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Name: Ekta
Address: 250 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Telephone: (215) 426-2277
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.24

Ekta

250 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125

(215) 426-2277
Store is closed

Ekta Menu

Appetizer

Veg Samosa

Onion Bhaji

Samosa Chat

Aloo Aur Papri Chat

Garlic Kabob

Malai Seek Kabob

Kali Mirch Ka Machhli

Chicken Pakora

Cashew Roll

Rasila Kabob

Sam Savera
Biryani

Lamb Biryani

Chicken Biryani

Ekta Biryani

Shrimp Biryani

Vegetable Biryani
Bread

Naan

Peshawari Naan

Pudina Naan

Garlic Naan

Basil Naan

Hari Mirch Ka Naan

Tandoori Roti

Onion Naan

Alu Naan

Lachha Paratha

Rosemary Naan

Paneer Naan

Methi Ka Paratha

Palak Naan
Non-Vegetarian Main Course

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Curry

Butter Chicken

Kadai Chicken

Lamb Vindaloo

Lamb Saagwala

Lamb Chettinad

Ekta Shrimp

Chicken Vindaloo

Ekta Murg

Chicken Korma

Chicken Saagwala

Lamb Rogan Josh

Kadai Lamb

Lamb Korma

Goan Shrimp Curry

Lamb Malai Methi

Shrimptikka Masala

Ekta Shrimp
Side Orders

Papad

Mango Chutney

Plain Basmati Rice

Raita

Pickles

Onion Salad

Coconut Rice

Tamrind Rice
Vegetratian Main Course

Saag Aur Paneer

Dal Makhani

Alu Gobi

Masaladar Chola

Baigan Bharta

Kadai Paneer

Ekta Dal

Mutter Paneer

Paneer Tikka Masala

Malai Kofta

Navratana Curry

Bhindi Masala

Ekta Vegetables

Kachha Aam Ki Sabzi

Paneer Malai Methi

Paneer Mangoli
Beverages

Flavored Lassi

Sodas

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ekta

Appetizer

Veg Samosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Bhaji [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Samosa Chat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aloo Aur Papri Chat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Malai Seek Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kali Mirch Ka Machhli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cashew Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rasila Kabob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sam Savera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Biryani

Lamb Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ekta Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bread

Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peshawari Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pudina Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Basil Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hari Mirch Ka Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Roti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alu Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lachha Paratha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosemary Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Methi Ka Paratha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Palak Naan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Non-Vegetarian Main Course

Chicken Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butter Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kadai Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Vindaloo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Saagwala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Chettinad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ekta Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Vindaloo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ekta Murg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Korma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Saagwala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Rogan Josh [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kadai Lamb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Korma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Goan Shrimp Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Malai Methi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimptikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ekta Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Side Orders

Papad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango Chutney [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plain Basmati Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamrind Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetratian Main Course

Saag Aur Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dal Makhani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alu Gobi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Masaladar Chola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baigan Bharta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kadai Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ekta Dal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mutter Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Malai Kofta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Navratana Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bhindi Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ekta Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kachha Aam Ki Sabzi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Malai Methi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Mangoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages

Flavored Lassi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sodas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Monang S.

Awesome Indian food. Preferable if you take delivery or take-out.
(5)
Kathleen K.

I'm no expert on indian food, but we have had Ekta, Tiffin, and Mood multiple times each. I have to say that Ekta is the one we keep going back to. Great for carry out or dining in, it is always consistantly good. I love the Malai Kofta here and my husband loves the Goan shrimp curry. This is most certainly our go to for great Indian food
(5)
Kimberly N.

The meal was fine. Had I not had better Indian food in Philly, it would have gotten 3 stars. Hubby and I shared Papdi chaat, lamb korma, and garlic naan. The chaat seemed unusually watery and lacked serious depth of flavor. Lamb korma was good, though the lamb could have been softer. Naan was not crispy and garlic was undercooked. Friendly service. Idk, the food just seemed to kinda just ... Exist. The rice wasn't floral or anything, and was mushy. I guess it's in a good location, and is better than Tiffin. But make the travel to the Northeast for tastier Indian food. Won't be back to Ekta.
(2)
Nirmal U.

Had great expectations from this place after reading the reviews but was disappointed. I definitely have eaten better Indian food in Philly. Their non-vegetarian dishes were still better than their vegetarian counterparts.
(2)
Varun S.

Excellent food. I ordered the paneer tikka masala and the kadhai chicken and they were both spot on. Best meal I've had in Philadelphia so far!
(5)
Mr X.

I feel sorry for Philly! HOW ON EARTH can you have a LENTIL dish for 11.99 plus tax! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Is this Lentil (or anything else on the menu) cooked by the god Krishna him self? If you go up to Edison, NJ or better yet Jersey city you will pay HALF this much for an AUTHENTIC dish. Yes I understand our choices are limited in Philly as we speak BUT COME ON!
(1)
Holly N.

I'm glad this is the only indian food within my delivery range because it is phenomenal. A little on the pricier range (this coming from someone who's almost always broke--your opinion may vary) but snow, sleet or rain, ekta delivery is there for you, earlier than promised. I might add--I appreciate that their non-vegetarian dishes are referred to as "non-vegetarian." One thing--on busy nights, which are most nights, their phone is very busy and you might have to call a few times to get an answer! Don't give up.
(5)
Danie R.

Ekta was my go-to Indian spot when I lived on Shackamaxon. Although the cleanliness of this place was constantly in question, the deliciousness of the place is undeniable. Um, YUM?!? Yes. I think at one point or another, I've eaten just about all the vegetarian dishes that they've had to offer and they're always really good. I highly recommend anything with paneer or nuts in them. Also, their naan is banging. Delivery is pretty quick too. -1 stars for their questionable cleanliness.
(4)
Melissa H.

Ekta had been on my list of places to check out for at least a year, and on a sunny but cold afternoon, I finally made the trip to Fishtown to check it out. Perhaps it was an off-day at Ekta, but the experience left me a little underwhelmed (and sad that Ekta wouldn't be my go-to for Indian food in Philadelphia). Food 3.5/5: We were seated quickly with waters and papadam and chutney. We ordered the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Mirch Tikka. The shrimp curry had large prawns that weren't overcooked (but did have the texture of being slightly undercooked), rich coconut, onion and tomato sauce and a side of basmati rice. The mirch tikka was a bit drier than anticipated with a thin marinade of sour cream and chili peppers. It was listed as "Too Spicy" but lacked the promised kick despite some light heat. The basmati rice served was light and fluffy, but room temperature. Good portion sizes all around. Atmosphere 3.5/5: There were a few other customers in for an early dinner, but otherwise the place was next to empty. Clean, well-kept but slightly cold (temperature) and not particularly decorated or done up in any way. The lack of decor did leave the impression that their focus was only on the food, not on the ambiance. Service: 3.5/5: We had minimal interaction with our server aside from ordering. The meal largely felt like a business transaction rather than a dining experience. We asked if there was tea or hot water (since it was cold out) and after a round, were told that the kitchen was out. As soon as we were finished, the general vibe was to urge us to pay and leave. Overall, decent food and good portion sizes. Large selection of menu items. But food, service and atmosphere lacked the finesse to go from good to great.
(3)
Effie K.

Mmmmmmm.... the food here is so good that it has carved out its own special niche in my food cravings. When that craving comes on nothing else will do. The flavors in the dishes are complex and refined. The prices are a bit too high or I would order way more often.
(4)
Elicia G.

super yum. I got the chicken tikka masala and could NOT have been happier. others said when getting food delivered that they skimped on the chicken. but they were generous with my order. will DEF order again.
(5)
Juno J.

Ekta was very delicious! It is definitely a good place to go with groups so that you can try/share many different plates. We ordered 6 different dishes, my favorites being the Kachha Aam Ki Sabzi, the Bhindi Masala and the Goan Shrimp Curry. Good prices and lots of food!
(4)
Danielle G.

We ordered delivery one snowy Thursday evening on a lazy, lazy whim. Best decision ever! Even in the pouring snow, the delivery driver was at my door within 15 minutes and the food was piping hot. Veggie samosas are killer and the naan is extra fluffy.
(5)
Bill K.

Ekta is prob my favorite Indian restaurant, but Tiffin is a close 2nd; I've frequented both Fishtown & Bryn Mawr locations. Last night I got takeout for two ($44 cost sans tip). (This was one of 3 Indian meals this week, each of which included Vindaloo - my favorite Goan dish). So which is better - Ekta or Tiffin? Fishtown has both and provides a great locale for comparison (which isn't exactly what I did). We started our meal with their Aaloo Aur Papri Chat (once one of Philly Weekly's 50 Foods to Eat), which was nicely crunchy (even an hour after pickup) and wonderfully tasty. We had delicious Peshawari Naan (superior to Tiffin's and served with two chutneys - a mango & another that was crazy-fun-hot) with our two (2) mains. I quite enjoyed the flavorful Shrimp Tikka Masala, but my gal (who isn't a BIG eater) didn't go for seconds on that. I'm not a fan of the dull white bird, but we got Chicken Vindaloo because she isn't a big fan of lamb (admittedly, my favorite meat). We also shared the leftover Vindaloo from Tiffin, which we both found more flavorful than Ekta's and of which she had seconds AND took the leftover leftovers to work today; she WAS digging it, which was merited. Overall, though, our Ekta/Tiffin comparison proved inconclusive; we'll have to try again with different dishes.
(5)
Andrea V.

If this review was based solely on food, it would be 5 stars. I mean, I just licked the tupperware container that held my leftovers. This food is Eastern soul food. My friend and I had the sam savera appetizer, lamb chettinad, lamb tikka masala, garlic naan, and spinach naan. Skip the sam savera; it was good, but it's just sausage. Go for a different appetizer. Both lamb dishes were phenomenal, and the naan was great, too. The spinach naan was a delight to eat on its own. It didn't even need to be dipped into any sauce. Ekta loses a star for the location and the (lack of) ambiance. The neighborhood didn't bother me but I can see how some might find it a bit sketchy at night. More importantly, It isn't convenient to most of the city and while I hear they have a wide delivery radius, I don't fall into it. Therefore, even though the food is glorious, I can't be a frequent customer unless I want to spend 35-40 mins each way on the subway. If I am going to put in that kind of travel time, it's nice to have some ambiance. I know the decor isn't really the point, but with such good food one hopes for the whole experience to match up. As for the prices...well, I think the food's worth it. You will not regret dropping $15 for an entree here, trust me.
(4)
Jemma C.

At long last I found somewhere. Best Indian takeout in Philly by far! Excellent service, fantastic food and reasonable prices. Love this place.
(4)
S S.

Ekta's Chicken Tikka Masala is out of this world! ...burp... Always fresh, consistently good, and fast delivery.
(5)
Mallory D.

Although I am an Indian food novice, I know amazing food when I taste it! If you are sick of the standard pizza, hoagie, cheesesteak callout options and live close to Ekta, you must give them a try. Due to my aforementioned novice status, I played it safe and ordered chicken tikka masala. The sauce was so delicious, that the chicken was really an afterthought. I could make a meal out of that sauce alone, which I pretty much did with my garlic naan, also delicious. I also highly recommend the coconut rice. The food here is slightly more expensive than your typical callout food, but it is so much better. They also give you quite a bit, so you can make two meals out of it. And they deliver to Port Richmond! I can't wait to try more of their delicious food.
(5)
Dee J.

