Himalayan Kitchen — Restaurant in Durango

After a long day of travel, stomachs grumbling and hearts set on comfort food, we stepped into The Himalayan Restaurant. The ambience was warm, and the staff — truly lovely people — greeted us with such gentle humility, we immediately felt at ease. We sat down, hopeful. Hungry. Ready.

We ordered masala chai, malai kofta with rice and garlic naan, and a samosa to get things started.

The chai arrived first. One sip, and the illusion broke. Watery, weak, and unmistakably made with dip tea bags — the kind of chai that feels more like hot disappointment than a warm embrace. We looked at each other, trying to brush it off. Maybe the food would redeem it.

The samosa — hot and freshly made. A crispy shell, decent filling. It was okay. Not memorable, but at least it felt like a real attempt. We were still hopeful.

But the malai kofta? It was the final blow. No salt. No flavor. Not even the creamy sweetness or spice you’d expect from the name. Just bland kofta balls in a flat, forgettable sauce. It didn’t taste unfinished — it tasted untouched by seasoning. Like the chef was afraid to offend… anyone.

The garlic naan? It was… okay. The kind of naan that doesn’t disappoint, but doesn’t excite either. Just there. Existing. Much like our hopes at that point.

We left the restaurant full, but only because hunger won. Emotionally, we walked out empty.

And yet, it hurts to write this — because the staff were so gracious, so humble, so kind. You want to love the place because of them. But food speaks louder than service, and this meal had nothing to say.

To the team: your hospitality shines. But your food needs a voice — and a...

My recent dining experience at Himalayan Kitchen in Durango, Colorado, was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity that set the stage for an unforgettable meal. Starting off with a delicious beer and indulging in the dumplings for an appetizer, I knew I was in for a treat.

Opting for the grilled meat dish, which featured shrimp, lamb, and chicken cooked in onions, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors. The dish far surpassed my expectations, with each protein cooked to perfection and complemented by the sensational fresh green sauce. To elevate the experience further, I requested some hot sauce, which added a flavorful and spicy kick that I highly recommend to anyone seeking an extra punch of flavor.

Accompanied by a side of rice and some bread that resembled Pita, every element of the meal was meticulously prepared and incredibly satisfying. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring that every need was met promptly and courteously. Despite the bustling Friday evening crowd, the restaurant maintained its cleanliness and charm, albeit requiring street parking.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Himalayan Kitchen to anyone craving an exceptional dining experience in Durango. With its outstanding food, reasonable prices, and top-notch service, it's a culinary gem that deserves to be celebrated. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to add this restaurant to your must-visit list—you won't be...

We really wanted to enjoy our dinner, but 40 minutes to order? We waited 15 minutes for our water and to order our drinks and apps, then another 30 to order our dinner. Two different tables came in 20-30 minutes after us, one with 5 people (there were 2 of us), and both were served before us. We were never asked if we wanted refills on our drinks, and it took them 20 minutes to pick up the stacked plates from our appetizers. I had to go up twice to ask what was going on with the service.

That said, we ordered the papadums for starters. We finished the papadums and waited another 15 minutes before I chased them down to order our dinner.

For dinner, we had the Sherpa Stew, Yaksha Thenthuk (yak stew - you have to order yak when it's available, right?), Chyamtange Dhopzi (like a whole wheat naan), and raita. My wife really enjoyed the Sherpa Stew. It tasted essentially like a good curry. The yak stew was good, though the yak was chewy for some bites. It was hearty - really like a good beef stew. It did need some salt.

The raita was delicious, and the dhopzi was delicious as well.

It would have been a fine meal, if the poor service had not dominated the entire meal. A one off of a forgotten dish, or late to take your order is one thing, but the inattention was consistent from beginning to end. It took almost 2 hours for us from start to finish. I would love to go back and try other dishes, but I wouldn't dare with...