While reading one of my reviews in the Beacon last week, I noticed a coupon for the Himalayan Palace on the same page as the review. I really enjoy Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan food, so decided that I would give it a try at my first opportunity. That opportunity came much faster than I thought it would, and last Saturday evening Hugh and I embarked on a delightful experience.
The menu was extensive, with more than 78 items listed. The delightful thing about the menu was that the last pages are actual photos of the offerings. If one was not sure what something looked like, all they had to do was to turn to the back and there is a photo. There are appetizers, soup and salads, Biryani, vegetarian dishes, naan and breads, chicken dishes, lamb dishes, seafood dishes, tandoori dishes, Himalayan specialties and more. Making a decision was a challenge in itself.
We decided to start the meal with an order of Vegetable Samosa. It is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with spices, potatoes and green peas. It was served with a tasty tamarind chutney. The cost for two of them was $4.95. The filling was excellent; the pastry was tasty.
I also wanted to try one of their drinks and settled on the Mango Lassi. It was tall, thick, and tasty.
Hugh decided to order a Chicken Curry ($13.95), which was served with either white Basmati rice or buttered naan bread. He chose the rice. He had some difficulty decided what level of spice he wanted; finally went with mild after discussing it with our server.
I ordered Shrimp Saag ($16.95), which was listed as “shrimp and spinach cooked in a cream tomato and onion sauce with Himalayan herbs and spices.” I also ordered it mild, but chose the “buttered naan bread” as the accompaniement.
Even though the menu did not indicate it, lentil soup was automatically served with our meals. It was absolutely delicious. Hot and steaming; the flavors blended together beautifully.
Before the entrees were served, we were brought plates to dish-up our meal and the plates were hot! Almost hot to the touch, but certain to keep our food warm. I could feel the warmth of the plate sitting a distance away from it. The serving bowls that our entrees were in were brass, and filled to the brim. We exchanged the rice and naan with each other, and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The food was tasty; hot; and more than enough for both of us. We took quite a bit home. The only change I would make next time would be to ask that the naan not be buttered. I like the flavor as it is, but that may be just me.
Although we did not order dessert – they have six listed – we were brought a complimentary dish of “Kheer” – which is rice pudding. It was tasty, but we were so full we couldn’t do it justice!
The food was delicious and we would go again. It should be noted that there is a lunch buffet from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. and their dinner menu starts at 3 p.m. They are open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The next thing on my agenda will be to try the buffet! See you there. Himalayan Palace
3760 Sports Arena Blvd. (behind Phil’s BBQ)
619-510-4966