The Essence by JohnNNair,Indian Carryout — Restaurant in District Heights

I ordered about 5–7 different dishes from The Essence by JohnNair, and I have to say this was by far the worst Indian food I've ever had. I’m truly shocked by the 4.9-star rating, because based on flavor alone, I’d give it a 1 out of 5.

I’ve been to many Indian restaurants over the years, and I know what to expect: rich, bold, spicy, and flavorful food. This just wasn’t it.

As a family of 6, we order big and love to try a wide variety of dishes. But this time, everyone in the family agreed the food was bland, lacked depth, and did not taste authentic.

I can’t help but wonder if it has something to do with the area it’s located in. Based on my experience dining across DC, Virginia, Montgomery County, and Baltimore, I’ve noticed that the best Indian spots are usually in areas where there's a strong Indian or international foodie population. If you Google Indian food near this location, you’ll see the closest well-known options are in VA or DC this restaurant is one of the only ones in its local area.

While I understand that people in certain areas may not be as familiar with traditional Indian cuisine, as a true foodie who ventures out for authentic flavor, I expected more. The lack of authenticity, spice, and richness makes this a hard pass for me.

If you’re looking for true Indian flavor, you may want to head into DC, VA, or Montgomery County instead. Unfortunately, The Essence...

I would first like to say this place has hands down the best customer service I have ever experienced. I called in my order and the lady on the phone was knowledgeable of the menu and able to explain the items I was curious about. She also explained that the food was made to order so it would be a 30 minute wait which I am fine with. I arrived to the restaurant about 10mins before my food was ready and was politely greeted. The lady at the front offered me some extra sauces which I appreciate. I really liked the spicy mayo and there was also a dark slightly sweet sauce that was really good. I’m not sure of the name. They provided utensils and napkins and even gave out a free sample of dessert which was tasty. Not my favorite texture but I definitely won’t complain.

Now the food. I ordered veggie samosas and 2 orders of the pompano fish. The fish was cooked to perfection! Perfectly seasoned, meaty, flavorful, and delicious! It was so good I forgot to take pictures. But I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu and will update with pics then. I highly recommend anyone reading this review, if you’re on the fence. Just go!! You won’t be...

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a catered meal that was nothing short of extraordinary. The menu included a delightful mix of pazampori, vada, chicken curry, mutton stew, appam, and chicken 65. Each dish was crafted with exceptional skill and offered a burst of authentic flavors.

The pazampori was a perfect start, offering a crispy and sweet bite that set the tone for the meal. The vada followed suit with its crunchy exterior and soft, savory inside, making it a delightful appetizer.

The mutton stew was another standout, featuring tender pieces of mutton in a creamy, flavorful broth. It was comforting and hearty, a true testament to traditional cooking.

Lastly, the chicken 65 was a crowd favorite, with its perfectly seasoned, spicy, and crispy coating. It was an irresistible dish that left everyone wanting more.

Overall, the catered meal was a fantastic culinary journey. Each dish was meticulously prepared, showcasing a perfect blend of tradition and taste. I highly recommend this catering service for anyone looking to enjoy authentic, delicious cuisine that leaves a...