9 Spices Indian Cuisine & Bar (Albany) — Restaurant in Town of Colonie

I happened to run into this place only because I was staying at the hotel attached to it. I decided to try the Sunday buffet after checking out since it has been a while since I’ve had Indian food.

I walked in 15 minutes before the buffet started (the place says it opens at 11:30, however the buffet doesn’t start until noon). I was greeted promptly and politely, informed the buffet would not be ready for another 15 minutes but they would be happy to seat me, and then was shown to a table. They appeared to have a staff meeting and to be checking the buffet as the food for it was being brought out, and shortly before it was opened my server brought me water.

When everything was ready a different employee motioned I could go ahead. There was a wide variety of different foods to choose from, and around the corner were the chutneys and desserts. Overall the food was well prepared and I had a full two plates.

Here’s my overall thoughts on everything!

General impression: the restaurant is clean and spacious (if not slightly empty, by that could just be because of covid restrictions). There was good lighting and ambiance, and the price was reasonable (around $25 after tip).

Service: everyone appeared well dressed and they were all very polite and attentive. I thought it was a bit odd I was not asked if I would like anything to drink besides water, but my water was always full and I did not have to hunt anyone down to refill it or to clear my plates. Upon paying I was asked how everything was and it was a good experience all around.

Food: I am by no means a connoisseur of Indian food, but I’ve had enough of it to know if it’s decent. There was an amazing selection of dishes compared to the usual Indian “buffets” I’ve been to, which was a huge plus. Most of the dishes were good, a few were a bit bland, but nothing was terrible. I was disappointed with the saag, which is usually one of my favorites, as the consistency was somewhat more liquid than I am used to, but the paneer in it was good. The kheer was warm (a first for me!) but it was very flavorful. The butter chicken had more flavor than most places I’ve tried, and the tamarind chutney was the best I’ve had. All the meat dishes were cooked perfectly. And I have to say I am usually very skeptical of goat anything as I’ve never had it done in a way it wasn’t tough and gamey… but the goat curry was superb.

I know there've been some poor reviews on this place, but the buffet was one of the better ones I’ve been to, so I would say it’s at least worth trying on the...

The food was actually quite good. It was probably just an unfortunate night that my wife, her friend and I attended. There was a massive birthday party going on for a 3 to 5yr old child and there were at least 15 or more children running all over the restaurant playing chase and tag, unrestrained by the 20 or so adult mothers, aunts etc. They were understandable all having a good time, but there was a lot of loud laughter, screams(of joy, no doubt) and yelling which made it nearly impossible to convey our food orders to the wait staff. I felt sorry for the staff because no one was reminding the children to use inside voices, not race around, etc. One waiter came over and apologized for the exuberant children and the consequential loud noise level. I know they're just kids having a great time. The drinks are provided in an unusual manner. While they carry an extensive list of liquors and spirits, they cannot make a mixed drink such as a Margarita, Cosmo, Mojito, Lemon drop martini, etc. They either give you a shot glass of your choice or you can get a simplistic rum and coke. I will give them another try sometime soon, but my wife and her friend won't come back. Its a shame because the food...

Probably the best Indian restaurant right now in the entire Albany-Troy-Schenectady region hands down. It is only a pity this restaurant started operating as I am preparing to relocate from this area.

They have a fantastic chef who is able to deliver a distinctive flavor to each entree instead of it all tasting like the same bland curry with different meats/vegetables thrown in.The Chicken 555/Chicken 65 as starters and the Chef's special goat curry as the main course is a must try. I'd say to not go for the Chicken Manchurian because that felt more like General Tso's Chicken instead of the more familiar distinct flavor of IndoChinese cuisine that I always loved back home.

The dine in service is good as well. They were maintaining proper protocols in observance of the present situation. My slight complaint is that the food, despite being so well prepared by the resident chef, would sometimes come in a bit cold during some of my visits. Maybe it's because they are a still new restaurant and they haven't yet got the logistics right. So if you feel your food might be taking some more time than necessary, don't be shy to enquire of it...