Tiffin, which is not too far away from Ekta, used to be my go to spot for good Indian delivery. However, Ekta takes the cake for delicious Indian food in my Fishtown hood. The lamb tikka masala is delicious, as well as, the paneer sagwala. Additionally, the samosas are hot with a crispy crust. I like to top of my fabulous Ekta cuisine with a mango lassi & their cheese naan. If you visit Ekta, it's definitely not fancy, and a very casual dining experience. Which makes it all the better, as the price is very fair.
(4)
Alyssa N.

When we moved to Frankford Ave, one of the first places we ordered takeout from was Ekta. This place has some of the best Indian food I've had in Philly. The menu is great and it doesn't take long to get your food. We frequently call in and go pick up. They have another location near the main line as well. Definitely must try!
(5)
Brian M.

For delivery/takeout, I'd consider eating from here again. Dining in...no. Came here Friday night, table for two. The small dining room was packed, unsurprisingly, and we were told we could wait by the door. Sure. Another couple came in, were told the same. No system for reservations, just wait for a table so when one freed up it was pretty much whoever grabbed it first. The second couple stepped outside to wait as the inside is cramped and lost their table to another group who slipped in right when a table freed up. Annoying. The service was similarly aloof. As others have said these people (Ekta employees, not Indians you racist monster) are not service oriented; it's what do you want, serve, get out. Another annoyance was the fact that they bill themselves as a BYO yet (despite a bottle being on the table) we had to flag someone down to get glasses. And don't expect an ice bucket, the table next to us asked and were told the best they can do is, uh, pop it in the fridge in the back. No thanks. The food was solid and cheap. Granted I am no Indian food expert but I did enjoy it. Watch the samosa chat, shit's spicy. The lamb in my chettinad was a bit sinewy and very dry as well. Not the best but the sauce was awesome, nice bit of spice. Tried some chicken korma as well which had nice cashew flavor without being too heavy. Definitely worth grabbing for takeout or delivery.
(3)
Akshay N.

Food was amazing I try malai kofta it's good and dessert I try gulab jamun it's to hard
(4)
Nicole E.

Easily the best Indian food I've ever had. I am not a hugely picky eater, and am fairly easily satisfied, but ordering takeout from Ekta has caused me to desire this place and no other. My husband and I have shared the lamb vindaloo (spicy even for his high, mouth-on-fire standards!), garlic naan (I don't eat gluten so I don't know, but it looked and smelled like heaven), paneer malai methi (pretty much the best food I have ever had, EVER, all categories considered... omg, so good), and malai kofta (also incredible). The service was great - they delivered within 40 minutes on a snowy Friday evening, and were sweet and friendly. The dishes came with perfectly seasoned and cooked rice. I could not get over the perfect flavor and seasoning - man, my mouth is watering now. Highly recommend! Reasonable prices, good location. Do it! =)
(5)
nic j.

Simply put I love this place. I must have eaten here a few dozen times, if I count take out/delivery. I have never been disappointed or underwhelmed. Every time I wish my guy was bigger so I could keep eating the delicious food. The dine-in atmosphere is great its not as loud as many of the nearby options which is nice. Waiters are always attentive. Cheap enough to bring friends and upscale enough for dinner with parents (the kind where they pay for your meal) If you are new to Indian food then this is a great place to start. If you are an old pro they can satisfy you here also. I don't think I have ever order the same thing twice and loved everything I have eaten.
(5)
Basil M.

This has to be one of the biggest yelp let downs ever. 4.5 stars?!? Seriously? What a joke. It's places like this that makes me want to rethink yelp. I chose this place solely based on the reviews and placed an order for delivery. I'm guessing people who give this place more than one star have no concept of what Indian food should taste like... They probably consider Taco Bell fine Mexican food. We ordered the chicken biryani, tandoori chicken, mirchi tikka, seekh kabob, chicken biryani, chicken tikka masala, raita and naan. The naan were good - and they better be at $2.50 each when other places charge about half of that. The kabobs were dry and rock hard. The tandoori chicken was bland. The mirchi tikka was one of the worst thugs I have ever eaten - anywhere. Such an odd after taste. It was gross. The biryani and CTM were just ok.... And to put a cherry on top - the bill was $82.00. Overpriced and definitely over hyped. I will NEVER be back, even if it's free.
(1)
Casey R.

This place really takes Indian food to the next level. Wanting to warm up recently with spice we ventured down girard thanks to a recommendation from Blake F. We were very pleased with the food. When we arrived it was a little confusing as no one was in the dining room and we had to go to the takeout side to get someone to seat us. No biggie, they were clearly way busier with take out and delivery due to the cold. After we were seated another table filled in as well, providing great eavesdropping on an awkward first date. I ordered the Mutter Paneer and it was delicious, great balance between the ingredients and slight spice. Clay got a spicy lamb dish that he also enjoyed. We skipped the appetizers but did order garlic naan which was also quite good. We both had food to take home and it reheated great for lunch the next day. The service was prompt and the food came out quickly. I know we will be back soon.
(4)
Angie K.

This is my favorite Indian restaurant in Philly. I was a Tiffin lover, but I converted, and now I am trying to convert others into this religion. First off, delivery. I don't know about you guys, but when I order delivery, I'm hungry when I order, not an hour later when it arrives. Who orders in advance like that? Well maybe diligent people, but I'm not one of those. When Tiffin says their food will take 1 hour 15 mins, it does (give or take 5 mins). When Ekta says their food will take 1 hr 15 mins, it delivers in 45. This has happened on multiple occasions. Hooray! I think all their food is better than that of Tiffin's. The saag paneer is claimed to be wonderful by my friends (I am not a fan of this dish in general), I love the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, naan, the lamb biryani, etc. etc. If you want spicy, it comes out madd spicy. Like...tears-dripping-into-your-dish spicy. Nice! I've dined in also. It's modest like its rival, and service was great and attentive! The area can seem a bit rough, so there's plenty of street parking.
(5)
S P.

(Hastags) best Indian, lamb korma, chicken tikka, paneer whatever!! Our favorite Indian restaurant in the city by far. We order this food for delivery every couple of months or so. We haven't found something that we don't like. We do find that some of the appetizers like the tandoori meats are a little small but they still taste great.
(5)
Katie L.

Yes. Yes, please. And yes again. Ekta is a small and unexpected gem on a stretch of Girard that feels a little hmmm... after dark, but it is worth the journey. I am uncertain if they take reservations, but it might be recommended as there are only a few tables. Don't be confused - you enter through the area that looks like take-out only, and the dining room as adjacent. We showed up a little bit early for my taste (around 6:00), but that was a fortunate decision as they tables had filled up by the time we were done. For the food - really solid, well-prepared, thoughtful, not outrageously priced Indian food. The tasty sauces that came with our chapati were delicious. We went with a dahl makhani, alu gobi, and the chicken biryani. Would probably trade in the biryani next time for a different meat choice - it was kind of underwhelming, but the accompanying raita made the dish. It's BYO and bring your appetite, too, because there seem to be lots of delicious things to try.
(5)
Christina R.

This is my go to place for Indian fare. I must admit, I typically call for delivery... And I should offer a little advice if you are interested in doing the same. The wait time for it is an excess of an hour, so planning ahead is very helpful if one is looking to eat at a specific time. My go to choices are samosa chaat, garlic naan, mango chicken, saag aurr paneer... I'd like to try different things, but these are always so good!
(5)
David C.

I came here with some friends to celebrate my best man's wife's birthday a couple of weeks ago. The wait staff was a little pushy for my liking, but overall they didn't negatively impact the experience. I ordered the garlic naan and was disappointed with the serving size. I had the lamb vindaloo for my entree, which raised the eyebrows of the wait staff as it was one of the spiciest dishes on the meal. It certainly lived up to the billing. I think that the level of heat actually made the lamb taste better, as it covered up the gaminess of the meat and brought out the lamb's flavor. Prices are acceptable, and I would imagine you aren't going to find a much better Indian place in Fishtown, although there are better places in the city if you are willing to travel.
(3)
K. A. N. A. K.

The delivery guy is a HERO.
(5)
timothy b.

We came here with a group of 12 and the table was ready when we arrived. The ambience isn't great but it was a comfortable enough space. The waiters were efficient and nice. Our appetizers came out quickly and were delicious. Samosas and papadum. It's BYOB, which we didn't realize. The nearest beer store was about .4 miles down the street. Unfortunately for us, another large group sat down not long after we did. For whatever reason, their food came out first. This resulted in a very long wait for our food, about 60 minutes. When the food did come it was delicious. Saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, dal makhani, bengan bharta and various naans. It was generally agreed that everything was amazing except the eggplant. It had a tartness that was unusual. The waiter had no problem providing a birthday candle on a kofta desert, which was cool. I'm sure if you came here with a smaller group, or were not seated at the same time as another large group, everything would be fine. The food was delicious. I'd go back.
(4)
Enid C.

Whoever decided that quality Indian food should be accessible via delivery should be given some sort of medal or ridiculously-sized trophy. Ekta has (in my very narrow opinion) the best Indian food the city has to offer, and it gets at least fourteen bonus points for having spot on delivery service. But apparently, you can eat in too! This locale on East Girard has two sections: first there is the fluorescently-lit take out/delivery portion, then you walk through this empty abyss (perfect for hiding secret treasure or a body) into the exotic, romanticly-lit dining room. Service is impeccable, and you will always find your water glass more than half full. (and that's not a metaphor, I'm being literal here) If you find yourself here, order the Goan shrimp curry - it's delicious. The saag paneer is my personal favorite of all the saags I've paneered. The lamb vindaloo is pretty standard, but great for that spicy kick (though the food masochists like me should order it *extra* spicy). If you ever have a craving for anything even remotely Indian, Ekta should be your go-to. Just pick up the phone. You don't even have to be wearing pants while you do it!!
(4)
Nou B.

I was really surprised how could anyone give less than 5 stars for this Indian restaurant The food is so delicious and so good I've tried a lot of Indian restaurant but this one is one of the best Indian food in the United States You will never regret going there i love it
(5)
Elizabeth B.

Nom nom nom nom nom.... I love me some Indian food and this place is really great. The saag paneer was amazing, the chhola was spicy, the dal delicious, the mango chicken a fave with The Boy, and I ate up all the butter chicken in a hot minute. Bonus: they deliver! As always, price is an issue, but only because I want to EAT IT ALL so unless I'm at an Indian buffet, my pockets be empty.
(5)
Kelly C.

Woah! Can't believe I haven't written a review of Ekta yet. I've been a regular for pretty much as long as they've been open. Great take out, and they have a small dining room now too. Great place for a simple date that doesn't feel like a big to-do. I have yet to find any other Indian food in the city that compares. Karma in Old City is a close 2nd. My favorite way to order is while sitting in traffic on 95-S and then picking up after taking the Girard exit to avoid the rest of the traffic on 95. If traffic starts flowing and I have some time to wait in the take out area, I love watching them place the naan into the tandoori or pulling it out with the irons.
(5)
Shawndra W.

