New Indian restaurant displays rich culture

A brand new Indian restaurant opened this week along a rebuilding stretch of University Avenue in Waterloo. On Wednesday, May 15, Incredible India began serving up a menu of curries, naans (flat breads), traditional rice and other dishes located at 2822 University Ave. 

Food:

There was certainly a large menu to pick from. The food ranged from traditional dishes such as chicken biryani (basmati rice flavored with cumin, cardamom and nutmeg cooked with tender pieces of boneless chicken with herbs) and tandoori chicken (whole chicken marinated overnight in a blend of yogurt, ginger, garlic and cooked in a clay oven), to acquired tastes such as fish curry (fish cooked in a traditional home style curry made with onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and herbs) and paneer makhani (diced cheese cooked in mildly spiced buttery creamy sauce with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cashew nuts and cardamom). 

Indian food is known for its multitude of spices, and I was not let down. Most dishes had the option to choose from spicy, mild and regular spiciness. Although I could definitely make out the spices, the food itself was savory and delicious. I could really taste every individual ingredient, but yet it wasn’t overpowering. 

My favorite part, though, would have to be their homemade naan bread. We ordered a bread basket that came with garlic, onion kulcha and classic naan. When the waiter brought it to our table, I discovered it was well worth the wait for the warm homemade bread as I could taste the richness and texture in every bite. 

Their dessert menu held food I’d never heard of before, and after careful consideration, we ordered gulab jamun and kheer. Gulab jamun was milk dumplings (similar to cake balls) dipped in sugar and saffron flavored syrup. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was not at all the pleasant surprise I had when biting into one of the sweet dumplings. Kheer, on the other hand, is comparable to rice pudding and was topped with slivered almonds and pistachio pieces. The texture was creamy and sweet, just like I remember loving growing up. 

If you’re in search of good quality, incredible authentic Indian food, this place is definitely your destination.

Environment:

Formerly Las Margaritas Mexican restaurant, Incredible India gave the building a total makeover to complete a more modern style with freshly painted walls and a new layout. 

The renovated building was pristine, tidy and aesthetically pleasing to look at. That’s quite the combo. 

The booth seating consisted of traditional Indian patterns on the back of the padded benches and dangling mini chandeliers hung above each table to light the meal. 

As soon as you walk into the building, you’re met with a glimpse of Indian culture. The area where you wait to be seated included a couch with printed pillows and a backdrop of colorful fabrics acting as curtains that were accented with gold detailing. 

Whether you choose to relax and have your dinner brought to you or choose their buffet style dining, both options you’re offered will leave you wanting to come back. Incredible India serves as a place to gather for any occasion, fancy or laid back.

Service:

It’s safe to say that this Indian restaurant was much busier than anticipated on Wednesday afternoon. With it being their first day open to public, there was a lot to manage and figure out along the way. 

Despite the business, Incredible India employees held their ground firmly and provided some of the best service in town with their friendly faces and warm welcomes to all. 

My waiter was polite, attentive and focused on the well being of his customers. The seating was plentiful, the service was quick and we had no issues getting seated and taken care of.

Price:

The price was exceptional for the amount and quality of their food. The main dishes range from $9 to $15, and the dessert and bread selection ranges from $3 to $4. Whether you’re with your family, friends or are going on a date, Incredible India serves you great food for an affordable price that’s well worth it.

After my experience dining at Incredible India, I feel confident saying that it really did live up to the name of the restaurant. I would rate it 4.5/5 stars total because as the restaurant is brand new, there’s still room to grow and change over time.