Last night, thanks to the recommendation of a friend, Melyssa and I ate at Indian Garden in Yardley, PA. We were stunned and slightly upset to learn that restaurant has been open for over 2 years, as this was our first time enjoying their fabulous fair and clearly we have been missing out!
Indian Garden has a pleasant atmosphere with golden tones, low lights, and ample spacing between tables. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive without hovering, and our water glasses were never less than half full!
The eager waitstaff promptly brought out a pile of Papadum with tamarind sauce and mint chutney. Both condiments were delicious and tasted home-made- not from a jar like many other Indian establishments. We found it difficult to stop snacking on the crisp, nicely spiced crackers..
Our Naan bread ($2.25) appetizer was fresh, warm, and buttery - the perfect balance of crisp outside with a soft middle. An excellent vehicle for the cool, creamy Raita ($1.50), which was one of the best we'd ever tasted.
We also enjoyed mango lassies ($2.95) - perfectly sweetened, fruit-forward and refreshing yogurt shakes.
The timing between courses was just right, and allowed us to digest our appetizer and make room for the ample entrees to come.
Indian Garden's menu features an extensive selection with an impressive array of vegetarian and vegan options. Each dish can be spiced according to personal preference, ranging from mild to "Indian Hot." We finally settled on the following:
Vegetable Makhani - Garden fresh mixed vegetables cooked in light cream, onion gravy, and tomato sauce with a special blend of spices ($9.95)
Generous assortment of tender veggies (cauliflower, peas, carrots, potatoes, corn, even lima beans) in a perfectly seasoned, creamy - but not too heavy - tomato onion sauce.
Aloo Baingan - Potatoes and eggplant sautees with ginger, tomato, onion, and spices ($9.95)
Soft chunks of perfectly roasted eggplant with a unique, smokey aftertaste as if cooked in a tandoor. Delicious, but slightly overshadowed by the flavorful Makhani.
Saag Gosht - Tender pieces of lamb cooked with a generous portion of spinach and herbs ($12.95)
Fork-tender lamb in a fragrant, pureed spinach sauce with just the right amount of spice.
Garlic Naan - Naan bread topped with fresh garlic and herbs and baked in a clay oven ($3.50)
As if we hadn't eaten our fill of bread, we also tried the garlic version of this Indian staple. What a knock-out! Hot from the oven and redolent of garlic, butter, herbs. Like an Indian take on the best Italian garlic bread you've ever had. Melyssa says she could have eaten an entire basket.
Though we, with our full stomachs, protested, our smiling waitress brought out complimentary bowls of Kheer - traditional Indian rice pudding with nuts flavored with cardamom and rose ($2.50).
Though bland in many restaurants, this home-made pudding was fragrant and flavorful, topped with perfectly toasted almond slices for crunch.
After such a delicious dinner, we can't wait to go back and check out their lunch buffet, available from 11:30am - 3pm Monday through Friday and 12pm to 3pm Saturday and Sunday. It would be smart to make a dinner reservation on weekends, as by 7:30pm there was a line nearly out the door! Unfortunately, Indian Garden does not have an official website, but you can check out photos of their menu here.
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