I've visited this place twice. The 1st time, I was pretty impressed. I ordered the chicken Tikka masala, which was really good. I also ordered the saag, which was a 1st for me. Also very good but a little too much cream....and the garlic Naan was excellent. The food came with one small box of rice, which was sufficient for roughly 2 people but more rice might be necessary if you're really hungry. It also came with a small salad. I was inclined to order from them again because I enjoyed their food the 1st time. This 2nd time, about 1 month later, I ordered Tandoori Chicken , which tasted like leftover chicken that they simply reheated and tossed it in a tray and garnished it with fresh red onion, green peppers and a lime wedge. Not terrible but not good at all and no flavor, whatsoever. I've eaten leftover tandoori but it was my leftovers that was originally fresh from the restaurant! I was very upset that they would actually go as far as to sell a customer leftover chicken. Who does that!? The Goat Curry was tasty but was literally 70% sauce, 20% bone and 10% meat. I wish there was a boneless option for this entrée because they're basically charging for sauce and bones. Very tasty, either way. Lastly, I also ordered the Chicken Biryani, which was decent. Nothing to get excited about, at all. I'm also a little turned off behind the fact that there are never any napkins or utensils in the bag. This is a common practice in most restaurants and represents basic customer service. You can even expect this from a simple fried chicken spot on any corner of NYC. Napkins and utensils guys....and please, please, please...don't try to pass off your leftovers and sell the food as "fresh" to a guy who knows Indian cuisine very well. I've been eating Tandoori Chicken and Indian food, in general, since I was 8 years old. Im 41 years old now and its still a favorite of mine! Leftover chicken has a VERY distinct taste to it. Any real foodie can easily tell immediately. I was hoping to make this a new go to spot but I'm really on the fence about this place. I think I will stick with another GREAT place named "The Cotillion", which is also on Jericho tpke. Another turn off is when you walk into India Cafe, you feel like a deer in the headlights. Never anyone at the door to take your order and no greeting or smile, AT ALL, when you're finally approached. Its a restaurant....not an after hours night club. Show some form of hospitality. It's one thing if you don't have good customer service but your food is the bomb.... but if your food is just okay, at best, you really should go above & beyond to try and make customers feel welcomed and satisfied. I highly doubt that I will return to this place, but if you're out of options and are very hungry, I'm sure they have a few meals that are worth your money. I'm sticking with The Cotillion from here on out. They're definitely more expensive but their food is OUTSTANDING every single trip and they literally make my family and me feel like family every time we visit. Further commute but well worth the effort. India Cafe, you guys have a lot to learn... but hope is not lost. Best wishes.
