Been eating here about once a week for the past several months, during my assignment in Salem. Good mint chutney Great Aloo Gobi Good chicken dishes Not spicy unless you ask for it Probably a 3 star, but the staff has been very friendly and the price is right.
(4)
John S.
This has to be my favorite restaurant in Salem. I love their lunch and dinner buffets. There's always a variety of dishes to try and something for most every taste. Try the vindaloo and the butter chicken, they are always solid favorites.
(5)
J H.
This review is limited to ordering off the menu. I have not had the buffet and so cannot comment. That said....This place has the best Indian food I have EVER tasted! And I'll agree with Zoe D. it's WAY better than India Palace. I have been to as many Indian restaurants as I can find and this is by far the best! Even now that I live in Los Angeles - I have found nothing comparable yet!! Everything I have had here has been delicious. The Chicken Tandoori (as well as the Chicken Tikka) is mouthwatering and perfectly spicy (I like it with a little kick!). The Chicken Makahani (butter chicken) is to die for! Pair it with the Chateau Indage Merlot and you are in for a treat! The service when I first started going to the Star was definitely wanting, but with the economy picking back up they have hired additional servers and things seem to be getting better. This is a 5 star restaurant (as far as the food goes) hidden in the trash-heap that is Lancaster. The location is not the best - in a rather non-descript strip mall behind Circle K. The restaurant itself is very clean and the owner often greeted us during our meal to make sure everything was acceptable. One time when it was not (I was served the wrong dish because they were training a new cook), the owner went back and re-made the order himself AND made an extra batch to send home with me!! Talk about pride in your product! If you live in the Salem area and you enjoy Indian food, I highly recommend that you give the Star of India a try. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Nando V.
I saw some of the reviews on this place and some were pretty low. I was skeptical bout trying it but my sister vouched for this place and if she said is good then im not gonna question her im gonna trust her word. Walking in the place looked a little dead, maybe because we were the only ones there except for the hostess and the cook. I was walking to the table with a unsettle feeling in my stomach knowing if its bad my stomach is the one paying for it later. We sat down but it was so annoying cuz next door was a gambling room and u could hear from our table were gaming sounds LOUD GAMING NOISES! I was getting a headache already i was off to bad start. We ordered naan, garlic naan, tandoori chicken, butter chicken, a shrimp dish and i got the curry goat. I kept looking at the kitchen and the cook was a creepy tall dark man that kept looking at me, that was weird. We got our food it smelled heavenly the tandoori chicken was still sizzling the goat curry was to die for it was kinda spicy and full of flavor. By this time i was so into the food that i didnt realize that the sounds from next door stopped. I was enjoying everything about i was indulged in every bite of food that i even bit down on my tongue so hard :( that was a spoiler because i was really enjoying the food and the company of my family. Any who even with a wounded tongue i continued to eat the flavorful food. Only reason i took one star ofd was because the damn game room next door. The service was great the food was great, sad part is that this place is so far from my house but i shall return when i come to visit in the future. Give this place a try u wont be disappointed. My sister told me they also do a buffet so u might want to try that bit i like to order off the menu because u can always take the left overs home and enjoy them the next day all over again.
(4)
brady g.
Been there 3 times for dinner now. Each time we were the only ones in the restaurant except for the ones playing video lottery. That's probably not a good sign.... The service is fast, possibly because we're the only ones there; and that's kinda where the positive things stop. The food is really over priced for the portion size ($13 for a small bowl of chicken with some sauce and plain rice? Common...), the naan bread is at least another $2 when it should be included, the naan is always over cooked, every sauce I've ever had seems way more watery than it should be, everything is blan, they make you share a rice bowl instead of getting your own, and the rice is somehow dry? Separated? Something is slightly off, I don't know what. Oh, and the paint job looks like it was done by middle schoolers and the decor about 25 years old, but I didn't take that into account for the 2 stars. So give the place a try, but be prepared for mediocre. Sad because I really want to like it but...
(2)
Allen T.
Their lunch buffet was fantastic. Veggie pakoras (battered, deep fried veggies), butter chicken, goat curry, and the tandoori chicken were my favorites. Good Naan too, Good service. We will definitely return.
(5)
Lewis Marklin M.
I love Indian food, especially for lunch. This is a great little spot tucked away in a spot that is a little hard to find so you may to follow your GPS. The owners are very nice and friendly. It is more than enough to get me my Indian fix. Mango smoothie is great, the hot Nan bread just keeps coming, smiles all around, but they are closed on Monday's and I don't know what it is about me and Monday's but I have headed over here so many times on a Monday to be reminded time and time again that they are closed that day! Grrr
(4)
Crystal H.
