Ekta Indian Cuisine - University City - BYOB
| Address: | 106 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA |
| Phone: | +1 215-222-7122 |
| Site: | ektaindiancuisinephilly.com |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 97
Reviews 10
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Tomo Takebe
Pretty good, but there are competitors around. Ekta is pretty good -- decent selection, taste, price, and decor. It would be the definitive Indian restaurant to go to... if not for the 3 other competitors in the area that each have their own strength. Ekta so far does not have a signature dish or characteristic that outshines the other restaurants. The previous restaurant in the venue had awesome Tandori chicken that it was proud of, but Ekta has not inherited its recipe. The butter nan thats served to your table as part of the buffet is a great experience, though, since its hot and fresh compared to soggy or hard nan thats left out in buffet tubs. Ekta dishes are on the milder side with moderate amounts of spices in all dishes. Kids who usually cant eat chicken masala seem to enjoy Ektas chicken masala. (Although I suspect it may have been chicken makhani labeled as chicken masala, since I had their chicken makhani on a different occasion and they seemed the same) Theres been chai, desserts, soup, and biryani in the buffet selection every time. The buffet is definitely better during busy hours like lunch. The difference in taste and freshness is pretty apparent when comparing weekend lunches to Monday dinners.
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Matt Matthews
Ive always enjoyed the dinner buffet, which has many quality options and can be very filling. One can definitely get their moneys worth just from doing the buffet. The eating space is generally clean but is kind of small, and dimly lit (I doubt that was for ambiance.) The staff has been friendly to me and helpful with questions. My biggest problem is an incident that happened last time I was here: A lady with her service dog came in right when I was paying my bill and two staff members immediately told her she couldnt have the dog in the building. She tried explaining her situation, that it wasnt a pet but a trained animal that she had a legal right to accompany her, but they were adamant that the dog wasnt allowed, saying it might "scare other customers." I dont know how the situation ended up being resolved. Note to the owner: it is illegal to deny someone access to your restaurant just because they require the use of a service dog. That was very unprofessional and disheartening to see.
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Patrick Williams
Have gone to all the various indian buffets around university city for a couple of years and just went here since sitar was having a busy night. They must have just updated themselves because all the staff was super enthusiastic and friendly. The buffet has about as much variety as any other buffet and the food was fantastic, fresh, and hot! They also have a large variety of options for vegetarian, lactose intolerant, etc. although it would be nice if they labeled everything as such. The best part by far was the free, fresh (emphasize fresh) naan bread at the table. I do not understand why more places dont do this since naan is the backbone of indian food and im glad this place gets it right. I cannot say I tried every buffet option they had but what I did try was excellent. Will definitely be returning with friends in tow.
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A Private User
4-5 years ago, this was probably where i had my first Indian buffet in US, it was ok, even though it was greasy/oily back then too. but, tonight (10-11-10) was a RAPE of the soul! they had put stale and "smelly" tandoori chicken (what an irony!). HORRIBLE!!! im scared i might get gastroenteritis, so i took ciprofloxacin+metronidazole as soon as i got home. also the stink was lingering in my naso-oropharynx like a nightmare, so i rinsed my mouth with listerine! the ONLY 2 desserts- rich pudding was mercilessly tasteless, and the burfi (condensed milk sweet) tasted like solidified "amul" milk powder! on a positive side, the naans (breads) and eggplant curry were fresh! could be an anomaly! conclusion: fool me once... aint NEVER EVER going there again, even by mistake!
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A Private User
DO NOT GO HERE! They are thiefs! I was there on Monday February 6, 2012. I walked into their extremely unclean bathroom and had to wash my hands. My rings became loose on my fingers so I sat them on the counter while I washed my hands. I walked out into the restaurant to join my husband and I noticed I didnt have my rings on. I walked back to the restroom( in which I saw the owner breeze by me headed there when I was coming out) and they were gone! I confronted her and she was so animated and nervous! I called the police! Still dont have my wedding rings! The food sucks everything there was disgusting! Do not go ever. They need to be shut down and if I get my way they will be! I am so hurt and upset!
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Meagan Willits
Ekta is hands down the best Indian food in the city and Im so excited they have UC/West Philly location. The Fishtown one has been making great food for years. Second locations arent always as good as the original (ahem, Tiffin in Wynwood), but this one seems to have brought all the same recipes, techniques and commitment to quality. We ordered the mango chicken, paneer mangoli, naan (peshwari and plain), raita, and aloo aur papri chaat for take out and everything was delicious, hot, and ready quickly. The prices are reasonable- slightly higher than some other Indian in the neighborhood but worth the difference in flavor and quality. Im looking forward to trying their buffet.
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A Private User
Frankly the food was disappointing. And the decor was dismal. The buffet at first sight appears to have a fair selection of items. However, upon sampling, said items were rather bland and not spicy at all. The naan was very thin and chewy- not good. The Makhani Chicken was a little dry and didnt have a whole lot of flavor. The curry goat was okay at best. The chicken pakora was the best thing on the buffet. The decor was completely outdated and cleanliness was questionable. The price was very affordable, $8.95 for lunch, but New Delhi is right around the corner costs .04 cents more and is better by far!
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A Private User
This restaurant claims to serve both North and South Indian food. Being big fans of the latter, we went out of our way to this restaurant only to get disappointed. We have had bad food in the past but this one has no competition. We wound up paying for the whole food and eating only one or two bites of each variety ordered. Besides having no resemblance to South Indian taste, the food was served out of the refrigerator without putting efforts in warming the food up thoroughly.
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Rebekah David
Best Indian food found outside of India and even in India not always a plethura of tasty dishes in one spot. Thankfully the meat is halal so we can all eat everything. The buffet is always hot and well stocked; if you prefer an entree single dishes are available, too. The staff is hospitable and welcoming as well, it seems the chef is the best. I dont know the names of my favorite dishes but Ill be coming back for more, again and again. Thank you Tandoor.
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Aymen E
Amazing personalized service all the way from the owners to the junior staff. Interesting menu at good prices and definitely the place to enjoy a night on the town. The taste of food was excellent and a real Indian taste you can have a lunch buffet for only 10 $ I would give 5 stars definitely and I want to thank the owner Mr.brian very friendly person always smiling to his customers make them feel like home :) Keep up the good work
