Punjabi Fusion Grill (PFG) — Restaurant in Duncan

First I would like to comment on another reviewer with a negative slant. Out of 15 reviews that person has left 12 were 1 star. Unfortunately, some people live for criticism and negativity. Their opinion about Punjabi Fusion Grill is so WAYYYYY off base it is almost humorous and I felt compelled to share a real 100% facts review of PFG. The negatives posted are concerning a previous ownership. The new ownership has this food spot on point. A must try.

I "found" PFG yesterday as I passed nearby on I-85. Having lived in Indo-Pak Asia for 18 years (speaking five languages of the region fluently), I consider myself well qualified to review Indian style Punjabi foods. PFG is located in a repurposed Waffle House (minutes off Exit 63 on I-85). Exceptionally clean, modern (with free Wifi) and particularly attentive service the experience starts well. I ordered the classic butter chicken (always a good place to start) with naan and chai. Preparing my order took about fifteen minutes (which I don't mind as this is a sign the food is being prepared fresh) and came to me with a hot, deliciously buttered, fresh naan straight from the tandoor. The main dish came in a 16 ounce container with a side bowl of rice. Sturdy disposable utensils and the overall packaging was designed to let you eat half and take the rest home (which is precisely what I did) and I am eating the last of that as I type this review. Enjoying it twice in one day.

Now to the food. The food was GOOD! Authentic flavors and delicious. I would give it a 9/10. The only reason I have not given it a 10/10 is because I like my curry "desi spicy" and not "gora spicy". Many Indian restaurants tone down what ordering food "spicy or hot" means as the Western palate is not designed for authentic "bus/train station street foods" from India. The chai was good for a "dood pathi chai - translate: milk/tea leaf" (without the overpowering influence of "masala" spices you usually find in Indian tea) but could have been a little more robust/stout. Again tuned to the American palate of traditional tea. Management asked for and graciously accepted suggestions for improvement. I explained that for the normal American palate this was GREAT. I personally like things kicked up a notch in spiciness and robust flavoring which might be a bit much for the Western palate. Overall, it was a great experience and management said next time they will remember me and "kick things up a notch" for my personal tastes. A great opportunity to practice my Hindi and Punjabi. The FIVE STAR rating is well deserved. Another bonus, they are open all day, 11AM to 10PM.

Conveniently located behind the TA and Pilot Travel Centers at exit 63 on I-85 (one minute off interstate) and beside Quality Inn Duncan/Spartanburg West.

UPDATE: Yesterday I had my first return visit and true to their word they kicked the spicy up to authentic “gaow (village) spicy” It was spectacular. PFG has a customer for life. I can’t wait to try some of their other menu items.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Another visit to PFG March 20th, 2025. Boy what a "BOOOM" experience. I asked for chicken curry "desi spicy" and got what I asked for. This curry was FIRE (and oh so good!). I had to chuckle at the service ticket. It said ""SPICY - Indian too much hot - extra hottest chilli - booom". I got the booom all right. Half way through I had that honest to goodness "desi hot" sweat on my brow. MMMMMMMMMMMMmmmm! delicious!!!!!

WARNING: Not for the faint of...

Update with new owners:

Everything is so much better now! The prices are still pretty up there but I understand it’s authentic food. Everyone is nice, the food is consistent, and I haven’t had anymore food poisoning lol. Doing great so far with the new owners and I LOVE the new look on the inside.

Old owner review:

Service: The guys are normally very kind, the girls are generally subpar on the customer service. I won’t say they’re rude, they just don’t have any personality.

Food: The food is honestly very tasty. At the very most I may have to add some salt and pepper but that may just be a preference. The Galub Jamun is so different, and lightly sweet; a lovely take on a “dessert”, the garlic naan I could literally eat with every meal, the butter chicken and rice is so so good, the little veggie triangles (I think they’re called samosas) have an interesting but good flavor. The mango yogurt drink they offer, I always get because sodas are canned, but it’s so fresh and delicious, I’d love to find a recipe. Only thing I haven’t been impressed with is the lamb curry

Quality: They offer different spice levels and I normally get mild but I like spice so I went for medium. I don’t know what was in this particular batch but I took a bite that was so incredibly spicy, my mouth was on fire, eyes burned, nose ran, etc. but this was once I was halfway through my portion of the meal, so it wasn’t the whole thing. Another time I went I had a case of food poisoning. It honestly seems like things started out really strong when they first opened, and now the quality is just going down hill.

Price: With all due respect, it’s trash. I used to eat here often when it first opened but now it’s MAYBE once every month or 2. Along with the quality, price has gone downhill too. They used to offer a buffet for 12.99, got rid of that. They used to offer “combos” with 2 meats and rice for I think 14-16 dollars, they got rid of that. Now the butter chicken and rice that is my norm is now I think 16.99-18.99. And granted it’s enough to eat 2 meals out of but while it used to be packed with chicken I swear it’s all sauce and maybe 8-10 small pieces of chicken. I understand inflation, but even being, the high prices just doesn’t match what you get.

All in all, I do really enjoy this restaurant the majority of the time, and I crave it often. I’m just disappointed that between the quality control and pricing, things have just seemed to trend in a downhill direction. I wish they could get back to how they were, and just be more...

Excellent place. Large portions at great prices, a decent variety of popular dishes, authentic flavors. The food is ready for you very quickly.

If you are unsure what you want or what something is, the combo plate is perfect for you. You can get up to 3 different entrees with rice. The gentleman even offered to ladle some gravy on my rice optionally, very appreciated. The food was delicious and lasted two complete meals that day.

Highly recommended.

(Edit)

As of now, they no longer have a lunch buffet. This actually drops them down a star, as that was one of my favorite features.

I don't blame them for this, I blame you.

Why didn't you go eat at this amazing place? This is some of the best Indian food in upper sc. That they took away the buffet means they weren't getting enough business. I don't understand why they wouldn't. What is wrong with y'all?

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