The Delhi Lounge — Restaurant in Irving

I usually don’t leave reviews like this, but I felt it was important to share our experience. And I took time this morning to write this feedback.

Typically, I prefer to give feedback in person. However, last night at Delhi Lounge Irving, my husband asked me to wait until after the meal before saying anything, and by the time we finished, we couldn’t do that based on how we were feeling at the time. Now that we’ve had time to reflect and recover, I wanted to write this in the hope that it will be helpful and not taken the wrong way.

We visited for the first time after reading several positive reviews. The ambiance is truly lovely and thoughtfully designed. That set the tone and raised our expectations. As someone who appreciates good food and often dines out, sometimes as a food critic, I try to give every place a fair chance and offer feedback that’s constructive.

We started with drinks. I ordered the Orange Thyme and my husband had the Old Fashioned. My drink was refreshing and well-balanced, and I genuinely enjoyed it. On the other hand, my husband immediately noted that his drink tasted like it was made with very inexpensive liquor, which took away from the classic feel of an Old Fashioned.

For appetizers, we ordered the Palak Chaat and Aloo Tikki. Unfortunately, the palak was heavily coated in besan and had a noticeable aftertaste of reused or old oil. The Aloo Tikki was served cold and lacked freshness. It felt more like the presentation had been prioritized over taste and quality.

At that point, I wanted to leave, but my husband suggested we give the entrees and dessert a try before making any conclusions.

For mains, I had the Cashew Curry and he ordered the Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan. The naan was soft, warm, and flavorful, and definitely a highlight. However, the Cashew Curry was overwhelmingly bitter and had an artificial aftertaste. I asked our server about it, and she checked with the chef who confirmed that the taste was intentional. I didn’t eat it and instead took it home to get a second opinion from my mom. I was hoping someone from the kitchen or management might check in at that point, but that didn’t happen.

The Butter Chicken had an okay flavor, but the chicken pieces were quite large and unevenly cut, which made them difficult to enjoy. My husband started feeling unwell shortly after finishing his meal, possibly from the drink or the dish itself.

We ended with the Pistachio Kulfi, which had good flavor, but the addition of saffron syrup or falooda-style water on top diluted the texture. It took away from the creaminess that kulfi is known for. With a bit of refinement, this dessert could really shine.

I want to emphasize that we’re not writing this out of anger or frustration, but with the hope that this feedback is received in the spirit of improvement. The space is beautiful and the concept is promising, but the food, from preparation to quality, didn’t meet the mark that evening.

Most importantly, we both ended up feeling physically unwell after the meal, even into the next morning. That’s not something we say lightly, and it’s what ultimately prompted me to write this. I genuinely hope the team at Delhi Lounge takes this as helpful input because with more care in the kitchen and more attention to the overall guest experience, this place truly has the potential to be something special.

We would genuinely love to come back again, hopefully with our family, and have a much better...

An authentic, opulent and covivial NORTH-INDIAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE at the recently opened DELHI LOUNGE in Irving, TX….Check it out over this Holiday Season!

PUNJAB is a state in Northern India that derives its name from the five rivers that flowed thru the region making it the ‘the bread basket of India’, with the largest production of wheat, sugarcane, lentils, pulses, fruits and vegetables. In 1947 when India attained independence, Punjab like Bengal, was split into two with 2 of the 5 rivers in India, and the other 3 in Pakistan.

PUNJABIs are industrious yet fun-loving folks who truly “work hard and party hard”! They are also incorrigible, insufferable foodies, whose passion for all things gastronomical would rival that of their compatriots from Bengal, Odisha, Lucknow and Hyderabad!

While ‘Daal-Roti’ (lentils and wheat flat bread) is the staple diet for the hoi-polloi, Punjabi Cuisine has delivered an extravagant array of kababs and flat breads from its TANDOOR (“Clay Oven”) including the NAAN, KULCHAS, BHATURAS, PARATHAS, especially the LACCHA PARATHA, the TANDOORI, ROOMALI, & MISSI ROTI which have no peers in any other cuisine across the Planet, period!

The traditional PUNJABI cuisine has acquired a distinct character with nuanced variations of the PUNJABI CHAAT, KEBABS, CHOLE BHATURE, PARATHAS, BIRYANI, SAMOSAs and especially the iconic BUTTER CHICKEN, CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA and DAL MAKHANI which can be traced to MOTI MAHAL in Delhi in the 1940s, and has been raised to fine art by other iconic establishments like KAREEM’s, KWALITY, CHOR BIZARRE and LAZEEZ AFFAIRE!

