Princess of India

On my recent visit to the Princess of India, I was plunged into a sensory delight balanced by quintessential old-world charm and convivial chaos. Nestled unassumingly in the heart of the city, this self-styled culinary castle marries affordability and abundance with a distinctively inviting ambiance. Here, you can keep your drink of choice close, as the restaurant operates on a welcoming BYOB policy that sets the stage for rollicking good times. You’re greeted not just by massive bowls of flavorsome offerings laid out buffet-style, but by a staff who are almost fiercely attentive in their services, honoring birthdays with song and never missing a beat in ensuring glasses remain full and spirits high.

The curries, for their part, render warmth more than heat—a nod perhaps to the wide array of customer palates passing through its doors. The saag aloo flirts smoothly past the basics, while standout dishes like the chicken tikka biryani and saag chicken offer comfort in their traditional aromatic embrace. While not everything is a grand success—as some already softened dhals seem to be searching for their spices—the experience as a whole feels curiously complete, and remarkably fulfilling for an affair priced just under eleven pounds. True, the ubiquitous food spread does lean more towards the local rather than authentic Indian flare, but in an altar built for its abundant offerings, when the dish aligns, it sings. Traces of clue stitching near the walls and chatter-laden atmosphere during peak mealtimes might mark its Achilles' heel, but even so, this affordable eatery retains a dear spot as a go-to venue for curry enthusiasts wanting casual night's decadence without restraint.