I'm a massive Indian food lover and I travel a lot and had a lot of Indian across the nation. This has extremely misleading reviews. The butter chicken taste like chef boyardee with sugar. The potatoes in the vegetable dishes taste rotten. A the raita sauce taste spoiled. I had 5 bites and stopped eating. This is one of the poorest lunch buffets I've ever had and I'm extremely disappointed by the false reviews and disgusting food. The naan is doughy. I'm forcing myself to eat it because I'm hungry but take it from me: A buffet that is only $10 and that includes soft drink ... STAY AWAY FROM! They should be embarrassed to call this Indian food. I'm pretty upset to waste $10 and walk away hungry. I can not eat much more of this poor excuse they consider "Indian food". In fact, I just walked out. I couldn't eat anymore. Do not eat here if you know what real Indian food taste like.
(1)
Kyle S.
I've eaten Indian food in California, Washington, and Texas. This was the worst curry I have ever tasted, including frozen meals. It should not be called Indian food.
(1)
Vaishali B.
Nice place with enough seating area. The host was nice and welcoming. Food tasted good, although the proportion of spices was little off. We had chicken seekh kabaab, baigan bharta and mushroom matar - tasted good! Good place for decent Indian food
(4)
Michael S.
I've eaten at 3 of the Indian restaurants in Salem (The Star of India, Taj Mahal & India Palace) and this one is the best, hands down. The location is kind of weird to get to on Lancaster and from the outside, the restaurant looks kind of cheesy. But the inside was nice, furniture well kept and comfortable, and everything was very clean (the other two Indian restaurants had issues with cleanliness even though their food was pretty good too). The service was friendly, attentive, and responded to us promptly and accurately. Lastly and most importantly, the food was awesome! The Chicken Tikki Masala was divine. The chunks of chicken were very tender and the spices were delightful. Portion sizes were nice; they refilled our rice bowl for free. I forgot the name of the Nan bread we had, it was stuffed with potatoes and peas... and oooooh so good! This place has become our new favorite. We loved it and look forward to going back. And again. And again. :)
(5)
Becky D.
Well, the lunch buffet wasn't awful but not worth going back to either. Small selection which is fine if it's really well done. Unfortunately, this is not. Chicken Vindaloo tasted exactly like Nalley's canned chili, and the veggie pakoras consisted of half a dozen fried chunks of potato that looked like they were from last week. My biggest disappointment was the chicken tikka masala - all I could taste was raw tomato paste. So sad, it looks like I'll have to travel to Portland to get decent indian food.
(2)
Don R.
Service was very nice. Food was prepared and delivered promptly Might have just been me, but not necessarily what I was after
(2)
C C.
Excellent Indian food. The best in Salem.The chicken tikka masala is excellent as well as all of their veggie dishes. The only thing is it's not spice enough. We have even ordered extra spice and its medium+. Still very good food.
(5)
Alison S.
Stopped in after usual round of shopping on Lancaster. Spotted this little gem on a search to break out of our routine. Lunch buffet being served. Nice variety. Surprisingly good green leaf lettuce salad with usual fixings available. Delicious take on the expected condiments: tamarind sauce, mint chutney and a cucumber and yogurt sauce, whose name escapes me. Vegetarian and chicken dishes mainly. I, personally, would have welcomed lamb in any form and kinda missed it. I overheard a customer give the tandoori chicken a bad review, but I was choosy enough to find a moist piece. One of the most delectable desserts I have ever put in my mouth: carrot, cashew, Indian milk(?), butter and something else equally delicious., cinnamon maybe?...I would think it worth it just for the Pakora, basmati rice and naan. 10 bucks is a great deal and includes a drink of your choice! I am a real customer.
(4)
Prag M.
Worst Indian food I've had. Naan and pakoras were not fully cooked. The food was bland and the decor was ragged with bold sponge painting on the walls. I would normally give a place a second chance but this was too far off of edible. Host was very accommodating and pleasant so one star for her.
(1)
Rachael B.
I've been a loyal customer since they opened. The best Indian food by far that I've tasted. I'm never disappointed when I leave just always extremely satisfied.
(4)
Robin M.
This has turned into my favorite Indian place in the Salem area. Qualifiers: I've only ever been in for the lunch Buffet. (Which is closed on Mondays. More than once I've forgotten this on a Monday when I showed up craving Muttar Paneer or Butter Chicken.) However, the selection is very good, the food is delicious, Each time I've visited, the selection has been a little varied. It's nice to have the chance to try a lot of different things, including both meat and vegetarian options. The servers are attentive without hovering. They are quick to refill any buffet option that runs out. And I feel like the price is fair. The decor is nothing to write about. It's pretty simple, lacking in any real ambiance (for the lunch buffet) and not anything to write about. But its clean and the buffet table is pretty with the big copper tureens. I understand that they have entertainment in the evenings too. We were invited to come back for Belly dancing on the weekends and although we haven't made it yet, the idea sounds enchanting. Overall, the best choice for Indian in Salem, but not the best Indian I've ever had.
(4)
Eva C.
The lunch buffet was fantastic! Lots of variety and food choices. Normally I would not spend $10+ for lunch (when you add in tip), but on occasion it's a treat! The restaurant looked very authentic and the buffet presentation was beautiful; not in pans like you would normally see at a buffet. Good variety although everything starts to look and taste the same after awhile...LOL! You definitely want to go hungry and forget about dieting! Can't wait to take my kids next time. They'll love it!
