Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in West Des Moines

We had been waiting for this restaurant since the past couple of months. Since, we do not have too many Indian Restaurant options in DSM area, we were glad that Chowrastha finally opened their doors on 31-March.

We went there for lunch on a Saturday. The restaurant is located in a decent commerical area with sufficient Parking space available. It is owned/managed by Jagan and his wife.

The ambience was nice, with lots of lighting and ample space. The tables and chairs are neatly arranged with adequate space between them. After a long time, we've seen an Indian Restaurant with such a huge dining area, without the fear of bumping into the adjoining tables / chairs. With respect to space - the restaurant gets full points. Soon after entering the restaurant we were greeted by Jagan's wife and she led us to the empty tables for seating. We chose a table in the adjoining room (During my conversation with Jagan later on, I got to know that they are planning to have this room for parties and get-togethers). Good thought.

The Menu looks great. They have a wide range of Veg and Non-veg options. We ordered Gobi Manchuria, Garlic Naan, Bullet Naan, Kadai Paneer, Avakai Veg Dum Biryani and Eggless Cassatta Pastry.

Gobi Manchuria = It was very delicious and neatly done - crispy from outside and soft inside, just the way we wanted it. Even the spice level was exactly what we had ordered. Portion size was decent. After a long time, we had Gobi Manchuria which we enjoyed to the fullest. Garlic Naan & Bullet Naan = Both the types of Naans were soft and perfect. Bullet Naan was spicy as we wanted. Kadai Paneer = Again, after a long time, we had Kadai paneer which had an authentic taste with an enchanting aroma of freshly ground spices in it. The taste was heavenly. It had sufficient pieces of paneer cubes in it (which we do not find in other restaurants). The taste was great and portion size was good enough. Spice was just like we had ordered. It was served with a bowl of Basmati Rice - neatly cooked. Avakai Veg Dum Biryani = Biryani was very authentic - tangy and spicy - very typical of this kind of biryani. Neatly cooked rice and nice fresh masala aroma in it. Portion size was great. It was served with Raitha and Saalna. Eggless Cassatta Pastry = Usually, we've eaten Cassatta ice-cream, but for a change, this restaurant offered Cassatta Pastry, and that too Eggless - which was surprising. Soft and fluffy and fresh - nice taste.

All items are decently priced for DSM standards. After a long time, there was a restaurant which had all items, whatever we had ordered, just the way we desired. The service was quick and timely - without us having to wait for a long time in between orders. The restrooms were clean, fresh and nice smelling - unlike the restrooms in other Indian restaurants that we've experienced. They even have a Rewards option - which was surprising for an Indian restaurant.

For now, I would rate this restaurant on top of all the Indian Restaurants in DSM area. The owner (Jagan) and his wife - were very pleasant and friendly with great attitude. The staff members were quick in their service and friendly. Thanks to Jagan and his team for opening this Restaurant and providing us with delicious, authentic and tasty food. For sure, they are going to give other restaurants a run for their money. Hope they continue to offer the same tasty food and service over a long period of time.

Couple of suggestions: They can slowly think of adding more seating options like booths or extended couches for large families. Also, they can think of extending their menu options to include Combos, Buffet (Breakfast, Lunch, Chat, Weekend,...

So I didn’t take photos because I had forgotten my phone BUT. My husband and I checked out Chowrastha in West Des Moines and I have to say. If you’re looking for Lousy service, bland food, and chaos, it’s the place for you.

Our dinner started off on the right door but slowly started dragging from there. We entered and weee promptly seated. We were given 2 empty glasses and a pitcher of water. They then brought over the plates with silverware along with menus and then walked off again. We sat there for about 5 minutes reviewing the menu.

The waitress came back and asked us if we wanted to order. I chose a chicken curry while my husband chose the undeniable European stable of chicken tikka masala. We also chose the chicken 65 appetizer. The food came out incredibly yet suspiciously fast. If hadn’t been 5 minutes and she was bringing our appetizer to our table. It was a run of the mill chicken 65. Our dishes came out almost immediately following the appetizer. The chicken was tender however the sauces lacked flavor. They were watery and bland. The rice so moist it was almost watery. The tikka had the consistency of half and half. My curry dish was like a watery salsa that left much to be desired.

Once we got our dishes we were forgotten about. No check in, no refills, nothing. The staff was just standing around watching videos on their phones and helping other people that came to the register. Well, after eating we spent 20 minute trying to get our waitresses attention to bring over a to go box. She finally came over and we paid and because we didn’t want to be rude for leaving a lot of food, asked for containers. She said ok and walked off never to return. We waited an additional 10 minutes thinking we were on her list to get to. But when we walked up to the register she was just standing with the other staff talking.

Needless to say, we will NOT be back. I encourage ANYONE who is looking for amazing quality Indian food, I highly recommend our go-to for Indian, Indian Tadka you won’t be...

Worst resturant in Desmoines area in terms of customer service they don’t know how to talk to customers getting a feeling better quit this resturant .. we order food but if you ask them anything they will be like charge first and serve next kind of attitude they have, they always talk rates when ever u ask something, with there food (which is not so great just average and some items are above average, to survive with some Indian food when you have cravings and deftly there are better Indian restaurants around for sure ) and worst attitude towards customer they can’t survive long ..! Here Better change your serving people and reception people and make them learn a lesson on how to talk with customers ..

Update:

Now I understand where that attitude is coming from I am reconsidering my review to zero stars .. and food was also not good today, recently we also ordered mysore bonda and one of the worst we have ever had, I think your attitude should change to make sure the food is good and fresh to make yourself better and not keep on blabbering on customers .. I am 100% sure you guys with this attitude can’t survive long .. if you want to defend your employees than ask them to behave first .. also for your note I did not ask anything for free I just asked if I could get onions and raita but the ways he answered is not at all correct, he is digging past and you did the same thing may be you are the same guy as phone guy, yes customers can ask anything and there is a way to answer it, also I asked the phone guy today to charge me if needed, his attitude was not at all correct and I have seen the same when I came into your place couple of times before .. but the customers like me spend 40$ in DoorDash just for paneer butter masala and two naans and I expect service as well...