Essence Of Kesar | Modern Indian Dining | BYOB — Restaurant in Englewood

Essence of Kesar, located in the heart of Englewood, offers a culinary experience that transports you directly to the vibrant streets of India. This gem of a restaurant successfully marries traditional Indian flavors with a modern dining ambiance, making it a must-visit for both enthusiasts of Indian cuisine and those new to its rich tapestry of tastes.

Ambiance & Decor: From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a tasteful blend of contemporary elegance with subtle nods to Indian heritage—think soft lighting, rich wood tones, and splashes of saffron-colored accents. The seating is comfortable, and the layout is spacious enough to allow for intimate dinners as well as group gatherings.

Service: The service at Essence of Kesar is impeccable. The staff is not only friendly and welcoming but also knowledgeable about the menu. They’re attentive without being intrusive, offering helpful suggestions and making sure your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Champaran Ka Mutton: Champaran Ka Mutton at Essence of Kesar is a dish that truly captures the essence of traditional Indian cooking. This slow-cooked mutton curry, inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Bihar, is a revelation. The mutton is tender, marinated, and cooked in an earthen pot, which locks in the flavors and adds a unique, earthy aroma to the dish. The spices are well-balanced, creating a deep, robust flavor that lingers on the palate. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for those who enjoy bold, authentic Indian flavors. Pair it with rice or naan for a complete experience.

Garlic Naan: The Garlic Naan at Essence of Kesar is an absolute delight. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a slight crispiness on the edges, this naan is generously topped with finely chopped garlic and fresh herbs. The garlic adds a wonderful zing without overpowering the bread, making it an ideal accompaniment to any curry. It’s baked to perfection in a traditional tandoor, resulting in a naan that’s light, airy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re dipping it into a rich curry or enjoying it on its own, this Garlic Naan is sure to enhance your dining experience.

Rice: The rice at Essence of Kesar is a simple yet essential component of the dining experience. Cooked with precision, it is consistently fluffy and light, with each grain perfectly separated. The rice serves as a versatile base, absorbing the flavors of the accompanying dishes without losing its own subtle aroma. Whether you’re enjoying it with a rich curry or a delicate dal, the rice enhances the meal, providing a comforting and neutral contrast to the bold and vibrant flavors on the plate. It’s a testament to the kitchen’s attention to detail, ensuring that even the simplest elements of the meal are executed with care.

Desi Kulfi Trio: The Desi Kulfi Trio is a standout dessert at Essence of Kesar, offering a delightful end to your meal. This trio includes three different flavors of kulfi, each more delicious than the last. The kulfi is rich and creamy, with a texture that’s denser than regular ice cream, making it a true indulgence. The flavors are authentic and well-balanced—whether it’s the classic Malai, the fragrant Pistachio, or the exotic Mango, each one offers a unique taste experience. The presentation is elegant, and the portion size is just right to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming you. It’s a perfect way to cool down after a spicy meal.

Overall Experience: Essence of Kesar stands out as a top dining destination in Englewood. Whether you’re there for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this restaurant delivers on all fronts—ambiance, service, and, most importantly, food. It’s a place where traditional Indian flavors are celebrated in a modern setting, making it a must-visit for anyone...

I visited Essence of Kesar, an Indian restaurant located in Englewood, NJ, with my colleagues from Queens, NY. This place specializes in authentic Indian cuisine, offering a wide range of dishes from various regions of India. The ambiance of the restaurant has a vibrant, colorful atmosphere, with traditional Indian décor and soft lighting that creates a warm and inviting feel. The music in the background adds to the overall ambiance, giving it a festive yet relaxed vibe. The place was clean and spacious, with plenty of seating options. The service provided by the staff was incredibly friendly and eager to assist. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and helped guide us through the different options. The food was served in a timely manner. Our server also checked in regularly to make sure we were enjoying our meal. We started with the Calamari and kale&spinach chaat, which were super delicious. For the main course, we all had the paneer lasagna, konkani eggplant, Lamb Rogan Josh which was rich, creamy, and flavorful, served with a side of garlic naan and lachha parathas that was soft. We also ordered the Mango Lassi and Jumun drink, which was smooth and refreshing. The flavors were authentic and well-balanced, with just the right amount of spice. The prices are slightly higher than some other Indian restaurants, but considering the portion sizes and the quality of ingredients used, it felt justified. In the end, a pleasant surprise was the complimentary dessert (Gajar Halwa) they served. It was a lovely touch that added to the overall dining experience. The dessert was delicious and made the evening even more memorable. This place offers an excellent dining experience with flavorful, well-prepared dishes and a warm atmosphere. I would highly recommend this place to anyone craving authentic Indian cuisine. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more dishes...

I was the very first customer when this restaurant opened. I gave them a glowing review and recommended it to friends. We returned today after a beautiful hike excited to eat there. What we got instead was a series of disappointments—and complete disregard for us as customers.

The outdoor seating was completely empty, so we took a table outside as my 3-year-old was so excited to sit outside. But we were told, “We’re not serving outside.” Then don’t set up tables outside if you can’t serve them. It sets false expectations.

We moved inside with our 1 year and 3 year old, without complaint and sat by the window—another spot my child was excited about. Minutes later, we were told to move again because a party of 25 was expected. Only five people from that group were even there. The table wasn’t marked reserved. Yet again, I had to tell my son, “Sorry, we have to move.” My son was very disappointed. Then mark those tables as reserved.

We were then placed at a cramped table next to the restroom. Even then, we tried to make it work. But the final blow came when the staff said, “There will be a delay in serving you because the kitchen will be busy.” We asked if we should just leave. The response? A casual, “Yes, that would be best.”

Three moves. Two toddlers. Zero apologies. Zero solutions. Zero respect.

If you can’t handle customers on a Saturday afternoon, have the decency to say you’re closed for lunch. Don’t waste families’ time or treat them like an afterthought.

We ended up going next door, where we were seated outside comfortably. While we ate, we watched another family walk into this restaurant—only to be turned away just like us.

A customer has choices. We chose to return because we remembered how good it once was. But today made it clear: customers are no longer...