Masala Express — Restaurant in Merced

Quite late in writing this review but finally got around to it and had to write this review as we had a wonderful experience dining in this establishment.

We visited here in June 2023 and stopped here for dinner when driving back from Yosemite Nat'l Park to Oakland, CA. We originally had planned to Visit Turmeric but turmeric was closed so decided to go to Masala Express based on the reviews

Food - We were pretty hungry after being in the park that day. Since we had targeted Indian food, I was looking forward to eating our first North Indian restaurant food in CA. The owner/manager Mike was very helpful and helped us make a choice based on what we felt like eating. We ordered Pani Puri, Vegetable Samosas, Bhindi masala curry, Dal Tadka, Garlic naan and Tandoori Roti. The pain puri was served uniquely but normal (nothing exceptional) but all the other items were very tasty and flavorful. Samosas - some of the best restaurant samosas I have had in decades! Bhindi Masala - hands down the best bhindi masala I have ever had and all credit goes to the chef. This was fresh bhindi and you could tell by the taste and color of the bhindi Dal Tadka - perfectly spic Garlic naan and tandoori roti - very flavorful You know food is fresh when the food takes a while to come after you order. The owner/chef actually asked us how spicy we like our food and he said after an order is placed is when the chefs start making the dish so you can actually taste the spices and enjoy the flavors. It definitely seemed like it was made upon ordering (unlike normal restaurants where they make a large quantity and then just reheat and serve). We chatted quite a bit with Mike and he was telling to us how he started the restaurant and whole idea was to be like home cooked food. He said many of the recipes are from his mom and overall family. You know what, that came thru in the food. We really really enjoyed the food and I told the chef & owner this was probably one of the best Indian food I have had in a long long time.

Service - the owner / chef Mike was very friendly and gladly explained that he will make our meal to what spice level we like. He explained clearly that once we order the curries/dal, the chefs will make it so it may take some time and we were ok with that as we wanted good food. Service was very personal even though there were other diners and several take out orders

Ambiance - nice home style place, clean and elegant. Nothing fancy in terms of unique art, expensive china or art work, etc. We did like one big artwork that had all the indian masalas/spices . It is a place you come to enjoy food !

Overall Highly reccommend this place for some amazing fresh, tasty indian food. I would have never thought that one of the best Indian restaurants food I would have would be in Merced, CA. I am so glad I ended up at Masala Express by chance. I miss it and I wish your restaurant was in New Jersey!

Mike - keep up the food standard and Thank You very much for a fantastic and...

Exceptional Halal Dining Experience!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at an outstanding Indian restaurant in town, and I must say, it was a truly delightful experience! From the moment I walked through the door and noticed the prominently displayed Halal حلال sign, I knew I was in for a treat.

The staff at this restaurant exemplified professionalism, warmth, and genuine hospitality. They went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was exceptional, guiding me through the menu options and offering helpful suggestions. Their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction were truly commendable.

Speaking of the menu, the selection of dishes available was extensive, especially for those seeking halal meats. It was wonderful to see the halal sign right alongside the non-vegetarian options, giving me peace of mind and making it easier to navigate the menu. The range of choices was impressive, and it's clear that this restaurant understands and caters to the diverse preferences of its customers.

After much contemplation, I decided to order the tandoori chicken and garlic naan. Let me tell you, it was a flavor explosion that transported me back to my first encounter with this cuisine. The tandoori chicken was perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with authentic Indian spices. It had been nearly a decade since I last savored such a delicious dish, and this restaurant exceeded all expectations.

The garlic naan was a delightful accompaniment to the tandoori chicken. The bread was impeccably cooked, with just the right amount of garlic flavor. I couldn't resist savoring every bite, and it left me craving for more.

It was evident that this restaurant takes pride in the quality of their ingredients and the meticulous preparation of their dishes. The price, quantity, and overall value for money were truly satisfactory. The bustling atmosphere, filled with contented customers, was a testament to the popularity and consistent delivery of fresh, delectable food.

I am beyond thrilled to have discovered this gem of a restaurant, and it has instantly become my go-to destination for a finger-licking culinary experience. I cannot wait to return and explore the myriad of other food options available on their menu.

If you're a food enthusiast looking for a remarkable halal dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. From their diverse halal options to the welcoming staff and incredible flavors, this establishment truly excels in every aspect.

Kudos to the entire team for creating a memorable dining experience. Thank you for bringing the joy of authentic Indian cuisine back...

Amazing experience right from the first interaction on the phone, if the customer service could match the food then this is just a little piece of Indian food heaven on earth. The good part is it actually exceeded that and was nothing short of an amazing experience. The restaurant is well laid out and amazingly clean and organized. The smells coming from the restaurant were rich, bold, and flavorful. I was a long time customer of another Indian restaurant in Merced and I must admit for quality and price I am staying here. It cost nothing to provide a smile and a great attitude, and this was plentiful here. You would expect the review to focus on the food first but this customer experience really needs to be rewarded. Marsala Express really does what's needed and shows appreciation for your hard earned dollar. Now ask for the food it was the greatest bar none. I am a huge fan of tandoori chicken and I was not disappointed, it was well seasoned and cooked with a little dark crispy edges that gave it that little bit of bite that it needed, along with having a nice accompaniment of vegetables with the chicken that basically made it an entire meal by itself. The next dish was the butter chicken, and all I can say is it was so delicious. What made the difference to me is I like my food spicy and my wife prefers it a little cooler. So I asked what could be done to spice up the food afterwards and the answer they provided me showing me what different seasonings I can order allowing me to crank up the spice a little bit more so we can have one dish that suits everyone. That is truly what I call customer service and caring from a restaurant that really gives the family treatment to each and every one of their customers. The garlic naan was tasty, crunchy, and flavorful truly making it the perfect canvas for a dip in the butter chicken, also providing a pro tip If you take the naan and use the butter chicken sauce with a little cheese it makes the greatest personal pizza. I am sold on Marsala Express and you will be too, there is a real reason why they have such high ratings. So please enjoy this restaurant without any hesitation or worry about what you're going to receive because truly they will treat and feed you...