(4)
Savannah Veronica J.
Ate here today, absolutely loved the lunch buffet. 8.99 includes a drink and all you can eat! Great service too, very attentive staff and I highly recommend asking for fresh naan, its absolutely remarkable! -SVJ
(5)
Adrienne H.
I have eaten my fair amount of Indian food. I went in with my family and I ordered the lamb korma, Mr. Picky ordered the lamb saag and Mrs. Picky ordered the lamb karahi (we are a family of lamb eaters). The service was fast and the waiter, Bob, was friendly and helpful. We got the appetizer of Paneer Pakora and it was so tasty, I absolutely loved it. The food arrived and I was happy with what I ordered, it was delicious, the lamb on all our dishes was tender. I also tried a mango lassi and it was yummy. It was all delicious and Bob did everything to make us happy, Mrs. Picky ordered the carrot halwa. The service is fast, the food is delicious, and I would love to try the buffet. Although we are 2 hours south we will come back again and again, the food was all good and flavorful.
(5)
Natasha K.
this place looks really sketchy on the outside. but its amazing food and great service. awesome authentic indian food.
(5)
Erin H.
Oh my god. Did I just come in on an off day? This place was recommended to me by a friend who claimed that the food was amazingly better than India Palace. We finally got the chance to go, so there you have it. We walk into this dark, oddly deocrated place. The tables and chairs remind me of the 1980's, and there's this weird platform in the middle of the room with an electrical pole. If the pole had been cylindrical I would have thought it was a stripper pole. Anyway-- we're seated and given no instructions as to what we should do. Get up and serve ourselves at the buffet...? So we go to the buffet area (if you can call it that) and all the food is in these individual pots that I assume have heaters beneath them. Regardless, the food was slightly cool and judging from their recent health inspection score, I'm sure not too safe. At any rate, it was slim pickins' for good food. They had lamb chilly on the bar which I was happy about, but then I tried it and it turned out to be lamb jerky. So tough and dry...GAWD. Good flavor though, I guess. Then they had some chicken in sauce thing I'd never heard of, and the chicken had the oddest texture ever. It was like firm tofu! Once again, the sauce tasted good but the chicken put me off too much. They had the standard dal, which was very spicy, and some curried cabbage which was ok, and they had the tandoori chicken, but it was not good at all. Compared to roachy-India Palace, it couldn't stand up. Their vegetable pakoras REALLY disappointed me. The breading tasted like a cake donut. WTF? Gross. And you should have seen the fish pakoras and the skwered shrimp. Both were just sitting in a hotel pan on the table. No heat to keep it warm. Gross. The place was just a giant waste of money. I left starving. It wasn't that I didn't try, either. I gave it my best and even got two plates just to try everything. Unfortunately it was garbage. And the worst part was I know the waiter guy could tell that we hated every bit of it. He just charged us for the full amount for 6 ounces of food we ate and said nothing. Guh. I just want some freakin' good lamb vindaloo and vegetable korma. Is that too much to ask?
(1)
Michael R.
Not quite what I was looking for tonight. There is a better version of this Restaurant in downtown Salem. I probably not come back.
(2)
Brant W.
For my 30th Birthday we decided to have food catered, and we stopped by to see if Star of India would be up to the task. Simply put, they were wonderful to work with. Helped plan a menu, and get this - they offered to deliver it on the day because we were so busy and some people were late arriving to the party! Great service and the food was a big hit at the party. Also got a gallon jug of fresh Mango Lassi, yum!
(5)
M Q.
Tried the Biryani Price is $15.99 but not that good
(1)
Kristine Y.
Terrible buffet. Feels like this restaurant went out of business & is being run by someone new. Service was not good at all, food cold. Nan was the worst I've had in a long time. Just awful. Maybe this was an off day..... but I somehow feel it must not be the case. Guy working smelled like cigarettes while filling up drinks. I'll be heading to India Palace next time!
(1)
Aych E.
I have been to this restaurant many times, but today is the last day I will go there. I finally had the worst Indian meal I have ever had. My last several visits to this restaurant (always for the lunch buffet) were disappointing. Today was beyond disappointing. It was nearly inedible. My companion and I were in and out of the restaurant in twelve minutes, both still hungry after tasting everything in the buffet. The food is bland (no layered, complex indian spicing), and in many cases incorrectly prepared. Today, the Aloo potato featured crunchy potatoes. The Veggie Saag had a very off caramel flavor -- have you ever heard of a flavor of caramelized something in Indian? (The saag actually WAS inedible). It was 12:15 when we walked into the restaurant, yet the food was lukewarm. The restaurant was nearly empty, except for a few tables. One of the tables had two ladies who were unfamiliar with Indian food. How unfortunate for them that this was their introduction. I highly recommend that you pass this restaurant by. To the owner, if you read this: you need to hire a good Indian chef and start serving better food. The few people left who are patronizing your restaurant are surely not going to give you yet another chance. Don't waste your time and money doing the same thing you have been doing for the past year.
