Taste of India Destin — Restaurant in Destin

Let me tell you a cute little story… My fiancée wanted to take me to dinner because I was having a bad day. (Well, it WAS a Monday, after all.) Now, we rarely go out for Indian food (he’s not a big fan of curry), so you have to understand: this was kind of special. 😊 The local Indian restaurant 4 miles from our house is closed on Mondays, but because we don’t go that often, I didn’t think about it until we were halfway there. So I gave him an out, “We could just go through the drive through somewhere…” He genuinely seemed disappointed that he couldn’t do this nice gesture for me, so I said, “Unless you want to drive ALL THE WAY to Destin. There’s an Indian place out there.” (It’s about 10 miles away… Like, it’s SO FAR! 🤣) So we ended up going to Taste of India, and let me tell you, I’m SO glad we did!

1. We found out it’s in the same building where one of our friends owns his business!

2. Our server, Shobhan, was AWESOME! He greeted us with a big smile and seated us promptly. He waited an appropriate amount of time for us to peruse the menu before returning to ask if we were ready to order. (Actually, I noticed he immediately had to refill the water bottle for the table because we poured our cups, drank them down and refilled them right away! We were just so thirsty! 🥵)

3. When it came time to order, I knew what I wanted, but my fiancée needed suggestions to avoid getting something with curry. 😝 He was going to get the Chicken Croquettes, because it didn’t say curry on the menu, but Shobhan warned him, “It does have a little bit of curry in it.” So he suggested the Chicken Tikka. “This whole section here is grilled.”

4. We got Samosas for starters. I thought the Samosas were great! Fiancée liked the pastry shell, but wasn’t really crazy about the potato/pea filling because of the flavor of the spices. We also got Garlic Naan as a second starter. I felt it needed a bit more garlic. (Tasted more like plain buttered naan, but there WAS garlic on it so I know it wasn’t a mixup.) Fiancée agreed, he couldn’t taste much garlic.

5. Remember I said there is an Indian restaurant closer to my house? I explained to Shobhan they have this dish called “Cheese Butter Masala,” and I add chicken to it. He suggested I get Paneer Makhani, but when I asked if I could add chicken, he said no. He offered as an alternative that I could order Butter Chicken, but that would be without the cheese. He was very apologetic 😔 about not being allowed to get the chicken-cheese-butter-style dish. I ended up having the Paneer Makhani because I love the cheese, 🧀 and my fiancée gave me some of his Chicken Tikka, 🍗 so it was a WIN! 🏆

6. When we were finished eating, Shobhan quickly came with all the necessary to-go containers (including ramekins for the chutneys). Then he surprised us with mango ice cream! And what was really precious was, I don’t like mango but my fiancée does! So I told Shobhan “Want to hear something funny? Know how I said he (my fiancée) doesn’t like curry? Well, I don’t like mango. LOL!!!” 😂 Shobhan said he was sorry that I didn’t like mangoes, but I said, “No! No! Don’t worry! I think this is beautiful! 🤩 He (my fiancée) just said it’s God rewarding him for taking me out for Indian food! Like Karma!” (Then we all laughed!) 🤣

And if THIS isn’t an endorsement, ✅ I don’t know what is: My fiancée (who rarely takes me out for Indian food because he doesn’t like curry) said this was the BEST 🏅 Indian restaurant he’s ever been to, and actually WANTS to come back on a weekend sometime soon. (They have a buffet EVERY day from...

I am absolutely delighted to award Taste of India Destin a well-deserved five-star rating for its exceptional culinary journey into the heart of Indian cuisine. This restaurant stands out as a beacon of authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and an ambiance that transports you straight to India.

The standout feature of Taste of India Destin is undoubtedly its authentic and diverse menu. Every dish is a celebration of India's rich culinary heritage, bursting with flavors that are both traditional and vibrant. From perfectly spiced curries to freshly baked naans and aromatic biryanis, each bite is a testament to the chef's expertise and dedication to authenticity.

The ambiance at Taste of India Destin adds significantly to the dining experience. The decor, with its traditional Indian motifs and warm, inviting colors, creates a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Whether dining with family, friends, or enjoying a special occasion, the environment is perfect for a memorable meal.

Customer service at Taste of India Destin is exceptional. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure each guest feels welcomed and taken care of. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to make recommendations based on individual tastes and dietary preferences contribute to a personalized dining experience.

The use of high-quality, fresh ingredients in every dish at Taste of India Destin is evident. The focus on quality and the skillful blending of spices result in dishes that are not only delicious but also a feast for the senses.

Furthermore, Taste of India Destin offers a selection of beverages that perfectly complement the meal. From traditional Indian drinks to a thoughtful selection of wines and beers, the options enhance the flavors of the food and round out the dining experience.

In conclusion, Taste of India Destin provides a delightful escape into the world of Indian cuisine. Its combination of exquisite flavors, inviting ambiance, and exceptional service makes it a top destination for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable Indian dining experience. Whether you are a connoisseur of Indian food or exploring these flavors for the first time, Taste of India Destin promises an experience that earns a glowing...

Taste of India Achieves Nirvana

The challenge of any aspiring restaurant setting up shop in a tourist destination is to find the right balance between an eatery that satiates the average visitor while growing a unique brand that intrigues the locals enough to keep em’ coming back, even in the off season. Taste of India has cracked the code by offering visitors a distinctive and scrumptious menu that sets it apart from the usual Destin fare framed in an aesthetically warm establishment, lovingly curated by a staff who has a genuine love of the food and the patrons who walk in to spend some time in their world.

My wife and I have been wanting to try Taste of India since they opened their doors two months ago. We finally decided to make the time to check out the lunch buffet. While they offer a full dinner menu for in house dining or takeout, we wanted to try everything they had to offer. After my first time through, I wish I had skipped breakfast. There was simply too much to try and every choice was delicious. I made an effort to sample just about everything but the lemon rice, chilli potatoes, chicken tikka masala and chicken korma stood out and were amazing. Every bite was an explosion of spices and flavor that easily transcended any hamburger or basket of greasy fried shrimp and soggy fries that you commonly find at the corporate establishments that have paid big bucks for a seat at the tourist table. Taste of India is the real deal.

After a couple of trips through the line I couldn’t imagine eating anything else but the affable host insisted that we try the deserts. Not wanting to disappoint, I waddled up to the bar and where my palate was further assaulted by a glorious selection of fruits puddings and home made mango ice cream. I tried the ice cream and it made me quiver. It was sweet and rich with a thick consistency. I couldn’t get enough of the specialty recipe.

As extraordinary as the food was, it would be inexcusable not to mention the staff. Our host (and others there) were warm and inviting, offering us both culinary recommendations and heart felt gratitude for our patronage. I felt at home and couldn’t wait to come back. Taste of India is among the best Destin...