Do you enjoy eating out with family, friends and that special someone, but you’re tired of the same old types of cuisine.
Well, if you’re desperate for a major change you can always try the stuff contestants ate on the old NBC show “Fear Factor:” pig liver milkshakes, pizza with dried cow blood, fish eyes, spiders and Madagascar cockroaches.
On the other hand, if you need something different but still mainstream, then India Palace might be the right place for you. Be prepared to dine like a Mughal (Indian) emperor once you step into the restaurant located at 4213 Lafayette Rd.
Most of the India Palace cuisine represents Northern India, which is best known for Tandoori (Clay Oven) dishes.
Many people visit the restaurant to enjoy its popular lunch buffet, which has a variety of entrees, including nearly a dozen different curries (some vegetable based, others that include meat such as chicken, lamb, shrimp and goat). The buffet often includes specials, and coupons can sometimes be downloaded from the Indiana Palace Web site, www.indiapalaceindy.com.
Popular dinner items include chicken tikka masala, mushroom sagg, vegetable pakora, spicy onion chutney, deep-fried potatoes dipped in chickpea flour and Chicken Makhani (chicken in a red sauce with cashews).
India Palace is also known for its unique dessert treats such as madhu vada (lentil donuts), kheer (rice pudding) and green homemade kulfee ice cream.
Beverages include soft drinks, exotic fruit milkshakes (try mango), rich lager Indian beer and several wine options.
India Palace seems to be a perfect choice for groups because it has a cuisine that provides a compromise: Selections that are exotic enough to excite culinary explorers, and items that are familiar enough for nervous picky eaters.
The restaurant also offers catering, gift cards and an elegant banquet hall for large gatherings and receptions.
India Palace is owned by David Samra, who also operates Shalimar Indian Restaurant in the Broad Ripple area.
In 1994 Samra, the son of Indian immigrants achieved his “American dream” of opening a restaurant that is elegant, relaxed, friendly and affordable.
“When we open the doors to the restaurant it’s as if we’re opening the doors to our own homes and inviting guests to enjoy extraordinary food,” Samra said. “We strive to make every lunch and dinner a special occasion.”
