Monsoon Indian Grill — Restaurant in Topeka

Rich flavors impress me especially when layered and still have the brightness to be recognized. Each of the items I tried at the Monsoon Grill used complementary flavors to build more complexity than I've ever had before. You may not be inspired by the untrendy Topeka decor but get a big table, let the food speak to you, and admire the modern Indian oils.

Enjoy their basket of pappadums while you discuss the menu. Try a subtle masala tea and settle in. You'll be served well and be able to have any questions answered without a rush.

My choice of the delightful Tikki Chaat was full of unique fresh street flavors, separate and light. The Kala Namak pungency lingers a little without being strong. And don't miss the condiments. They look like every other tray of harsh onion and too strong flavor amendments. But so good. Homemade mild onion relish, super rich tamarind sauce balanced between sweet and vinegar, and green chutney, slightly spiced, slightly minty. I had to try a Samosa Chaat next time which I thought was better for the flakiness and ability to carry the sauces.

Not seeing Chicken 65 on my local menus, I got the popular Chennai spicy dish. It's a good substitute appetizer for a Buffalo chicken craving with a clean mild heat. I tried the Shahi Chicken Korma which can be dull as plaster but loved the rich cashewy slightly sweet sauce on perfect rice. The dessert recommendation was for Gulab Jamun, a typically bland ball of dough in syrup on buffet lines. The hot fluffly little balls of slightly spiced milky dumplings were so different and welcomed the sugar coating and ice cream it was paired with. Tomorrow I have to sample the lunch buffet.

Indian restaurants seemed always to be cut from the same cloth. They may have a few tricks but none up to now have seemed to push the envelope to make me think that food as good as The Hundred-Foot Journey was to be experienced. Taking the side road next to Chipotle's was worth the...

Pros: the food is amazing, staff is awesome, atmosphere is clean, paintings are a good addition to the eating experience.

Cons: I can’t stay longer and never have enough time to eat it all.

As usual I will start by providing you with my experience from beginning to end. Upon arrival the location is a little hidden but don't let this discourage you. What some places lack in curb appeal they excel in other areas.

Upon entering the restaurant the music was pleasant and the atmosphere was inviting and welcoming. One thing I noticed right away was the play with colors and painting. I also didn't mind that there was only one small TV which is nice to see in today's restaurant world of restaurants filled with tvs.

The host Peter was quick attentive and sweet. He answered questions and stayed attentive throughout our visit.

My wife and I really enjoyed this experience. The food was simply sensational. I've had butter chicken at several Indian restaurants and this ranked at the top of them. The use of spices and flavors really does something for your soul. My wife got a sampler platter and loved it as well.

We had a three course meal that included amazing desserts and an appetizer. The fried cauliflower was great and I will get this on every trip.

Overall we spent under 100 dollars for both my wife and I to eat authentic Indian cuisine in Topeka.

One more thing before I go I gave my props to Peter but the women who were also there to help were also amazing. They were fast...

Peter took excellent care as I visited for lunch. I appreciated that the Monsoon cocktail wasn't too sweet and the savory masala tea had a good mix of spices. I have read good things about their lunch deal but I don't make it out this way very often so I went all over the menu.

I tried the amritsari fish and lasooni gobi to start. The fish was very tender and the dry herbs and spices made for a great textured surface. I enjoyed it best with the onion chutney. I LOVED the lasooni gobi. It had a great crunch and the sweet garlic flavors were very nicely complemented by the savory mint sauce. I would probably order that every time if I came here regularly.

I had to get the mixed grill platter because I wanted to try as much as possible. The lamb kabob was the most rich, the chicken seekh kabob was herbed and spiced fantastically. I wrapped my chicken Tikka up in my garlic naan and dipped it into the masala sauce. The shrimp didn't do much for me but the whole thing had a great presentation.

I struggled picking a dessert but Peter recommended the ras Malai. It was fantastic. I had never had paneer in a sweet dish but it ate like a cheesy donut in the sweet cream sauce. I'm so happy for Topeka to have such a wonderfully executed, family-owned Indian restaurant and I can't wait to make it back. Thank you so much to Rajni the owner, Peter my attentive server, and everyone in the kitchen who cooked a delicious meal that I was...