Zaika Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Kokomo

I have eaten at Zaika three times now, and compared to its predecessor, Lucky Indian Cuisine, the food is not as good and yet the prices are higher, including the fact that naan is priced separately. I could live with higher prices if the food was at least as good. Sadly that is not the case. My hope is the following is helpful

The masalas are fine, with good body and excellent spicing. The biggest problem is the chicken. I’ve eaten at multiple dozens of Indian restaurants. Most are just OK on cooking chicken, which is to say the cooks pay little attention to cooking time, resulting in tough, dry chicken due to overcooking. Only the best cooks create moist, tender chicken.

Both chicken dishes I ordered were substantially overcooked. Tandoori chicken is one of the most popular of Indian dishes in the US. Done properly it is flavorful, tender and juicy. Our Tandoori chicken at Zack’s was very overcooked, including the drumsticks, which should be more forgiving because of their higher fat content compared to white meat. Our drumsticks were unacceptable.

The other chicken dish is one of my favorites and is one that was done very well by Lucky. Called malai tikka, at Zaika it is unrecognizable. Malai tikka is supposed to be tenderized breast meat prepared in a special cream (malai) sauce. I have made it myself and have looked at many recipes online. The Zaika malai chicken is neither tenderized, nor is it creamy. Instead it is overcooked, dry and tough, truly disappointing. We only ate a little of the malai chicken and the tandoori. The rest is now being boiled into stock, so it won’t be wasted.

On the good side, the lunch buffet at Zaika is pretty good in spite of the dry chicken. Like I said before, the masala’s are great. The staff is responsive, friendly and helpful.

I hope this feedback is taken as an effort to help because I love having a good Indian restaurant here in Kokomo. I believe they will be significantly more successful if they can get their cooks to prepare chicken correctly. Over cooked chicken is a sign of mediocrity. ...

We have been here three times now, and each visit has been a treat. On our first trip, I ordered my dish medium spicy, and it turned out to be far too much for me. That was when I realized I am definitely a lightweight when it comes to spice.

The garlic naan is absolutely delightful. Their jasmine rice is fragrant and perfectly cooked every time. On our return visits, I started ordering the aloo gobi mild, and it is hands down the most delicious dish. The flavors are beautifully balanced, and it truly feels like a symphony in your mouth. I always recommend pairing it with a mango lassi. My husband orders his food medium, and whenever I sneak a bite from his plate, I immediately need the lassi to cool off. It is a lifesaver. Hehe.

The wait staff is friendly, attentive, and respectful of your space. They keep your water full, check in at the right times, and let you enjoy your meal without hovering.

The decor is lovely. The murals on the walls are simple but eye-catching, and the color palette gives the space a warm and cozy feel. The furniture is clean and inviting, and the whole atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

This restaurant has definitely become one of our regular spots in Kokomo. It is our go-to place for authentic, delicious Indian food.

We even brought my parents here when they came to visit from out of town. Simply wonderful :) Thank you...

KOKOMOans... Get it!?

Anyways... If you've followed any if my past reviews you'll notice that I travel around the country and often... Having the pleasure of dining at many establishments throughout the US.

Let me be the first to say this about Zaika Indian Cuisine... You are VERY FORTUNATE to have this wonderful restaurant and staff to service this microcosm of the midwest.

The food here stands to to toe with some of my favorite Indian restaurants in Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads and Bombay Mahal up in Brunswick Maine.

If you Love or want to experience good tasting Indian food... At least for America, please come here...this is also the first restaurant I've experienced where they actively walk around and hand out fresh cooked Naan during buffet lunch hours.

Worth every penny and then some. Once the secret gets out the parking lots will be full for lunch buffets.

The butter chicken has a slight spicy kick... Which I prefer! The fried rice (never had at an Indian place) light and fluffy and DELICIOUS! The Kheer/rice pudding dessert Amazing.

Apparently if you like "Indian Hot" you can ask for them to bring you a small container of hot chillis on the side.

Please Patronize this fine establishment...

You have NO IDEA how Great a restaurant is here serving Kokomo if you...