(1)
Jacob D.
This is a very good Indian restaurant. Excellent vegetarian selection, very good lunch buffet with maybe ten different options. I especially like the way the buffet was presented in large copper tureens instead of boring old chafing dishes with sterno underneath. I was there at lunch time but it seems like it would be a pretty hip place to take a girl on a date especially if she hasn't had Indian food before. The lunch buffet was a little bit expensive, but then I am comparing it to Evergreen Indian Restaurant in Corvallis, which is ridiculously cheap for the lunch buffet.
(4)
Elizabeth N.
Just had a great meal! Good for sharing if you're in a group.
(5)
Kelly J.
A Salem gem, go for the buffet
(5)
Zoe D.
Much better than the India Palace (which for years was the only Indian place and just about the only "ethnic" place in town). There buffet is more unique than many Indian restaurants but nothing too scary for the hordes of "Indian food newbies" I've brought here. My Indian friends dine here regularly as do others "in the know". There customer service has gone downhill a bit since they started out (they used to have a number of Mexican-American students for their waitstaff who were VERY helpful and friendly and efficient) but seem to be similarly structured and limited to family now, as is the India Palace. I hope that doesn't mean that the food will follow suit but, so far so good. I wish Salem could have sustained all four Indian restaurants which existed simultaneously for a short while.
(4)
T. N.
I love Indian food and was so disappointed with this place. The biggest problem was that the food is cold!! We had their buffet lunch and when you scoop onto your plate, the food is warm. By the time you bring the food to the table to eat, it's warm to cold. It is such a shame cause there were a few dishes that would actually be quite tasty if it was experienced warm to hot. The rice was terribly cool and some was clustered together still and hard. I found this place on yelp when we were heading to the Oregon State Fair...I was craving for Indian food very badly, but too bad I left the place still hungry and unsatified. Also I found the consistency of their dishes to be very watery. Their tandoori grilled chicken was good though. But they got to change the way they keep their food heated. Those pots are nice but they don't do the job.
(2)
G P.
I had the lunch buffet. The food was fair, and very mildly spiced. Too mild for my taste. There weren't any standout dishes on the lunch buffet, but the place was clean and the service was good.
(2)
Adam M.
no no no no no, can't believe anyone gave this a good review. Should have turned around and left immediately and saved myself time, money and an upset stomach. Bland food would have been an improvement compared to the flavors of the food and the amount of grease and whatever else was in the buffet dishes. Service was well below par and I think the health department needs to make a visit real soon.
(1)
Yasmien H.
So good. Service was great and the food was amazing. We had the Chickien Tiki Masala and the Chicken Vindaloo. we got an order of naan also... everything was beyond tasty.
(5)
jayokayo k.
I hope it's not too arrogant to say, but I know Indian food. I grew up on it in the UK. This place is really very good. It should go without saying: don't come expecting a fancy place... and sometimes they get my order mixed up.... but really, who cares? this is very good food and it's pretty cheap. It's a hidden gem.... And it's in Salem.... Who knew? EDIT: I read the other reviews. Don't come expecting anything fancy. Think: hole in the wall with amazing food.
(5)
Nan L.
A bit impossible to find since it's in a shopping strip hidden behind building so it wasn't visible in the main street. I was hoping for some stellar food since the locals gave it rave review. I didn't catch the buffet hours, so I've ordered tandoori masala lamb and must of been dealing with the b-crew in the kitchen. Hard rice and chewy lamb, hardly appetizing, saved from one star because of the decent yogurt. The restaurant was empty so I had no idea why the chef was in a rush. Sorry one strike and out for me.
(2)
Eric-Nikki F.
me: Excuse me, I ordered the Samosa platter waiter: No, you ordered the appetizer platter That conversation lasted for about 5 mins, and after everyone at my table confirmed that I ordered the Samosa platter, he finally changed my order. I love samosa, naan and tandori, and I never order anything else. The food was good, once I got past the bitter taste of service.
(2)
Risa C.
WORST INDIAN FOOD!!! Do not go here!! 4 out of 6 dishes are watery and completely flavorless. Tandoori chicken is bland, not even marinated and to top it off, COMPLETELY BURNT! Naan is cold. Everything is awful! They don't even have tikka masala! When asked what was wrong with the food, they didn't offer even an apology! This place used to have AMAZING Indian food. Sad to see that is no longer the case.
(1)
Ana P.
I love star of India!!!! It's not because I work there.. It's because the food is incredible!! You should come and try the best Indian food in Oregon!!
(5)
Ellen F.
My parents brought me here for the buffet when I was home last week. The food was delicious and there was a lot to choose from. The staff is nice and the restaurant is very clean (unlike another Indian place I've been to in Salem). I would definitely recommend Star of India. Their food is a little spicier than some Indian I've had, but it didn't distract from the flavor of the food.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Adam L.
