As an Indian staying in Vegas, the craving for authentic Indian food and Desi Chai is a common experience, especially after a couple of days. This January (2024), my quest for a non-generic Indian buffet led me to discover Chaska Indian Street Food - a place that promised quality, taste, and authenticity. Despite being a 15-minute drive from the Vegas strip, the journey was absolutely worth it.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Arie, a delightful and humble girl whose charm and efficiency added so much to our experience. Her welcoming nature truly made our day.
Our culinary journey began with a freshly made tea, reminiscent of the street-side chai found in India. Accompanied by a flavorful Bhel, the start was nothing short of perfect. For the main course, we chose Bhindi Masala & Daal Makani. Each dish was a revelation, made with fresh ingredients that clearly stood out. The absence of frozen items was a pleasant and notable aspect.
Impressed by our first visit, we decided to return the next day. This time, we indulged in four cups of their irresistible chai, savored the Veg Pakoras, and ventured into the Brinjal Masala for the main course. The Brinjal Masala was a standout dish - so exquisite that it left us wanting to take some back to California! Along with the mild and perfectly seasoned Daal Tadka, each dish was a testament to the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine.
The highlight of our visit was meeting the talented Chef Vijay Deokar. His passion, extensive experience in India, and background as a corporate chef with 5-star experience shone through in every dish. His dedication to quality over quantity and his profound knowledge about food made our dining experience exceptional.
In a city where many opt for bulk buffet offerings, Chaska Indian Street Food sets itself apart by focusing on quality, freshness, and traditional flavors. Arie's exceptional service, coupled with Chef Vijay Deokar's culinary expertise, makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone in Vegas craving authentic Indian cuisine. It's not just a meal; it's a delightful and blissful experience worth every minute of the drive from the strip.
It's not easy to make me happy with food and attitude, but this place has all...
Read moreFirst of all, let me just say the chef is what made me add stars to this experience. He was wonderful, kind and accommodating.
I had the Samosa Chole Chaat and Vegetable Biryani with Garlic Naan. The biriyani was unique with rosewater and saffron flavoring. The chole chat was also different then what I am used to, but I enjoyed it. The garlic naan was great.
That being said...
I was actually the first customer in the restaurant once they opened around 5 pm. I was greeted by a young woman who told me I could seat myself. She was not very helpful with the menu, rarely came to attend to my water refills, and also didn't seem very phased by the fact that the silverware was not clean. I tried both sets on my table and two sets on the table next to mine. There were lipstick stains on many utensils. To be honest, this did not set a very good tone for the meal.
I ordered a vegetable biryani and it was the spiciest biryani I've ever had in my life. I actually asked to double-check the menu to see if there were any ingredients I missed (there weren't), and then asked my server if it was meant to be so spicy?! I'd never encountered that before. I took two bites and literally started sweating. I couldn't eat it. I asked for more water. Again, my server did not seem very phased and told me to just use the yogurt on the rice (I had already tried that and it wasn't helping, at all). But the chef did eventually come out and ask how everything was going (he saw I had barely touched my food and I had been there for nearly 40 minutes). I was honest with him and said although my appetizer was great I was having a poor experience with the entree and explained why. He offered to either remove it from the check or completely remake it, less spicy. He was very considerate and told me not to worry, he would make the dish again from scratch for me (I think he made it without the peppercorns and cloves). Once he returned, it was very good and I really appreciated the attention to making sure I had a good experience with the food.
I'm not sure if my server was new or just inexperienced or what... but she could definitely use some service...
Read moreWe visited this hidden gem for a casual dinner and were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional experience. The interior is impeccably clean and beautifully decorated, paying homage to Bollywood with vibrant posters and elegant touches. The restaurant can comfortably seat around 30 people or more, creating a cozy yet spacious atmosphere. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
The staff were friendly, courteous, and exceptionally helpful, providing excellent recommendations on dish selections. Their attentiveness and genuine hospitality made us feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout our meal.
The menu offers a diverse range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with the North Indian dishes standing out as particularly exceptional. The Aloo Paratha, accompanied by a unique and flavorful mint chutney, is an absolute must-try. Each bite was a delightful blend of textures and spices, showcasing the chef's expertise. Additionally, their chai is outstanding, rich in flavor, and perfectly brewed to complement the meal.
While the prices are slightly higher, they are reasonable and reflect the quality and authenticity of the food. This pricing is in line with what one would expect for the Las Vegas area, where dining experiences are often elevated.
Having tried a couple of other Indian restaurants in the area, we can confidently say that this one stands out as the best. The overall experience, from the delightful ambiance and attentive service to the exceptional food quality, truly sets this restaurant apart. It has earned its place as our go-to spot for Indian cuisine in Las Vegas.
Overall, this is hands down the best Indian restaurant in Las Vegas. We highly recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience with authentic and flavorful Indian dishes. This restaurant undoubtedly takes the crown and has become a...
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