Namaste Tyler — Restaurant in Tyler

I just had some of the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted, and it happened right in my hometown at Namaste Tyler Indian Restaurant!!!

After years without a local Indian restaurant, we finally have one, and it is both authentic and very impressive. Some of you may not be aware, but I eat Indian food 2-4 times a month when traveling for work, so I showed up with fairly high expectations going into this.

I ordered a wide range of dishes, and each one stood out in its own way. The Chicken Lollipop had such a bold flavor to it. The contrast of the crispy skin to the juicy and tender chicken was perfect. The Malai Kofta and Saag Paneer were rich and comforting. I even had the opportunity to try chickpeas for the first time and to my surprise, I liked them!! The dish was called Chana Masala and it tasted as good as it looked. I har 2 different Somosas and I enjoyed them both equally. The Rogan Josh and Apollo Fish were especially flavorful, and the Namaste Special Chicken Biryani was likely my favorite overall. It was well seasoned, balanced, and satisfying. The Butter Chicken was a very close second. Almost forgot the ginger shrimp. If you really want to experience a flavor explosion then order those.

All of the supporting dishes definitely held their own as well. From the perfectly cooked Basmati rice, to the heavenly garlic naan. Everything played a role in making this experience as amazing as it was. I can’t forget the incredible sauces. So unique and flavorful. I don’t even think I possess the words to properly describe each one.

I knew I had to try the different types of Lassi’s, so I ordered a sample of each, as well as the badam milk. Here’s my thoughts.

•Mango Lassi: Sweet with a texture similar to thin yogurt.

•Sweet Lassi: Similar to the mango version but without the fruit flavor (my favorite of the lassi’s)

•Salt Lassi: Not to my personal taste, but others may appreciate its savory profile.

•Badam Milk: My personal favorite, with a sweet and subtle almond flavor. It was rich, creamy, and had just the right amount of sweetness.

The service was efficient and welcoming, especially getting to speak with the owner and hear their amazing story. The overall ambiance of the restaurant contributed to a very enjoyable dining experience. The owners were friendly and clearly take pride in the food and service they provide. I can honestly say that I believe the price is more than fair for the high quality food they’re serving, especially if you knew what all it takes to get that authentic food to your table.

If you are already a fan of Indian cuisine or are curious to try it for the first time, than you should know this restaurant is a strong recommendation of mine. Arrive hungry and expect to...

Native Tylerites: Let me, the transplant from the northeast, be your humble guide to Namaste. Like Virgil accompanying Dante through the Divine Comedy, I’ve already guided you through the Purgatorio of Pizzerias in Tyler. Now, let me lead you through the Inferno of Indian food, as I’ve dined at scores of Indian restaurants before and can give you the inside scoop on whether Namaste is delivering authentic Indian food.

We ordered several things from the menu: vegetable samosas, butter naan, mild butter lamb curry, and medium chicken Masala. Of all these, the samosas were the least exciting. The filling was authentic, but the outer crust was dry and brittle. A good variation would be to offer a lamb Samosa, which would bring more a moist flavor option.

The naan bread was baked well, but very thin — some of the thinnest naan that I’ve ever had. I prefer it when the naan is a bit thicker, since it holds onto the curry more if you are eating with it, but the flavor of the naan was very good.

The highlight of the meal, however, were the main courses (which is the most important thing, after all.) I was blown away by how tender and flavorful the lamb and chicken were, especially after having bad experiences in the northeast at some Indian restaurants, where they clearly use cheap cuts. The chicken was clearly chicken breast and not thigh, which I think is very important, since thigh meat is stronger, gamier, and competes with the strong flavors of curry. The curry sauce for both of them was also excellent: very savory and complex, with all of the exotic spices really coming out.

We got takeout so we did not dine in the restaurant. However, it seemed very pleasant, albeit very casual.

I will say that Namaste’s menu is a bit pricey. I understand that it’s pretty much the only Indian restaurant in about 150 mile radius, and they deserve some degree of pricing privilege because of that. However, we spent $85 on two entrees, two samosa appetizers, and two orders of naan. And I can’t say that the curries were brimming with chunks of chicken and lamb — it s was mostly sauce. At this price point, I expected a little bit more food. A good option for the restaurant could be to package together some family size meals, and offer some savings there.

The price could keep some people from adding Namaste into their regular cycle of restaurants, but in terms of tasty, authentic Indian food, it’s definitely a place to treat yourself. We are fortunate to have a restaurant like this in Tyler, a city whose restaurant scene at best is like Purgatorio, and at worst burns us like...

Tyler finally has an Indian restaurant! Though being the only one should not cause embellished ratings.

It's apparent they are working hard. As far as Indian food goes, it is good. Yes, it was not the best, which they do charge for.

The food was, compared to other restaurants in NY, OH, NJ,CO, PA, FL, TX, and some good home cooking, is at least average. I was expecting dishes priced at $10-15, as in other areas, but the average dish was an additional $10, on average $20 per plate. This is a bit inflated. (We order a chicken and vegetarian based meal for two. Appetizer (fried veg), two entrees, garlic nan (bread) two desserts; cost $98 before 25% tip) oh, on opening day a small cup of chai was offered gratis.

Understanding opening a restaurant is costly, please be careful of what passes from the kitchen, our appetizer was burnt. It was visibly burnt, yet still served. My wife didn't eat it, being she could not distinguish what vegetables were prepared.

Our dessert was impeccable! An apricot delight. Truly worth going for alone, along with a nice cup of chai. Though I must say one is just enough for two persons, but your eating out, enjoy a whole for yourself.

Our chai, well, bland. $4-5 for a cup of hot milk with steeped black tea and mild cardamom. In other restaurants this same tea was provided free with the meal, but with a hint of cinnamon; though this is a personal preference.

Overall, the family is wonderful and working hard. Great job you will be successful.

I understand the level of clientele you are seeking, but for the prices you are charging, the quality of your dishes are good, but the flavor is average.

While at the restaurant our tendency was lending to a sort of cognitive disetance. Being at a soft grand opening, energetic friendly staff, Mothers's Day...we wanted this to be a five star experience. Though the food was average, quantity was perfect (though maybe one more slice of nan please) people friendly, a burnt fried appetizer (which I ate, I like it that way)and the price exorbitant; 2.5 maybe 3 stars of 5 at best.

Thank you for bringing this genre of food to Tyler. I'm looking forward to your good...