Tandoori Trail - Smithfield — Restaurant in Smithfield

A Mixed Experience at Tandoori – A Culinary Sojourn with Nuanced Observations

My inaugural encounter with this North Indian establishment in Smithfield, NC commenced with a to-go luncheon that was nothing short of exemplary. The order was processed expeditiously, and the takeout experience was unmarred, reflecting a commendable attention to culinary detail and presentation.

However, the subsequent dining experience, which I shared with my fiancé as we endeavored to broaden his gastronomic horizons, revealed certain operational challenges that warrant constructive critique. Upon our arrival at approximately 6:30 PM, we were promptly greeted and seated by the sole attendant and chef—whose visible overwhelm suggested staffing constraints. Although his courteous demeanor was appreciated, the ensuing service was intermittently delayed. Our drink orders were not attended to for nearly 20 minutes; I had to remind the waiter on two separate occasions to procure my cola, which, compounded by the malfunctioning fountain drink machine, resulted in a suboptimal beverage experience that did not meet the standards I anticipated.

Our culinary selections—both opting for medium-spiced butter chicken—initially promised a delightful encounter with the renowned creamy, spiced sauce. The sauce, indeed, was a triumph of flavor and texture, exuding a complex amalgam of aromatic spices. However, I observed a perplexing deviation when, after sampling what I presumed was a second serving of butter chicken, I discerned a gamier profile and an atypical coloration suggestive of lamb. This inadvertent substitution, which was neither forewarned nor communicated, proved disappointing, particularly for my fiancé and me, as it diverged from our initial expectations.

The service milieu was further compromised by an atmosphere of derision among other patrons regarding the waitstaff’s efforts, an observation that only deepened my empathy for the beleaguered server. His palpable stress, at times verging on a near panic, elicited a measure of compassion that influenced our decision to extend an 18% gratuity—a gesture meant more as an acknowledgment of his dedication than as a reflection of the overall service excellence.

Advisories for Management: • Augment Staffing Levels: An increase in personnel would likely mitigate the delays and ensure that guests are informed of any wait times due to operational constraints. • Beverage Service Enhancement: Prompt attention to the malfunctioning fountain drink apparatus is imperative, as its repair would preclude the inconvenience of limited beverage options. • Protein Authenticity Notification: It is essential to communicate any deviations or substitutions in protein offerings to patrons, thereby maintaining transparency and upholding the integrity of the culinary experience.

In summation, while Tandoori in Smithfield, NC, demonstrates a laudable prowess in crafting richly flavoured North Indian cuisine, particularly in the realm of its exquisite sauces, the attendant service challenges and occasional lapses in culinary communication detract from an otherwise promising dining experience. With strategic improvements in staffing and operational logistics, this establishment could very well ascend to the status of a culinary paragon...

A Flavorful Journey at Tandoori Trail: A Review of the Butter Chicken Experience

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Tandoori Trail, a new Indian restaurant nestled in the heart of Smithfield, NC. From the moment I stepped in, I was engulfed in the inviting aroma of spices and the promise of a delightful culinary adventure. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the exquisite Butter Chicken. Tandoori Trail exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with warm lighting, tasteful decor, and a pleasant ambiance. The staff was exceptionally attentive and friendly, providing top-notch service throughout my dining experience. The Butter Chicken at Tandoori Trail is a masterpiece of Indian cuisine. The dish arrived piping hot, and the first bite was an explosion of flavors. The tender pieces of chicken were perfectly cooked and generously coated in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. The balance of richness, creaminess, and subtle spices was impeccable, making each mouthful a delightful experience. The sauce had just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness, complementing the succulent chicken. Tandoori Trail's Butter Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Indian flavors. The dish showcases the chef's culinary expertise and dedication to quality ingredients. The dining experience at Tandoori Trail was exceptional, and I am already looking forward to my next visit to savor more of their delectable offerings. In conclusion, Tandoori Trail in Smithfield, NC, is a hidden gem for lovers of Indian cuisine, and their Butter Chicken is a true highlight. The combination of inviting ambiance, exceptional service, and the exquisite taste of the Butter Chicken makes Tandoori Trail a dining destination worth visiting. I highly recommend trying the Butter Chicken and exploring the diverse menu offered by Tandoori Trail for an unforgettable Indian...

I’ll try to keep it short and concise: They didn’t have half the items I wanted to order. One menu item being samosas. The other was “fish and chips” No dice. Cool, whatever. Next I was going to order the tikka masala chicken wrap. In my mind they were using homemade naan to make a delightful, and convenient Indian lunch plate. That was not the case…the server asked “wheat or spinach” wrap? I declined the wrap. I can use a grocery store tortilla wrap any time… next order, masala fries. Generic diner fries with a very bland and very red dyed? coating came out. With a tiny sloppy side of regular ketchup. Very uninspiring and hardly spiced or even salted. I ordered a butter chicken burger to go for my husband, maybe this would be better? The menu said it came with crispy masala onion rings and a mint salad on the side. Nope, diner fries, and iceberg lettuce “salad”. Husband said sandwich was meh. Bland, and edible but nothing great. I took two orders of naan togo thinking they were traditional clay oven naan. They were the prepackaged naan you buy at Food Lion in a pinch. To me, this is the most egregious Indian Food restaurant faux pas, fake naan. Bleck. To top off a very annoying restaurant experience , it’s NOT cheap. Take your hard earned money and spend...