I order from here a lot, and I want to start by saying this: the food is really, really good. I think you must have a new chef, because lately it’s been on another level. Not quite Sherkaan in New Haven, but definitely better than Coromandel in Orange, and honestly, some of the best Indian food I’ve had in Connecticut—and even New York. So you’re already halfway there.
Obviously the issue isn’t the food, it’s the ambiance. I don’t want to only think of this spot as takeout! The only times I’ve eaten here, maybe twice, were incredibly awkward. The white tablecloths, the completely empty dining room, and the lack of music make it feel sterile rather than inviting. And because of that, everyone I know, including myself, only gets takeout instead of choosing to dine in. That’s a shame, because with food this good, people should want to linger, spend money on drinks, order way more appetizers than they need.
My suggestions, for whatever it’s worth:
Take inspiration from Sherkaan. They’ve curated a lively, warm space where people want to spend time, and that’s part of why they’re so successful.
Rethink the size of your dining area. Having big empty rooms makes the restaurant feel deserted. Consider closing off half the space and saving it for private events. A smaller, cozier dining room will feel more vibrant, especially if you put a little TLC into the vibe.
Update the look. The purple exterior and the current sign feel outdated…almost Halloween-store vibes. A refreshed logo, signage, and façade would completely change first impressions. Inviting string lights out front, really curate that “I need to go in there!” look.
Play up your outdoor space. Add better lighting, make it a focal point, swap out the circus tent and it could become even more of a draw in good weather.
Add energy. Music, warmer lighting, and thoughtful décor would go a long way toward creating an atmosphere that matches the quality of the food.
Market a happy hour. With good drinks and great food, you could draw people in if you promoted it and tied it to a refreshed vibe.
I’m rooting for you because the food is already solid. If you invest in your space and curate an atmosphere that makes people want to dine in, you’ll move from being the best takeout option to being one of the best Indian restaurants to...
Read moreAn enchanting Northern Indian style restaurant nestled in the hills of Shelton, Ct. A pure delight for everyone. There are many Indian restaurants to choose from but VALUE is the major difference why one should choose BAINGAN! Delectable dishes, atmosphere, service, quality and presentation. Upon crossing the threshold at the front entrance one feels as though they're entering someone's home. Cozy atmosphere of wood, huge glass windows and vibrant colors that ignite your senses to prepare one for a totally unique gastronomic experience. Baingan, at the buffet, offers the top favorite dishes which satisfies all. Perfectly seasoned, not overwhelmingly spicy as Northern Indian is suppose to be. Fried onions, Basmati rice, Chicken Tika Masala(of course!), vegetables seasoned mildly, Chicken fried rice, Tandoori chicken, and other chicken dishes packed with flavor and cooked to perfection plus Indian salad and all the traditional chutneys, spicy peppers etc. lentil soup & masala tea included in the price which you never see often. The Baingan restaurant menu is an extensive menu offering many dishes that, I for one, have never tried or ever heard of and I've been a fan of Indian cuisine for 40+ years. As a frequent customer I feel part of the Baingan Family. A Beautiful staff that will kill you with kindness from beginning to end. The hospitality is overthetop. Each employee in the beautifully decorated dinning room is to whom I owe my THANKS. This includes, Varshita, Nishitha, Ashwini, Veea, and Kaithik. OUTSTANDING SERVICE! Knowledgeable, attentive, focused and of course beautiful as most Indian folk are, inside and...
Read moreHello brothers and sisters, it's a review for general public and especially for Pakistanis. It's an Indian restaurant. Before I visit here the reviews were good. I bought 3 coupons from Groupon. I was confident to bring family with me. I called the restaurant to confirm they serve halal food. I ordered chicken biryani, naan, lamb curry, chicken momo, and chicken tandoori. The server brought taco like dried bread with 3 different sauces. My kids like those. The server asked about how much spicy the food we want. We are familiar with spicy food however we ordered mild spicy. After eating I regret that I should order light spicy. Because mild spicy was spicy enough to make your eyes to tear up. The chicken biryani was spicy but wasn't bad, lamb curry was disgusting look and the meat was stinky, naan were taste and look good. However, an incident made the whole experience feel bad. At the end we were packing unused food in containers. When I grabbed naan from the serving dish, I found used naans on the bottom. Obviously, those used naan were from the other customers and they serve us without cleaning and inspection. It made us feel not coming back here. Tandoori chicken was sizzling and tasty. Chicken momo was look dumpling and taste like chicken meat ball. Kids have mix reaction to this dish. Price range was around $18 per dish. Naan $3 each. Soda $2 each. I've decided to return the rest of two other...
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