Mishta Restaurant — Restaurant in Hillsborough Township

Mishta

I want to start by saying that I’m not being paid to write this review. I’m sharing it because I was genuinely impressed by the food at Mishta, and the humility of Chef Buch only added to the experience. I fully support this venture and want to give credit where it’s due. Of course, nothing is perfect, and I’ll be honest in my opinions.

Last Thursday, my wife, our eleven-year-old son, and I were in the mood for Indian food, so we set out to find a nearby spot. After some back and forth between Friday and Saturday afternoon, we decided on Mishta in Hillsborough, NJ. My wife made a reservation for the three of us, but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be too busy at the restaurant that evening.

Mishta prides itself on being the first Indian restaurant in New Jersey to bring dishes directly from farms to the table, featuring fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

We arrived at 7:30 PM and pulled into a parking lot that looked a bit quiet for a Saturday night. The strip mall was definitely more subdued than expected, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. Upon entering Mishta, we were greeted by a well-dressed, articulate gentleman. I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name, but I’ll take the liberty of calling you Balaji (Bala) for this review, since I remember you’re from Andhra Pradesh, specifically the Vijayawada district. I promise next time we’ll exchange proper introductions.

The restaurant, though on the smaller side, was designed very thoughtfully. For those familiar with Indian restaurants on Lexington Avenue in NYC, think of it as a space that’s about 20% larger but with an inviting, cozy vibe—an ideal balance between vibrancy and privacy. Bala walked us through the history and concept of the restaurant before we dived into the menu.

We started with Litti Choka, Aslam Bhai’s Chicken, and Veg Chops.

First up, Litti Choka. Making Litti without mustard oil is almost sacrilegious, and the chef got it right. While the Litti could have been a bit crunchier, the flavor was spot on, and the Choka (the eggplant dip) was absolutely perfect.

The Aslam Bhai’s Chicken was essentially a version of chicken tikka with a generous amount of sauce. The chicken was cooked to perfection—tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth—and the sauce took the experience to a whole new level.

But the real standout was the Veg Chops. These were large, reddish cutlets with a delightful mix of flavors—beetroot, carrots, coconut, peanuts, and more. The balance between crunch and softness was ideal, making this dish the best of the three starters.

For the main course, we ordered Butter Chicken and Paneer Makkhanwala. I can’t help but think that these two dishes could be combined, like the Shaam Savera, to save a few bucks—but that’s just a small thought. The Butter Chicken was a dream. Not sweet and with a rich, cashew-based orange gravy, and succulent boneless chicken. Did I mention the chicken is organic and locally sourced? The Paneer Makkhanwala, while similar to the Butter Chicken in terms of gravy, was equally satisfying—comfort food at its finest.

Finally, we wrapped up the meal with Mawa Bati with Thande Gulab Ki Rabri. This dessert was a ball of mawa soaked in sweet rabri, garnished with rose petals. The rabri was exceptional, but I did think the mawa ball could have been a little sweeter and more moist.

Chef Buch himself came over to chat with us. It was a pleasure meeting him—his humility stood out, and we even discovered we both grew up in Baroda, though he left long before I did. His loss, I’d say—there’s no place quite like Baroda.

Overall, it was an incredibly satisfying experience. We wish Mishta and Chef Buch all the best. The food is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully crafted. We’ll definitely be returning.

Thanks...

Ambience (5/5):

Mishta’s ambience effortlessly blends sophistication and comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to match. The interior design aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s theme, and every detail, from the choice of seating arrangements to the cutlery, is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the dining experience. The variety in seating caters to different dining preferences, whether you’re there for an intimate dinner or a lively group gathering. Overall, the ambience deserves a full score for its polished yet inviting appeal.

Service (5/5):

The service at Mishta is exemplary, marked by professionalism and warmth. The staff, particularly the waitress who attended to us, displayed an understanding of Indian cultural nuances that truly added a personal touch. Her warm smile and engaging approach made us feel welcome and well cared for. The staff’s impeccable body language and attention to detail highlighted their commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. I would confidently rate the service 5 out of 5.

