Indian Restaurants Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

March 9, 2017 by Ron Wen

First Take: Kababish Cafe in Cary, a Dining Diamond in the Rough

Kababish Cafe in Cary - NC Triangle Dining — Kababish Cafe in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

You know what? I love exploring the Triangle to find hidden gems and one thing I’ve learned over the years is to never underestimate Cary. While it has its fair share of chain restaurants and bland dining options, it also has pockets of great ethnic eats, full of flavor and reasonably priced. I recently came upon one of these Cary hidden gems when I stumbled upon Kababish Cafe online. The Yelp reviews looked great so I just had to wait for a clear spot on my lunch schedule to visit and thankfully it came quickly on a warm Friday afternoon!

Front dining room at Kababish Cafe in Cary - NC Triangle Dining — Front dining room at Kababish Cafe in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Main dining room at Kababish Cafe in Cary - NC Triangle Dining — Main dining room at Kababish Cafe in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Kababish Cafe is conveniently located right off of Harrison Avenue in Cary just south of town hall in a slightly sunken plaza so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for their sign! There’s free parking behind the plaza. Once parked, head on over to the patio area and green awning. I poked my head into Kababish not sure what to expect and it’s all a pleasant little surprise. The neat little space consists of two dining rooms and classic jazz (Coltrane) is playing overhead. The first dining room has LED lights lit overhead giving it a blue glow while the main dining room is brighter and more traditionally lit. A handful of folks are inside, enjoying their lunch eats!

Onion pakora at Kababish Cafe in Cary - NC Triangle Dining — Onion pakora at Kababish Cafe in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

I’m sat down at a booth in the blue room and handed a menu along with some lunch specials. Kababish Cafe does lunch specials with an appetizer, naan, rice, two lunch dishes and dessert, similar to a thali plate for $9 to $12 (vegetarian, non-vegetarian, seafood and kebab), sounds good to me! But of course I can’t resist adding on a kebab for good measure. Note that while Kababish Cafe has the feel of a more casual eatery, the service here is excellent and warm, one of the benefits of a family-run eatery. I’m immediately started off with an onion pakora which is different than what I usually get. It’s served with a bit of cream and cilantro sauce on top giving it a different flavor and texture profile, yum. It’s just one of the little twists that Kababish Cafe delivers, we’re off to a good start!

Non-vegetarian lunch feast at Kababish Cafe in Cary - NC Triangle Dining — Non-vegetarian lunch feast at Kababish Cafe in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

Next comes my main meal and it looks like a Pakistani feast! A heaping plate of basmati rice with salad, basket of naan, two portions of butter chicken and korma chicken along with my kebabs, wow. I go to work on the carbs, the rice here is perfectly cooked with a bit of spicing and the naan is WON-derful! Perfectly charred and while there was no butter/oil on it, perfectly tender. Some of the best naan I’ve had in the area, don’t miss out here.

Perfect naan at Kababish Cafe in Cary - NC Triangle Dining — Perfect naan at Kababish Cafe in Cary – NC Triangle Dining

The butter chicken is rich with that hit of dairy, tang of tomato and soft, succulent chicken. And the chicken korma plays off nicely with a more spicy and lighter sauce. While the food portions look a bit small, there is a LOT to eat here. I can barely make it to my chicken seekh kebab but also can’t resist. It’s perfectly seared and full of rich spices and flavor. All the food here at Kababish Cafe feels like it’s something that could come out of mom’s kitchen but done a bit better! Dining at Kababish Cafe feels like comfort food but from across the ocean…

As I’m slowly filling up on all this food, the wait-person brings over a small cup of rice pudding cooked up with little bits of vermicelli, yum! I’ve had this before and it’s a good palate cleanser and finish to a very satisfying meal. Overall I was really impressed by all phases of dining here at Kababish: food, service and ambiance. From what I understand they also do jazz nights at Kababish Cafe on the weekend so keep an eye out for those events. And Kababish is BYOB with no corkage fees. Thank you so much Kababish Cafe for your home-spun food done with some love. It’s obvious you’ve got a talented chef back there in the kitchen and I’m looking forward to Round 2!

