Maharaja Bhog — Restaurant in Houston

Although I'm an avid meat eater and I love my meats in my curry, I have to say I usually like the sauces/curry broth more and would sop up all the deliciousness with rice or naan. This place is strictly vegetarian and I was willing to give it a try cause of all the amazing reviews - and you guys are right, there's definitely nothing like this experience and I don't think they could've done anything better for an Indian vegetarian place.

We came by for lunch and was welcomed by the owner. He was really friendly and we were seated immediately. We waited for the arrival of the 3rd person in our party, and right when she sat down - we were bombarded with immediate service! The owner came by to ask us if this was our first visit, we said yes and he told us he'll be back once we get all our food to further explain to us what the dishes were and how we should pair everything. A server comes to pour water over your hands for a quick wash, another server comes so you can place a coin in a collection figurine (I'm sorry I don't recall what it was), I'm assuming for good luck or as some kind of offering for the food. They didn't explain this to us but now I'm curious and sad I didn't get a chance to ask! Then the arrays of colorful and delicious food comes out - I think 5-6 different servers came by to set everything on our plates.

We got a buttermilk drink, a bit on the tart side - almost like a plain lassi. It probably does well in cutting the spices but I didn't quite prefer this drink - just wasn't a favorite for my pallet. They also serve you water at the same time. Then comes another server with a salad, 3 different sauces for dipping your samosas and onions. Another person comes with 4 different curries - potatoes, chick peas, lentils, saag paneer, etc. I couldn't tell you everything I had but it was all unique in textures and flavors. I loved the potatoes and my friend loved the saag paneer and another loved the sweeter curry with the chickpeas. There's definitely something for everyone. Then comes 4 different lentils - from savory to sweet. And then the breads - there's a flat bread, a puffy savory bread, and then a cake-like bread. All depends on your preference - and an array of vegetable and plain white basmati rice. There was the curry dish/soup of the day in the middle as well, along with 2 sweets - one white milky dish and a honey like pastry. I wish I knew the names of everything! They even brought out a sample of the mango lassi - which is less sweet than what I'm use to and more of a yogurt consistency. I loved all the breads, the puffy one the most. I loved the white dessert and the soup we got for the day. They come by several times with refills of anything you want, it is all you can eat, so come hungry and leave stuffed!

Overall, we all liked it and would definitely come back! You can choose regular spice - which definitely has a kick to it or they can cater to your allergies and mild...

July 2025

This review isn’t just about food—it’s about a relationship that’s lost its way.

Over the years, this place has been a staple in my life. The kind of spot where you’d walk in and feel instantly at home. A warm plate, a familiar face, and a flavor that reminded you of ghar ka khana. But sadly, those days feel like a distant memory now.

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💔 July 2025 – The Decline Hits Hard

I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes, but year by year, this once-beloved restaurant has been going downhill.

Maybe the weekend thali still holds some charm, but the weekday experience? Not worth it. Here’s what’s going wrong: • Most dishes have become mild, flat, and uninspired. The spices that once danced on your tongue now feel like they’re taking a nap. • The biggest issue? Reheated food fatigue. Dishes are served from trays, then rotated back into the heating pot, then back out again, reheated multiple times. Cold to hot, hot to cold, over and over—until the soul of the dish is just… gone.

And it breaks my heart to say this. Because I used to rave about this place.

The staff is now entirely Mexican—and let me be clear, that’s not the issue. They’re kind, respectful, and doing their job. But the heart—the cultural touch, the emotional flavor—that once defined this place, seems to have slipped away.

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🥲 May 2, 2019 – When It Still Felt Like Home

Back then, the food was still amazing. Every bite tasted like it had been made with love. The manager was warm, the staff was prompt, and even though I missed my favorite Chikoo ka Halwa that day, I left happy. I even said, “Keep it up!”—and I meant it.

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😋 September 20, 2018 – Consistently Great

Another visit. Same fantastic taste. Same quick, efficient service. Missed the Halwa again (it was becoming a trend), but everything else was on point. It was reliable. It was comforting.

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💛 August 16, 2017 – Pure Love at First Bite

This was the day it became a favorite.

It didn’t feel like restaurant food. It felt like the kind of food we eat every day in Indian homes—especially in Central India. Only here, it came with so many options, warm service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The first time I had Chikoo ka Halwa here? I felt like I’d discovered heaven. If it was on the menu, you were the chosen one.

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✅ Final Word

This review spans eight years. Eight years of love, loyalty, and longing. And now, a bit of heartbreak.

It’s still clean. It still has a menu filled with promise. But somewhere along the way, the magic was lost.

I truly hope they bring it back. Because I’d love nothing more than to write another review one day,...

One of the worst places to eat food. Let me jot down points.

1. When we entered 11 ppl including infants and kids, the guy attending is extremely rude guy, we got our turn and then we entered, 2 of us went out for just getting something and getting our kids, this guy after half of us sat says, oh u will need to get up and wait if you are not ready. I got horrified and said we want you to serve plates right now in all chairs, i will call my guys, and then the guy calmed down. When we sat there it was not served immediate.

2. The glasses given to us had unclean surfaces and stuff and we asked them to change but they said ok asked us to keep the glass in table and didnt come after that ans started giving food. We asked for hot water they said ok and the whole dinner ended we didnt get hot water. The curry utensil is as small as it can get, a serving can fit 2-3 paneer pieces with very little gravy, so you yourself will feel bad in again and again asking for refills.

3. Let me talk about serving stuff on refill, when we ask for refill, their intention is to just serve someone in table and then run away with others wondering why were they not served and you keep on calling this guy goes away. This is exact atmosphere.

4. Charges, We were 11 so 6 adults and one 2 year old and rest 5-6yrs old, and our bill was about $300. 2yr old is free but you can imagine what kids thali will cost as our 5-6yr old didnt eat anything coz all was spicy, only plane roti they had and one, with curd. Anyways this I dont call their mistake but their price dont proportion their quality and service at all as its all eat and get up attitude.

5. After food we paid and then asked hey can we get water to drink and fill one or two bottles, they asked us to go to the other end and we are still in table, just paid... they didnt give hot water yet and also they didnt give us extra water there the attitude is get out quickly. They asked me to go back, there the lady in says give bottle to him one of the waitors, and says he will fill and give water, please step back.

6. Washrooms are all que in line and behavior of owners and servers are pathetic.

Never...