Mauka Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Eatontown

8/5/24 ADDENDED REVIEW TO THE OWNER'S RESPONSE: RE: Your comment about "questioning my motives" is unclassy and utterly preposterous. Adding that you have a staff which are kind, and have a respectful demeanor was a "moot" point since your staff member fell short tonight during my new customer experience. I am aware a salad is not a meal; it shouldn't be DRY. Having asked what was in the salad prior to receipt and receiving an answer of "Cucumbers." with an attitude, was my experience. I simply wanted to know what came in the dish (ie: veggies therein, since I was excited to anticipate trying something new) and I wanted to "please know if the dressing comes in it or if any part of it is marinated/pickled" but gave up on asking further because of the language barrier situation. Why did your staff member not allow me to speak to someone "who could please help us with my questions", when I politely asked?

There was no "cultural appropriation" for a "customer like" me. Review the definition of the phrase as it does not apply here.

I do not like chutney. Your staff member successfully confirmed we'd receive 4 sauces total for our samosas @ 2 for each order. FYI: some places serve 3 for each order and we'd politely decline chutney if offered, thus why I asked. Yet, we received only 3 total. No checking of to-go orders before they go out the door?

As someone whose favorite food in the last 7 months is Indian cuisine, but has never had: Cauliflower Bang Bang, I also asked if the Bang Bang Sauce and the Aioli come on the side and S1 advised it was "mixed together". You know the deal on that one. Was the 2nd (very polite) staff member incorrect to advise that it typically comes mild or medium? We received a very spicy order and I am multiracial so I am no stranger to spice or heat, fyi.

"Bogus motive" is a far stretch from accountability. Accept that the way things were supposed to go was not how they went; and, that you added fuel to the fire as to why we will never eat from your establishment again. No love lost. ;)

Review 1: 8/4/24 Part language barrier, bad attitude, improperly prepared food and a missing item!

I called in and spoke to a woman who had an attitude and could barely understand what I was asking. She gave me short and curt answers. I very politely asked if she could get someone to help us and either she did not understand what I was saying or just didn't bother.

I asked: a: how many sauces come with the samosas. Having ordered 2 separate samosa orders, she advised we should receive 2 sauces with each order = 4; we received 3! b: I also ordered the cauliflower bang bang. I asked this same woman if the sauce is separate and she advised the aioli is mixed in. It wasn't. The aioli was runny, think oat milk, and though it was fresh and tasted like coriander so the flavor was nice but it was runny. AND! Our cauliflower bang bang was wayyyyyyyy too hot! It was supposed to be mild or medium. I eat Indian food all of the time from Agra Indian Cuisine in Red Bank (AWESOME FOOD!!!) so I am aware that no restaurant on the planet sells food this hot unless it is specifically ordered that way. For perspective, think of habanero sauce and it was about that; an 8-9 out of 10 hot. I couldn't finish my portion so I gave it to my husband. C: Add to that, I had asked the woman what is in the Cachumer Salad. She responded, "Cucumbers." Short and curt, again. I kindly asked her what else and she said peppers and tomatoes. When I received the salad, it was so dry that the little lemon wedge in it was the only real moisture aside from the pulp in the 2 tomato slices! NO MOISTURE ROLLING AROUND IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CONTAINER, for perspective. Nice and fresh and crispy but who wants a dry salad? I called back and briefly spoke to a woman who spoke fluent English and I asked to please speak to the manager. She advised she would get the owner. I waited a few minutes on hold and she returned to the line to advise he was busy with a party and could call me back...

Apologies as I am delayed in writing this review based on my experience of visiting this Restaurant in January with a group of friends (we were a group of 6)

This was the the first time we were eating here and they have been around for a couple of years. We actually drove almost an hour to eat here on a Saturday night and one of our friends made the reservation and we could only get the 6:30 slot that was open.