Kababish Cafe

201 W Chatham Street #103

Cary, NC 27511

919.377.8794

Location on Google maps

April 1, 2015 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Flavorful Indian Eats at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill!

Indian food is not everyone’s cup of tea but I really enjoy this spicy, flavorful cuisine on a regular basis. I know the names of all the dishes can be a bit tricky to understand but it’s totally worth the effort given the unique flavor profiles that Indian food brings to your table! And if you’re a vegetarian, even better…

While a lot of Indian fare falls into the N. Indian and Pakistani variety, India is a huge country with 29 different states. My friend Joe, has family roots in the state of Kerala, down at the southern tip of India and he wanted to bring some friends together to try out Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe in Chapel Hill. Vimala’s specializes in Indian food from the Kerala region so who am I to say no? Here’s how it all went down…

Entry-way to Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Entry-way to Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

Counter at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Counter at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

Now I have been to Vimala’s a couple of times but it had been a long time since my last visit. Anyone wanting to check out Vimala’s, understand that the restaurant is in the back of a larger plaza and hidden behind Kipos Restaurant. Go through the courtyard and you’ll see the arch with signage for Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe. Inside, the space is a bit tight with order counter and then two separate rooms to the back: one for the bar and another for a more private dining area.

Busy bar at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Busy bar at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

I head into the bar area and say hi to Joe, his wife and meet his group of friends. Vimala’s is pretty busy but we’ve pretty much taken over two of the rooms! There’s a short list of beers but they’ve got some decent NC craft beers which is my drink of choice given the spiciness of what were about to eat. Beer is usually a great pairing for Indian eats!

Lentil fritters at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Lentil fritters at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

Plantain fritters at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Plantain fritters at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

Dinner tonight will be served buffet and family style, we start off with some lentil and plantain fritters, yum! The lentil fritters are perfectly fried with some back-end spice and I love the plantains. More reminiscent to me of Central American fare, it makes sense given where Kerala sits geographically. Some lamb fritters are really interesting: a mix of shredded lamb and some sort of starch but I’m not sure exactly what!

Veggies and rice at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Veggies and rice at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

After the appetizers, Vimala brings out the main courses and it is a FEAST! Some spiced rice, veggies in coconut gravy, and papadum as a good base of carbs. And then there are two curries (salmon, chicken) and a beef dish along with a variety of chutneys and sauces.

Curries at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Curries at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

While not all Indian fare is hot, it certainly tends to be spicy and that’s certainly the case here at Vimala’s. Loved the beef which reminds me of beef rendang from Malaysia/Singapore. The salmon was luscious and I’m thinking a spin dish since I’m pretty sure most salmon are in the northern hemispheres. But who cares, it was delicious! And I love how Vimala’s uses the traditional steel plates which are humble but real.

Delicious buffet at Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining — Delicious buffet at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, Chapel Hill- NC Triangle Dining

At the end of the meal Vimala comes out and speaks to the crowd. She has a long and colorful history but understand that she is passionate about her community, paying a living wage to her staff and sourcing ingredients locally. A huge kudo to her!

Stuffed and full, I thanked Joe for the lovely meal and headed home to Raleigh. But it was a nice reminder of how there are always cool restaurants and places to try out in this third point of the Triangle we call Chapel Hill. Thank you so much, Vimala, Joe and Donna for hosting the evening’s delicious dinner…

Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe

431 W Franklin Street, Suite 16

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

919.929.3833

Location on Google maps

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March 4, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: A Tasty Lunch Buffet at India Gate in Durham

Front of India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Every now and then a craving for Indian food hits me and I’m powerless in its grip. Working in RTP means limited dining options but a quick search online turns up India Gate off of Highway 54. The reviews look pretty good so it’s time to see what spiciness India Gate can offer up for lunch!

You’ll find India Gate tucked away in a slightly sunken plaza full of ethnic businesses and right next door the MEGA Club, cool. Head on to the back corner and you’ll find a small doorway that opens up to a large dining room and space, a bit of a surprise from the outside. India Gate is already a bit busy before noon time and it seems to be a popular spot for Indian food lovers in the know. I get seated at a four-top, order up a beverage and then head on over to the lunch buffet in the corner.