This has become my go to Indian Restaurant in the neighborhood. Overall, I prefer it over Mood and Tiffin but all have dishes I prefer over the others. I have ordered here 15 times easily and my go to order is garlic naan, veggie samosas, lamb vindaloo, and chicken tikka masala. The chicken tikka Masala is my favorite. It is a thick creamy consistency with a very distinct taste. The lamb vindaloo is appropriately spicy with very good flavor but unfortunately the lamb is not the most tender. Mood wins hands down of the tenderness of the lamb dishes. Veggie samosas are good. Not overburdened with peas, which is a pet peeve of mine and very good flavor. They send plenty of flavorful white rice but I believe you can get brown by request. They almost always deliver faster than they quote me also and I have never had an issue with my order. I highly recommend giving this place a try. I admit I haven't explored the menu much because my go-tos are always so good!
(4)
Rebecca S.

Chicken tikka masala and garlic naan, ya dig? Once a month my work team gets together for a little catch up session over lunch, it's hard to get the four of us together regularly working in the four corners of the city and with jam packed schedules so when the boss sent iCal invites asking our availability for a rendezvous at Ekta the positive RSVP's flooded in faster than you can say biryani. We took a little bit of time to chat about work things (see what I did there?) before diving into orders of veg samosa followed by tikka masala, goan curry, and both wheat and garlic naan. I feel like chicken tikka masala is such a bullshit order here simply because there are so many other wonderful dishes to choose from, but at the same time it's a pretty standard dish that you can use as a benchmark in determining quality. Honestly, I'm not sure why I even bothered...it was so damn delicious I should have just trusted the reviews and gone with something a bit more adventurous. I didn't, my bad, but now understand why Ekta consistently gets such high marks. We all loved our lunches so much that we decided that all future monthly meetings will take place here because we have some serious menu exploring to do. We were able to knock out a ton of work because the lunch crowd was non-existent, an issue we always run into when meetings are downtown, plus parking is easy enough to find without having to pay for meters and lots. I'm definitely looking forward to many more visits here in the future and fully recommend Ekta for dine in or take-out whether you live near or far.
(5)
Fan L.

Oh Ekta. How we'll miss your completely deserted dining area and unbelievably amazing mango curry (Paneer Mangoli, or anything that has this delicious sauce). + Did I already mention the mango curry? garlic naan byob cheap - not the best neighborhood mediocre-to-awkward service
(5)
Jenny P.

Loved their Indian vegetable... The dal makhani was okish... The garlic naan was really soft even wen we ordered home delivery... The delivery takes 50 mins or so...so u better order ahead..that cuts 1 star for me..since I can't wait that long wen I am hungry.. Also the spicy vegetable was also bit sweet..that cut 1 more star for me..other than that I would order it again..
(3)
Jenny T.

Ekta has the BEST Indian food I've ever had thus far!!!! I may not be an elite but take my word for it you won't be disappointed! The first time I had Indian was at a place called Cross Culture and that's where Indian food and I fell in love. I thought Cross Culture had the best Indian food until I stumbled upon Ekta. Don't get me wrong Cross Culture is great but Ekta is superb!!! They serve the best chicken tiki masala, it's so good and it has a hint of spiciness. Another favorite dish is the chicken saagwala, it may not look appetizing but it's freaking delicious. The papri chat is a great appetizer, there are may textures and flavors it's definitely a culinary art. Another favorite item on there menu is the garlic naan, whoa, so darn good! This place get pretty packed and when it dose the server might forget about your appetizer and serve it with your entrÃ©e. The portions are great and the price can't be beat for the quality of the food, flavors, price, and good size portions. They may not have super quick service but they do their best. Don't forget to bring beer or wine because it's a byob!!
(5)
Ann R.

This place is so, so yummy. Yes, the delivery takes a while, but it is totally worth it. If I were you, I would just pick it up or better yet, take a seat at one of two tables for four and eat in! The staff is friendly and so, so thoughtful. I love eating there because I really feel like a guest at someone's house. They're always asking if you need more rice or more condiments and I get to feel super special because I get to watch my food being prepared while I wait. Get the tandoori chicken because it is out of this world and beware, it is spicy, not burn your mouth spicy but surpisingly spicy when you're used to not having spicy tandoori. The nan is also yummy-garlic and onion are my favs! The appetizers are also yummy-I've had them all but my fav. is aloo aur papri chat-kind of like the Indian version of nachos sans cheese. You have to get the saag paneer and the chicken tikka masala. I don't love the lamb but I don't mind because everything else is so yummy. The best part is that if you get the food delivered or to go, you get free rice pudding. I don't love rice pudding, I never have, and I always try it when we get it in the bag. Their plain rice pudding is tasty but the best is the mango lassi rice pudding. I don't know when they make it or if you can even request it, but it is really, really, good. It is the only rice pudding I love. Bottom line: Go to Ekta and skip Tiffin (over priced and blah-where's the taste?)
(4)
Dan V.

So my wife and I eat Indian at least once a week....we just moved here and were looking for a good local spot - found one in Fishtown - not local but got good reviews so figured it was worth the trip. We got there, not crowded at all, menu looked meh, but when the food came out...holy shit! This is the best Indian food I've had yet! Having traveled extensively throughout India and growing up with a childhood friend who is Indian, I've had my fair share of this food. Ekta has the best Indian food I've had - BY FAR! This restaurant alone makes living in Philadelphia worth it. What's even better - they have a 4 MILE DELIVERY RADIUS!!!!! You can get their food just about anywhere downtown. Order tonight - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Rachel S.

Now most don't know, but Cincinnati (my former city before moving to Philly) was a hot bed of amazing northern Indian food. I know, it's hard to believe that anything in Ohio is spicy or brag-worthy, but it really was "the shiz". So after searching for something comparable in Philly and coming up empty handed, I had pretty much given up -- that is until I met EKTA. Now the mere fact that they will deliver all the way to my office in Rittenhouse, without charge and in a timely manner is unbelievable! Add that to the free dessert and the delicious food and you've got a winner. We've ordered a few times from there now and done it up family style and I've never been disappointed with anything. I usually stick to the veggie dishes like masaladar chola and saag paneer, but the lamb vindaloo and butter chicken totally knocked my socks off.
(4)
Uciane S.

Saw mouse scurrying across the dining room floor...dropped my flat-bread, grabbed my boyfriend's hand and ran out the door...only to see a huge gapping hole in the front of the building leading to the dining area. Wanted to visit after seeing so many great reviews, but will stick to King of Tandoor!
(1)
Dilbert D.

Ekta gets 4 stars because from my experiences, this is the best, most authentic Indian food that Philly has to offer. It's a charming little place if you want to eat out. I only ate-in here once for lunch, but got take out several other times. I've only tried a few menu items, all delicious: 1) Chicken tikka marsala, 2) Saag Paneer, 3) Yellow dal, and 4) Naan. Far above average. If you like Indian food and are in Philadelphia, Ekta is a must.
(4)
Jr F.

Ekta is an excellent choice for real Authentic Indian food in Philly. I always have an awsome experience at this place, and the people there are genuinely friendly. Everything on the menu is so tasty. I like how it doesn't try to be something it isn't. They just serve authentic Indian goose. Some of the best in town.
(5)
Neetu B.

Best Indian food I've had in Philly. Hands down. Kind of expensive for Indian food.
(4)
Alan M.

I'm a big fan of Indian food and this is as good as it gets. I've been going there since it opened when there were only two tables and I have never been disappointed. There are other good Indian places but this is always the best .Did I forget to mention the price is right too!!!
(5)
Susan F.

I order ekta at least once a week, enough said.
(5)
Randi M.

As the star-ratings here say, Ekta is indeed "as good as it gets". Don't be scared if you go there to pick up your food. It's definitely understated (which is an understatement... or something). There is nothing about it that says it will be good. You might even be a bit frightened. However, I tell you that it's completely worth the trip (I say this as I've never gotten delivery). The food is excellent, the prices are completely affordable (for those of us with less-than-normal paychecks) and the people there are very nice. I thought the food was far superior to Tiffin and the prices were definitely easier to handle!
(5)
Tom H.

I'm upgrading my review because Ekta is now what I consider to be the best Indian food in the city. Food is fantastic, authentic, fresh, and priced fairly.
(5)
Kandy K.

I am SO happy to have Ekta in the neighborhood. I'm a Tiffin fan and have been ordering from there since they opened, but now with Ekta so much closer and cheaper I've been ordering from there lately. I love the butter chicken which is not chicken soaking in butter as the name suggests, but rather chicken in a delicious spice loaded red sauce (well, I'm sure there's butter in there too...). The food I've tried is at the top of my spice threshold which I'd say leans toward wimpy (me, not the food). The samosa chat, and the onion bahji are really good appetizers with plenty for sharing. I keep garlic naan from Trader Joe's in the freezer since I've found naan really doesn't travel well (we get take out). Two entrees plus an appetizer for two adults gets us two full meals in our house. Yay leftovers!
(5)
jody g.

great place...especially if you find tiffin just a bit too expensive. ekta is almost identical in quality, but it will save you some money. the only real difference is that the sauces are slightly less thick than tiffin's and the paneer is smaller and a bit less firm. other than that, you can't tell the difference. i always order takeout, and they are quick and nice, and always throw in a sample of something new to try. tip them well. they deserve it!
(4)
nicole p.

I love when you order and they tell you half hour forty five minutes and the food comes in like 20. 5 stars for that, even though I had to scurry downstairs to answer the door. What can I tell you, I am a huge fan of TIffin, with that said, Ekta is closer, and from what I hear the chef is from Tiffin so how could I go wrong, not to mention that their food is a tad cheaper which I can feel less guilty for ordering indian at least once a week for my chicken tikka addict daughter. Which was fabulous. The naan hot and soft and perfect. Not sure I want to fully abandon Tiffin but hey I can spread the love equally. Just another reason to love living and never leaving our lovely neighborhood.
(5)
John P.

I have gotten delivery four times, twice in the past week and every time was very satisfied The dishes all arrived warm. The taste of the sauces is more home-made than other Indian restaurants in town and West Philly. The Goan shrimp is an unusual offering and fabulous. My naan was also superior and the rice well-cooked. The tandoori was temptingly moist.. The Indian restaurant in Fort Washington is the only one I've been to with superior quality but also more expensive.
(5)
Roman S.

My wife and I order from Ekta on a bi-weekly basis. I love the complex composition of spices in the curries. I enjoy the Kadai Chicken, Chicken Vindaloo, Malai Kofta, Paneer Tikka Masala, Veg Samosas and Peshwari Naan. The prices, while not as cheap as they used to be, are on-par with other Indian restaurants in the area, and the amount of food provided usually lasts me for two meals. Delivery is usually quick and friendly. I've never been to the actual restaurant and probably won't unless they expand the purportedly small seating area. Some minor complaints: - Some of the curries are a tad onion-y. Bumping up the spice level compensates for this, but at the default level, it's a bit much. - Naan cooking is inconsistent -- almost burnt once, uncooked another. - Chicken is sometimes a bit dry. - Some people recommended the Samosa Chat. I would avoid this if you're doing takeout. The one time we ordered it, the sauces had permeated the samosas and the whole dish was soggy. Maybe ask for sauces on the side? Overall, my favorite Indian restaurant in Philly.
(4)
Eric S.

