Indian Tadka — Restaurant in Waukee

“Excellent food and customer service!”

We reached here for a 7pm reservation with a large party of people. I only saw a total of two people, one cooking and one serving, but there may have been more. They seemed very short-staffed. However, the lady who was cooking stepped out to let us know that service may be a bit slow but to be patient as cooking good fresh food does take time. We kindly waited, and ordered. We were started off with some papad. Then we ordered delhi chaat, samosa chaat, and paneer taka tak for appetizers, and for dinner: naans, rice, fulka rotis, a paneer curry (can't remember the name), saag paneer, daal makhani, malai kofta, amritsari chole, masala chai, mango shakes, and some beers for 3 adults. All the food was amazing (we were only slightly disappointed with the amritsari chole - it was bland and not as spicy as we expected). Speaking of spicy, most all the dishes were extremely hot/spicy, even the appetizers, so when ordering, definitely tell your server about your spice tolerance. The koftas in the malai kofta were just so yummy!! The chai was simply amazing and the mango shakes were not laden with sugar, but instead tasteful, thick, and mild! The food tasted extremely fresh, warm, and homemade (in a good way!). The gravy for the paneer curry, chole, and all the 3 appetizers we got were very spicy (as in high heat spicy)! All the food, especially breads, were brought in as they were made, so they were piping hot, fresh, and just so yummy. The fulka rotis are just like homemade rotis. The rice was fluffy, fresh, and delicious. The daal was not overly spicy/heat and was very yummy - I say this as I don't ever like dal makhani in any other restaurant we go to. The serving sizes were not overly large so for a family of 10+ people we all took a spoonful of each item, but that worked out very well since we ordered so many things and we got to try out everything in the process. We all simply loved the experience and the food and did not mind waiting longer for it. We stayed well past their closing time but they accommodated us nevertheless. We finished off with some gajar halwa which was also extremely delicious and not cloyingly sweet. The server and chef were personable and kind and even apologized repeatedly for the slow service - a quality we very much appreciate. I stand behind this review as I speak for 10 people, we would definitely eat here again and again and again. We highly recommend it to everyone!

Of course being an Indian restaurant, you will easily find plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free...

If you're looking for authentic Indian food in the Des Moines area, this is the place to go. Lovingly cooked by two very nice Indian women (at least that's who was there when I went), this place is comparable to the Indian food I've had in areas of California with a large Indian population. Food was delicious, but beware--it can be really spicy! If you can't tolerate spicy food, this might not be the place for you. You do get to choose a spicy level between 1 and 5, but I found the 3 to be very hot already so I can't imagine the 1 to be very mild.

I had the paneer taka tak, which comes at a minimum heat level of 3.5 (they tried to be nice and make a 3 for me). I think the cheese helps balance out the spice, and I found this to be very tasty.

Also ordered the chicken makhani at a 3. Tasted delicious, but oh my gosh it seemed so much hotter than the paneer taka tak! I had to down a glass of milk to dull some of the heat in my mouth. I might order it again at a 1 next time.

Had some samosas and naan, as well, and entrees come with rice. The naan was just a tad burnt for me, but all of it was still very tasty.

Ordered takeout (call ahead of time because it takes a while to cook), and my food came in very standard takeout containers, each clearly labeled as to...

I cannot get enough of India Tadka. It's my favorite lunch spot in the area, hands down. I come here when I want flavorful, deliciously prepared homemade food and a quiet spot to enjoy it.

I have never had rice that's prepared more perfectly than the long-grained basmati served here. Everything I order is vegetarian, and there is an endless variety of options. I've never had anything I did not 110% fall in love with. The food is not oily or greasy, like some Indian restaurants in the area. The tofu melts in your mouth, the paneer has the perfect texture, and every single dish is full of flavor. The chai tea is made per order and is quite delicious. Don't forget to get a side of homemade tamarind chutney. It's far better than the stuff you make from the concentrate purchased in Asian grocery stores!

The charming woman who cooks all the food (yes, one person is responsible for all the cooking!) is kind and extremely attentive. It's truly like eating in your Indian grandmother's house. You feel cared for and un- rushed. We are so very lucky to have a family-owned, authentic place like this located in a strip mall in the western suburbs. I will be back...