Royal India
I love Indian food, but apparently I am not having great luck with it in South Austin. Last fall I went to Asiana (see my post here) and was completely uninspired by the offerings (not to mention the decor), but have come to find out several foodie friends of mine like the place AND it made the Austin Chronicle's "First Plates" critic's picks list. Then last month, I tried Royal India, in the old Estancia Churrascaria location on the westbound Hwy. 290 access road, just before Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley. My friend and I met for an early Saturday evening dinner, and got there at 5:30 when they opened.
I ordered an iced chai tea which then took about 20 minutes to come. And when it did come, it was warm, and didn't have much flavor to it -- very little of the cardamom that I love about a hot or cold chai. So I told the waiter that. He said Indians don't drink it iced, only hot. And I understand his point completely (and no, there was not an iced option on the menu), but don't you think from the hospitality/customer service standpoint, that perhaps he should have said when I ordered it that it would essentially be a watered-down hot chai drink? Basically, we argued over the chai. He took it to the back and returned with more ice in it, but that didn't exactly help either. Fortunately, he did take it off the bill.
And on to the food. We shared an order of the vegetarian samosas, which I found to be bland. No cumin or coriander (or really any spice or salt) could be detected in the mashed potato interior. Ironically, their online menu describes these as "well-seasoned."
My friend had the Aloo Gobi, a cauliflower and potato dish, which was fairly spicy; this was the best dish we ordered.
I had the lamb (kakori) kabobs from the Royal Tandoor portion of the menu. The ground meat was over-worked, and hence dried out. Tough meat is not very good meat in my book. I think the flavor was okay, though not memorable, but the execution was not.
I really wish I had better things to report. If you have been to Royal India and liked it, please tell me what you ate! I would love to have better things to write about.
How sad. I have yet to try this place but have been meaning to get there. Totally agree with Asiana's decor. I have a few favorites there, but I'm strictly a take-out customer, as it's just a depressing place to eat in. If you decide to give it another chance, I'd recommend the Mysore Masala Dosa and the Chicken Vindaloo, which is fiery hot if you request it that way.
ReplyDeleteThe decor at Royal India was at least on par for an Indian restaurant, unlike Asiana. If I knew what dishes at RI were good (as in, trusted food source recommended them!)I would try them again, but for South Austin Indian food, I'll stick to Tarka & Bombay Bistro. Have heard good things about Man Pasand (sp?) but they also failed a health inspection earlier this year...
Deleteso sorry you didn't like either...I am an indian food connoisseur and loved both. My husband is English and he loves both. I have eaten Indian food in London many times... every day when we are there and loved Royal India (been there 5 times) and Asiana (about 4 times)
ReplyDeleteI would hate reviews like this to kill the business for these 2 and run indian food out of so austin.
I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but this is mine :)
Hello! Please tell us what you've eaten at Asiana & Royal India that you've liked! My intent with this blog is to explain to others why I do or don't care for a particular dish; I feel that my palate is educated enough to be able to explain that well, and not just say "it was great" which is what I often find on Yelp.
DeleteClearly both establishments have a good following as evidenced by you, and my friend Mad Betty who commented above, and I trust her palate. It would be nice if I DID have the readership or sway to influence a restaurant's standing, but I don't think I am there yet. ;) Thanks for writing!
I love Asiana, too. I particularly love their Mysore Dosa and the Bagara Balgan. And their Gobi Manchurian is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe decor is a bit bare, but I think the food is really good. For me, Asiana and Bombay Express are the best Indian in the city. But Bombay Express is really far from me, so I don't get there a lot.
Christine, thanks for the Asiana suggestions! I've never been to Bombay Express, but after Googling it, yes, it is far from those of us in South Austin! It's been years since I've been but Sarovar, Swad & Madras Pavillon have been good in the past.
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