good Indian. Great flavor for all our dishes (Tikka Masala Chicken, Yellow Dal Tarka, Meat Lover Samosa's Platter, Chana-Masala, Saag-Paneer, mango lassies). Food is more sweet than spicy which isn’t my preference, but others enjoyed it.
I’m always a little hesitant to order take out from a buffet because of freshness (and extra careful since COVID) but the flavor and freshness of the meats/veggies were good.
Some specific feedback / FYI while ordering: Rice is included with the meals, the menu isn’t clear on that so we ordered/paid for rice which wasn’t needed Food delivery was quick, think more time was spent on the actual delivery (we like ~15 min from the restaurant but it also feeds into my concerns of eating from a buffet but good if you’re a bit impatient) Food was Luke warm on delivery. Understand it’s winter but having my food made and delivered in 30 min I’d expect my food to be at least warm. Food & drinks werewell packaged to prevent leaking. No straws were provided for Mango Lassies so it took some of the fun away from drinking it
Notes on specific food items: FYI - rice was included with each meal (consolidated) & meals came in 1/2 packages Tikka Masala Chicken - good flavor, right amount of chicken and sauce Yellow Dal Tarka - good - more mushy than i think I’ve had in the past. Hints of sweetness in each bite Meat Lover Samosa's Platter - good mix of non-vegetarian samosas. 2 Lamb, 1 Crab, 2 Chicken (literally just tikka chicken). They were a little cold but had good flavor. Was the first time i had a crab one and it was tasty if you like crab. Chana-Masala - good. Chickpeas were well cooked, if you prefer them a little softer suggest reheating them (but again, my food was Luke warm). It had something sweet in there (i think it was mango chutney) which gave it a nice bite. Again, i prefer things a little spicy so i didn’t love this compared to other places Saag-Paneer - good, standard saag paneer mango lassies - standard mango lassie, request straws if you don’t have any at home Garlic Naan - standard naan. It wasn’t warm so...
Read moreA lot has changed since my review below of 10 years ago. I rather like the new decor.. Re the food, based on my recent takeout of saag paneer, dal makhani, chana masala and lamb vindaloo, I can only say that it does not taste like Indian food - and I have been enjoying Indian food for close to 50 years! Granted this is based on a single recent experience, but I would say if you are looking for an authentic Indian food experience, vs just an ok meal, I suggest you go elsewhere. Sorry.
10 years ago: Top Quality Indian Restaurant in an unlikely location - Nestled away in the Madison Plaza with Staples, the bowling lanes and a pizzeria, the won’t find Begum Palace unless you are looking for it, but if you like Indian food, or would like to try it, look for it you should. My wife and I have been visiting it periodically over the years – we used to consider it a worthy “local” but would go into NYC for the best Indian food. We don’t find the need for the latter any more – in our opinion the quality of the food at Begum’s has consistently improved to the highest level. The ambience is pleasant and the staff friendly and helpful. The buffets are popular with many regular patrons – frankly, I am not a fan of buffets in general, and always order from the menu. Favorites are the lamb vindaloo (the quality of the lamb is excellent – order this dish spicy), saag paneer and chana masala. We prefer plain bread (naan, roti and paratha) with this rich food, together with balancing raita, and the tangy achar, which tastes home made. One added bonus – take your own wine and beer – we find the floral torrontes white wine and kingfisher beer (if you can find it) compliment the food well. Begum Palace has become busier over the years – deservedly so, as the word spreads around. I hope they will continue their fine and consistent service for many...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at an exceptional Indian restaurant that truly exceeded my expectations. Though we only tried a few dishes, each one was memorable, making it clear why this spot has earned its reputation for having some of the best Indian food around.
We started with the Chicken Vindaloo, which was a masterpiece. The sauce had the perfect balance of heat and tang, with a complex blend of spices that didn’t overpower the flavor of the tender chicken. The heat was bold, exactly what you’d hope for in a vindaloo, but it didn’t overshadow the subtleties of the dish—it was spicy yet well-rounded, with a depth that made each bite more satisfying than the last.
To accompany the vindaloo, we ordered the Garlic Naan. The naan was wonderfully soft and pillowy, with a generous amount of garlic that gave each piece a robust, savory flavor. It was the perfect tool for scooping up the rich sauce from the vindaloo and adding a burst of flavor and texture.
Lastly, we tried the Biriyani, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. The rice was fluffy and aromatic, each grain infused with spices that created an intricate tapestry of flavor. The meat was cooked to perfection, blending seamlessly with the saffron, spices, and herbs that gave this biriyani its addictive quality. The portion was generous, yet every bite was as delicious as the first, leaving us more than satisfied but already planning our next visit.
In summary, this restaurant is a gem for anyone who loves authentic Indian cuisine. From the vibrant spices to the carefully crafted dishes, it’s clear that each plate is made with passion and expertise. Whether you’re a fan of intense flavors or subtle spice blends, this place has something that will leave you...
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