Cuisine India — Restaurant in Salem

Great Lunch - we arrived about 11:30 for the lunch buffet, finding there were no other customers when we got there, but as noon approached, the place started to get busier. Taj Mahal is located next door to Adam's Rib and does not have their own parking lot, so you'll need to remember to bring change to plug the meters out front. The space itself is small and plain, but clean. We were greeted by a friendly but formal-mannered young lady. After being seated, we were offered beverage choices - my wife chose hot Indian tea, which was a mint flavor with cream; we had never tried it before and it is excellent. The buffet consisted of a fruit/salad area, two choices of soups (tomato and chicken), baked nan, basmati rice, vegi pakora, dal makhni (lentils, beans, herbs), chicken saag (creamed spinach with chicken), chicken jalfrezi (chicken & vegis in sauce), tandoori chicken and rice kheer (creamy rice pudding). Everything was fresh and good tasting. The one negative - the vegetable pakora was a bit cold - it seemed like the heat should have been turned up below the tray. But the flavors were all wonderful - my wife loves saag above all else and she was impressed. The nan was perfect. I also liked the homemade-tasting tomato soup. We'll gladly return...

Only two Indian restaurants in Salem and I decided to try this one as it narrowly edged out Indian Palace downtown. Restaurants appearence was modest, to say the least, but my partner and I aren't one to judge solely on the superfcial. However, entering, we were immediately struck by the unwelcoming environment and bad vibes. The proprietor was sitting in the center and did not so much as glance at us--it was 7pm and the place had but a couple patrons--he was so busy scowling at his phone, and in the five minutes we were there and despite being only feet away, continued to show no interest in our business or his hospitality trade. The only server, a fresh-faced young man, coldly gestured at a booth and thereafter said nothing--no welcome or anything!--though I couldn't blame him if taking his boss' lead. He seemed too young to know much about the hospitality biz that is my pride and joy. We only want to give our money to restaurants that are happy to see us and putting love in the food. We left, and are so glad we did! Indian Palace downtown was amazing, by contrast. I saw at least two other reviews in just the first couple that mention the lackluster service and surly proprietor of Cusine India, here. Someone should...

Ok. So before I give my full review, let me start off by saying I am a food SNOB. Not picky, just very particular. VERY. That said, my Husband and I ate here tonight and IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! While I wanted to stuff my face, I am an 8 meal per day in small portions type of eater. I felt horrible when the nice gentleman came to our table and said "you've hardly eaten anything!" I reassured him that it was incredible and I meant it. Having lived in Salem for 3 years, I've been waiting to find that one place that has comforting food and a quiet atmosphere but in the style/taste that suits me. Well, 3 years later, I'VE FINALLY FOUND IT! It was almost like a weight lifted as I bit into our appetizer, and as stupid as it may sound, I feel I finally found a place I "fit in". I could come here alone or with a group of people. Regardless of the scenario, I will be back! We enjoyed the vegetable samosa appetizer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi, basmati rice and fresh nan with raitan. Very clean restaurant, nice music in the background, and the staff was extremely friendly. Thank you Cuisine India, best restaurant I've been to in at...