From the moment you step in I think we knew we were going to have a good time. The overall place is pretty big and has ample parking. We were courteously welcome by the host and rated at the table promptly. There were already a lot of people at the restaurant but as you normally feel in other Indian restaurants you did not feel the noise. The restaurants has 2 big dining areas and is elegantly decorated and may I say not the usual “Indian restaurant”way. The chairs, tables and lighting was just perfect. Only minorities was that we felt a cool draft where we were seating but owner bumped up the heat to ensure we were comfortable

Food - pretty decent choice of food and the waiter and owner helped us decide what to order as a group so we could try different items. We ordered 1 tray of a variety of vegetarian appetizer platter , mattar panner, methi malai mattar, dal makhni and our friends ordered an egg dish (Andq tawa masala). We also ordered couple of soft drinks (mango lassi, masala soda and mojito) plus naans and paratha. All the food was excellent and spiced just right. It did not feel very heavy as we normally would after we eat At an Indian place. . The only thing we did. It like much was the appetizer platter . It was ok. The lassis, sodas and mojitos were also very good For dessert we ordered rasmalai and malai kulfi and the owner also provided us a with anan orange kulfi. The desserts were all very good and not very sweet. Overall portions of food were very good and more than other places . To get good quality food and not small portions is a a win in anyone’s books

Service - great service by all from host to waiter . Even the owner came and talked to us and came couple of times to ensure that all was ok and ask us if food was ok. The owner was very nice and hospitable and he was doing what every owner should be doing - chat with the guests and make sure all is ok (we have been to many restaurants where owner takes payment, seats guests or sometimes serves and those are the places that go down because the owner should not be doing that).

Overall a great experience and I would go there again. I would go more often but not feasible because it’s an hour away

Thank you very much for making our 1st restaurant visit in 2025 a...

For discerning food enthusiasts, Mauka Indian Cuisine in Eatontown, NJ, is a culinary gem that combines traditional Indian flavors with modern refinement. Helmed by owner Nadir, who boasts a long-standing reputation for excellence in catering and hospitality, Mauka stands as a testament to his expertise in creating unforgettable dining experiences.

Our relationship with Nadir began in April 2012, when he catered our wedding at the breathtaking Maritime Parc in Jersey City. The memory of his meticulously crafted dishes and exceptional service has lingered with us for over a decade. So, when it came to celebrating our daughter's first birthday, Mauka was the natural choice.

For this special occasion, we hosted a private party at Mauka, where the team went above and beyond to deliver an experience that delighted both adults and children. The appetizers set the tone for the evening with an impeccable lineup: Aloo Tikki Chaat, with its perfect balance of tangy and savory notes; Amritsari Fish, fried to golden perfection; Gobi Manchurian, a tantalizing Indo-Chinese fusion; and the ever-popular Chicken Lollipops, bursting with flavor and served at just the right level of crispness.

The main course was equally remarkable, showcasing the depth and complexity of Mauka’s culinary expertise. The Goat Patiala, a richly spiced and tender dish, stood out as a crowd favorite. The classic Chicken Tikka Masala was as comforting as it was flavorful, while the Tofu Masala offered a delightful vegetarian option with a silky texture. The smoky, charred essence of the Baingan Bharta was an ode to tradition, prepared with an evident respect for technique and heritage.

To complement the meal, we indulged in Mango Lassi, each sip a refreshing burst of tropical sweetness. The attentive service and spotless venue further elevated the occasion, leaving us—and our guests—impressed by Mauka's ability to flawlessly execute a large-scale private event.

Mauka Indian Cuisine isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a space where celebrations come to life, blending exquisite flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and an inviting ambiance. Whether for an intimate dinner or a grand occasion, Mauka delivers a dining experience that lingers in memory.

For those seeking authentic Indian cuisine served with elegance and care, Mauka in Eatontown is a destination worth visiting—and revisiting.

Rating: 5/5 Cuisine: Indian Location: 137 NJ-35, Eatontown, NJ 07724 Standout Dish: Goat Patiala Wine Pairing Recommendation: A lush red like Carmenere to complement the richness...