Pleased To Eat Ya

Several weeks back the lady and I ate at India Palace at 377 Court St NE in Salem, Oregon. We must have been there early because there was only one other couple in the whole restaurant. Later on it picked up quite a bit. I enjoyed the atmosphere and layout, it was a little bit unsophisticated in the design, but not enough to bother me.

The waitress soon brought us papadum and some chutney’s. The mint one looked like something out of Star Trek, it was a bright minty green that just didn’t seem right (esp. compared to the other mint chutneys I have had and made before). Nonetheless it was a wonderful tasting chutney.

For an appetizer we had Gobi Pakoras, they were the ugliest little things-which is normal for Indian fare-but were very good. They are basically cauliflower fritters, but “Indianized” with paprika, cumin, turmeric and chile flakes. For the main course we ordered Cheese Naan, Raita, Aloo Gobi, Tandoori Chicken and rice. The cheesy crispy flat bread, Cheese Naan was to die for especially in combination with the cucumber yogurt sauce, Raita. Yum-yum-YUM! Oh, and then the Aloo Gobi! It was very good, cauliflower and potatoes with the warm (not spicy hot) earthy Indian spices swirling around my palate. The Chicken Tandoori was great as well, tender chicken in creamy sauce with onions. The rice was average, not as light and fluffly as others I’ve had. We finished it all of with some tasty mango ice cream.

I give this restaurant a 3.5 out of 5.