Cold buffet at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

It’s a well-stocked buffet with salad, 16 or so hot entrees including two rices, samosas, a garlic naan, saag, stewed chick peas, tikka masala, vindaloo, butter chicken and tandoori chicken. Also a very nice selection of desserts, two which I’m unfamiliar with (meethi chakri and boondi). There’s definitely plenty of Indian options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike! I stack up a plate with some veggie biryani, saag and chicken for my first round.

Hot buffet at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

As I explore around my plate of Indian eats, I notice a couple of different items on my plate. First some star shaped crunchy bites, sort of like a rice cake. And then the garlic and herb stuffed naan, cool! The biryani is a bit different. I assumed it was a veggie biryani but I taste some sweet stewed fruit in there. The saag is basic and tasty and the tikka masala is also a bit different. Spicy but not as heavy with cream and laced with bits of green pepper. The tandoori chicken is good and a nice option for chicken on the bone. My second round includes the butter chicken which has more of a cream-based sauce which I’m familiar with. Overall everything is well-spiced and flavorful with a touch of heat.

I finish off with some of their interesting desserts, mostly a play on fried flour treats sweetened with sugar syrup, tasty! I pay up front at the counter ($10 for lunch buffet) and chat with the owner a bit. She’s from the Punjab region in the north and it’s always interesting to see how Indian eats always have a bit of a twist based upon the origins of the owner. I’d describe India Gate as more down-home Indian cooking with a great variety of savory and sweet options for lunch which is lovely. Service was very attentive and courteous throughout the meal, another plus! So thanks so much India Gate, I just may have found my Indian eats home when I’m working in the RTP.

India Gate

2223 NC Highway 54

Durham, NC 27713

919.248.9333

Location on Google maps

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March 29, 2017 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

First Take: The Viceroy in Durham Offers Up Delicious Indian Cuisine Near DPAC

Front of Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Front of Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

The resurgence of the restaurant and culinary scene in downtown Durham has been mighty impressive. Over the past several years, burgers, pizza and beer along with national recognition have been showered upon the Bull City. But as an ethnic food lover, I was always concerned that the food scene wasn’t quite diverse enough in downtown Durham. But things are slowly changing in the Bull City, thanks to addition of the Viceroy on Main Street! This new, Indo-British gastropub has made a splash in downtown Durham. From food to decor and service, the Viceroy has come out of the gate strong with room to get even better. Why am I impressed? Read on about my first two visits to Viceroy…

Rich dining room at the Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Rich dining room at the Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Given the newness of the Viceroy, the signage up front is still not complete but just look for the armor stand and VIC decal at 331 W. Main Street. Even though the Viceroy bills itself as a pub, it has a hostess stand up front because it’s usually busy. The deep, rich scents of Indian food waft through the air here, a good sign. The Viceroy sports a smallish bar on the left and a long dining room to the right. In between the two spaces is a narrow table with stools for quick dining. Booths are lined up on the sidewall while 4-tops fill in the rest of the space. The decor at the Viceroy is detailed and eclectic, filled with lovely touches, rich wallpaper and hanging lamps. Viceroy’s walls are covered with vintage Victorian images and the ambiance is cozy and warm, great for a date!

Corned beef pasty with mustard sauce at the Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Corned beef pasty with mustard sauce at the Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Madras scotch egg at the Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Madras scotch egg at the Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Now let’s move on to the Viceroy menu, it’s a bit small with maybe 15 items in total. Given that Viceroy’s origins are from a food truck, the tight menu makes more sense. You can choose to go the more Indian route but there are also a handful of British favorites such as a pasties and shepherd’s pie. Over my two visits I can say that the appetizers shine. Make sure you try the pasty, I’ve done an oxtail and corned beef pasty which showcases a tender flaky crusty wrapped around tasty braised meat! The sausage rolls on the current menu also feature the pasty dough, delicious.

Gobi suka at the Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Gobi suka at the Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Don’t miss the spicy gobi sukha, tender cauliflower florets fried with a spicy melange of onions, peppers and curry leaves. Love the simplicity and flavor behind this vegetarian dish. And the madras scotch egg I tried was decent, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the deep-fried egg and sausage app. Most appetizers are in the $7 to $9 range, very reasonable.

