Bahaara Indian Kitchen — Restaurant in Tempe

I lived in India for many years and had the joy of exploring and appreciating the incredible depth of its culinary tradition.

Last Saturday evening, July 5th, I visited the newly opened Bahaara Indian Restaurant with my family. Conveniently located near I-10 and 202, it’s a welcome addition to the area and reachable from most parts of Phoenix in under 30 minutes.

We ordered a wide selection: Dal Bhukara, Chicken Reshmi Kebab, Rogan Josh, Lamb Lucknowi Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Butter Naan. Unfortunately, Rumali Roti was not available that night — hopefully, it was just a temporary supply issue.

The Dal Bukhara was the highlight of the meal — rich, creamy, and full of depth. The Rogan Josh was also outstanding, with tender goat and a well-balanced, flavorful curry. The Lamb Lucknowi Biryani was excellent — aromatic, perfectly spiced, and cooked with care. Desserts were another strong point, with Kulfi Falooda, Gulab Jamun, and Phirni all delivering authentic flavors and satisfying textures.

A few items, however, missed the mark: The Chicken Reshmi Kebab had a smaller portion of chicken than expected, and the marination was underwhelming. The chicken lacked the softness and flavor typically associated with this dish. The Chicken Tikka Masala had excellent masala, rich, balanced, and intensely flavorful. However, the chicken itself was disappointing; it seemed boiled rather than grilled, which compromised the overall authenticity and texture of the dish. I ordered a Fresh Lime Soda – sweet, specifically requesting "sweet" - but was served something closer to a masala soda with cumin, not what I had requested.

That said, the hospitality was exceptional. I asked the young lady at the entrance if this restaurant had any connection with the globally renowned Bukhara restaurant in New Delhi, where reservations must be made weeks in advance. She shared that her father, the chef, had worked at that very restaurant in the past. That background certainly explains the ambition behind this place. Also, one of the owners — a gracious woman in an elegant outfit — made an effort to visit each table, including ours. She warmly welcomed us and, in a wonderful gesture, gifted my daughter a Gulab Jamun to celebrate her birthday. That personal touch made the evening extra special. It’s worth noting: while prices may appear high at first glance, this is not a fast-casual or typical Indian restaurant with minimal staffing. Bahaara is dedicated to providing a fine dining experience, with a whole team working attentively to elevate your meal into a truly memorable occasion. The ambiance, service, and presentation reflect that goal, and in that light, the pricing is appropriate. Overall, despite a few inconsistencies, Bahaara shows real promise. With its ideal location, standout dishes like Dal Bhukara, Rogan Josh, and Biryani, and genuinely welcoming service, it could soon become a top destination for Indian cuisine in the Phoenix area.  Lastly, a special mention goes to the young Nepali waitress who served us — she was extremely polite, knowledgeable about the dishes, and contributed to the evening with her attentive and professional service. The service was impressively fast and well-coordinated overall. I’ll be returning today in the evening with four friends and will update this review after our second experience. I’m hopeful for more consistency and another warm welcome. Let’s see how it goes.

UPDATE after my second visit (upgraded from 4 to 5 stars):

Why the change? Because this time, everything was absolutely spot-on. We ordered the Tandoori Platter, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Lucknowi Lamb Biryani, Rogan Josh (Goat), Rumali Roti, Butter Naan, and for dessert, Phirni and Kulfi Falooda.

The Fresh Lime Soda was made sweet and without cumin, much closer to the authentic version I’m familiar with. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed every dish. Each item was flavorful, well-prepared, and beautifully presented.

This restaurant is truly a gem for the area. Wishing you all the...

🌟 A Symphony of Indian Flavors at Bahaara: Phoenix’s New Culinary Gem 🌟

If you’re searching for a dining experience in Phoenix that goes beyond the ordinary and transports you straight into the heart of India, then look no further than Bahaara.

I’ve tried a lot of Indian food in Phoenix and nothing compares to the meal I just had at Bahaara. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a first-timer, this place welcomes you with open arms and a warm, aromatic embrace.

The restaurant’s decor is a tasteful blend of traditional and contemporary Indian aesthetics. Even the restroom, often overlooked in restaurant design, is impeccably maintained and thoughtfully styled. I love the bar area and sign, as well as the Ganeshji statue.

Now, onto the real showstopper: the food. Bahaara offers a menu that spans length and breadth, with each dish crafted with authenticity and a modern touch.

🔥 Tandoori Chicken

The meal began with the Tandoori Chicken, a dish that many attempt, but few perfect. At Bahaara, it was simply phenomenal. The chicken was marinated in a complex blend of yogurt and spices, then chargrilled to absolute perfection. Juicy on the inside, with a smoky, slightly crisp exterior. The flavors were bold without being overpowering, with just the right kick of heat.

🐟 Tandoori Pomfret Fish

The Tandoori Pomfret, a true highlight. Served whole, the fish was marinated in a zesty mix, grilled to a delicate flake. The skin was crisp and golden, while the flesh melted like butter. Seafood lovers will find this dish utterly unforgettable.

