Address: | 9 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA |
Phone: | +1 319-338-6199 |
Site: | masalaiowacityia.com |
Rating: | 3.9 |
Working: | 10AM–2:30PM 10AM–2:30PM 10AM–2:30PM 10AM–2:30PM 10AM–2:30PM 10AM–2:30PM 5–9:30PM |
DA
David K
I want to say that a lot of the Indian people on here are being a bit too harsh on this place. They really do a great job bringing Indian flavor to Iowa, and it is difficult to find fresh ingredients to do that with, especially in winter. I ordered the Rogan Josh, which is basically a curry, and it was pretty good. It had the right level of spice. One thing I enjoyed was the proportion of meat in the curry. The meat in a curry is meant to just be one part of the whole curry, not the predominant thing. These guys did it correctly, and in a short frame of time. I will be visiting again. A note to other reviewers: You cant expect homemade Indian cooking from a restaurant unless you are paying 50$ a plate. This is a place to experience the flavors in a pinch, or a place to bring a date/acquaintance for lunch. If you want laalmaas that some lady has slaved for 12 hours to make, go to India. Remember that they have to accommodate a broad range of palates, and they are doing just fine without your cheeky reviews.
DE
Deyasini Sen
By Indian standards the curries were tasteless and watery, the samosas were hard outside and insipid inside, the chicken soup was red and did not taste anything like chicken, the gulabjamuns were so hard we could not eat them. The only thing that I liked were the daal and the sambar. I have ordered their chaats (appetizers) from the menu before and those were decent but I do not know if I would dare to try their buffet again. But it is true that the buffet is cheap, there were quite a few items, and the restaurant is conveniently located in the main downtown area. Exotic India in Coralville which is a little bit far from campus is a far better option for Indian food, at least for those who know how to cook good Indian food. I usually do not write reviews but the food was such a disappointment that I could not help writing this.
MI
Michael Trinh
Check your bill! They charge a hidden fee for not finishing your food. I ate there today for the lunch buffet with a friend. We finished our food and I find out that I was charged $.50 for not completely finishing the food on my plate. I know this because the buffet was $9.99. My friends bill was $10.59 w/tax but mine was $11.12. I asked the old Indian gentleman about it and he told it it was a fee they charge for unfinished food. It was a single samosa that I had on my plate. He then showed me the menu for the cost of the samosa and told me I need to respect the food and not waste it. Basically, I was full, but had to FORCE myself to finish that single item of food so that I would not be charged that fee. I will NEVER be returning nor will I recommend to anyone. I also have the voided receipt as proof.
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Nick Sparr
Decent Indian food and by far the best lunch buffet in Iowa City - the mango lassi is included in their lunch buffet price and it alone might be worth the visit! For that I give them three stars, but I frequently run into issues that seem to stem from poor management. Ive been asked to switch tables mid-meal to accommodate another group; Ive tried using an online certificate but was then told I could not use it if dining with another patron (which does not make sense, nor is that stated anywhere in the fine print); Ive ordered take-out several times and gotten home to find that an item was missing (either rice or naan bread each time). This is my favorite place to go for a buffet lunch, but Ive frequently had bad experiences ordering off their regular menu outside of lunch hours.
MA
Mary Foxx
It was nice. Not the best, but nice. I went by myself, they didnt have coffee when I was there sadly. The red chicken was rly good and so was the Samosas. That sauce w chicken everyone likes tho? Imo, it didnt have much flavor, even when mixed with the also bland rice. That said... It wasnt too bad, moreso for $10. Overall, not bad, not terrible, kinda good. It was okay, it just didnt wow me. Tho I suppose due to the blandness, itd be great for kids, not too spicy.
WA
Waddah Moghram
I am giving it one star because that is the most I can give it. It is by far the worst "Indian" restaurant I have ever been in. I ENDED UP THROWING UP NOT TOO LONG AFTER GOING THERE. It is that disgusting! Their bakora is totally flavorless. Everything there is tasteless and cold and bland. One of their veggie plates had chicken bones in!!! Now how did that even happen really amazes me!!! I am never, ever going back there again, and neither should you!
A
A Private User
We were in Iowa City for 2 nights, we ate at Masala both of them. Excellent (vegetarian) Indian food, pleasant environment, friendly staff. If you are ever in Iowa City, this is a wonderful place to have lunch or dinner -- vegetarian or not. Service was quick and the restaurant was not busy, but you want to take your time to eat and savor the flavors and company.
A
A Private User
Excellant service and delicious food -- all within a few feet of the principle lodging place in downtown Iowa City. Prices are reasonable and the cuisine (because it is more than just "food") is superb. I certainly do not understand why it was not crowded, but I certainly recommend it for those who want more than the steak and baked potato experience.
CH
Christian Zabanga
The atmosphere is very quiet, located in the center of downtown area. The food is absolutely outstanding and very flavorful. If you want the full experience order food vs eating at the buffet. They serve you on traditional dishes and give you traditional portions. (They dial down the spices at the buffet). Great place to take anyone.
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Rachelle Christensen
The lunch buffet was delicious with a good variety and good quality food. The atmosphere was comfortable. The service was good, and the staff were friendly. The bathrooms were a little dirty and not well maintained. The chai masala was a little child. But, I would definitely return and recommend!!!
AJ
Ajay Moorjani
Went there for the lunch buffet when we dropped off our daughter to college and loved it. The buffet choices were excellent...and the food was very good. Parking was the only hassle but being in the downtown district that is understandable and frankly beyond the control of the restaurant.
AM
Amit Dodake
Dont go by its rating, this restaurant is pathetic food. We had ordered paneer kadhai and kadhai gosht and both dishes were pathetic in taste. They had put tomato ketchup in those dishes.. which were the worst dish I had ever tested. Better eat in some other restaurant.
SU
Sujatha Sarathy
Looks like management and chefs have changed. I used to love this place for the authentic north indian vegetarian lunch buffet food especially the Punjabi kadhi. Now this place served lamb and chicken also. The lunch buffet food was bland and flavorless.
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nathan sellards
This place is great for Indian cuisine. Ive been here twice and the food is amazing. The atmosphere is very authentic. A huge menu. Ive tried the chicken masala, the chicken curry, and the chicken saag which are all great dishes.
JA
Jann Arisa
Very rude manager , no manners and snobby. Like bruh ? Chill! Also I found a hair in my food and the food I ate made me sick as hell. So if you dont want to go here try somewhere else like Haveli . Just dont go here . Yuck .