India Delight — Restaurant in Herrin

This is a must too visit, anytime I return to the Marion, Illinois, area. The owners (Husband and Wife Team) are very compassionate not only to the consumer but of the food that they serve.

Located off the Tower Square Plaza in historic downtown Marion, the India Delight Restaurant could be easily missed if not for the sidewalk signage that directs the consumer to the northwest corner streets that direct one visiting the square to Print Street (alley way) just west of the large bank building that adorns the northside of the square.

Ascertained through cordial and friendly conversations with the wife from the husband/wife ownership team, did I learn that the India Delight now offers a food truck that visits several locations Monday thru Friday, showcasing the authentic India cuisine that is presented as a buffet in the restaurant setting in the downtown historic Marion Tower Square restaurant location.

Whether you are a tourist, visiting or enjoying a stroll around the historic tower square park; one drawn to one of the diverse events being held on the stage at the Marion Civic Center Complex; a visitor to the Art Museum on the Square Plaza or the three floor Williamson County Historical Museum, a quick stroll to the west of the Square Plaza; a patron of one of the many historic night-life entertainment brew houses; or a shopper at one of established boutiques surrounding and in proximity to the Tower Square during the day, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND expanding your agenda by crossing the World via "Little Egypt" which Southern Illinois is commonly referred, by taking a few steps off the Tower Square Plaza to experience this premier cuisine experience of INDIA.

From my experience of residing in two of the largest cities of the United States that offer diverse cultures and communities that reward one’s appetite, this restaurant located in the tranquil, historic metropolitan area of Southern Illinois, is on an equal culture experience.

Even though, one may not have the experiences offered by those large cities that offer many diverse communities within them, one will experience a rewarding culture experience that is UNFORGETTALBE and SATISFYING to one’s appetite: A true cuisine culture experience of a world removed by dining at INDIA DELIGHT, in downtown historic Marion!

My only negative thing that I can add, is that my appetite and the human body as far as food intake that is reasonable do not coordinate and/or equate!

The food truck that they offer may often be found at the “America’s Best Value Inn” originally the Ramada Inn, located on the Northwest Corner of West DeYoung Street (Illinois State Route 13) and North Carbon Street. This site at the Inn is in proximity to numerous Southern Illinois’ Regional Shopping venues, thus one of the reasons that Marion, Illinois, is referred to as the “HUB OF THE UNIVERSE” !

This Marion, Illinois, nickname and marketing phrase was coined and given to this city by its former mayor. Mayor Robert L. Butler, whom was the longest serving mayor (55 Years) of a community within the United States, retiring in his early 90’s, only because his wife wanted to enjoy their retirement years. He not only coined the phrase, but spent his career at expanding a welcoming and diverse community of cultures to take residence within the boundaries of the city of Marion, Illinois.

Making this small city located in Southern Illinois, a really great place to experience the delights of India from a world removed; right here, in Southern Illinois, the "CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!!". Marion, the best kept secret in Illinois, the Midwest, and the...

India delight is a true treasure. Hidden in a corner on the square you will find my favorite restaurant. The food is the best I have ever had, everytime. I don't just mean the best Indian food, but rather THE BEST FOOD over all. Honestly, the curries are bursting with flavor, the textures are perfect and everything has that made fresh just a moment ago taste. This place is very different from most Indian restaurants. I've been to so many where every dish just tastes the same. At India delight everything is wildly unique. The difference between the items is night and day. Made with fresh ground spices, you can tell it each item has been created with care. The buffet is usually half vegetarian and since the food isn't full of curry flavored cream, most of the dishes are also vegan. You will want to let staff know your preference as soon as possible. Buffet (dinner) comes with Nan, an appetizer, and desert. Appetizer could be meat but they will sub vegan if you ask. Also this will ensure Nan won't be buttered. The Nan is the best you have ever had, btw. Appetizer wise, we usually get samosas. They come with a tamarind sauce that is perfect for them. Most of the food is spicy but that sauce is sweet. More on the spicy bit: I love spicy food which may have something to do with me loving India delight. Most of the buffet items are pretty spicy, except the mango pasticcio pudding, of course. I have to add this pudding is so light and fluffy it will blow your mind. Back to the heat... Their are two soups one of which is almost spicy enough I don't need to add anything. That said, if you do need more heat you are in the right place. The owner makes these hot sauces that are unreal. More of a spread than a sauce they will come as two or more dime sized portions on a tiny plates. The toothpicks that come with aren't for after the meal, they are for you to get the right amount of hot sauce to your tongue. Starting with cobra, then stingray, then scorpion and dragon all are quite different in flavor and in heat. Be careful and enjoy. Make sure to not get any on your skin. (Seriously) The owners are always there, a middle aged man his wife. They are so kind. The service is so special. It is like being in someone's home who is very happy to see you. Somehow, even with cooking, serving, and being cashier, the staff will come by your table every time just to say hi and visit. You will always have that, "Where are we?," moment a few times. And just when you think it could not possibly get any better, it does. Desert is so awesome. It is a homemade (as with everything else) rose ice cream. It tastes as good as it looks. It is smooth and the rose is just enough to let you know you are eating something special. Ah! I absolutely love this place. I'm sure...

I'll be honest, I don't know what to say about this place. It's hard to find words to properly describe my experience here.

In short one word explanations Shocked Amazed Overwhelmed And Inspired

I've always loved eating at small, locally owned places that offer you a look at the owners homeland. The experience of eating someone else's food can often be a very intimate thing, as you're trusting the person preparing your food with the next hour of your time, and to not disappoint your pallet.

My father and I came here for a meal on Father's day. We'd been wanting to try it for quite some time now, but never had the chance to go together.

We arrived at a very small, off the beaten path, and tucked away hidden in a corner.

Greeted by a small Indian woman, welcoming us to sit down and giving us a quick explanation of what to expect. But nothing could have prepared us for the wonderful experience we were about to have.

The appetizers begin you down a path of flavor and beauty. The spices are abundant, but not overwhelming. You can clearly taste the individual flavours of each appetizer they bring you, and believe me, they culminate in a thing of beauty. I could live off their appetizers, and that's not a joke.

Their main course comes in the form of a buffet. 3 vegetarian choices, and 3 with meats. There's also the most aromatic rice I've ever seen to accompany your food choices.

And to finish it off, we were surprised with a scoop of ice cream with more flavors than I've ever experienced in my life. I've literally never seen a single scoop of ice cream with so many different flavors.

Please, do not pass this place up just because it's a hole in the wall. You will not be disappointed if you come here.

This place has become my favorite place to eat in my home town, and my only complaint is that I haven't been here sooner and that I...