North India — Restaurant in San Francisco

I recently visited North India in San Francisco with high hopes, eager to enjoy some authentic North Indian cuisine. Unfortunately, my experience was a tale of two very different parts: the breads were a highlight, while the main dishes were surprisingly disappointing. We ordered a few of the vegetarian staples to get a good sense of the menu: the yellow dal, navratan korma, paneer makhani, and vegetarian biryani. The main takeaway across the board was a noticeable lack of flavor. The Yellow Dal was particularly bland, tasting like simple boiled lentils without the rich, aromatic tempering of cumin, garlic, and red chili that makes a good dal so comforting. The Navratan Korma was another letdown. Instead of a creamy, fragrant gravy with a hint of sweetness and the complexity of nine different vegetables and nuts, the sauce was thin and flavorless. The vegetables themselves felt under-seasoned and lacked the rich taste you expect from a well-made korma. Similarly, the Paneer Makhani, a classic for a reason, was a shadow of what it should be. The gravy was one-dimensional and lacked the necessary balance of sweet tomato, spice, and cream that gives the dish its signature velvety texture. The Vegetarian Biryani was also a miss. It was dry, lacked the distinct aroma of rosewater and saffron, and the vegetables seemed like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the dish. It was more like spiced rice with some vegetables mixed in than a true, layered biryani. On a positive note, the breads provided a much-needed silver lining. The naan was excellent—perfectly cooked, with a soft, chewy interior and a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior from the tandoor. It was easily the best part of the meal and a testament to what the kitchen is capable of. The roti and alu paratha were average; they were functional but didn't stand out in the same way the naan did. In summary, while the naan was a definite high point, the core of the meal—the curries and the biryani—was unfortunately tasteless and mediocre. The dishes were missing the depth and soul that define North Indian cooking. I left feeling a bit let down, as there's so much potential for this restaurant to shine. For now, I would only recommend it for the great naan, and I hope the kitchen re-evaluates the seasoning and flavor profiles of their...

A Culinary Oasis in San Francisco: A Review of North India Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco lies a culinary oasis, North India Restaurant, where the flavors of India dance on your palate, and hospitality embraces you like an old friend. From the moment you step through the doors, you are transported to a world of vibrant spices, tantalizing aromas, and unparalleled warmth.

Let's start with the service—it's exemplary. From the friendly greetings at the door to the attentive waitstaff who guide you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, every interaction is infused with warmth and professionalism. Their knowledge of the dishes is impressive, and their recommendations are spot-on.

Now, onto the star of the show—the food. Oh, where do I even begin? The appetizers are a symphony of flavors, each bite a revelation. From crispy samosas bursting with fragrant potatoes and peas to succulent chicken tikka skewers marinated to perfection, every dish is a masterpiece.

But it's the entrees that truly steal the show. Each dish is a celebration of spice, with flavors that are bold yet harmonious, and heat that tingles just enough to awaken your taste buds without overwhelming them. Whether you're savoring the rich depths of a buttery chicken tikka masala or indulging in the complex layers of a tender lamb curry, every bite is a journey of culinary bliss.

And let's not forget about the rice pudding—a dessert so divine it deserves its own spotlight. Creamy, fragrant, and delicately sweetened, it's the perfect way to end your meal on a high note. The authenticity shines through in every spoonful, making it a must-try while you're here.

Beyond the exceptional food and service, North India Restaurant also boasts a charming storefront and interior that transports you to the bustling streets of India. The vibrant colors, intricate décor, and welcoming ambiance create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.

In conclusion, North India Restaurant is more than just a restaurant—it's a culinary journey, a cultural experience, and a testament to the power of good food to bring people together. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual diner, this gem in San Francisco is not...

WORST DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE

It took me a day to get over the horrifying experience of having dinner at this place they like to call North India Restaurant in San Francisco. All I have to say to anyone thinking of going for a meal here, please don't! Not only were we served with raw and uncooked lamb along with stale Dal, but the staff was also unfriendly and uncooperative, to say the least. While entering the restaurant, they realized that my friends and I were from India and confirmed whether we knew how to speak "Hindi" or not. Since it's always great to meet people from your own country, we continued the conversation in our language, but to my surprise, they started behaving as if they could treat us any way they wanted. Upon notifying them about our concerns, one of the servers just walked off while muttering the words "just eat what you're getting." To our disgust, even the other server who seemed concerned at the beginning started arguing with us about how it's all well prepared, and if they try to cook it more, it'll become even difficult to cut the meat. At this point, we realized that there was no point in staying any longer and just asked for the check. I guess the phrase "familiarity breeds contempt" was proven right that day. All of us were just left with a bad taste in our mouths that night with one common thought "how the hell do these people even afford to run this place with such horrible food and customer service?".

As someone who comes from India, I was appalled to see these people ruining not only the food from our homeland but also how their service can depict people from my country in a bad light.

To whoever runs the restaurant, all I can is that it's okay if your place doesn't serve the best food but at least try to make something that's edible and have staff with some basic courtesy and manners. I wasn't exaggerating when I titled this as the "Worst Dining Experience Ever." Hopefully, nothing...