Been eating here about once a week for the past several months, during my assignment in Salem. Good mint chutney Great Aloo Gobi Good chicken dishes Not spicy unless you ask for it Probably a 3 star, but the staff has been very friendly and the price is right.
(4)John S.
This has to be my favorite restaurant in Salem. I love their lunch and dinner buffets. There's always a variety of dishes to try and something for most every taste. Try the vindaloo and the butter chicken, they are always solid favorites.
(5)J H.
This review is limited to ordering off the menu. I have not had the buffet and so cannot comment. That said....This place has the best Indian food I have EVER tasted! And I'll agree with Zoe D. it's WAY better than India Palace. I have been to as many Indian restaurants as I can find and this is by far the best! Even now that I live in Los Angeles - I have found nothing comparable yet!! Everything I have had here has been delicious. The Chicken Tandoori (as well as the Chicken Tikka) is mouthwatering and perfectly spicy (I like it with a little kick!). The Chicken Makahani (butter chicken) is to die for! Pair it with the Chateau Indage Merlot and you are in for a treat! The service when I first started going to the Star was definitely wanting, but with the economy picking back up they have hired additional servers and things seem to be getting better. This is a 5 star restaurant (as far as the food goes) hidden in the trash-heap that is Lancaster. The location is not the best - in a rather non-descript strip mall behind Circle K. The restaurant itself is very clean and the owner often greeted us during our meal to make sure everything was acceptable. One time when it was not (I was served the wrong dish because they were training a new cook), the owner went back and re-made the order himself AND made an extra batch to send home with me!! Talk about pride in your product! If you live in the Salem area and you enjoy Indian food, I highly recommend that you give the Star of India a try. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Nando V.
I saw some of the reviews on this place and some were pretty low. I was skeptical bout trying it but my sister vouched for this place and if she said is good then im not gonna question her im gonna trust her word. Walking in the place looked a little dead, maybe because we were the only ones there except for the hostess and the cook. I was walking to the table with a unsettle feeling in my stomach knowing if its bad my stomach is the one paying for it later. We sat down but it was so annoying cuz next door was a gambling room and u could hear from our table were gaming sounds LOUD GAMING NOISES! I was getting a headache already i was off to bad start. We ordered naan, garlic naan, tandoori chicken, butter chicken, a shrimp dish and i got the curry goat. I kept looking at the kitchen and the cook was a creepy tall dark man that kept looking at me, that was weird. We got our food it smelled heavenly the tandoori chicken was still sizzling the goat curry was to die for it was kinda spicy and full of flavor. By this time i was so into the food that i didnt realize that the sounds from next door stopped. I was enjoying everything about i was indulged in every bite of food that i even bit down on my tongue so hard :( that was a spoiler because i was really enjoying the food and the company of my family. Any who even with a wounded tongue i continued to eat the flavorful food. Only reason i took one star ofd was because the damn game room next door. The service was great the food was great, sad part is that this place is so far from my house but i shall return when i come to visit in the future. Give this place a try u wont be disappointed. My sister told me they also do a buffet so u might want to try that bit i like to order off the menu because u can always take the left overs home and enjoy them the next day all over again.
(4)brady g.
Been there 3 times for dinner now. Each time we were the only ones in the restaurant except for the ones playing video lottery. That's probably not a good sign.... The service is fast, possibly because we're the only ones there; and that's kinda where the positive things stop. The food is really over priced for the portion size ($13 for a small bowl of chicken with some sauce and plain rice? Common...), the naan bread is at least another $2 when it should be included, the naan is always over cooked, every sauce I've ever had seems way more watery than it should be, everything is blan, they make you share a rice bowl instead of getting your own, and the rice is somehow dry? Separated? Something is slightly off, I don't know what. Oh, and the paint job looks like it was done by middle schoolers and the decor about 25 years old, but I didn't take that into account for the 2 stars. So give the place a try, but be prepared for mediocre. Sad because I really want to like it but...
(2)Allen T.
Their lunch buffet was fantastic. Veggie pakoras (battered, deep fried veggies), butter chicken, goat curry, and the tandoori chicken were my favorites. Good Naan too, Good service. We will definitely return.
(5)Lewis Marklin M.
I love Indian food, especially for lunch. This is a great little spot tucked away in a spot that is a little hard to find so you may to follow your GPS. The owners are very nice and friendly. It is more than enough to get me my Indian fix. Mango smoothie is great, the hot Nan bread just keeps coming, smiles all around, but they are closed on Monday's and I don't know what it is about me and Monday's but I have headed over here so many times on a Monday to be reminded time and time again that they are closed that day! Grrr
(4)Crystal H.