🧄 Garlic Naan & Amritsari Kulcha

To accompany the mains, we ordered the Garlic Naan and the Amritsari Kulcha. The naan was pillowy soft with a generous topping of minced garlic, fresh from the tandoor. The kulcha, stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes, was an indulgent, flavor-packed side that could easily be a main on its own.

🧀 Paneer Kathi Roll

For something handheld and street-food inspired, the Paneer Kathi Roll was a revelation. The paneer was succulent, marinated in tandoori spices, and wrapped in a flaky paratha with crunchy onions and a mint chutney that tied everything together beautifully. A perfect fusion of street-style charm and gourmet finesse. This was my mom’s favorite item.

🍛 Butter Chicken & Pindi Chole

The Butter Chicken was luxurious and comforting—exactly as it should be. Tender chicken bathed in a velvety tomato-butter sauce, subtly sweet with just a whisper of fenugreek and garam masala. It's the kind of dish you end up scooping to the last drop with naan.

On the vegetarian side, the Pindi Chole was a masterclass in rustic North Indian cooking. The chickpeas were robust and perfectly spiced, with a dark, rich gravy that hinted at long hours of slow cooking and secret spice blends.

The Sweet Finale: Dessert Heaven No Indian meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Bahaara delivers this with aplomb.

🍩 Gulab Jamun

The Gulab Jamun were warm, soft, and soaked just right in rose-saffron syrup. Each bite was like a nostalgic hug, sweet, comforting, and unapologetically indulgent.

🍚 Phirni

Their Phirni, served in a traditional earthenware bowl, had a silky-smooth texture and was delicately flavored with cardamom and slivers of pistachio. Unlike many versions that feel too heavy or too sweet, this was beautifully balanced and refreshing.

🍨 Kulfi Falooda

The Kulfi Falooda was a showstopper in presentation and taste. Creamy kulfi topped with vibrant falooda noodles, rose syrup, basil seeds, and chopped nuts—it was like tasting summer in India. Cold, chewy, crunchy, and sweet, every spoonful was a textural delight.

Service & Final Thoughts The service at Bahaara matched the high standards of the food. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the dishes, and offered excellent pairing suggestions without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal was relaxed, allowing us to savor each course and truly enjoy...

A Culinary Journey Worth Celebrating – Bahara Restaurant is a Hidden Gem of Authentic Indian Cuisine. You will not miss India any more.

We recently celebrated our anniversary at Bahara Restaurant, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve ever had. If you are looking for true, uncompromised, and authentic Indian cuisine, especially flavors that take you straight to Hyderabad and beyond — this is the place.

From the moment we stepped in, there was a warmth in the atmosphere — not just in the ambiance, but in the service. The owners and chef are incredibly down-to-earth, humble, and so passionate about what they serve. They don’t rely on flashy marketing or gimmicks — their food speaks louder than any ad campaign could.

Here’s a glimpse into the feast we had: • Goat Biryani: Rich, aromatic, and layered with delicate spices. The meat was tender, perfectly cooked, and infused with flavor all the way through. This is a biryani that doesn’t just taste great — it feels like home. • Dal Bahara: Comforting and hearty. The texture was velvety, the spices subtle yet present. You could taste the slow-cooked depth in every bite. • Romali Roti & Butter Naan: The breads were freshly made — the Romali roti was soft, while the butter naan was fluffy and indulgent without being greasy. Perfect companions to the rest of the meal. • Saffron Rice: Fragrant and delicately spiced, this was not just a side dish — it held its own in flavor and added a royal touch to the plate. • Pani Puri: Crisp, tangy, and refreshing. An absolute explosion of flavor in one bite. Street food done with restaurant finesse. • Amritsari Fish: This was a standout. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. It had that North Indian spice rub that wakes up your palate — simply outstanding. • Tandoori Chicken: Smoky, juicy, and beautifully marinated. Each bite had the right balance of char and spice — a dish that shows the mastery of the tandoor. • Gulab Jamun & Kheer: The perfect sweet ending. The gulab jamun was warm, soft, and soaked in just the right amount of syrup — not overly sweet. The kheer was creamy, with just a hint of cardamom and saffron. You could taste the love in both.

Not once did we feel heavy or uncomfortable after the meal — every dish was rich, but never oily or overpowering. It’s rare to find a restaurant where the food maintains its richness without sacrificing health or stomach comfort — Bahara does it effortlessly.

What makes Bahara even more special is their commitment to authenticity. Despite running multiple restaurants, the chef ensures each dish remains rooted in tradition — using fresh ingredients, maintaining the essence of every spice, and never compromising on taste.

If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, or even just treat yourself to a truly satisfying meal, Bahara is the place to be. It’s a restaurant made for those who appreciate food crafted with passion, skill, and a deep love for Indian culinary heritage.

Thank you, Bahara, for making our anniversary so special. We’ll definitely be back — again and again.

Wishing Bahara continued success and prosperity — they...