I gave 5 stars because I like the food here, the price is reasonable and they are within a reasonable drive. I don't care to drive 50+ miles to go to a different restaurant and then have to drive 50+ miles afterward to get back home.

I only go for Indian buffets as I really like tasting many flavors when I go out to eat. Mirch Masala does not have the largest buffet selection I have ever seen, that would be at the Koh i Noor in Glasgow, Scotland. It doesn't have my most frequently desired dishes, that would be at the Viceroy in Chicago. It does not vary the dishes offered as much as Tandoor in Schereville, IN.

Being realistic, seeing as Mirch Masala has the largest buffet selection in this area and the food always tastes good, I'll save the 3K mile trip to Scotland, the 1K trip to Chicago & Indiana and eat at the local Indian restaurant that I enjoy the most around here: Mirch Masala. - The owner used to serve food long ago, but no longer. The wait staff is courteous and I never have to wait long for the naan and perhaps they remember me as I rarely order anything but water for drinks and the water comes quickly. My vegetarian GF likes Mango Lasse, orders it every time and it comes right away for her. I have never found the food to be excessively high in temperature or conversely, too cold.

My only complaint is there seem to be a high ratio of bone in the goat during the week. It is a better ratio of meat to bone during the weekend buffets, almost all meat. The only other thing I can think of is I truly enjoy eating traditional Indian food and many places, Mirch included, have somewhat Americanized their food; Not the spices, but the main ingredients. I would like to see Bhindi Massala offered on a somewhat frequent basis and it is rare here during the buffet..

Also; My GF's parents who live in RI, wanted her to get a $50 gift certificate to give us as a Christmas gift and my GF went to Mirch Masala & bought one, was repaid by her mother for the card and then after Christmas, the card & gift card disappeared, likely ending in the trash, not to be found again. My GF asked the owner who remembered her buying the card, if a replacement could be offered but the answer was no. He did offer to let us eat free that day and even take some food home but we declined, would rather find the card if possible as it was for $50. - I truly don't blame them for not simply replacing the card; they don't know she is a highly skilled professional, I am a Doctor, both of us have high integrity and we would never cheat them. However, as a PR value since we are in there frequently and are not unfamiliar to them, they might have reconsidered giving her a replacement as good will.

In summation; Mirch Masala is an easy access Indian Restaurant in Groton that does an above average job in providing well prepared and tasty Indian cuisine. I have taken many people there as their first experience in Indian food and every one I have taken was thrilled and has told me they have returned. I recommend it highly and it will not break your piggy bank.