Did you know that every Michelin starred Chef of Indian origin is a Punjabi, which is hardly a surprise?!

We were delighted to check out the DELHI LOUNGE in our neck of the woods thanks to an invitation from Manish Mehrotra, an IT executive and his partner, Dr. Rajesh Gogia, a very successful radiologist in the DFW metroplex, who have morphed their passion for DELHI CUISINE into this labor of love.

From the tastefully appointed and well lit interior embellished with exquisite hand carved objets d’art to murals from golden era of Delhi and Rajathan, the happening bar and lounge, DELHI LOUNGE offers a vibe of celebration and happiness reminiscent of the capital of India, we have not experienced at most Indian restaurants in this town. Thanks to the owners/restauranteurs and the staff who strive to please, the place offers a convivial vibe that lends itself well to a relaxed celebration of all things gastronomical in a warm, opulent and relaxed ambiance, with lots of choice in their repertoire.

We enjoyed their TANDOORI LAMBCHOPS and the TANDOORI POMFRET for the hors d’oeuvres which were succulent, delightfully flavorful and spiced beautifully presented. We followed up on these with the signature MUTTON RARAH (succulent goat meat also cooked with minced goat into a spicy curry with its origins from the kitchens of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who ruled over the Punjab and Kashmir) and the DAL MAKHANI (recommend the DAL TADKA) that we enjoyed with the ONION KULCHA and the MISSI ROTI, as well as the signature PARDA GOAT/MUTTON DUM BIRYANI which is one of the finest we have had in this town. We were intrigued by the BAILEY’s RASMALAI, the TIRAMISU RASGULLA but settled for the KULFI FALOODA for the dessert.

Can’t wait to return to experience their signature MAKKE DI ROTI + SARSON DA SAAG and the CHOLE BHATURE which are huge hits with the audience…so what are you...

If you're searching for an Indian dining experience in the DFW area that genuinely transcends the ordinary, The Delhi Lounge in Irving is an absolute must-visit. Our recent visit was nothing short of a standout culinary event, revealing a restaurant that masterfully blends a heartfelt homage to Delhi's rich culinary legacy with an extraordinary level of execution. This isn't just dinner; it's a meticulously crafted journey for the senses. We experienced their weekend all-you-can-eat brunch – an offering of phenomenal value considering the artistry and premium quality infused into every dish. It's clear their skilled chefs employ time-tested techniques with passion. The Pav Bhaji was exceptionally rich and flavorful. The Goat Kebab, a true highlight, was incredibly tender and aromatic, showcasing the depth of authentic spicing reminiscent of Old Delhi's finest traditions – a clear demonstration of their specialty. The Spinach Seekh Kebab was a delicious testament to their versatility. Each chaat, like the perfectly balanced Bhalla Chaat and the expertly crisped Aloo Tikki, was a delight. I savored the Chicken Tikka, which was among the best I’ve ever had – tender, and deeply marinated. My fiancée adored the delicate, flaky Khasta Kachori. The vibrant freshness of the ingredients was undeniable in every mouthful. Beyond the stellar food, the service elevated the experience to truly exceptional heights. Christina was wonderful, and the entire team – right down to those diligently bussing tables – operated with remarkable attentiveness and warmth. However, a very special and heartfelt commendation must be reserved for Rahul. His presence and the palpable pride he took in every aspect of our experience were extraordinary, resonating with the passion and dedication one associates with the heart and soul of an establishment. He moved with an unwavering commitment to ensuring every guest felt not just served, but genuinely cared for and utterly welcomed. His insightful recommendations were spot-on, and his personal efforts to ensure we felt valued were instrumental in transforming a great meal into an unforgettable one. It's this profound level of personal investment and leadership in hospitality that truly sets The Delhi Lounge apart. The atmosphere itself is a key ingredient in this vibrant and amazing experience. The stunning decor and thoughtful interior architecture immediately transport you, creating an ambiance that is both elegant and warmly inviting – a true reflection of Delhi's enchanting spirit. The carefully selected music, the joyful sounds of contented diners, and the incredible, tantalizing aromas from the kitchen combine to create a complete and utterly delightful sensory immersion. For anyone seeking an exceptional weekend brunch, a sophisticated spot for a special celebration, or simply to indulge in top-tier, authentic Indian cuisine where every detail is perfected under clearly passionate guidance, The Delhi Lounge is unequivocally our new favorite. We enthusiastically recommend it as a premier dining destination. We are already making plans to introduce friends and family to this gem. The Delhi Lounge doesn’t just serve food; they curate memorable experiences, spearheaded by an evident commitment to excellence. Do yourself a favor and...