I'm a massive Indian food lover and I travel a lot and had a lot of Indian across the nation. This has extremely misleading reviews. The butter chicken taste like chef boyardee with sugar. The potatoes in the vegetable dishes taste rotten. A the raita sauce taste spoiled. I had 5 bites and stopped eating. This is one of the poorest lunch buffets I've ever had and I'm extremely disappointed by the false reviews and disgusting food. The naan is doughy. I'm forcing myself to eat it because I'm hungry but take it from me: A buffet that is only $10 and that includes soft drink ... STAY AWAY FROM! They should be embarrassed to call this Indian food. I'm pretty upset to waste $10 and walk away hungry. I can not eat much more of this poor excuse they consider "Indian food". In fact, I just walked out. I couldn't eat anymore. Do not eat here if you know what real Indian food taste like.
(1)Kyle S.
I've eaten Indian food in California, Washington, and Texas. This was the worst curry I have ever tasted, including frozen meals. It should not be called Indian food.
(1)Vaishali B.
Nice place with enough seating area. The host was nice and welcoming. Food tasted good, although the proportion of spices was little off. We had chicken seekh kabaab, baigan bharta and mushroom matar - tasted good! Good place for decent Indian food
(4)Michael S.
I've eaten at 3 of the Indian restaurants in Salem (The Star of India, Taj Mahal & India Palace) and this one is the best, hands down. The location is kind of weird to get to on Lancaster and from the outside, the restaurant looks kind of cheesy. But the inside was nice, furniture well kept and comfortable, and everything was very clean (the other two Indian restaurants had issues with cleanliness even though their food was pretty good too). The service was friendly, attentive, and responded to us promptly and accurately. Lastly and most importantly, the food was awesome! The Chicken Tikki Masala was divine. The chunks of chicken were very tender and the spices were delightful. Portion sizes were nice; they refilled our rice bowl for free. I forgot the name of the Nan bread we had, it was stuffed with potatoes and peas... and oooooh so good! This place has become our new favorite. We loved it and look forward to going back. And again. And again. :)
(5)Becky D.
Well, the lunch buffet wasn't awful but not worth going back to either. Small selection which is fine if it's really well done. Unfortunately, this is not. Chicken Vindaloo tasted exactly like Nalley's canned chili, and the veggie pakoras consisted of half a dozen fried chunks of potato that looked like they were from last week. My biggest disappointment was the chicken tikka masala - all I could taste was raw tomato paste. So sad, it looks like I'll have to travel to Portland to get decent indian food.
(2)Don R.
Service was very nice. Food was prepared and delivered promptly Might have just been me, but not necessarily what I was after
(2)C C.
Excellent Indian food. The best in Salem.The chicken tikka masala is excellent as well as all of their veggie dishes. The only thing is it's not spice enough. We have even ordered extra spice and its medium+. Still very good food.
(5)Alison S.
Stopped in after usual round of shopping on Lancaster. Spotted this little gem on a search to break out of our routine. Lunch buffet being served. Nice variety. Surprisingly good green leaf lettuce salad with usual fixings available. Delicious take on the expected condiments: tamarind sauce, mint chutney and a cucumber and yogurt sauce, whose name escapes me. Vegetarian and chicken dishes mainly. I, personally, would have welcomed lamb in any form and kinda missed it. I overheard a customer give the tandoori chicken a bad review, but I was choosy enough to find a moist piece. One of the most delectable desserts I have ever put in my mouth: carrot, cashew, Indian milk(?), butter and something else equally delicious., cinnamon maybe?...I would think it worth it just for the Pakora, basmati rice and naan. 10 bucks is a great deal and includes a drink of your choice! I am a real customer.
(4)Prag M.
Worst Indian food I've had. Naan and pakoras were not fully cooked. The food was bland and the decor was ragged with bold sponge painting on the walls. I would normally give a place a second chance but this was too far off of edible. Host was very accommodating and pleasant so one star for her.
(1)Rachael B.
I've been a loyal customer since they opened. The best Indian food by far that I've tasted. I'm never disappointed when I leave just always extremely satisfied.
(4)Robin M.
This has turned into my favorite Indian place in the Salem area. Qualifiers: I've only ever been in for the lunch Buffet. (Which is closed on Mondays. More than once I've forgotten this on a Monday when I showed up craving Muttar Paneer or Butter Chicken.) However, the selection is very good, the food is delicious, Each time I've visited, the selection has been a little varied. It's nice to have the chance to try a lot of different things, including both meat and vegetarian options. The servers are attentive without hovering. They are quick to refill any buffet option that runs out. And I feel like the price is fair. The decor is nothing to write about. It's pretty simple, lacking in any real ambiance (for the lunch buffet) and not anything to write about. But its clean and the buffet table is pretty with the big copper tureens. I understand that they have entertainment in the evenings too. We were invited to come back for Belly dancing on the weekends and although we haven't made it yet, the idea sounds enchanting. Overall, the best choice for Indian in Salem, but not the best Indian I've ever had.
(4)Eva C.
The lunch buffet was fantastic! Lots of variety and food choices. Normally I would not spend $10+ for lunch (when you add in tip), but on occasion it's a treat! The restaurant looked very authentic and the buffet presentation was beautiful; not in pans like you would normally see at a buffet. Good variety although everything starts to look and taste the same after awhile...LOL! You definitely want to go hungry and forget about dieting! Can't wait to take my kids next time. They'll love it!