There is one thing I know for certain, I ADORE Indian food. So everyday around...oh...about 2-2:30 my brain begins to tell me "you there, guy that encases me! Bring me Indian food and shove it in your mouth at a rapid pace!" I must obey this brainy decree or face the wrath of what some might call "a mood". That is where Ekta comes in. Previously I had been satiating my Indian yearning brain with Tiffin food. Tiffin is Excellent A+ numba 1 fare. However so is Ekta, and at a cheaper price. Both places hit just the right spot and deliver to my senses exactly what I expect of quality heat and spices one would expect from them. I've only had one meal from them so far but know with certainty it will not be my last. I ordered the chicken Tikka Massala; as if they don't get this right, chances are you don't want anything there. It was DELICIOUS!!! though maybe a bit sparse on the Chicken. I also got regular and Garlic Naan, both were very good and fulfilling. There was however an issue with the order. I had ordered for pickup over the phone, and was not asked for my name but just the order. When I arrived my girlfriend went in to get the food as there is very little parking outside. To my surprise she came back empty handed, which almost triggered the dreaded "mood". I kept my cool though, I had her sit in the car in front of the fire hydrant where I parked and strolled on inside. I calmly explained that I had made my order about an hour ago and they seemed to think that I must have been mistaken about what I had ordered. They seemed certain that I had ordered 1 tika massala 3 samosas a goat dish and some other various things, which I definitely did not do. After standing and deliberating about what had happened they decided to check the old orders that had been written down, and found mine. They apologized profusely, saying that someone else must have taken my order by mistake. I continued to keep my cool, even though my brain was mashing the "mood" button and demanding I become an irate crazy customer. I said that it was ok, and that they could just remake the order and deliver it to me, too which they agreed and even sent some free rice pudding. Over all I think it's silly not to take names when you take orders but the food was delicious and the issue corrected with compensation. I'm a very pleased puppy!
(4)
Susan M.

Sooo... might be biased as I write this since I just finished my Ekta dinner... but SO WHAT! I even joined Yelp JUST so I could write this review! Have been a fan of Tiffin since they opened but have been VERY disappointed in their performance in the last year... (45 minute wait for delivery -- which has actually averaged 1.25 - 1.5 hours!!!... Decreasing amount of chicken in their dishes... unfriendly phone service...) SOOOO... now we have Ekta and it's AWESOME! Convenient. Friendly. More affordable... and the FOOD! The Saag Paneer is OUTSTANDING. Best in Philly fo' sho'. Chicken Tikka was very tasty as well... and the complimentary Raita... nice! I COULD NOT STOP EATING tonite... Will definitely get back into eating Indian on a weekly basis now that we have a new place in town... we'll see what happens when THEY get discovered... hopefully things won't go downhill like Tiffin... My waistline isn't happy-- but my tummy is!!! YAY EKTA!
(5)
Laura S.

I ordered delivery from center city, and the food came faster than expected (40 minutes instead of the 70 minutes they estimated on the phone), piping hot, and delicious. I tried the saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan. They included a complimentary gulab jamun, which was also delicious. I have eaten at several other Indian places around the city, and this food was the best I have tried, and it is super convenient to have the delivery option.
(5)
Tanya T.

i'm a pretty big indian fan and have frequented many indian places in other cities. ekta's pretty good...i have been here twice and ordered samosa chat as an appetizer which i love. tandoori chicken was decent kinda dry. lamb rogan josh is great...curry lots of spices and like other rogan josh that i have eaten. i have also ordered chicken biryani which is basically a rice filled with spices but not in a curry consistency. i love this because you can basically eat this as a meal and choose whatever meat you want. they are usually pretty busy so delivery took more than an hour. although it's quite the wait still pretty worth it otherwise if you dine in they have about 10 tables inside.
(4)
Brett B.

I've never eaten at Tiffin as everyone seems so hot on, but this place is really really good. I've had stuff from here a couple of times -- the Chicken Masala is incredible, creamy and not too spicy, Lamb kabob is super super hot but delicious, and Chicken curry is probably my least favorite of the bunch, somehow a little dry even though it was sitting in a curry sauce. As everyone mentioned the people are super nice and delivery is quick and they'll go all over center city. My only complaint is that the portion size was a little small (I'm a take out heffer), but the prices really can't be beat.
(4)
Goa K.

this place is pretty friggin good. do it.
(5)
erik h.

The food here is amazing for the price. We ordered the Bangin Barta and Tandoor chicken and both were excellent. For such a small place, I was surprised at how many items they had on their menu. The best part is that they give you free pickles and rice desert with your order.The only drawback, eg the 4 stars, is the seating situation. There's is only one table so take out is pretty much the only option, but it's still worth the drive to fishtown. They definitely do brisk business and package everything really well in tuperware that you can reuse. This is the best indian food I have had since moving from San Francisco.
(4)
Julie K.

My favorite Indian restaurant! We ordered the samosas, garlic naan, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer and all were so delicious! Portions are big so we had plenty left to take home and eat for second dinner a few hours later... :)
(5)
Tripp P.

LOVE IT! Best Chicken Tikka Masala I have ever had.
(5)
Pooja A.

As an Indian, I'm pretty picky about Indian food. This place is great. The price is right and they deliver all over the city. The wait for delivery can be kind of long, but it is definitely worth it. Sometimes I find a dish is a little too spicy - which means it's really really spicy because I can handle a lot of spice, but overall, great food, great selection.
(4)
Gaurav A.

I stopped in to get the tandoori chicken...the wait was fine, although the staff weren't talkative at all...so I spend the time waiting looking at PW. Anyway, the chicken was subpar...and over-spiced. You could still taste all the spices...they weren't blended in the yogurt sauce apparently. My most favorite thing was the kheer that came along with the food. It was sweet but not too sweet...in escence it was perfect!! I will try this place again...with a different choice of meal.
(3)
Meghan W.

I used to go to Etka, then converted to Tiffin. Last night we decided to try Etka again since it's closer to our house than Tiffin and I couldn't really remember why I stopped going in the first place. I was starving, so I broke out the onion naan in the car on the drive home. It was amazing. Much better than Tiffin. I feel like that's where Etka's edge over Tiffin ended. I ordered Butter Chicken (my go-to dish at Tiffin) and my husband ordered his usual - Curry Chicken. We each got the veggie samosas. Everything was so overly spicy. I like heat in my food, but this was a little ridiculous. I like to taste the flavor of the food through the spice. This just left my mouth numb. I didn't try the curry chicken, but as for my butter chicken, this just wasn't the same dish I've grown to love at Tiffin. Tiffin's chicken melts in your mouth and the sauce is delicate and velvety. It definitely gives you some heat without overwhelming the flavor of the dish. This chicken was tougher and I felt like the amount of chicken was way less than what I get at Tiffin. My husband had the same complaint with his dish. I think next time we'll be driving a little further to get Tiffin again.
(3)
Mark A.

My girlfriend and I order from Ekta at least once a week, we are addicted. We usually find ourselves ordering the veggie samosa, peshwari naan, masaladar chola, and tandori chicken. The little side dishes of mango chutney, mint chutney & tamarind chutney are outrageous, it's where it's at. Delivery time can range anywhere between an hour to two hours during dinner so try to call ahead. Don't get upset if you can't get through on the first few tries, just keep calling, it's worth it.
(5)
Jared B.

ordered - Ekta Dal - Malai Kofta - veggie somosa - nan - free rice pudding thing. $32 + tip for delivery. Verdict - the Malai Kofta was pretty incredible. The cream sauce was delicious and neither too heavy nor too sweet. The Ekta Dal was a nice contrast-tomato and onion w/ yellow lentil. Really savory. Veggie Samosa and nan good, too. Promised delivery in 1 hr 15 min, delivered to old city location in 1 hr. Overall, very impressive! Definitely order from them again
(5)
B B.

Ekta: I've read/heard the reviews about Tiffin being better, but I think Ekta is more persuasive on my taste buds. Tiffin feels good, but it has a tinge more of having been adapted. Ekta, though I'm not the from the good ol' sub-cont., seems more 'authentic.' As to the bitter complaints on the nan, I've never had an issue. One drawback this place shares with Tiffin, the tip area on take away receipts. I hate that. Tip for what again?
(4)
Tracie P.

ekta is so, so good. the vegetable samosas are amazing, the basil naan is delicious, and the lamb vindaloo will knock your socks off (they don't mess around with the heat here). i've liked everything i've ever tried from ekta, plus it's very reasonably priced and delivers almost anywhere. just awesome.
(5)
lisa t.

I'm always excited to learn about new Indian restaurants in the area after Minar palace closed and eventually reopened. This is one of my favorites in the city, not that there are a lot to choose from. The food can be incredibly spicey so beware but I am always happy with their saag paneer. They also deliver which I have started taking full advantage of! The portions are good and I usually have enough leftovers for another meal.
(3)
Jonathan N.

I'm still recovering from overeating this deliciousness, so this review will be brief. Food was hot. Naan was soft. Dishes were extremely tasty. 2 chili icons were spicy enough for me! My fiance and I were extremely pleased. Unless we're in U City and can indulge at New Dehli.....we're definitely getting Ekta delivery again!
(5)
Fleur B.

O-M-G. I just had the Murg Malai Kabob. Wow. Seriously, one of the best things I have eaten, EVER. Ekta. I am NEVER disappointed!!!!
(5)
Rochelle S.

Incredibly solid Indian food...good portions, reasonable prices. Doesn't offer much in the way of ambiance, but I don't mind. Wouldn't be my idea of the perfect date spot, but you won't be disappointed with the food. Two entrees could feed four people. They also have a closed off dining room for patrons who wish to eat in--and it has ac!! I will return.
(4)
Lauren H.

I ordered from this place when it had first opened and they were still sorting out how far out they would deliver. They didn't even have menus yet! I called them and asked if they would deliver to Temple U, and the guy said no, and I was so sad... then he called back 15 minutes later and said he would! You should have seen my face... I was so happy. The owner even brought the food over himself so that he could see where it was, and we had a great little chat. The food comes fast and hot, and so full of flavor it's ridiculous. The naan is so delicious, but eat it fast while it's hot, because it gets tougher as it cools. I've had three types, garlic, plain, and onion, and just be forewarned, that it's not like garlic bread. The garlic naan has fresh garlic in/on it, no salt, so sprinkle some on if you like it salty. I've mostly chicken dishes, my boyfriend always gets the lamb korma. We've learned to get our own naan because it goes fast, and it's too good to share, no matter how much you love someone. I've had the chicken korma, chicken tikka masala, and the kadai lamb, and they were all delicious. And the rice!!! That rice, I swear, is like no other rice I have ever had in life. It is so delicious, and comes free with whatever you order. They also send along a small container of whatever the chef's special of the day is, which to my knowledge, is never on the menu, but is always some kind of dessert, and is yummy. This one time, I ordered a vegetarian dish, and it was disgusting. DISGUSTING. I couldn't finish it. I'm 99% sure it was the baigan bharta, so unless you like the stuff, be forewarned and stick to the meat. Also, the stuff just doesn't taste the same after a night n the fridge, so try to finish it all... the meat gets tougher, the rice gets hard and dehydrated, and the magic is lost... trust me.
(4)
Sally f.

i always make my philly guests try ekta. two friends were here this past week who had just gotten back from india. they liked it better than the food they had there!!!!!! of course, the food there made them poop a lot bc they are american. and this didnt. so they were happy.
(5)
Lauryn Z.

