perfectly spiced on the inside.

Beef Kebab – Didn’t think onions could elevate a dish like this, but wow. The flavor combo was out of this world.

Garlic Naan – Soft, warm, a little crispy on the edge. You’ll use it to scoop up every last bit of sauce, and then wish you had more.

Mango Lassi – Ordered one to try, got another to go, and let’s just say it didn’t survive the drive home. That sweet creamy mango flavor? Addictive.

The service? Next level. Friendly, attentive, and fast, but never rushed. You feel like you’re in someone’s home, and they’re proud to feed you.

And the price? We ordered enough food for a feast: seven dishes, four drinks, and extras to go, all under $80. If you’ve got a big appetite or a big family, this place is unbeatable.

It feels like a family run restaurant with heart. And based on the flavor and energy, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been perfecting these recipes for generations.

If you’re anywhere near Chino or Chino Hills and haven’t been here yet, you’re missing out. Don’t just go, make it a regular spot. Your tastebuds will thank you. Your wallet will too.

Q: What should you absolutely not skip? A: Like many others mentioned in their reviews, the Chicken Tikka Masala is legendary, and yes, we tried it. That chicken? It was so tender it practically fell apart with a nudge of the fork. No chewy nonsense. Just melt in your mouth magic.

We also had the Vegetable Samosas, and they were exactly like what I used to eat abroad in India and Pakistan. Perfectly crisp on the outside with a warm, spiced filling that took me straight back in time. And don’t sleep on the Beef Kebab. That thing was fire. The onions pulled it all together like some kind of flavor glue.

The Garlic Naan? Oh man. Divine. Slight crisp, fluffy inside, perfect for scooping every drop of that masala. Other reviews mentioned the Palak Paneer and Karahi Chicken as top tier, we didn’t get to those this time but trust, they’re on our list for next visit.

And let’s talk drinks. That Mango Lassi? We bought one to go and promised we wouldn’t touch it till tomorrow. It didn’t make it past the driveway. Zero regrets.

Q: What’s the vibe like? A: Feels like a big family gathering. The place oozes warmth. Staff is kind, polite, and really cares about the experience. You can tell it’s a family run operation, from the uncles to the cousins, everyone pitches in and brings that home cooked energy.

inal Verdict: If you're in Chino or even remotely close, you owe it to yourself to hit up Tamarind Restaurant and Catering. This is easily one of the best Pakistani Indian spots in Southern California. Authentic flavors, insane value (we got seven dishes and four drinks for under $80), and unforgettable hospitality. Run, don’t walk.

Now go get that naan and tikka masala, and tell them the...

Not worth it at all!!!! Terrible service. We came for the lunch buffet after a long day for visiting Chino Hills from Torrance, and thought we'd be able to enjoy our lunch for a celebration. First of all when we entered, we were greeted rudely by the waiter even though the owner was present. Second of all, the buffet containers were empty when we began to get our food! We got some pieces, but they were definitely the last pieces. Also, more customers were coming in for the buffet, but we did not once see the containers get refilled so those who were dining at the same time as us might not have even gotten fresh food or proper portions! My dining partner and myself even got up again to grab more food, but to our disappoint there was nothing but tiny pieces or crumbs!!!! The waiter would come to fill up our glasses and we would thank him, but each timed wouldn't reply and looked at us like he didn't want us to dine there. Finally when we expressed our dissatisfaction to the owner while paying, the owner seemed to disregard our experience and was just focused on making sure we'd come back again and that we would "know where to have lunch again next time". He didn't show any care for the terrible experience and service, only cared that money was coming in....

We came for a late dinner and so thankful they took us in at 8:15pm. We were the only ones and seated right away. They have us water and menus to review. I got the Chicken Saag and my husband got the Chicken Korma. We also ordered Samosas and Garlic Naan bread. We forgot to order rice and the host was so nice to ask a few minutes later if we wanted to add it. The portions are huge! You can get away with sharing just 1 dish to be honest. Make sure to order 2 orders of bread. We were sad it was soo good that we regretted not ordering more. The Chicken Saag was so creamy and tasted like mashed lentils. Yum! The Chicken Korma had more of a little kick and was very rich in sauce. The samosas had the most spicy flavors so have water handy! There wasn’t any music playing but I wonder if it was because it was close to closing time. I personally didn’t care it was really nice to have some quiet. Overall this place was fantastic. Give...