Pooja Exotic Indian Cuisine 7 Days Buffet

Reviews 8

WI

William Willows

The Good: The food was really great and is some of the best Indian food Ive had from a restaurant. I really enjoyed the various dipping sauces they give with the complimentary appetizer. No real complaints here besides maybe the amount of food served in the main entrees. You can have as much rice as youd like and the size of the appetizer we ordered was decent, but the Lamb Vindaloo and Goat Curry bowl sizes were ridiculously small for the price (literally small than the appetizer bowl). They also have Groupons online which is what we used. The Bad: If youre not South Asian be prepared for stares. Given that I went here with my South Asian girlfriend I was prepared (I deal with it so much its not even a bother anymore) but seeing what other reviews here say it seems like anyone not South Asian gets this treatment here. The Ugly: The service. I dont know if it was because Im white. I dont know if it was because we were using a groupon and the waiters thought they didnt need to try because they automatically would get an 18% tip. Whatever the reason, the service was absolutely awful. We were pressured into ordering fast even though the menu is huge and then when we were finally ready the waiters took forever to take the order. They bring out the wrong food for me and then act like it was my fault (How does tandoori lamb sound like lamb vindaloo??). From that point forward only one of the waiters would go anywhere near our table and very sparingly. We consistently found ourselves waiting for service whether it be needing more water, more rice, the check, MY CREDIT CARD (this one is really not ok). When we are finally out the door it has been at least 2 hours. To be honest, they are damn lucky we used a groupon, or else I wouldnt have tipped. All said and done, this kind of put a damper on what was supposed to be a celebration for my finding a new job. The food tasted great so it really is a shame, obviously the chefs know what theyre doing, everyone else just doesnt. I dont think we will be back.

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John Hardee

Both my wifes and my favorite Indian restaurant within easy driving distance. We even did a take-out feast for our latest anniversary; and for the price of half a meal at our usual place, we had enough delicious food to burn our tongues and fill our bellies for another two days. I always try to get at least one different item each time I go and I have yet to be disappointed. My wife is partial to the milder dishes; I like the heat. The staff is so friendly that it makes one feel they are being waited on by family - assuming, of course, youre one of the lucky few who can make it through a family dinner without at least one person yelling. My first time there I placed an online order which did not go through correctly. But, hey, things happen and I didnt mind waiting the 15 minutes or so them to cook it. They were so apologetic and accommodating that I actually felt badly for putting them out. Thats a sign that youre dealing with good people - not just good business people. If what Ive said hasnt convinced you, Ill state it plainly: I highly recommend Pooja to anyone looking for a delicious and filling meal. Im not Indian, and have no frame of reference, but Id like to think that if I were this would be how my grandmother would make it.

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MJ Narula

We used them to cater our party last year and the food was great! Ive had both the buffet and the sit down dinner...and both were equally impressive- although the buffet obviously a better value for your money. The thali special is HUGE!! Its also very delicious! You will gain a few pounds with that one! :) The owner is Punjabi and very friendly and accommodating. We plan to use them for an in-house party this year. The decor is updated and modern and most importantly the place is CLEAN. Weve been to a lot of Indian restaurants where the dishes were dirty or there was something other thing...not the case with Pooja. The prices you cant beat for what he offers. My only complaint is the location in that strip mall...it would certainly be better more centrally located or in a stand alone restaurant cause the parking is less. We highly recommend Pooja for both catering and as a great place to go eat with your friends and family!

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Joseph Schonwit

Absolutely amazing food, great service and good prices. (And never a wait for a table) The food here is delicious every single time we come. The buffet always has a great selection, and they switch up the choices often, so theres always something new to try. Also, we came in today after not being here for a few months, and we walked in to a beautifully renovated restaurant. The atmosphere was nice before, but now its even more cozy and inviting. 10/10 all around would be my score for this place if I were a food critic lol If youre looking for incredible Indian food, or havent tried it yet and want too, this is where you want to go.

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Yusuff Basha

my humble request to all my fellow Indian do not visit this restaurant, i visited this place last Friday with my Egyptian friend the waiter was Indian and when he serve and i was not happy about his service he serve me what i did not order, when i ask him instead of being sorry he mention only white people come to eat at this restaurant. it a shameful act, when i complaint to the management about his comment they never took any action nor ask him to apologies it always hard when fellow Indian make this comments, i was disappointed and walked out, and i never gonna visit this restaurant again.

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ams iscool

I ordered chicken biryani and what they served was like having dal rice with tons of onions (like almost one whole raw onion) and few boneless chicken pieces. No biryani flavor or masala at all. I asked them to make it spicy and so thy added jalapeños in biryani. Yup jalapeños in biryani. If I wanted to have onions and jalapeños I would have gone to dominos pizza. To my international friend this aint indian cuisine. Dont judge indian food based on this place. I wont go there again even if someone offers me million dollars. Btw staff was very professional.

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Jagan Mohan Jayaraman

Best authentic Punjabi food in the Somerset area. Even my son Adi insists on going to Pooja when we suggest eating out Indian food. The owner runs the kitchen so food quality is always top-notch, and the staff are all very friendly. Plus its a nice and cozy place unlike the big and crowded Indian joints in Iselin or Princeton where one is always rushed. Here you can take the time to savour the food. Must try if youre in the New Brunswick area. Recommend their paneer dishes, specially the sag paneer. The tadka dal and biriyani are very good too.

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A Private User

I absolutely love this place. The owner is always very gracious and genuinely hopes that you enjoy your meal and experience at Pooja. The food is always on point. I love going to the lunch buffets and trying all of the different dishes they have; its how i discovered many of my favorite Indian dishes that I wouldnt have thought to order on my own. Pooja is a GREAT restaurant, a real gem of central jersey. Best dishes: mattar paneer, chicken biryani (they give you a huge side of raita!), chicken tikka masala, beef samosas

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