Ekta is a wonderful addition to Indian cuisine in Philadelphia! While I enjoy Karma when in Old City and New Delhi when in West Philly, neither of these places will deliver to me on south street and that's where Ekta comes in. Typically we have to wait about an hour and twenty minutes for delivery, but if I order before leaving work this is usually not a problem- and well worth the wait. Both times we ordered the food arrived hot. For appetizer, we chose the Aloo Papri Chat and found this dish to be very tasty, and the flavors were perfect and spicy- despite the crunch factor lacking slightly. We ordered the Saag Paneer (medium spicy) and the Malai Kofta (spicy). I enjoyed the unique flavor of the Saag Paneer here- I've tasted this dish at many Indian restaurants and would say this is one of my favorites. The Malai Kofta is excellent as well- Both dishes were well prepared! The second time we ordered from Ekta our food was a bit salty and a bit more cardamom than I would like in my Indian food. Hopefully this was a one time thing however, and I will continue to order take out from here for sure.
(4)
Carly N.

while living in rittenhouse square, which is severely lacking in the indian food department, we relied heavily on ekta's incredible food and delivery. they are very popular so delivery sometimes took an hour, hour and fifteen minutes, so make sure you take that into account. however, the food is totally worth the wait. i am especially fond of the vegetarian options: navratna curry, masaladar chola (super spicy but i love it), malai kafta, samosa chaat, aloo papri chaat, etc. i love to get a few different vegetarian dishes and eat them together since every dish seems to complement the others, and the generous portions mean leftovers galore. my only concern really is the amount of packaging involved in the delivery. they include all these sauces and rice pudding which is a nice gesture but we don't eat it so it's a big waste of plastic. i should remember to ask them not to include it.
(5)
Brynn D.

i am being nice by giving three stars, and i'm doing that because they were overly friendly there. i recognized a couple familiar faces from tiffin, but this is no tiffin. which is odd because it's tiffin's former chef's joint. menu is similar but not the same. i ordered one thing tiffin didn't offer (samosa chat) and one thing it did (paneer tikka masala). rounded this out with a mango lassi and a basil naan. the samosa chat, very sorry to say as it's one of my all-time favorite indian dishes and something i've always wished tiffin would carry, was just not good at all. you know that weird burny flavor when tomatoes get stuck to the bottom of a saucepan and burn? it tasted like that, and oil. mango lassi was a lil sour, like the mangoes weren't at their peak. the paneer tikka masala was the exact same recipe as far as i could tell, minus about half of the paneer. tiffin's is $1.50 more expensive but there is a lot more cheese in that dish. rice was the same, and good. my basil naan used dried basil from a shake-can, and the bread was denser than i tend to like. i did like that the free accompanyment was a dessert, kheer. very yummy with lots of little cardamom blasts. the chef/owner took a lot of cues from tiffin (right down to the packaging, bags, labels, staff, delivery men in suits, and even the street - girard) but where it matters they don't live up. in my humble opinion. :)
(3)
Morgan B.

this place rocks. keep up the good work. havent had a bad meal yet.
(4)
Mickey H.

I found out about Ekta flipping through the paper and read about how the original "Tiffin" chef has now opened his own restaurant. For me it was another hope that I would find a decent Indian restaurant to eat at and not have any regrets or complaints after splurging my money. Well first of all I have to say that I was content and felt Ekta is doing a good job in creating a positive image for themselves and changing the Indian food scene by improving quality. I was use to Tiffin's at least 60-90 minute wait but Ekta is "trying" to change that by delivering within reasonable time of ordering (45-60mins). After ordering in once I decided to check out this place in person. Well first of all this place is on Girard Ave and well we know what Girard ave is like but without Girard we might not have any of these good restaurants. So it's a decent drive from downtown and well there isn't really much of a restaurant. Majority of their business is via delivery. The restaurant is not much of a restaurant. You walk into a place with about 10 seats and two tables and immediately behind the counter you can see the kitchen and the tandoori ovens. So if you are thinking of bringing a pretty large group here, think twice and order in. Parking is street parking. Ambience: None, it's just like a restaurant kitchen with two tables and a few chairs. I must say that the kitchen was clean and everything looked new and sanitary. -Menu/Pricing: I feel Ekta beats many Indian restaurants on this. It's cheaper then most comparable places and the quality of food is not only better but I think you get more for your serving. The menu is like any Indian restaurant there is nothing unique or fusion in nature. Anything you order at the restaurants in this town (besides Bindi) you can find at Ekta but done better with less cost. Food: I have ordered several times from here. I feel for the money you pay you get more food and better quality food then other Indian restaurants that I have tried here in Philadelphia. The dishes are cooked well, all the curries are creamy and have a good texture. It's not greasy and oily as some places can be. You actually find the chicken or lamb in your curry. I liked the lamb dishes much more, although I though it could have been a little more tender. I like the lamb with spinach and it was done very well. The chicken curries that I tried were okay. The reason I am saying Okay is because Indian restaurants have a tendency to go cheap on chicken curries by doing the following: They take tandoori chicken they grilled earlier or night before or whatever and they slice that up and place it in the curry sauce they made. It's like taking BBQ chicken and throwing pasta sauce on it and calling it parmigiana etc. Now twice when I ordered this DID NOT happen and it was fresh chicken cooked with the sauce as it should be done. I don't know if they used tandoori chicken on my last order because it was Friday night and maybe they were behind etc. A LOT of Indian restaurants tend to do this and so far Eka is also guilty but with less violations. The appetizers were good and simple and well seasoned. The naan was okay. I only tried the plain naan. I thought ti was slightly undercooked on the edges. But once again the main dishes were good. Waiter/Service: This restaurant mostly functions as a delivery service. In the location itself the staff are friendly and are eager to help you figure out what you would like to order and make it spicy or less spicy according to your taste. Delivery experience has been positive. Delivery has been timely (about 45mins) with no error to date in dishes ordered. You also get a huge serving of rice with each order and several chutneys/sauces. Would I return? I would. As of now this is the place I rather eat indian food in when in Phili.
(3)
NewtoIthaca N.

The food here is so delicious I crave it year round when I'm not in Philly. Love the Chicken Tikka Masala here! It's not too tomatoey (I like CTM to be more creamy). The staff is super friendly. We've had great conversations about yoga and meditation and they seem to always remember their returning customers. Would highly recommend!
(5)
Jeanna M.

A neighborhood favorite of mine. If you're dining in remember it's a BYOB. Our delivery experience has always been quick here. The mango chicken is my personal favorite. I requested mild resulting in a pleasantly mild and flavorful dish. We've tried about a quarter of the menu and enjoyed all items sans the pickles. We have ventured out with the flavored Nans but prefer the traditional.
(4)
Niki A.

The most f*cking delicious Indian food I've ever f*cking had.
(5)
Huamei Y.

Went here last night to explore Fishtown, a part of town I've neglected to invest my time in. Since I'm pretty sick of eating burgers and fried food, my friend and I opted to have indian. Parking is a a bit difficult here since it's all street or residential parking. We got lucky to find a spot 3 blocks away. The entrance confused us at first but it looks like two buildings that merged into one, with a wall that divides the takeout portion on the right and the restaurant on the left. It was strange to me at first but I realize the advantage to that is that the restaurant area is more quiet and intimate as a result. We sat in the corner and noted the simple but clean eating area. The waiter was very good, quick and not pushy at all. He was always in the vicinity but never hovered. He also paid attention to when our water or rice bowl needed refilling. We ordered the chicken tikka marsala (can't have an indian meal without it) and the boti kabob (lamb marinated overnight with ginger garlic and baked in a tandoori oven). While we waited, the waiter filled our water and gave us the crispy appetizer in the beginning, supposedly made out of chick peas. It came with two dips, a sweet brown one and a green one that reminded me of green chili. The lamb was tender and delicious, but I was not a fan of the raw slices of onion - ouch. The tikka marsala was a bit on the sweet side, creamy and filling. Let's not forget the basmati rice, can't stop eating that! Overall a great place for delicious indian food. Pricey, but delicious.
(4)
Kelly S.

Is it worth the wait?!? Ehh 1.5 hours for delivery time is too long. I could have gone to the grocery store and cooked dinner if I wanted to wait that long. However, the chicken tikka masala is excellent and came piping hot. Gave it 4 stars bc I'm impatient. Overall value is ok. Expensive but you get 2 meals out of it.
(4)
Brian S.

This place is fantastic! You get good portions of incredibly tasty Indian food in a pretty quick manner. I'm local in the neighborhood and have only done the take-out side of things, but I'm consistently impressed by the fast service and great quality food. They have a sit-down dining room that looks consistently full. I've not bothered to get stuff delivered, so I can't speak to that. The samosas are always perfectly done and the naan fresh and chewy just like I like. It is a bit pricey, but nothing outrageous. If you're looking for really good takeout this is the place.
(4)
R R.

Love this little spot on Girard Ave that's given me a big appreciation for Indian food. The food is everything you'd expect it to be: flavorful, colorful, and delicious. My favorite on the menu so far is the Chicken Tikka Masala and the garlic naan, but have also tried the mango chicken and mint chicken. Every meal was excellent; you can barely keep yourself from using up every bit of the sauces. The restaurant is very clean and tidy and the service is always fast and friendly. As others have mentioned, the menu may seem a bit overpriced; especially because the portions don't look large at first. But it is always filling and flavorful and ultimately, worth it.
(4)
Gabby M.

So good! And the food is very original; they have a bunch of dishes I've never seen at other restaurants! The vegetarian selection is great. Also, it's a BYO, which makes everything better!
(4)
Peter C.

Among the best Indian I've had in Philly. The fact that Ekta is BYO is also a plus. There are a bunch of great places nearby to grab quality beer. Bottle bar east is a five minute walk. A friend and I ate here about a week and split the lamb malai methi, and the chicken saagwala. The meal started off with complimentary papadums and sauces; always a plus. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the sauce had a bit of a kick to it but was really savory. The chicken wasn't dry like most other saagwala dishes I've had. Overall a good meal. Why I don't give it five stars; slowish/impersonal service, and awkward atmosphere. We were in the back with four other tables close-by and there was no music or other background noise generator. Great meal overall though.
(4)
Sammy G.

A friend of mine lives in the area and before visiting him, a few of us wanted to get a bite to eat before the shenanigans of the night began. Good ol' Yelp helped to find us a great Indian spot; you never seem to fail me Yelp! We were going to order it to go and decided to sit next door in their seating area and the people were very nice about it. Ordered the Paneer Tikka Masala - it is my go to Indian cuisine and it was amazing here! We split it and a few pieces of garlic naan. We didn't realize it was BYOB until later and we weren't really planning on staying a long time but it's definitely good to know for next time we're in the area. It was DELICIOUS. Seriously, even if you're not into the vegetarian dishes, I think you should try it because well, it's amazing - DUH. Next time I can't wait to try more of their veggie appetizer options. We let our friends know this was the spot to go to if you are craving good Indian food!
(4)
Jess P.

