That's it...not Indika where I went. I had heard good things about it...again, it disappointed me. The food is definitely high quality (as far as the ingredients go), I just didn't think it was that great for Indian cuisine. drapg, I probably agree with you about Shiva, although sometimes feel like Madras or Bombay Palace more. I also understand the Hillcroft comment, but some of it is pretty decent for the cheap prices for lunch. Anyway...
I've been to Ashiana's with some friends from Sri Lanka, and they really liked it. Yes, it is pricey (spent about 80 bucks for myself, including a split of Perrier-Jouet champagne, glass of wine, and an after dinner drink), but I enjoyed it. It's a bit of a drive, and my boss knows the owner, who's very kind and makes rounds of the tables during dinner to make sure everyone is doing okay. BTW MadMax..Indian food is great if you like spicy, and not spicy/sweet foods. Warning though, you pay for curry twice!
The owner lives down the street from my parents, back in Sugar Land. They know how to run a business, and attract upscale clientele for lunch and dinner.
I'd also say that Shiva in West U is the best. I've also had pretty good luck at Mogul though, and that will be much closer to you in Pasadena (It's in the middle of Clear Lake). If you want vegetarian only, I've had great food at Udupi. Max.....Indian food is like no other (well, like no other "mainstream" ethnic food served in the US) which might explain some people's fierce loyalty towards it. The food is very spicy, but not in a "burns your toungue" Thai sort of way. There aren't too many dishes that are "delicately" spiced, so many things...be they meat, vegetable, or whatever....lose their own character and take on the flavor of all the spices. This can be a good thing sometimes, and many of the dishes I've had are wonderful and will make you want to return. Other dishes have made me raise my eyebrows though. Either way, it's not something I'd want to eat everyday. They have some unique techniques to their cooking that I've had a hard time duplicating. Anyway, I like Indian food, but I'm not as enamored with it as some people here. To each his own, but I'd definitely suggest you give it a try.
Wow, I come back and all the sudden there are a lot of very informative responses. Thanks everyone! A lot of people keep mentioning Shiva's, how much should I expect for the bill there, out of curiosity? I certainly have a lot of options to choose from, now. Thanks again.
The best south-Indian food is by far Paavani...not sure about directions, but you should be able to look it up easily. I'm not a big fan of north-Indian food, but I think rimmy's guide is close to dead-on. The last time that I went, Bombay Palace was excellent. Oh yeah, If you're looking for pretty good, cheaper(But also more "snacky) south-Indian food, Raja sweets on Hillcroft is as good as it gets, IMO.
no...read on! i love old navy! cheap is good...particularly when i'm talking about clothes for just hanging on the weekends. i don't think highly enough of myself to shop at banana republic. i'm just not that important! i do dress nicely for work...i spend enough there...so it's on to old navy for weekend lesiure wear!
Royal Restaurant!! ...haha, no really...don't go there, it's pretty gross from the inside (and outside, too)...BUT the food is surprisingly good ...i've been to Ashiana, Bombay Palace, and a lot of other top-notch Indian places in Houston and so far Royal Restaurant's food is the best (maybe it's because i'm pakistani?) ...you might want to order takeout because compared to all the restaurants all the other posters are naming, Royal Restaurant doens't even compare (not in a good way) in aesthetics
I second vj's Rajah Sweets recommendation. As for the bill at Shiva, it'll be moderate to expensive. There's an incredible gap between Hillcroft and everything else where Indian food's concerned. At Rajah's, for example, you'll get two main dishes over rice or Nan bread plus a small salad for $3. At Shiva you'll pay around $3 just for the rice or bread and each entree will be around $7.
MadMax, As quite the food enthusiast, there are two places that I frequent. Bombay Palace and Ashiana Bombay Palace is more of a classic. We've had them cater parties at my families home as well as my aunt's wedding and have frequented this location for years. Baqui99, One of the owners of Ashiana is a personal friend of my family as well as a client of my company. He is an Indian Physician and his only work besides the money is selecting the wine list. I don't think he lives in Sugarland though. And For All looking to Eat Indian Food, don't be fooled by the Hot and Super spicy remarks in regards to these two locations. When the food is incredibly spicey, it is usually to cover up for a lack of true flavor. Max, Whenever you want to go to Bombay Palace or Ashiana, email me and I will tell you exactly what a rookie of Indian food should order. FDK
i'm sorry man, but Raja's is so nasty from the inside, i could never bring myself to eat there...the only time i go in there is when my dad buys their sweets...
khan -- thanks!! yeah, I've seen Ashiana...that's not too far from my home. i should give it a try sometime.
vj, I am not familiar with Paavani but I will have to look into it now...how do you rank it in relation to Madras? Also, my "guide" was Northern-centric because I knew most on the bbs wouldn't want to go to Southern because of the meat factor.
SlandBalla I will agree that the food at Royal is just awesome. But we don't want to scare anyone away that quickly. Let them learn to walk before they can run!
