India Oven Authentic Cuisine
Portland, OR 97214-5257
Phone: (503) 872-9687
02/15/2008 Posted by nomadwanderlust
I have been coming to the India Oven for over 8 years now and so have seen every side of the food and the staff. The food has changed several times in the 8 years, but most recently , the quality has improved. The sauces for the Chicken Tikka masala and the Navratan Korma have become more flavorful and the consistency of the sauce has become thicker. The garlic naan now has more garlic on it, which is nicer then the lonely cilantro that used to be on the garlic naan, and the pakoras are some of the very best in portland , with a light dusting of black salt. The restaurant has a small wait staff and sometimes the owners(husband and wife) themselves wait the tables, which is a very nice personal touch. The wife, in 8 years of going to the India Oven, has always been cordial, polite, helpful and kind...although when there are a lot of people in the restaurant, I can tell that she is under pressure and rushed. This is very normal, and something that I would probably feel if I were in her position. The chai at the India oven is unique and flavorful, and the biggest issue that I have with it is that I find it hard to say no to just one more cup--as it is something the the India Oven is quite generous with. The husband often helps in the waiting of tables as well, and although he can be a bit difficult to get to know, he is very helpful and quite interesting to talk to when he is not busy with customers. In fact I have found all the wait staff very kind. As with any restaurant, there can be an off day with staff or food , and I have experienced this as well, but I remember that I have those days as well, and look more to the majority of buffets and dinners I have experienced in the last 8 years. While it is true that the shared bathrooms have not been the cleanest(although I have not been in them lately), the food is good--and when I come here I can completely relax-stay as long as I like, and feel as welcome as if I were having dinner at home.
Pros: good food, generous portions, genuine, real, wait staff
Cons: poor parking, bathrooms
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