Finally got around to Masala Indian Cuisine on Reynolds this past Friday evening - it was incredibly good.
We started off with the assorted appetizer plate which had mostly vegetable appetizers with one large ground lamb offering - kind of reminded me of a Lebanese fried kibbe. Everything in the appetizer offering was tasty including the tamarind and spicy coriander/mint sauces served on the side.
A basket of hot, fresh Naan covered with toasted fresh garlic was extremely good.
For our main courses, we ordered Chicken Korma and a dish that consisted of garbanzo beans mixed with small vegetable chunks and a tomato based sauce - can't recall the name of the dish. We both ordered our dinners "spicy" - wow! - when this place says spicy, they mean it. Glad we ordered a bowl of Raita to calm things down a bit
And, the best mango lassi we've ever had also helped to simmer down my burning taste buds. Don't misunderstand, I'd order it the same way again - I love the spicy burn.
The place is small so you may encounter a wait if you go at prime time. The atmosphere is not memorable but acceptable. Frankly, I don't go out to eat for the atmosphere so that isn't a big deal with me.
Service was fine - the wait staff was very busy because the place was packed.
My only complaint is that I waited too long to try this place! If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, definitely give them a try. The food is awesome.
I have had a few meals there none recently. Each time the cook came out and greeted us. Loved the mango lassi as well. the breads are good, too.
Masala is our Monday night staple. I dig their bread especially: nice and puffy. I also recommend their vegetable samosa, which is a fried potato and pea dumpling. It is excellent. Like Foodie said, it can be busy on the weekend, but is usually practically empty early during the week. And they also have a lunch buffet.
The atmosphere could use a little comfort upgrade but I would sit in a ditch in the rain if I had to to get that food.
The food is great. The Tandoor just down the street is really good as well.
I like the Tandoor too, but my Indian friends tell me it sucks. shrug
We usually go the The Jewel out at Spring Meddows.
My Indian friends have said the same thing - they're OK with The Jewel (I miss them terribly since they moved so far away - used to be on Alexis) but won't go near Tandoor.
But all of them are high on Masala - and I agree.
I'm planning to try Masala for dinner this week. I've heard great things about the food. Does anyone know if it's BYOB-friendly? I'm pretty sure they don't serve there and was just wondering..
Grew up eating at Tandoor, then went to Indian restaurants in other cities and the food was so much better. Glad Masala has come in to provide some competition. Maybe Tandoor can pick up its game.
Does anyone know if it's BYOB-friendly?
Yes. So is Jewel of Toledo (at least when they were out on Alexis).
I've eaten Indian around the US and the two times I'd been to Tandoor were as good as the one time I'd been to Masala. The Jewel was better than the two, probably, but I'd prefer to just head up to Madras Masala in Ann Arbor.
I didn't mind Tandoor until once when hubby and I went there for the lunch buffet and were horribly sick the entire rest of the day. Just can't go back there.
Masala ROCKS! Love the naan that has the nuts and raisins baked into it (can't recall the name). The chicken masala is to die for.
Where on Reynolds is Masala? What are the prices like? When I was a kid, the Tandoor was one of my favorite restaurants but not anymore. I went to the Jewel several months back and the food was incredible but we waited more than an hour between when we sat down to when we were served. I would like to try Masala sometime. I have a hankering for some Indian food.
You guys are making me hungry.
Yep. It'll be Indian Jewel for me today.
Masala is on Reynolds, in the strip shopping center next to Olive Garden. Plan on around $12 or so for an entree, depending on what you get, of course.