We had the Mild Chicken Tikka Masala, the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Saag Aur Paneer. All of them were good!
(4)
Megan M.

Let me preface this review by stating that I enjoy Indian food. Ekta, your Kadai Chicken is delicious, as is your Kadai Paneer, Chicken Vindaloo, Tandoori Chicken, Garlic Nan... HOWEVER, the prices are exorbitant for takeout. If I order delivery and spend $20 after tax and tip on Kadai Chicken, why do I only get one piece of chicken in a tupperware container with a boatload of sauce and rice? Why does this cost $20? Eating in may be different, however I've given up on Ekta for takeout. I'm sorry, Ekta, but you let me down.
(2)
Shu T.

A little pricy (each entree was about $15.00) but it was the best Indian food I've had. Very authentic.
(4)
Katelin S.

Got takeout for my first time tonight. It was all delicious. We tried the chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, and garlic naan. The meat was so tender and yummy. The prices may seem high, but I am full and still have half of my lamb korma leftover. The employees are all very nice. And I like how I can see the kitchen and where my food is being cooked.
(5)
Kevin P.

Ekta is pretty good. I've eaten quite a bit of Indian food, mostly in Northern California, and Ekta is average (especially considering the high prices - Aloo Gobi for $13 is kind of ridiculous). The rice is perfectly cooked and the naan is great too. I love mixed pickle, so I was happy to see that on the menu as well. All in all it's pretty...pretty...pretty...pretty good.
(3)
Mike Z.

Got delivery today... The food is clearly high quality.. We ordered Chicken tika masala, lamb tika masala, and garlic naan. All were delicious.
(5)
Sam L.

This is definitely my favorite Indian place in the city. I have never actually been there to dine in, and I've heard that it's a weird vibe inside, but I always love their food so I think I could look past it. They give you a lot of food- I always have leftovers. Sometimes there's only a few pieces of chicken in the broth of whatever meal I got, but honestly that doesn't bother me because the broth/rice/naan combo is the best part IMO. The Rosemary naan might be the best naan I've ever had. I, like other reviewers, would love if the prices went down a smidge, but I do think that the food is good enough to be worth it.
(5)
Jake M.

Why dine at Etka?? We'll let see...the food is authentic and in my opinion the best Indian cuisine in Philly. Appetizers I recommend: Aaloo Aur Papri Chat & Veggie Samosa. EntrÃ©es I recommend: Mango Chicken, Chicken Korma and Paneer Tikka Masala. Don't forget to order naan with your entrÃ©e! Furthermore, Etka maintains reasonable prices especially when you consider the quality of food you receive...AND if you are a wine and dine person like myself you will be happy to know Etka is BYOB. The restaurant capacity is not very large with maybe a total of 8-9 tables...get there before 7pm and you should get a table. Finally the staff is very polite and friendly although they can be a little quiet/hard to hear when the restaurant is buzzing. Overall highly recommend to anyone that enjoys Indian cuisine!
(5)
Michael N.

Ekta is probably my favorite Indian spot in Philly. I can't speak for the restaurant itself as we've only ever done take out, but I believe it is BYO so that's always a fun option. Delicious naan. The garlic kabob is a nice appetizer. For the main courses we usually go with either Chicken Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, or the Chicken curry. Pretty much everything I've had from here is good though. Only drawback is that it tends to be on the pricey side for the amount of food, but oh well, it's still good.
(4)
Arod M.

My go-to in the Fishtown/Kensington area for amazing Indian cuisine. Ample portions, everything has been delicious (we usually get the lamb dishes, saagwala or masala, but the tandoori chicken is also top-notch), and they deliver if you're not dining there.
(5)
Joshua J.

Ekta is right down the street from my house, and probably my favorite Indian place in Philly. I feel like it's pretty expensive for take out, especially for the area, but it's about 1.5 portions, so you get your money's worth. Order an app and an entree and it's nice for 2 people. I have never gotten delivery because I live down the street but I have heard it's very reliable. They generally have the food ready when they say, and I've never really had any issues with it. It's always really delicious.
(4)
Kathleen D.

This delivery thing is coming between us. Deliver to my neighborhood! Do it Ekta. Do it. I'll make it worth your while...by which I mean I'll order lots and lots of Indian food on the regs. By far Ekta makes my favorite Indian food in Philadelphia, to date. I would absolutely get down with you more, if you weren't over the hills and far away and me with lazy bones. I'll tell you something. Some of the true loves of my vegetable-loving-life are Indian style vegetable preparations. You know a mediocre place when every vegetable dish tastes more than vaguely the same...like...the exact same masala on your chana as is on your dal...as is on your aloo gobi, you know? That rots. Weak sauce. At Ekta you won't have to worry your pretty little head about that nonsense. All my favorites are represented well. I'm talking about you, ol' gobi aloo, and saag, baingan bharta.... Looks like I just love to name-drop Indian dishes, apparently. They're all expertly cooked up, nice and extra extra spicy, as requested. Malai kofta is crazy cashewy good. I love those little veggie dumplings... Also, as I do fancy as spicy vindaloo, I will note that Ekta's is a winner, lamb or chicken. Nice and hot and spiked with vinegar. Dig the super creamy tikka masala, too as well as the Kadai chicken (tomato-y sauce, fresh green chiles, mmm hot). The tandoor chicken is juicy. Straight up juicy. Lotsa of garlic naan plus any or all of the dishes I just mentioned makes for a very happy ole gal. Bring. It.
(4)
Bill B.

Great food. Solid take on traditional Indian fare. However I just spent $40 on dinner and got a half container of mango chutney and that horrible curry stuff no one eats. Really! Samosas and no mint/cilantro chutney? Or tamarind sauce? Last time I asked for onion chutney since I've never gotten it from them instead they gave me "onion salad" which cosisted of a sliced onion in a container. Only Indian restaurant I've ever been to that didn't know what onion relish was.
(4)
J M.

The best Indian food I've ever tasted anywhere. Although their prices have gradually increased over the years, I buck up anyway because the food is outstanding. I take an inconvenient drive across the city to get my Ekta when the craving hits, and I'll never waste my time or money getting Indian food from anywhere closer or more convenient. I'd do anything to convince them to deliver to my home in South Philadelphia. Do you hear me, Ekta? ANYTHING! This includes breaking the law. What can I do?
(5)
Matt B.

Indian delivered! Over the weekend I was jonesing for Indian but too lazy to make the trek from Fairmount to Fishtown, so I ordered in. They said it would be about an hour and a half, but it was delivered 40 minutes after I called! So I did a celebratory dance, as I was starving at this point. I ordered the Kadai Chicken, which was delicious, but hoooo boy was that spicy. Their menu denotes 4 levels of spiciness (0-3 peppers), with the Kadai clocking in at 2 peppers. At certain points I invoked a line from Modern Family: "I feel like I ate the sun!" But I couldn't stop eating. The best was that I had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. But as another reviewer noted, the naan loses some of its warmth and gets a bit stale in the delivery process. Had to throw it in the microwave for a bit, but not a huge complaint there. I'm stopping short of giving 5 stars, due to my laziness of not actually visiting the restaurant, and my naÃ¯vetÃ© regarding the level of spices they throw in (damn good ones too).
(4)
Anannya T.

I prefer the less expensive and better-tasting Mood Cafe to Ekta anyday for takeout. I don't understand why people like this place so much. I for one am unimpressed. In all fairness, I was raised on Indian food, cook it myself, and have fairly high standards when I am actually paying to eat it. And I'm most definitely not a fan of Ekta's customer service (or lack thereof, rather), either. One day, I decided to order food for delivery from Ekta. I called in and ordered and the grand total they gave me seemed suspiciously large. I hung up, checked the menu on their website, calculated the totals, found a discrepancy, and then called them back to question it. They told me that the menu I accessed (once again, on *their website*) was outdated. Since I was turned off by the new higher prices, I cancelled my entire order. Their response: "Next time, YOU need to double check to make sure that the prices are correct! Update your browser! We've already started making the food!" Whoa. 1.) Customer Service 101: Barring VERY few circumstances, the owner/server is never to criticize or otherwise mistreat the customer. 2.) I'm allowed to change my mind. 3.) I really don't know how much cooking/preparing could have been accomplished in the three minutes between each of my calls. 4.) The issue about the price was NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, my fault as I'd been misled by THEIR information -- and I calmly told the man on the other line as much. After the phone call, I re-accessed the website and was able to find the menu he was talking about. But I could just as easily find the erroneous one that I'd initially accessed. As I'd suspected, there was nothing wrong with my Macbook or my browser. Ekta just needs to get rid of their outdated online menu (and their rudeness).
(1)
Charles W.

Small portions but great food. Well to be honest the Tandoori chicken is a decent size but the vegetarian dish we for was in a small bowl. Will definitely be coming back though.
(5)
Alex X.

I love eating at Ekta. Give me the spicy Chikem Tikki Marsala, Chicken Biriyani, and surprise me cause I need to try something different! Lol. Customer service is cool here. I totally recommend this place for those spicy Indian food lovers!
(5)
Andrew W.

I'm a huge fan - Ekta is consistently delicious across every aspect of its menu. Saag paneer, either Masalas, lamb vindaloo... doesn't matter, its delicious. I'm amazed that some people said that they didn't think it was very spicy, I was sweating eating the Lamb Vindaloo. Probably the best Indian food I've had in Philadelphia
(5)
Gwen T.

Chicken Tikka Masala. I've never had such irresistible cravings for anything as I have for their chicken tikka masala. If you haven't had it yet, you don't even know. Also... I live at 21st & Fitzwater (Graduate Hospital neighborhood). They're in Fishtown on east girard.. and they DELIVER TO ME! yes yes yes!
(5)
amber r.

If you want delicious Indian food, you want Ekta. Seriously good food. The saag aur paneer, the cheese dumplings in cashew sauce, the lamb rogan josh, and the plain naan were all big time hits. A little pricey ($11-$16/item), but more than enough food. Ordering in is a special treat.
(4)
Brad P.

Hey, you! Get out of your comfort zone and get the Goan shrimp curry! It's great! What's that? You wanna stick with what you are used to? That's fine because basically everything at Ekta is strong. I used to make massive orders from this place when I was the lunch n' learn commander in my residency at Temple so I'm familiar with many of the options: The Saag Aur peneer- solid(like Han Solo in that stuff) The chicken tikka masala - solid(like Snake) the veggie samosas - solid(like a rock) the lamb korma - solid(like steel) the lamb vindaloo - solid(like that Goanna song) the navrattan korma - solid(like the state of an advanced type of hard drive) naan - solid(Google is failing me for more "solid" references) garlic naan - solid(like when it is used as a synonym for "favor") ...you get the idea. Ekta is fantastic at knowing its customer base. They add that little bit of extra salt and little bit of extra cream that really makes it appeal to the American palate. It's a great place for Indian-food-first-timers as well as veterans.
(4)
A P.

I hate trying other indian restaurants now because I am always disappointed, I have had the best and that is Ekta! I have had lamb saagwala, chicken saagwala and chicken Tikka masala! Large portions so I always take some home and it has the perfect amount of spice.
(5)
Joe M.