Murg mykanwala (tikka masala) at the Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Murg mykanwala (tikka masala) at the Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Jeera wings at the Viceroy in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Jeera wings at the Viceroy in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

The main entrees are in the $13 to $19 range which is great for downtown Durham and focuses on Indian dishes including tandoor (clay oven fired meat). Spiciness at Viceroy is from a range of 1 to 6 and on the money. You will get some sniffles if you order up a 3 or 4 and watch out at the high end! I’ve ordered up my favorite chicken tikka masala which goes by the name mug mykanwala at Viceroy. It’s a nice version of tikka masala served up with some slivers of ginger on top and basmati rice. My only concern was the $17 price for a smallish portion of this Indian favorite. An order of cumin-charred jeera wings really brought the heat nicely and is served up with flavorful onions and peppers, wow!

Service at the Viceroy is decent, they seemed well-trained but just a bit inexperienced given the newness of the restaurant when I’ve visited. Given Viceroy’s popularity, they tend to be a bit busy which will also impact service levels. But not a big deal and to be expected in the opening months of any new spot, I would expect it to settle down soon. Overall the Viceroy is a wonderfully decorated, warm eatery for good Indian food. And while I typically go bare-bones and inexpensive for my ethnic eats (i.e. cheap), Viceroy does a nice job of walking the line between upscale eatery and authentic flavors. They are off to a very good start and if the crowds we saw during our visit was any indication of their popularity, I’d have to say that downtown Durham was dying for some decent Indian eats! So welcome to the hood, Viceroy, I’m looking forward to my next, spicy visit…

Viceroy

335 W Main Street

Durham, NC 27701

919.797.0413

Location on Google maps

August 1, 2015 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Saffron in Morrisville: Still Delivering a Great Indian Lunch Buffet

Front of Saffron in Morrisville and yes, this is an old picture- NC Triangle Dining

RETAKE: When I first arrived in North Carolina from the San Francisco area, Indian food was one of those cuisines I really missed. There weren’t a lot of great options so I was happy to hear about a tasty new Indian spot, Saffron. I made it out to Saffron for a couple of meals but really never had a chance to re-visit in the last five years. Luckily a friend of mine is up for an Indian buffet and she suggests Saffron so it’s time for a re-visit!

Interior of Saffron in Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

Inside, Saffron is a bit different than most local Indian restaurants. High ceilings, concrete floor, the interior is spacious and a bit more business-like but in all honesty it hasn’t changed much since my first visit years ago, good and bad. The dining room is already busy a bit after noon-time, it’s the RTP lunch crowd piling in. We’re seated in the back and put in our drink orders. Saffron’s buffet is in the back room, set off from the dining area.

Vegetarian side of lunch buffet at Saffron in Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

Non-vegetarian side of lunch buffet at Saffron in Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

At the buffet we dove into their steam trays! Vegetarian on the right: corn fritters, veggie fried rice, saag, cabbage with potates, peas and chick-peas. A good assortment for you non meat-eaters. On the left, they have chicken biryani, chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken and more. Gulab jamun for dessert and some tea for a bit of sweet.

Well-made naan at Saffron in Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

Back at the table, they bring us a basket of naan and it’s time to dig in. My plate is nice and colorful, love the stewed cabbage and potatoes, the tikka masala is solid but the tandoori chicken is probably the stand-out. Soft, charred drums with that delicious spicing, excellent. Paired with the great naan, you are in for a good lunch here at Saffron. Bonus is that given all their customer traffic here, the steam trays are well-stocked. Service for our water glasses was also very good.

Yummy plate of Indian food at Saffron in Morrisville- NC Triangle Dining

Overall lunch at Saffron was a pretty good experience. The lunch buffet had a nice range of meat and vegetarian dishes and it was well-stocked. Service was prompt and polite but a limited experience given the buffet. And the interior, while a bit dated, still works ok if you’re not up for fancy-shmancy. So nice job Saffron! You’ve kept up the good Indian eats that I remember from years back and people still love you for it. If you’re in the area and up from some aromatic Indian food, stop on by…

Saffron Morrisville

McCrimmon Corners

4121 Davis Drive

Morrisville, NC 27560

919.469.5774

Location on Google maps

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First Take: Kababish Cafe in Cary, a Dining Diamond in the Rough