(4)Savannah Veronica J.
Ate here today, absolutely loved the lunch buffet. 8.99 includes a drink and all you can eat! Great service too, very attentive staff and I highly recommend asking for fresh naan, its absolutely remarkable! -SVJ
(5)Adrienne H.
I have eaten my fair amount of Indian food. I went in with my family and I ordered the lamb korma, Mr. Picky ordered the lamb saag and Mrs. Picky ordered the lamb karahi (we are a family of lamb eaters). The service was fast and the waiter, Bob, was friendly and helpful. We got the appetizer of Paneer Pakora and it was so tasty, I absolutely loved it. The food arrived and I was happy with what I ordered, it was delicious, the lamb on all our dishes was tender. I also tried a mango lassi and it was yummy. It was all delicious and Bob did everything to make us happy, Mrs. Picky ordered the carrot halwa. The service is fast, the food is delicious, and I would love to try the buffet. Although we are 2 hours south we will come back again and again, the food was all good and flavorful.
(5)Natasha K.
this place looks really sketchy on the outside. but its amazing food and great service. awesome authentic indian food.
(5)Erin H.
Oh my god. Did I just come in on an off day? This place was recommended to me by a friend who claimed that the food was amazingly better than India Palace. We finally got the chance to go, so there you have it. We walk into this dark, oddly deocrated place. The tables and chairs remind me of the 1980's, and there's this weird platform in the middle of the room with an electrical pole. If the pole had been cylindrical I would have thought it was a stripper pole. Anyway-- we're seated and given no instructions as to what we should do. Get up and serve ourselves at the buffet...? So we go to the buffet area (if you can call it that) and all the food is in these individual pots that I assume have heaters beneath them. Regardless, the food was slightly cool and judging from their recent health inspection score, I'm sure not too safe. At any rate, it was slim pickins' for good food. They had lamb chilly on the bar which I was happy about, but then I tried it and it turned out to be lamb jerky. So tough and dry...GAWD. Good flavor though, I guess. Then they had some chicken in sauce thing I'd never heard of, and the chicken had the oddest texture ever. It was like firm tofu! Once again, the sauce tasted good but the chicken put me off too much. They had the standard dal, which was very spicy, and some curried cabbage which was ok, and they had the tandoori chicken, but it was not good at all. Compared to roachy-India Palace, it couldn't stand up. Their vegetable pakoras REALLY disappointed me. The breading tasted like a cake donut. WTF? Gross. And you should have seen the fish pakoras and the skwered shrimp. Both were just sitting in a hotel pan on the table. No heat to keep it warm. Gross. The place was just a giant waste of money. I left starving. It wasn't that I didn't try, either. I gave it my best and even got two plates just to try everything. Unfortunately it was garbage. And the worst part was I know the waiter guy could tell that we hated every bit of it. He just charged us for the full amount for 6 ounces of food we ate and said nothing. Guh. I just want some freakin' good lamb vindaloo and vegetable korma. Is that too much to ask?
(1)Michael R.
Not quite what I was looking for tonight. There is a better version of this Restaurant in downtown Salem. I probably not come back.
(2)Brant W.
For my 30th Birthday we decided to have food catered, and we stopped by to see if Star of India would be up to the task. Simply put, they were wonderful to work with. Helped plan a menu, and get this - they offered to deliver it on the day because we were so busy and some people were late arriving to the party! Great service and the food was a big hit at the party. Also got a gallon jug of fresh Mango Lassi, yum!
(5)M Q.
Tried the Biryani Price is $15.99 but not that good
(1)Kristine Y.
Terrible buffet. Feels like this restaurant went out of business & is being run by someone new. Service was not good at all, food cold. Nan was the worst I've had in a long time. Just awful. Maybe this was an off day..... but I somehow feel it must not be the case. Guy working smelled like cigarettes while filling up drinks. I'll be heading to India Palace next time!
(1)Aych E.
I have been to this restaurant many times, but today is the last day I will go there. I finally had the worst Indian meal I have ever had. My last several visits to this restaurant (always for the lunch buffet) were disappointing. Today was beyond disappointing. It was nearly inedible. My companion and I were in and out of the restaurant in twelve minutes, both still hungry after tasting everything in the buffet. The food is bland (no layered, complex indian spicing), and in many cases incorrectly prepared. Today, the Aloo potato featured crunchy potatoes. The Veggie Saag had a very off caramel flavor -- have you ever heard of a flavor of caramelized something in Indian? (The saag actually WAS inedible). It was 12:15 when we walked into the restaurant, yet the food was lukewarm. The restaurant was nearly empty, except for a few tables. One of the tables had two ladies who were unfamiliar with Indian food. How unfortunate for them that this was their introduction. I highly recommend that you pass this restaurant by. To the owner, if you read this: you need to hire a good Indian chef and start serving better food. The few people left who are patronizing your restaurant are surely not going to give you yet another chance. Don't waste your time and money doing the same thing you have been doing for the past year.
