I had my first experience with Indian food about 15 years ago when I was in high school and totally not an adventurous eater. One of my good friends asked if I wanted to get Indian. I was willing to try, but had no idea what Indian food entailed, and I was super skeptical about what I was walking in to. The menu felt a bit overwhelming, because there were all these meals listed that were unfamiliar to me. I looked at my friend and said, “Please help me. I have no idea what I am doing! Can I just get plain chicken and rice?” What a joke that would have been! I believe I got curry chicken with some garlic naan bread and I remember really enjoying it, but never really ate Indian again for quite a few years.
Fast-forward to 2016/2017 when I began hanging around some of our business partners who were all about the Indian food life! Again, I was never really sure what to get, but thankfully we usually went to the lunch buffet after church, so I was able to try a little of everything. I liked most items on the buffet, but always found myself migrating back toward the Chicken Tandoori. Not only is it a healthier dish, but it’s delicious! If you read our blog on Knockback Nats, you know I am particular about sauces, and the amount that goes on my food.
Tandoori is marinated in yogurt & spices and cooked in a clay oven, which produces a juicy, amazingly flavored meal. It is usually served with sautéed onions and bell pepper. We ate at that buffet quite a few times and then started venturing out to try a few different places. Indian quickly became a go-to meal for us!
For 3 years, my husband and I heard from a handful of people how great Indian Spice Train was. One Friday night, we were trying to figure out what we were going to do for dinner. We had been waiting on my family to see if they wanted to go eat and when we didn’t hear back before I got hangry (yes, that’s a real thing), I asked my husband where we should go. I joked and asked if we should finally try Indian Spice train, so he pulled them up online and started scrolling through the pictures to see how the food looked.
When I looked at the computer, there was this delicious looking meal, but it looked like a steak, which I’ve never really seen on a menu at an Indian restaurant. I asked my husband what it was, and he said it was a Tandoori style rib eye steak. I don’t usually choose steak as my first option, but I knew right then I wanted to try it. We decided to go. I was looking at the menu when I saw the 16oz Tandoori Rib eye was a customer favorite. I was sold! When I saw the dish was served with sautéed mushrooms and onions as well as steamed veggies, I was all in!
Our meals came out and boy oh boy was my mouth watering. The steak was HUGE! The sautéed mushrooms and onions on top looked perfect, and the pile of steamed veggies was a great complement. The rib-eye was a perfectly cooked medium and was juicy and tender. To top it off, because of the cooking style, the outer edges of the steak had some crispy pieces, which are my favorite! There was a slightly sweet taste to the meat, which may be from being marinated in yogurt. I highly suggest at least giving this dish a try! It was definitely enough for me and to take some leftovers!
We’ve been back to the Indian Spice Train at least 5 more times! It has become our favorite Indian restaurant. It’s a great atmosphere, wonderful service and the best Indian all the way from the naan to the main dish. I have gotten the Chicken Tandoori every time, and my husband prefers the Chicken or Lamb Tikka Masala. He has had a few other dishes that he has enjoyed, but always goes back to the Tikka Masala!
Everyone we have taken there has enjoyed their food, even my dad, who had never had Indian food before. He got the Chicken Chili Dish and loved it!
If you are vegetarian, or vegan, no need to stress! They have plenty of options for you too! One of our friends lives a vegan lifestyle. Not only does she eat there multiple times a month, it is her favorite place in the area! She let us try her Baingan Bhartha (eggplant dish) and it was so delicious, I almost ordered it the next time we went!
If you’re wondering about the spice level, it ranges from a 1-10. My husband usually gets a 7/8 because he likes spicy! I like medium spice, so if it were me, I would probably go with a 4/5. I think they have been pretty accurate on the spice scale. The main entrées come with rice that is shared with the table (you can get more if needed) and also served with your choice of naan bread. We usually get the garlic naan! If you want a new beverage to try, my husband highly recommends the Mango Lassi!
The owners are extremely patient, kind, and will accommodate any dietary needs you have to the best of their ability! Indian Spice Train continues to impress us time and time again! Every time we think about trying a new Indian restaurant, we end up back at the Spice Train. Don’t be fooled if the dining area is not crowded when you walk in, there are a massive amount of carry out orders!
Be sure to check the hours of operation before you head over. They do close for a few hours in the afternoon, and are also closed on Sundays. If you have the time, do yourself a favor and eat in the dining room to get the full experience. It’s the perfect place for a date night, business meeting, or family dinner!
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