Indian food remains of the most intricate, exciting and delicious cuisines of the world, and Punjab Palace Indian Restaurant in Riverside (Next to Toys R Us and Michael’s Crafs)  on Magnolia Ave and Tyler Ave is certainly one of the best in our area.

The large restaurant has been a favorite of those who appreciate this grand cuisine for offer over 8 years and is constantly adding new and exciting items to the menu. The interior features colorful murals depicting various scenes of India while a newly added-on banquet room is the perfect setting for that special party or event.

All of the Northern Indian dishes are made fresh on the premises and they specialize in dishes made in the clay Tandoor oven. Each dish is a taste sensation and will excite and make your mouth and taste buds jump for joy. Seasonings like cardamom, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, asafetida, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, mint, chilies, black pepper, and garlic as just some of the many seasonings you can expect to find. One thing is for sure, no two dishes taste the same.

One myth I think that many people still think of Indian food is that all of the food is hot and spicy. There are a few that are really spicy and can be “hair raising” to some but I think people often confuse spicy and hot with the intense robust and assertive flavors of the food.

During lunch, they offer a marvelous buffet with over 25 hot and cold items for your choosing with many of their signature dishes on the line. The buffet is available daily from 11:30a m to 3pm everyday under $10.00, which is a great deal!

As for the menu, they offer a large selection of traditional dishes with chicken, lamb, fish, seafood as well as lots of vegetarian items. For starters I like to start off with the Samosas $2.95, crisp Indian that are stuffed into a dough pastry with a tasty potato and green pea mixture, deep fried and are really special.

Since most all of the dishes are meant to share, it is wise to order a little bit from all of the food categories so here I go. First came the Mix Tandoori Grill $16.95 (per person) and consist of an assortment of Chicken, Seekh Kabab, Chicken Tikka (small chunks of boneless chicken), Lamb Tikka, and Fish which were cooked in the unique and highly effective Tandoor oven and served on a sizzling metal platter with onions and bell peppers. All of the items were extremely flavorful and it is one of the most popular items at the restaurant.
The second entrée I ordered was the Tandoor Jumbo Shrimp $14.95, a nice amount of deliciously seasoned jumbo shrimp that is cooked on a sizzling hot plate like the Mix Tandoori is along with onions and green bell peppers. The shrimp were succulent and the entire dish was outstanding as was the Karahi Gosht $11.95. This delightful dish featured diced onion, bell peppers, ginger and garlic simmered with small pieces of lamb in a really bold and assertive sauce. It’s amazing just how much flavor one dish can have and let me tell you, this dish had it all!

If you enjoy spinach, you must get the Palak Paneer $8.95, firm homemade Indian cheese cooked with spinach with lots of fresh herbs and of course some of the great Indian seasonings. Everyone who like spinach will love this dish, in fact, even not spinach lovers will savor it once they have had it.

Still other dishes that will WOW you include the sensational Chicken Korma $10.95, pieces of chicken with a incredible yogurt and cream sauce with an array of spices including raisins and cashews and the Rice Pillau $4.95, Basmati rice with butter, dried onions, cashews, raisins and saffron. The rice has a great aroma and makes a nice addition to the entrees.

No Indian meal would be complete without some of their Naan or flat bread. The fresh dough is cooked on the sides of the hot Tandoor oven and baked in a matter of seconds. Favorites include the Garlic Naan, Keema Naan that is stuffed with spicy meat, the Cheese Naan and if you love raisins and cashews, they even offer a sweet version with those heavenly items in it.

In closing, I have been coming here since the restaurant has opened because their food is consistency delicious and their buffet is excellent. Happy Eating!