India Palace

Reviews 3

DY

Dylan Anthony

Frankly, I was anticipating my experience at the Palace to be a bit sour at first after driving a good fifteen minutes through the overly compacted streets of Provo in search of a semi-decent parking space with a hungry friend fresh from a long day’s shift at work. That is irrelevant though and was not nearly the case whatsoever. From the very moment I stepped into India Palace, I was immediately swallowed up into a whole new world of culture, splendid food, and unparalleled dining services. In the front waiting room, there were many different figures and statues that represented much of the art you would find living in India. The design of the seating arrangements as well as the décor that scattered the walls all had a very stylistic appeal and the hint of exotic music in the background was mesmerizing. I felt like I was transported into another country upon my very entry. There was a mild, aromatic scent of rich, spiced curry I couldn’t help but take in that functioned as both an awe-inspired awakening to the senses as well as an undeniable statement of true authenticity- aka this is not just your run-out-of-the-mill Indian restaurant. After less than a minute, we were immediately tended to and seated accordingly by one of the most dignified hosts I have seen in Utah Valley. Shortly after, we were then greeted by our server for the night of whom I cannot possibly list enough complimentary adjectives to describe the extreme friendliness, politeness, startlingly courageous work ethic, and unbeatable awareness he had. The menu of specialties offered by the Palace is very tasteful and offers a wide variety of homemade Indian cuisines from traditional soups, masala and ginger spiced meats, to many vegetarian options as well if you roll that way. A “meat lover” and vegan can easily enjoy dining here together without the worry of any projectile silverware being frustrated toward one another. My friend and I both ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular chicken dish cooked in a tandoori-style oven with cream, pepper, and spices, which I highly recommend. After the waiter was finished taking our orders, we only had to wait about ten to fifteen minutes for our dinners to be prepared- which is a surprisingly good undertaking for such an authentic establishment. The entrées arrived to our table served in unique styles of bowls and plates. My friend even bothered made a remark about them to the waiter! Both of the Masalas as well as the rice were at perfect temperatures and were artworks in and of themselves. I almost didn’t want to eat it because it was so pretty. The tender, outstandingly cooked chicken rested in a warm, red bath of silky, savory cream sauce that had a moderate kick to it. Fresh Basmati rice complimented the pungent flavor even more. The one thing I saw any hint of trouble in was the portion of the Masala bowls seeming a bit small at first. However it indeed fills you up pretty efficiently and the quality of the food highly outweighs anything foreseen as an issue. Once my guest and I were done relishing in the superb entrées, the checks were kindly given to us in a very prompt manner (I disdain waiting hours upon hours to receive the bill). We were thanked countless times by the amazingly friendly waiter. It seemed as though he enjoyed assisting us almost more than we had enjoyed the food and being served! Overall, I found India Palace undeniably impressive. The tactful design, highly satisfying food, and constantly hard-working servers all contributed to a very, very successful visit. I will definitely eat there again and I strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves Indian cuisine or is brave enough to try it for the first time.

MA

Mary Batchelor

I was visiting someone and while they were at work I got hungry and ventured into the unknown streets of Provo. I happened upon this establishment and I love Indian food so I took a chance. I walked in and the seating hostess Gurbinder obviously dreamed of being a famous ballet dancer traveling the world and dating good looking people but was stuck in Provo seating people on their lunch breaks and going home smelling like curry every night. As she reluctantly took me to my table and looked at me like I was ill fitted to wash the dirt off her shoes she asked what I would like to drink. I replied that I would like a chai tea, one of my favorite drinks, and she laughed like a balloon had exited from my nostril and bended itself into a french poodle. She couldnt believe I would want a hot drink on a 100 degree day so obviously she doesnt understand the gloriousness that is Chai. I went to get my food and the selection was good. The food was fresh and smelled wonderful. The chicken melted in my mouth and the curry did a dance on my tongue that made me feel transported to bollywood. Gurbinder continued her pout over lost dreams while I was enveloped in a sea of warm spices. Then to my surprise a light from heaven shone upon me. An angel approached my table in a turban. He filled up my water and with a smile asked how everything was. I replied, "Good" to the jolly man with a sparkle in his eye. He smiled back and floated away to spread his joy to the world. He returned later after I had my desert and gave my Chai. I didnt catch his name but maybe angels dont have them. When I was was finished with my dessert and Chai, It was watered down a little but still good, I walked over to the cash register. Gurbinder lamented at her situation again but eventually met me at the front. My status for interrupting her dreaming went from not good enough to clean the bottom of her shoes to not being good enough to clean her toilet with my toothbrush by the look on her face. This could have upset me but alas who has not suffered from the death of a dream? I decided to leave her a nice tip to put a smile on her face but it must have just reminded her of her current situation. I told her to have a nice day but who knows. All in all it was very good and I would recommend a visit for yourself. If you do go try your best to get Gurbinder to smile. Everyone could use one!

IM

Ima K

Worst restaurant experience ever! If I could rate this negative I would. My husband and I came here because we love Indian food. Tonight we were seated in a little corner and left there for 30 minutes before anyone came and took our order. Then we waited another hour for our food to come. While we were waiting, not one person spoke to us. The only positive thing about the whole night was that there were three people walking around filling water cups. We werent the only ones waiting. There were three tables around us that also did not get their food the whole time we were there. When our food finally did come, the top of our saag had dried out because it had been sitting somewhere for a long time. It was also full of large pieces of anise, so it tasted like black licorice. Across from us, a couple at another table got tired of waiting and they left. On their way out, the house brought out half of the meal that they had ready for the couple. Needless to say, after waiting an hour and a half, they were not willing to stay for half of a meal. As we were leaving, we overheard the owner actually telling this couple that it was their fault that they had not gotten their food yet, because they hadnt been there when the house tried to bring out their food several times. Since we were sitting right there, with nothing else to do but watch the other people without food, I can say that was not true. That couple was there they whole time, until they decided to leave. Unacceptable! Not one single person apologized to us or tried to explain the delay or even make eye contact, and now they are blaming customers for the wait. We will never go back.