Outstanding food, service, and prices! The lamb vidaloo I had would strip the paint from your car and that's exactly how spicy I want it. I will definitely go again!
(5)
Jennifer G.

My roommate could eat Indian food every single night. I, on the other hand, can only eat it occasionally so she gets super excited when I suggest ordering from Ekta. They have a huge delivery area so it's pretty much a given that no matter where you live in the city, you'll be able to order from Ekta. They're a little pricey, which is the only reason they're not getting 5 stars, but everything we've ordered is outstanding. The garlic kabob, sam severa, and vegetable samosas are our go-to's on the appetizer menu and we're never disappointed. I usually get an order of the garlic naan just for me because it's just so good that I don't want to share. I'm still a bit of a novice when it comes to Indian food so I get the Chicken Tikka Masala as my main course and it's incredibly good, creamy with just a hint of heat and big chunks of chicken. Their typical delivery estimate is an hour and a half, but it usually arrives a little after an hour. All the drivers wear professional business attire because, as their website states, "we feel our customers are worth it." Nice little touch, Ekta. I'll see you soon.
(4)
Kasey R.

Ekta is my go-to Indian joint. It's in the neighborhood, BYOB, and typically easy to snag a seat (or just grab some take-out). I generally opt for the vegetable samosas, garlic naan, and chicken tikka masala... All of which are awesome. Only taking a star off because the dining area leaves much to be desired. It's a bit grungy, but they did just paint it the last time I was in. Sometimes, it also has a bit of a musty smell which is odd. Regardless, I will be going back for sure. The food is consistently good.
(4)
Adam R.

I used to be a huge fan of "Tiffin," however after Ekta opened I am yet to go back. I have tried virtually everything on the menu and it is ALL DELICIOUS. If you want it hot, they'll make it hot, if you want it atomic, they'll make it atomic! My one complaint is that everything seems to be slightly over priced. Granted the food is outstanding, but I feel as though every plate should be a 1-2 dollars cheaper. I constantly find myself spending twenty to thirty bucks on myself, and most of the time it's take out. I am not a fan of reheated Indian, but all the food I get from here winds up being reheated at some point the following day, even the naan. Reheated naan, never thought I would do it, but it has become a rather common occurrence.
(4)
Anandi B.

Adventured to a new place for dinner-- Theres two sections to the restaurant.. take out and dine in. Was slightly confused when first coming in... then OMG finally good indian food in philly! atmosphere was uber lacking, and the service was second rate but oh boy oh boy oh boy the food was awesome-sauce! i got the ekta chicken special and weeeee! my taste buds were so happy i smiled for two days after. wee hoo!
(5)
Lindsay D.

I've tried a few Indian restaurants since I moved to Philly, but Ekta stands out as my favorite for several reasons. The food: My favorite dish is Biryani, so I use the house special as a sort of gauge for my first impressions of an Indian restaurant. On my first visit, I ordered the Ekta Biryani, which had amazing flavor and generous portions of chicken, shrimp, and lamb. The service: After this first visit, I accidentally left my favorite winter hat at the restaurant, so I called and they told me they would look for it. I prepared myself for never seeing the hat again, but late that night, someone from Ekta called to tell me they had found it and would hold it for me. The food again: I went the next day around lunch to pick up my hat and figured I would also order more food, since they had been kind enough to call me back about the hat. I ordered the chicken tikka masala, which was just as fantastic as the Biryani. The service again: Since then, I have ordered several more times from Ekta. They must have my name in their phone system because they call me by name when I phone in an order and treat me with familiarity and friendliness each time, both over the phone and when I pick up the food. It's really simple, but I truly appreciate feeling like a regular customer who matters to a restaurant. In my experience, Ekta treats their customers well. Will definitely be taking more of my business to Ekta, and I will also be spreading the word to everyone who lives in the area.
(5)
Elizabeth D.

After all the hype about Ekta, we were excited to try it. I have to say I felt a little let down. We ordered samosas, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, and naan. I assured the nice man on the phone that I knew vindaloo was spicy, and if he could actually make it MORE spicy that would be ideal. My husband has iron tastebuds. But when it arrived, I have to say, the vindaloo was not that spicy. I am a complete wuss about spice too. Besides that, the entire experience was okay. It took about an hour to get the food, and our order was good - portions were fine, flavors were fine, but it wasn't spectacular. I know this opinion is not shared by a lot of these reviews, but I don't know if we'd order from Ekta again.
(3)
Gina C.

Three stars for the PRICES! Four for the food. I have ordered takeout twice from Ekta: Lamb Biryani: A++, awesome. I have a lot of respect for this biryani after making it at home several times this year. It is a laborious recipe, and at Ekta one of the few things I believe to be entirely worth the price. $15 and they gave me a whole quart container of the stuff. I was a very happy lady. Ekta Vegetables: Delicious! The menu described this as fresh vegetables sauteed in fresh tomato and mustard seed. From the description I thought perhaps this dish would not come in a creamy gravy, but rather one tangy and packed with flavor. While it was BURSTING with flavor, it was pretty creamy. Next time I might see if they can hold the ghee. Aloo Aur Papri Chaat: Got all the ingredients, but proportions were off. Another legume was added apart from the typical chick peas, think it was an adzuki bean...a respectable bean but not one I believe has a plane in my chaat. One of my favorite salads when done right, but I wouldn't get it at Ekta again. Chicken Vindaloo: Bomb. This is my bf's mainstay and he was happy with it. I also liked it but found the chicken to be a bit dry.
(3)
Amanda O.

I love Ekta for their Chicken Tikka Masala, fast service, and amazingly friendly staff. Their garlic naan pretty much rocks the house, too. If you're in the NoLibs/ Fishtown/ Kensington area and are even open to the idea of TRYING Indian food, I highly encourage you to give this place a go. Start with the Chicken Tikka and branch out from there... you won't be disappointed (this from a former Indian-food naysayer).
(4)
Ben H.

This place is great! We get delivery for lunch from here at least once a week. They never disappoint! Butter Chicken, fruit & nut Naan, and extra rice all day!
(4)
Sophie U.

I decided to pick up dinner from Ekta on my way home from work today. It's now 6:20pm and I'm already almost food-comatose. I had been to Ekta before but only as a dine-in customer; today was my first time getting take-out -- but just like every other time, my mind was blown to smithereens. 2 veggie samosas 1 lamb sagwaala 1 lamb korma lots of basmati rice 1 free dessert = $32.83 I would estimate the lamb sagwaala and the lamb korma at roughly 3-4 servings each, so that's a lot of meals for thirty bucks. The former is a bit spicier than the latter but they are both absolutely, positively DELICIOUS. Once I got home I was delighted to find the dessert, which I've always referred to as "delicious balls" (I just poked around online and found out that they're actually called "gulab jamun"). I don't know what else to say. Ekta is amazing. The service is great. I'm falling asleep. And when I wake up I'll probably eat again.
(5)
Tyler B.

Delicious food, but a tad over priced. We ordered three dishes (Dal, Paneer-dish, and a lamb dish), which also came with two small cups of rice. In total, our bill was just under $50.00. One of the best Indian restaurants in the city (best in Fishtown), but the price will prohibit us from returning for quite sometime. Excellent vegetarian and meat options. Our food was flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. Friendly staff, with average preparation time. Try Kabobeesh on 40th and Walnut for dishes that compare in taste, but are 1/3rd of the price and of much larger portions.
(4)
Nikki C.

I agree with the other reviews. Take-out is a better option than dining in. The restaurant itself is pretty much a hole in the wall. Not welcoming, not inviting- decor is non-existent, no ambiance. Service left a lot to be desired- waiter was indifferent. Because of the above reasons coupled with the small portions, I find this restaurant to actually be more on the expensive side for a "hole in the wall" Indian restaurant. The bill come out to $45 for 2 ppl without drinks of course. Back in Chicago, I'm used to getting twice as much food for much cheaper and the quality and service is better all around. I thought the food itself was decent but nothing special especially if you are used to eating good Indian food.
(3)
Vishwa M.

Medium rated for taste. Was a pick up order. Well packed and on time. Can give a try when you do not see any other good restaurant around.
(3)
Karen Y.

love the revised menu adding new dishes. they are amazing. first venture into the new items: lamb malai methi. awesomely complex with rich sauce. second: murg malai kabob. like all the items from the tandori oven, full of flavor and seasoned with a heavyhand. third: goan shrimp curry. why didn't we order this sooner!? slightly sweet, spicy and rich with large tail-on shrimp. i spend way too much money here, dinner for 2.5 always comes out to over $35 and that's includes making the roti at home. but no one really does indian food like ekta.
(5)
Jade V.

Honestly, my favorite Indian food in America, let alone Philly. The standard to which I hold other Indian restaurants to. If you love spices, they won't disappoint. I like how it feels like you're eating in someone's dining room. Such an eccentric place, with amazing food. (Possibly a bit inconsistent, though. The first time I went and asked for "really spicy curry," it was really satisfying. Second time around, it was still well-spiced, though not to the extent from the first time.) OK, the service can get a little awkward, but it doesn't deter from the delicious food. For instance, we brought a bottle of wine (yup, it's a BYOB) and the waiter gave us the wine glasses and a corkscrew, and left us to open up our wine and self-serve it. Not a big deal, but it was a waiter's corkscrew, which we're not used to using, so we struggled with that a bit. I highly recommend the Aloo Aur Papri Chat, a cold appetizer that works well to whet the appetite. it's crunchy and runny with raita and has just a hint of spice. The entrees came out relatively quickly (though we were the only ones in there at the time...). We've had Ekta vegetable curry, Ekta shrimp curry, chicken vindaloo, and lamb vindaloo. All delicious, and all uniquely flavored. You also get complementary papad when you sit down, always a bonus. And the curries come with rice (for two people, we got one bowl's worth of rice, so you may want to order more rice or nan if you want more starch in your meal). We always sit next to the window, and there are always people walking by, looking at the place, considering coming in, but walking away. If you want Indian food, this is the place to be! Seriously, I'm giving it five stars on the flavor alone.
(5)
Vinny P.

Uh-may-ZING! Lady Gaga and I ordered takeout last night from Ekta before the Halloween party. We decided to watch Blackula and what better food to pair with such a stunning piece of cinematic genius than Indian? Delivery time was 1:20. I expected it to be a long wait because it was Friday night and they are very popular. They did not disappoint in the least. We ordered garlic naan, rosemary naan, butter chicken and chicken kadhai. I loved this food. I was like a little kid on Christmas when the food came. The naan was warm and extremely flavorful. Soft and slightly chewy. Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. The chicken kadhai was hot (being a two pepper dish) but it did not kill me. It has all kinds of peppers in it and it just went so well with the naan and the basmati rice. The butter chicken was creamy, the pieces of chicken were tender and the sauce was the stuff of legends. I'm definitely geting two meals out of this order. I know that I'm going to smile when I eat the leftovers. I might even fist pump (I've been known to do that in the presence of awesome food) Blackula was terrible by the way, in case you were wondering. I guess i'm gaga for Ekta.
(5)
Joseph C.