Food:

Chicken 65 (3.5/5):

Mishta's take on Chicken 65 stands out from the traditional version. The dish is paired with their unique “badmash sauce,” which adds a mild, flavorful twist to the classic appetizer. The plating is artful, and the dish’s mild flavors will likely appeal to a broad audience. Personally, I am used to the spicy version of Chicken 65, so I found myself missing that heat. Still, the dish was enjoyable and well-executed overall, and I would rate it 3.5 out of 5.

Goat Raan (4/5):

The Goat Raan was a standout, showcasing the chef's attention to detail and dedication. Cooked to perfection, the meat was tender and juicy, accompanied by sesame naan that complemented the dish well. This entrée exemplified the time and passion poured into it and certainly lived up to expectations. While the flavors were robust, I felt a slight dash of salt and a hint of garlic infused in the meat could have enhanced the dish even further. A minor adjustment for my taste, but overall, the Goat Raan deserves 4 out of 5.

Daal Makhani (5/5): The Daal Makhani was a revelation. Rich and creamy, it was perfectly slow-cooked, resulting in a dish that held an ideal balance of flavors while honoring its traditional roots. Having heard so much about the famed Daal Makhani of Moti Mahal, I had high expectations, and Mishta’s version did not disappoint. It was authentic, consistent, and delicious, and I am confident in awarding it a full 5 out of 5.

Chef Partiv: (Owner and chef)

A special mention must go to Chef Parthiv, whose passion and dedication are clearly evident in every dish at Mishta. His attention to detail, love for the craft, and innovative approach to traditional Indian flavors set Mishta apart. Parthiv's welcoming attitude and commitment to creating memorable dining experiences make it easy to see that he is on a path toward great success. It’s a pleasure to see such dedication, and I have no doubt that his creativity and hard work will take him far in the culinary world. All the best to Chef Parthiv as he continues to bring his unique vision to life!

Overall Impression:

Mishta is a much-needed high-end addition to Hillsborough's dining scene. For anyone interested in an authentic and elevated journey through Indian cuisine, it’s a must-visit. From the thoughtfully designed ambience to the warm service and well-executed dishes, Mishta delivers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the heart of Indian...

A Hidden Gem in the Neighborhood: Mishta

We recently had the pleasure of dining at Mishta, the latest venture by our friend and neighbor, Chef Parthiv Buch. Having known Parth for years, I’ve always admired his culinary skills, but seeing his talent showcased in a restaurant setting was truly something special.

From the moment we stepped inside, the ambiance was warm and inviting. The stylish, yet comfortable Sabyasachi decor set the perfect mood for a relaxed evening. The soft lighting and thoughtfully arranged seating made it feel like we were dining in someone’s cozy living room—just the kind of place you'd want to spend hours enjoying good food and conversation.

As for the food, every dish reflected Chef Parth’s attention to detail and love for fresh, local seasonal ingredients. We started with the Alkapuri Paneer Toast with Amul Cheese, Chandi Chowk Ki Tikki Chaat, Benares Ki Tamatar Ki Chaat, which was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. For the main course, I couldn’t resist the Nadru ‘Gustaba’, Dhaba Lasooni Palak Paneer (Paneer made In-house),Vidharba Bharli Vangi, and it did not disappoint—tender, perfectly cooked, and bursting with layers of taste. We ended the night with Guava tart with chili ice cream.

But what truly elevated the experience was the personal touch. You can tell that Chef Parth pours his heart into every dish, and it’s clear that they’ve created not just a restaurant, but a place where people can come together and enjoy honest, heartfelt cooking that has flavors from across India.

The staff was just as wonderful, attentive without being intrusive, and they made excellent recommendations throughout the night.

In short, Mista is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or celebrating a special occasion, this is a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Chef Parth has truly outdone themselves, and I couldn't be prouder to see their vision come to life.

If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend giving Mista a try. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience crafted with love, passion, and an eye for detail.

I am taking my family back this weekend since we loved...