The Clove Garden — Restaurant in East Brunswick Township

A Journey Through Flavors and Warm Hospitality

We recently had the pleasure of dining at Clove Garden, and I must say, it was a delightful culinary experience from start to finish. The variety of dishes offered, especially the authentic South Indian flavors, really made this meal memorable. Here's my review of the different dishes we tried.

Appetizers: We started with the Idiyappam with Veg Stew, which was a gentle and comforting dish. The idiyappam (string hoppers) was soft, perfectly complementing the mildly spiced and creamy vegetable stew. The coconut base of the stew was rich yet light, making it a great way to ease into the meal.

Next, the Puttu Kadala arrived, a classic Kerala combination. The puttu was perfectly steamed, soft, and crumbly, and paired with the hearty black chickpea curry (kadala), it was truly satisfying. The spices in the kadala were well-balanced, providing warmth without overwhelming the palate.

For those who love seafood, the Spicy Pickled Shrimp was a standout. The shrimp were fresh, with the right amount of heat from the pickling spices, and it delivered a zesty punch that woke up our taste buds in the best way possible.

The Chicken Malai Kabab was another highlight in the appetizers. The kebabs were incredibly tender and creamy, with a delicate blend of spices and a hint of smokiness from the grill. The chicken practically melted in the mouth, and the richness of the malai made it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a mildly spiced, luxurious dish.

Main Course: The main courses were equally impressive. We tried the Goat Biryani, which was aromatic, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The tender goat pieces were succulent and well-spiced, and the biryani rice was fragrant with saffron and other spices. It was rich but not too heavy, making it a crowd-pleaser.

The Pallipalayam Chicken Curry was another star dish. This Tamil Nadu specialty was spicy, with an earthy depth of flavor from the roasted coconut and a medley of spices. It paired beautifully with the Lacha Paratha, whose flaky layers soaked up the curry, as well as the Garlic Naan, which added a subtle garlic kick to each bite.

Desserts: For dessert, we sampled the Payasam, Kerala Halwa, and the restaurant's Homemade Ice Cream. The payasam was creamy and comforting, with the perfect amount of sweetness. The Kerala Halwa, made from rice flour and jaggery, was dense and chewy, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor. The homemade ice cream was a nice, light way to end the meal, with a delicate flavor that wasn’t too sweet and helped balance the richness of the other desserts.

Hospitality: A special mention goes to the wonderful staff who made our experience even more memorable. Owner Ben greeted us warmly and made sure everything was perfect throughout our meal. Gopi, Nitesh, and Stefan provided excellent service—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the dishes. Their genuine hospitality added a personal touch that made us feel right at home.

Overall: Clove Garden offers an exquisite dining experience with a great blend of South Indian and North Indian dishes. The flavors are bold, authentic, and beautifully presented, making it a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Indian fare. With a welcoming atmosphere and a fantastic team led by Ben, Gopi, Nitesh, and Stefan, this is a restaurant where food and hospitality come together perfectly....

Clove Garden is a delightful culinary gem that I recently had the pleasure of visiting. Nestled in a cozy corner, this restaurant offers a warm ambiance that sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

One of the standout beverages is the Masala Buttermilk . This refreshing drink is perfectly spiced, providing a delightful balance of flavors that is both cooling and invigorating. It’s an excellent way to start your meal and prepare your palate for what's to come.

For the main course, I highly recommend the Sahi Paneer . This rich and creamy dish is a treat for the senses. The paneer is cooked to perfection, soaking up the luscious sauce, which strikes a lovely balance of spices and creaminess. It's a must-try for anyone who enjoys Indian cuisine.

Additionally, the Baby Potato Manchurian is another dish that should not be missed. The potatoes are expertly fried, achieving that perfect crispness, and they are generously coated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that will leave you craving more. It's a fantastic fusion dish that showcases the chef's creativity.

Overall, Clove Garden offers a delightful dining experience characterized by its flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere. If you're in the mood for some delectable Indian cuisine, make sure to stop by and indulge in their must-try selections. I can't wait to return and explore more...

Please stay away from this place. Their delivery service is unreliable. They misplaced the order by incorrectly sharing the delivery address with their third-party service. When reached out to, they have not yet refunded the amount, despite multiple assurances. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. The manager and the store lack ethics, morals, and integrity. Regarding the fake comment stating the order was placed on Clove Garden’s official website — how the internal handling is managed is not the customer’s concern. Attached is the email clearly showing the order was placed and confirmed by Clove Garden. Furthermore, the manager promised a refund, but now is denying it and spreading lies to cheat the customer out of their money. This not only shows a complete lack of sensitivity and morality but also exposes the owner’s willingness to deceive customers for a few dollars. This behavior is unacceptable and clearly demonstrates the total disregard for honesty, transparency, and customer trust. Immediate action is expected to resolve this matter with full accountability.

EDIT : 07/25: THE OWNERS HAVE STILL NOT PROCESSED...