Taste of India — Restaurant in Pensacola

We recently had lunch at the "Taste of India" restaurant for their Long Weekend Buffet on July 4th, 2023. The buffet boasted a wide variety of dishes, including Butter Naan, Bhatura, Basmati Rice, Uttappa, Poriyal, Vegetable Biryani, Saag Paneer, Chana Masala, Vegetable Korma, Dal Fry, Onion Bonda, Corn Veppudu, Papad, Chicken Biryani, Chicken Wings, Tandoori Chicken, Kesari, Rice Kheer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, Ras Gulla, and several other sweets.

Unfortunately, my experience at the restaurant fell short of my expectations. While there were numerous options available, I found that the taste and texture of the food did not align with my preferences. The dishes lacked the authentic flavors and spices typically associated with Indian cuisine, making it less appealing to someone with an Indian palate. However, it's worth noting that individuals who are not accustomed to spicy food might appreciate the milder flavors offered here.

Furthermore, the price of $21 per person for the buffet seemed steep, especially considering that the majority of the dishes seemed to cater more towards non-vegetarians. As a vegetarian, I found the limited options for my dietary preference disappointing. It appeared that the restaurant primarily aimed to cater to non-Indian customers, as the taste and spice levels of the food seemed tailored to their palate.

Overall, my experience at the "Taste of India" restaurant's Long Weekend Buffet was mediocre. While the buffet featured an extensive selection of dishes, the flavors and spices did not meet my expectations as an Indian diner. Moreover, the limited vegetarian options and relatively high price point made it difficult for me and my family to fully enjoy the experience. If you're seeking an Indian dining experience that caters more towards non-Indians and offers milder flavors, this restaurant might be worth considering. However, for those looking for an authentic and traditional Indian culinary experience, other options may be...

Entering: Outside seemed a little ghetto and inside was ok, smells interesting (Keep in mind that I am ethically Indian). Menu was basic but had a good enough selection. The seats were torn up and looked very wore down. Plates were clean with little specks of dirt or something.

Service: Server seemed to ignore us and went to a different customer which I think they came first but still didn’t address that they were coming to us. Looks clearly short staffed.

Appetizer: We took a samosa chaat & a Gobi Manchurian along with a Mulligatawny soup. The Gobi Manchurian came relatively fast, but tasted like ketchup & sriracha and I will give a 2. Next is the samosa chaat and it is not bad and has a kick with an ok texture, but lacking a crunch and I will give a 3 for taste, but a 1 for looks as it looks like a everything was thrown together. The soup however was a pleasant surprise with a flavorful taste.

Main Course: We took Chicken Kolhapuri & a Malai Kofta and took a garlic naan, bullet naan, and a cheese garlic naan to go along with the curry. The naans were all ready made with toppings added on for taste which is a complete utter disappointment for the price. The Kofta was flavorless and was clearly premade and so was the Kolhapuri and the chicken was very hard needed to be more tender. The whole main course gets a 1.7.

Dessert: We took a single mango ice cream hoping for a better dish and it did not disappoint for once with a beautiful presentation and with a nice mango taste. I will give it a 4.6.

Overview: Prices WERE INSANE, 22 bucks for a curry was too much. Complete utter disappointment for the price and is completely overrated for the price & food. Other than the soup & dessert nothing else was good. Just save your money and go to another place tbh. Also to add on the bathroom was absolutely terrible and we added a thumbs up but never got it. (Thank God they gave our 3 bucks back for...

12/19/2021

It’s been 25 years since my last EXPERIENCE with Indian cuisine.

While working in Vancouver a friend, originally from India invited us to dinner. I didn’t make it through the meal before being toilet bound for quite some time (sorry if it’s too much information). Wrote that experience off to a digestive disorder.

We went with those same friends to their favorite “Authentic” Indian restaurant and again, before the meal was finished I was quite literally running to the washroom where I once again spent considerable time.

Thus, my opinion of Indian cuisine was born.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Shane D’Sousa at Pensacola’s TASTE OF INDIA RESTAURANT.

Shane prodded and encouraged me to give it another go, assuring me that nothing on their lunch buffet would “get” me. My lovely wife frequents the restaurant and has made equal claims. Today I caved in.

I am happy to say that I came away with a new attitude and enthusiasm for Indian cuisine.

The air was tainted with the exotic scent of curry, my body shuddered. The offerings (frighteningly similar in appearance to what I experienced in Vancouver) had me spooked, but I bucked up and passed through the buffet line choosing items that looked least likely to send me screaming for the wash room.

Much to my surprise it was all DELICIOUS and I was soon on my next trip through the buffet. This time I became more adventurous and again, every dish was DELICIOUSLY EXOTIC and get this… had no effect on my digestive system whatsoever.

Shane, Pati and Ford are amazing hosts! Great food, happy and eager service. It’s obvious that they want for their guests to have a great dining experience and it shows.

If you are a Pensacola resident, or if you’re visiting I would encourage you to visit. I know I’ll be...