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Indian restaurant guide
Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on Aug. 6, 2008 at 5:27 a.m. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.
One of the best aspects of Indian food is that it appeases meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Whether you order a lamb, beef or chicken dish -- or one made with potatoes or lentils -- the eating experience is similar and equally as satisfying.
Indian dishes are usually presented in small serving dishes and self-scooped over basmati rice, which is usually served "family style" at the table. Sauces, called chutneys, are used as condiments.
Indian bread, called naan, is available stuffed or plain, and is ideal as a "side," or as a way to transport food to mouth, similar to Ethiopian dining. Traditionally, Indian food was not eaten with utensils, but in modern India, and definitely in Western Indian restaurants, silverware is used.
Some say Indian food is an acquired taste due to the combination of spices used like curry, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg, but for others, the subtle and exotics flavors are the very reason they crave Indian cuisine.
In any case, Indian food is a highly evolved style of cooking that's been around for 3,000 years. Lucky for us, Milwaukee is home to many great Indian food restaurants, so whether it's already a favorite, or you want to experiment with new tastes, here's a guide to local Indian eateries.
Anmol Restaurant
711 W. Historic Mitchell St., (414) 672-7878
This moderately-priced restaurant will serve up generous portions of carefully-spiced dishes and also offers Pakistani fare. The biryani is a favorite, along with the garlic naan.
Bombay Sweets
3401 S. 13th St., (414) 383-3553
bombaysweetsmilwaukee.com
Bombay Sweets is one of Milwaukee's most affordable Indian restaurants. It's a no-frills vegetarian environment with stellar recipes.
Maharaja Restaurant
1550 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 276-2250
maharajarestaurants.com
Arguably one of Milwaukee's best Indian food restaurants, Maharaja has a popular lunch buffet ($11). If you're ordering off the menu and looking for vegetarian, try the palak aloo. Maharaja is also kid-friendly, with high chairs and a patient staff.
Mayura Restaurant
1958 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 271-8200
mayuramilwaukee.com
A new addition to Milwaukee, Mayura offers an inexpensive lunch buffett and a full dinner menu. The interior is beautiful and service is stellar.
Royal India
3400 S. 27th St., (414) 647-9600
Royal India has a lunch buffet ($7.95) and a full menu. Lunch buffet dishes rotate regularly. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala if you can (it's a favorite, even if the snobs claim it's inauthentic) and get ready for their generous portions of naan. Rumor has it the staff will remember your name if you come in often.
Shah Jee's Restaurant
770 N. Jefferson St., (414) 271-5354
shahjeefoods.com
Technically speaking, this is a Pakistani restaurant. But the regulars (and there are many) will tell you that there's a lot of crossover in dishes and flavor, especially where North Indian cuisine is concerned. This place is frequented by those who live and work downtown, but a lot of people drive for miles to eat here.
Tandoor House
1117 S. 108th St., (414) 777-1600
The Tandoor lunch buffet ($7.95) is available until 3 p.m. A full dinner menu goes into affect at 5 p.m. Try the beef curry, if you're looking for something carnivorous and delicious.
Taste of India
17800 W. Bluemound Rd., (262) 796-8200
The affordable lunch buffet is served seven days a week at 11:30 a.m. Customers rave about the naan, expertly-spiced dishes, and wide selection.
Talkbacks
07052008 | April 5, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (report)
Saffron Indian Bistro is probably the worst Indian restaurant I have ever come across in Milwaukee till date. I went there a couple of days back and ordered for the ubiquitous 'Gobi Manchurian' served as an appetizer in almost any Indian restaurant. When the dish turned up it was bright red thanks to an extra generous use of coloring agents and to my surprise there were exactly 3 pieces of Gobi hidden amidst a plateful of Onions and green pepper. This is definitely not gobi Manchurian. We still went ahead and tasted it and it was awful.... When we called the restaurant manager and asked him abt the dish, he was rude and told us 'This is how we make it'. I do not understand why you would name a dish 'Gobi' and serve onions instead!!!! Not only that ,half the items on their menu was not available since they didn't have a chef to cook those Menu items.Why put them on the menu then? All in all it was a very bad dining experience at Saffron Indian Bistro.
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RJ | Sept. 27, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (report)
Though not a restaurant per se, Shah Jee (in the basement of 770 N. Jefferson) serves a limited number of Indian/Pakistani dishes for lunch during work days.
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