Hyderabad House — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Disappointed with Service and Experience at Hyderabad House Castleton - Ram Navami Special Thali.

We visited Hyderabad House Castleton on the occasion of Ram Navami with high expectations, as they had a special page on their menu advertising a festive veg and non-veg thali. I was accompanied by my husband and our 8-year-old child.

A tall staff member came to take our order. We inquired about the thali options, which included 10-12 items each. He mentioned that the unlimited thali could be shared by two people for $28. However, without even acknowledging our child or asking about her meal preference, he abruptly told us—rather disrespectfully—that we could not share the two-person thali with her and would need to pay an additional $6 if she shared it.

When I asked him to explain what “unlimited” meant, his only response was, “Unlimited means unlimited.” There was no clarification about the logistics of how the thali would be served or refilled.

After more than 20 minutes of waiting, he returned and silently placed a single plate in front of us with very small portions of two types of rice, a few tiny bowls of assorted items, and just one puri—without any explanation. Several items listed on the menu were missing. We were confused—was this single plate meant for all three of us? He did not return with additional plates or provide any further instructions.

It took us 5–10 minutes just to get the attention of another staff member, and we were expected to call someone every time we needed a refill from the already minimal servings. When I finally called the server back to ask about the setup, reiterating that I had asked for clarity before placing the order. I told him this was not what we expected, that the plate was incomplete, dry, not even served warm, and lacked the items that were promised. He said he would get it fixed, but didn’t return even after 5 minutes. At that point, I decided to leave out of frustration. My husband stayed back out of respect for the food, but even then, the service remained poor.

In the end, they charged us for two adults, even though I didn’t eat, and my daughter only had a single puri. It’s disappointing that on an Indian festival where food is meant to reflect warmth and generosity, the thali served was not only dry and lacking in items, but the attitude and service also felt dismissive. Rather than feeling welcomed and cared for as customers, it felt as though we were being done a favor.

Very disappointing experience—both in terms of hospitality and respect for the cultural significance of...

Simply some of the best service I’ve ever had! Shan led us through a masterful but brief education on the differences between North Indian food (which we’re personally used to) and South Indian food. The latter, which Hyderabad House specializes in, is much more flavorful and relies more on tangy, spicy flavors instead of the creaminess of its northern counterparts.

Shan led two inexperienced diners COMPLETELY through the menu, pointing out differences and recommending flavor and meat combinations. I can’t stress enough how patient and informative he was and answered any dietary questions we had.

For an appetizer, we settled on Masala Dosa (think a thin rice crepe stuffed quesadilla-style with a potato-based filling and two chutneys on the side). This would be my absolute recommendation if anyone in your party is not experienced with Indian food. It’s a delicious, light starter that lets you know what kind of a culinary ride you’re going to be on. Use your fingers to eat it, and please try the sauces. They won’t disappoint!

Dinner was Butter Chicken (I know, I know, I’m boring — but it’s one of my favorites!) and Karaikudi Chicken Curry. The butter chicken was delectable, some of the best I’ve ever had, and the Karaikudi was incredibly savory. It had a definite spicy kick, but Shan told me it was coming — the kind of spicy warmth that makes you reach for your water but stop halfway and decide to go back for another bite. Both are definite recommendations and something I’ll go back for.

If you’re a seasoned diner and experienced with Indian food and you haven’t been to Hyberabad House in Castleton, you’re missing out. If you’re new to various types of cuisine, go to Hyberabad House and ask for Shan. He’ll be your guide on a dinner you won’t soon forget and will be anxious to...

Restaurant Review: A Culinary Journey at Hyderabad House

My recent dining experience at Hyderabad House was nothing short of extraordinary. Nestled in the heart of the city, this gem of an Indian restaurant captivated my senses from the moment I walked in.

From the welcoming ambiance to the impeccable service, everything was top-notch. But it was the food that truly stole the show. We started our meal with the Chicken 65, a perfect blend of spices and tender chicken that set the stage for what was to come. The dish was vibrant, flavorful, and the perfect balance of heat and zest.

Next, we indulged in the naan, which was fluffy, warm, and perfectly charred. It paired beautifully with the Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish that can only be described as a symphony of flavors. The chicken was succulent, bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that was both savory and slightly sweet. Each bite was a revelation.

The Butter Chicken was equally impressive, with its velvety smooth sauce and tender chunks of chicken that melted in your mouth. The subtle yet complex flavors of the spices danced on the palate, leaving us craving more.

Every dish at Hyderabad House was a testament to the chef’s mastery of Indian cuisine. The ingredients were fresh, the spices perfectly balanced, and the presentation was elegant. The attentive staff added to the experience, ensuring that our glasses were never empty and that every need was met with a smile.

In short, Hyderabad House provided an unforgettable dining experience and our waiter, Shyam was phenomenal. Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a newcomer, this restaurant is a must-visit. I cannot recommend it...