Golconda Chimney — Restaurant in Jersey City

I was really looking forward to trying Golconda Chimney after hearing about their authentic Indian cuisine, but unfortunately, our experience was nothing short of a disaster. We placed a large order and explicitly requested everything to be mild, as I was dining with my husband, who is from India and is used to authentic spice levels. However, what we received was the exact opposite-almost every dish was painfully spicy, to the point that even he couldn't eat it. Our Order: Chicken Manchow Soup (Mild) - This was supposed to be a comforting and flavorful soup, but instead, it was extremely spicy. Despite requesting mild, the spice level was through the roof. It was so overpowering that we couldn't even get through a few spoonfuls. The heat completely masked any flavor the soup might have had. Chicken Dum Biryani - We expected a fragrant, perfectly cooked biryani, but what we got was a dry, overly spicy dish that lacked the depth and complexity a good biryani should have. Even the raita that came with it couldn't cut through the overwhelming heat.  Goat Dum Biryani - Another disappointment. The goat was tough and overcooked. Once again, despite requesting mild, the spice level was off the charts. Butter Chicken - This was perhaps the most shocking of all. For $21, we received 6 small pieces of chicken drowned in an overly rich, spicy sauce that had no balance. Butter chicken should be creamy, mildly spiced, and packed with subtle flavors, but this dish missed the mark completely. Not only was it overpriced, but the heat was overpowering. Malai Methi Murg - This dish was an oily nightmare. There was so much oil floating on top that it was difficult to even stir the curry. The excessive oiliness made it feel heavy and greasy, and once again, the spice level was beyond what we had requested. Garlic Naan & Butter Naan - The only redeeming part of the meal.
Both types of naan were fresh, soft, and well-prepared. But let's be honest-good naan isn't enough to salvage an otherwise terrible meal.

The Biggest Disappointment: What made this experience even more frustrating was that everything except the naan was ordered "mild." Despite our clear request, every dish came out overwhelmingly spicy, leaving us unable to enjoy any of the food. My husband, who grew up eating authentic Indian cuisine, couldn't even tolerate the heat.

Waste of Money and Food: After attempting to salvage the meal, we had no choice but to throw everything away. The entire order went straight into the garbage. It was disheartening to see so much food wasted, but the spice level was unbearable, and the oiliness in some dishes made them completely inedible.

Overpriced and Undelivered: For the price we paid, I expected much better quality and attention to detail. The portion sizes were small, the dishes lacked balance, and the spice levels were far beyond what we had requested. It's one thing to have a dish that's a little spicier than expected, but this was extreme and completely ruined the meal.

Final Verdict: I had high hopes for Golconda Chimney, but after this experience, I won't be giving them another chance. The lack of attention to detail, inability to adjust spice levels, and overpriced dishes left me highly disappointed. I would not recommend this restaurant if you're looking for flavorful, balanced Indian cuisine.

UPDATE

Golconda Chimney responded to my review stating that “someone from the restaurant would reach out to me.” Unfortunately, to date, I have not received any email, text, or phone call. It’s disappointing to receive what now appear to be empty words. The situation could have been handled with more sincerity and accountability. If there was no genuine intent to follow up, it would have been more respectful not to make that promise. Weeks have passed, and there has still been no...

Went to this restaurant for lunch yesterday. They had buffet, and four of us decided to try it. At about 12:30 pm on Sunday afternoon we were the only customers and then two other parties came in later. Should have taken a hint from there being no other customers at our arrival. The food had no taste; appeared to have been prepared long time ago; and was in the bowls on the table without any sneeze guards. All curries tasted the same and were totally tasteless, with no flavors or spices. Naan was like dried wood pieces, hard enough to break your teeth if you dared to chew on those. Only sweet dish was vermicelli with nuts which appeared to have been in the hot bowl for a long time, because it had a thick layering on the top, which tasted as if it was burnt. Service was awful. Being the only party of 4 for awhile, no one came to take our used plates, and we had to put those ourselves on one table next to us, although most of the tables were empty at that time. I wish I could call at least one item to be good, but I cannot, except salad and masala tea. Since the host at our arrival did not give us any menu and we did not see any posted prices, I asked the price of buffet and was told that it was $19.99, and with taxes will be about $21+. Their small soda can was $3.00 additional, which we declined. After failing to eat the lousy food, went to pay at the cash register, and the lady asked for $99.65 for 4 buffets, adding 18% service charge for nothing which could be classified as service at all. Very disappointed with the worst quality of tasteless food, no service at all, and for being charged 18% service charge for buffet. I don’t like to give negative reviews but I wanted to share my experience and observations on this restaurant to save others from possibly certain...

If you’re looking for a culinary journey that perfectly blends authentic Indian flavors with a dash of global cuisine, Golconda Chimney Restaurant, located in Indian Street, is an absolute gem!

We were a group of five, and our experience here was nothing short of spectacular.

From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting ambience set the tone for a memorable evening. The decor beautifully marries traditional charm with a modern touch, creating a cozy yet elegant dining atmosphere.

We indulged in a wide variety of dishes to explore their offerings, and every single item was a masterpiece. Starting with the crispy ghee karam dosa, which was delightfully flavorful, to the Hakka noodles that brought a perfect Asian twist. The Paya soup was rich and aromatic, while the Manchow soup packed a delightful punch of spices. The highlight was undoubtedly their boneless biryani, which was bursting with authentic flavors and cooked to perfection.

What truly set this experience apart was the outstanding hospitality. A special shout-out to Miss Pavitra and Nivedita, who took care of us with genuine warmth and impeccable attention to detail. Their recommendations were spot-on, and they ensured our dining experience was flawless from start to finish.

The prices are decently listed, but the quality of food and service make it worth every single penny.

Golconda Chimney Restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience that celebrates food, culture, and heartfelt hospitality. My friends!! I Highly recommend anyone visiting their place in Indian Street, NJ. :)

Let me know if you’d like any further...