India’s Restaurant, located on East Hampden Avenue, was voted best Best Indian Restaurant in Denver by Westword in 2013, and this reviewer could not agree more.

While India’s Restaurant can be difficult to find, the food and experience are worth the adventure. Upon walking into the restaurant, the warm and spicy smells of curry and chai immediately filled my senses and left my mouth watering for the food to come.

The location itself is modern, the inside is decorated with traditional Indian decorations, making you feel as if you are in an Indian kitchen yourself. Intricate tapestries and decorative lights adorn the walls and ceiling, and traditional Indian paintings beautify the two rooms and bar.

During my visit, the room I was seated in was spacious but not enough to feel to spread out. The restaurant provides a comfortable experience for a dinner party with friends and family or a romantic destination for a date. Under the soft, glowing lights that created a warm and comfortable ambiance, I started my order.

I ordered the Mango Lassi ($3.50), a traditional yogurt-based drink, to start out my meal. It paired perfectly with the vegetarian appetizers of Papri-Pakuri ($6), Samosa ($5) and Aloo Chaat ($5). With the use of the mild sauces provided at the table, the vegetable pastries were an excellent addition to the meal.

Next up on the menu was the classic but ever delicious Ticca Masala ($15.95). The steaming hot Tandoori chicken with a thick curry sauce was clearly a good choice. The tender chicken and slight taste of ginger took me straight to India. While I ordered it mild, you can also ask your order to be medium or hot. (Though be warned: adding extra spice to your entree is not to be taken lightly at this esteemed restaurant.)

Paired with an order of Naan ($1.95), the meal was exactly what you’d look for at the first Indian restaurant to come to Denver.

Despite having been stuffed to the brim by the meal in front of you, you can’t end the night without having an order of Kheer ($3.95). Kheer, a traditional and popular rice pudding, is served with almonds and raisins. After the spicy meal you just had, the cool, spiced rice dessert is the perfect way to help your mouth recover from the main course. However, another common dessert for those 21 and up at India’s Restaurant is a cup of brandy.

The service, though a little slow, was extremely attentive, and I felt taken care of throughout the meal. While the restaurant is on the pricier side, the food deserves nothing less than its listed price. However, for a cheaper option, the lunch buffet has many of the same options as the dinner menu for under $10.

For an authentic and delicious Indian experience, there is no better place than India’s Restaurant. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a craving for curry for weeks afterward.

4/5 stars

Indian’s Restaurants is located on 8921 East Hampden Ave. Denver, CO. 80231.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. on Saturday for lunch. Dinner is 5:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 9:45p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Suggestions:

Mango Lassi, Ticca Masala as well as the assorted vegetable appetizers and Kheer.