(1)Jacob D.
This is a very good Indian restaurant. Excellent vegetarian selection, very good lunch buffet with maybe ten different options. I especially like the way the buffet was presented in large copper tureens instead of boring old chafing dishes with sterno underneath. I was there at lunch time but it seems like it would be a pretty hip place to take a girl on a date especially if she hasn't had Indian food before. The lunch buffet was a little bit expensive, but then I am comparing it to Evergreen Indian Restaurant in Corvallis, which is ridiculously cheap for the lunch buffet.
(4)Elizabeth N.
Just had a great meal! Good for sharing if you're in a group.
(5)Kelly J.
A Salem gem, go for the buffet
(5)Zoe D.
Much better than the India Palace (which for years was the only Indian place and just about the only "ethnic" place in town). There buffet is more unique than many Indian restaurants but nothing too scary for the hordes of "Indian food newbies" I've brought here. My Indian friends dine here regularly as do others "in the know". There customer service has gone downhill a bit since they started out (they used to have a number of Mexican-American students for their waitstaff who were VERY helpful and friendly and efficient) but seem to be similarly structured and limited to family now, as is the India Palace. I hope that doesn't mean that the food will follow suit but, so far so good. I wish Salem could have sustained all four Indian restaurants which existed simultaneously for a short while.
(4)T. N.
I love Indian food and was so disappointed with this place. The biggest problem was that the food is cold!! We had their buffet lunch and when you scoop onto your plate, the food is warm. By the time you bring the food to the table to eat, it's warm to cold. It is such a shame cause there were a few dishes that would actually be quite tasty if it was experienced warm to hot. The rice was terribly cool and some was clustered together still and hard. I found this place on yelp when we were heading to the Oregon State Fair...I was craving for Indian food very badly, but too bad I left the place still hungry and unsatified. Also I found the consistency of their dishes to be very watery. Their tandoori grilled chicken was good though. But they got to change the way they keep their food heated. Those pots are nice but they don't do the job.
(2)G P.
I had the lunch buffet. The food was fair, and very mildly spiced. Too mild for my taste. There weren't any standout dishes on the lunch buffet, but the place was clean and the service was good.
(2)Adam M.
no no no no no, can't believe anyone gave this a good review. Should have turned around and left immediately and saved myself time, money and an upset stomach. Bland food would have been an improvement compared to the flavors of the food and the amount of grease and whatever else was in the buffet dishes. Service was well below par and I think the health department needs to make a visit real soon.
(1)Yasmien H.
So good. Service was great and the food was amazing. We had the Chickien Tiki Masala and the Chicken Vindaloo. we got an order of naan also... everything was beyond tasty.
(5)jayokayo k.
I hope it's not too arrogant to say, but I know Indian food. I grew up on it in the UK. This place is really very good. It should go without saying: don't come expecting a fancy place... and sometimes they get my order mixed up.... but really, who cares? this is very good food and it's pretty cheap. It's a hidden gem.... And it's in Salem.... Who knew? EDIT: I read the other reviews. Don't come expecting anything fancy. Think: hole in the wall with amazing food.
(5)Nan L.
A bit impossible to find since it's in a shopping strip hidden behind building so it wasn't visible in the main street. I was hoping for some stellar food since the locals gave it rave review. I didn't catch the buffet hours, so I've ordered tandoori masala lamb and must of been dealing with the b-crew in the kitchen. Hard rice and chewy lamb, hardly appetizing, saved from one star because of the decent yogurt. The restaurant was empty so I had no idea why the chef was in a rush. Sorry one strike and out for me.
(2)Eric-Nikki F.
me: Excuse me, I ordered the Samosa platter waiter: No, you ordered the appetizer platter That conversation lasted for about 5 mins, and after everyone at my table confirmed that I ordered the Samosa platter, he finally changed my order. I love samosa, naan and tandori, and I never order anything else. The food was good, once I got past the bitter taste of service.
(2)Risa C.
WORST INDIAN FOOD!!! Do not go here!! 4 out of 6 dishes are watery and completely flavorless. Tandoori chicken is bland, not even marinated and to top it off, COMPLETELY BURNT! Naan is cold. Everything is awful! They don't even have tikka masala! When asked what was wrong with the food, they didn't offer even an apology! This place used to have AMAZING Indian food. Sad to see that is no longer the case.
(1)Ana P.
I love star of India!!!! It's not because I work there.. It's because the food is incredible!! You should come and try the best Indian food in Oregon!!
(5)Ellen F.
My parents brought me here for the buffet when I was home last week. The food was delicious and there was a lot to choose from. The staff is nice and the restaurant is very clean (unlike another Indian place I've been to in Salem). I would definitely recommend Star of India. Their food is a little spicier than some Indian I've had, but it didn't distract from the flavor of the food.
(5)