Great Indian. Tops Tiffin in my opinion. Better flavor, larger portions. Definitely my go-to spot.
(4)
Jordan S.

I must have gone on an off night but it did not meet my expectations. The service, atmosphere, and what have you were all great, but the food was just subpar. I have tried Chicken Tikka Masala at around seven indian restaurants about the city now and Ekta's just does not fit the bill from what I have been used to. It was a bit over spiced and lax on the creamy dimension of the Tikka Masala that I have come to expect. The Lamb Rogan Josh came with maybe four actual pieces of lamb and the sauce was just terrible for me. This dish I am guessing you have to be more of a fan for as it was just too overpowering for me with no redeeming quality. The naan on the other hand was excellent. Get aloo or garlic naan. Definitely worth it here! Sorry to let you down Ekta fans :(.
(3)
Lee-sa D.

Ordered Chicken Tikka Masala for delivery. The food was great. I also had Garlic Naan. I ate so much I can't move. My 2 year old grandson ate some with me and enjoyed it as much as I did. I would definitely order from there again in the future. I will also try some of their other dishes. Highly recommend for a delicious meal.
(5)
Annie P.

Everything was so delicious! This is my favorite Indian food in Philly. We had the onion fritters, saag paneer, malai kofta and eggplant dish. It was all out of this world. The restaurant was packed but we still got our food pretty quickly and the service was excellent. Definitely worth a trip to Fishtown.
(5)
Carolyn L.

Best Indian Food in the city hands down (that I've found anyways). The food is spicy, authentic, and will satisfy any Indian food craving you may have. You'll crave your next visit before you even leave! Large portions, usually enough for dinner and lunch the next day, for me. I usually get the Lamb Korma, Lamb Chettinad, or Chicken Tikka Masala. The lamb here is excellent; really tender. All have GREAT complex yet balanced flavors and are served with basmati rice. Each bite is a rollercoaster ride of richness, various spices, and heat. Order some onion naan to sop up the saucy goodness that you may have missed, it's fluffy warm and delicious. Also, get their mango lassi to cool down the palate; it's a mango, yogurt based drink. It's one of my favorite drinks, ever. Seriously, if you like mangoes, you'll love it! They also deliver to a pretty wide area, so if you're feeling lazy, order in.
(5)
Dennis V.

I passionately love Ekta. The food is expertly spiced. I have a soft spot for their saag paneer and chicken tikka masala. The garlic and paneer nann are great too. At Ekta, I can always find a table regardless of how big my party is with no reservation. I can bring in beer with me, and they won't charge me a corking fee. Her prices are great. But Ekta is only perfect in my dreams. Sometimes she can disappoint me so much, I can only express my undying love with my fists. Why did you spill so much salt into my food? /punch. Goddamn it, you know how I like my food! /punch. Why do you embarrass me in front of my friends? /punch. You're never salty when it's just the two of us alone! /punch. It's ok, baby, it's ok. This hurts me more than it hurts you. We can make this work. I love you. Let's get married...
(5)
Shannon C.

IMHO, best Indian food in Philly.... I drive ALL THE WAY from South Philly to get Ekta take out. I've never eaten-in, so this is a take-out based review only.
(5)
Sarah B.

My favorite Indian Food restaurant in Philadelphia and hands down, the BEST Chicken Korma i've ever had. I love Ekta, I bring everyone who visits me there for dinner. Besides the Korma, i love butter chicken, kadai chicken, Dal Makhani, lamb vindaloo and all of the Naans are great. I love that they provide plenty of rice which is flavorful and not dry or old. Always fresh, always good service.
(5)
Miss WineandDine P.

I ordered take out from here today. Expected this amazing food and it really was average. I've had better Indian food. Too pricey .. And portions were horrible. $27 for 3 appetizers. Way over the top!! But delivery was fast.
(2)
KJ S.

I have heard a lot of great things about this place, so I was excited to try it. It was SO disappointing... the food was over the top greasy & the rice was super dry. The naan was dry & reheated, and (although it was still about 30 minutes before closing when we were finishing up) they acted as if we were there hours past closing... I will not waste my time or money again...
(2)
Grace S.

It's Labor Day Weekend and my bf and I decided to stick around. He is a HUGE fan of Indian food (we order it once every other week and make it at home) and we decided to explore the Indian restaurants east of the border. We narrowed down our choices through Yelp reviews to Tiffin and Ekta. Since Ekta beats out T on stars, we gave them a call, skeptical that they'll deliver. The man who picked up was very calm and polite even though it sounded like there were a million people trying to order in person. He asked me to hold and after taking 2 take-out orders, he asked me what I would like. He was patient with me while I asked him some questions and settled on Kadai Chicken and Lamb Korma, The garlic naan seems cheap at $2.75 but decided against it since reviewers said portions are very big. He calmly told me delivery 4 miles away on the complete other side of the city would be 1 hour and 20 minutes. Wow, this place better be damn good because I'm hungry right now! A little over an hour passes and my phone rings. I run downstairs, get my food and the curries are piping hot. There's also what appears to be rice pudding (free dessert, yay!), mago chutney, real authentic red pepper hot sauce, and a big container of basmati rice. Let me say, the lamb korma was on the buttery side but DELICIOUS. There are chunks of broken cashews and raisins but just a hint of it so it's not annoying or overpowering. There are lots of diced onions that were clearly sauteed in butter before the curry was made. I'm not a big lamb fan but my boyfriend who's Greek really liked it. The kadai chicken was damnnnn spicy. There were tons of green and red bell peppers and onions in it and you could actually taste them (they're fresh!). The ginger was not overpowering. It was hard to eat though because it was so spicy! The rice is nothing special but that's the way I like it (I am not a big rice or bread person and enjoy a very large curry to rice ratio). I don't like how the W. Philly joints use frozen peas and carrots and the rice is yellow and kinda sticky. Ekta serves long-grain basmati rice, it's white when done and there is a touch of cinnamon to it and cardamom pods. It's not greasy at all and it's not sticking together at all. After I stuff my face, I open up the dessert and take a sip because it's watery. YUM! It tastes like almond milk! Then I use a spoon to scoop up what looks like light brown vermicelli noodles on the bottom of this delicious concoction. Overall, GREAT INDIAN FOOD. Given how great the korma curry was, I'm going to try the tikka masala next and from the pictures people have posted, the samosas look awesome. YAY! Thank you Yelpers for helping me find this place!
(5)
Regina F.

Oh but seriously, Ekta is bomb. You know how Philly can't really handle snow...or rain...or any weather pattern not consistent with Scottsdale, Arizona? Well mega props to Ekta for having solid delivery of hot food in less than an hour on the quintessential dark and stormy night....When the rain smacks against your window like a cudgel wrapping against prison walls, there's nothing more comforting than a large hot bowl of spicy, freshly cut bindi masala. The spice warms your insides, while the okra, tender, yet firm, swoops over your tongue. The garlic naan oddly cools your fire, calms your gastric juices, and appeases your tongue with its soft, fluffy elegance.
(5)
Kate B.

I love this place so much I have their number saved in my phone. Delivery takes a long time, but it is SO worth it!
(5)
Dikla B.

To be short and specific - the restaurant does not look good, none of the waiters was Indian but still no one understood a word in English. The Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken were really good, but everything else was not. Please don't order Chai tea, it smelled bad and after one sip we decided not to drink. We will not come back to this place.
(2)
Courtney C.

Ahh.. my three friends and I ordered from here last night and we're all feeling pretty terrible today. Just a little beware. Food was pretty good, but not worth the aftermath.
(2)
Alex G.

Had the ekta shrimp and chicken saagwaalaa. Both were good, not great. Both dishes could have used more protein. Each came with approximately 4-5 pieces of shrimp and chicken. Needs more.
(4)
Laura H.

I have never found another Indian place as tasty as Ekta. It's no wonder I saw it pop up on Travel & Leisure's best Indian food in America top 10 list. travelandleisure.com/artâ€¦ Whether you dine in or take out, the proportions they serve are large. My boyfriend and I go full fat-kids when we eat here - Veggie samosas are amazing, especially when asking for their extra green sauce (sorry, don't know the name), along with the garlic naan dipped in the mango chutney. Their most popular dish, the chicken/shrimp tikka masala rightfully sits atop the list of the most delicious thing I have ever put into my mouth. We've also gotten the chicken vindiloo, which is very good, but when I get it, I feel like I've missed out from not having the tikka masala.
(5)
Lindsay H.

Delicious!!! We finally ordered Ekta for delivery the other night and wow, I was not disappointed. I had always thought Tiffin was the Indian take out place in Nolibs/Fishtown until I drove by Ekta. After looking up the reviews on yelp, I knew I needed to try it and boy was it delicious. I ordered the Goan Shrimp curry based on many of the reviews I read, the butter chicken (per Vinny P's review) and the garlic naan all for delivery. Now, as a highly impatient person, delivery is generally my worst nightmare. They tell you a time and it almost always comes later and then ends up driving me completely crazy. To my surprise and excitement, Ekta showed up 10 mins early. I loved them already. After one bite of the goan shrimp curry, I immediately knew that Ekta was my new spot. First off the sauce was great. It had kick, but not too much and finished with the perfect hint of coconut. The shrimp were also cooked to perfection. Then, tried the butter chicken. The sauce was packed with flavor and hints of heat and the chicken was also cooked perfectly. I find that my biggest issue with Indian takeout tends to be that the food can be over cooked but Ekta did great. Both the shrimp and the chicken were perfect and I was happy. Then, the garlic naan was the perfect platform to grab the rest of the sauce on my plate to enjoy. Yum. To sum it up, I will absolutely be ordering more Ekta before this incredibly cold winter is over. Delicious Indian takeout is perfection on a cold winter night!
(4)
Sophia I.

Delicious, but pricey for a take-out experience. Still it's worth it once you realize that every bite is a revelation of flavors. Especially tasty leftovers are also always a good sign. We've enjoyed the Kadai lamb immensely & vegetable curry is another stand-out. A side order of the yogurty Raita is a must if ordering anything spicy. Delicious & cooling. Naan is also good, but averages 3 bucks a pop. We tend not to order a lot of appetizers here, preferring an extra entree instead. And that's coming from an app lover. Not really recommended for dine-in. A great alternative to eating out when you want a splurge while staying in your jammies.
(4)
Gautam T.

As a disclaimer this review is purely based on the delivery aspect of the operation, I live pretty far from Ekta but I still get my fix because they deliver to center city all the way from No-lib. First off, delivery is always the last option for me mainly because in my mind the food isn't as fresh as it is when you eat it at the restaurant. Ekta has completely changed my pre-conceived notions about delivery. My horizon has been broadened so to say. The food is simply superb! This past weekend for a party of eight we ordered a variety of dishes; Chicken Tikka, Paneer Saag, Chicken Saag, Chicken Kadai, Malai Kofta, Chicken Biryani and vegetable samosas, and garlic naan. Very reasonable considering the amount of food we got (17.00 + tip per person) and since we were at my place I also got 3-4 meals extra! All the dishes exceeded expectations and had the right amount spice, I can't pick a favorite because they all legitamately were delicious! So, if you live in Center City and crave indian like I do but don't want to move off your couch because there are football games on call up Ekta and have them deliver you some bomb A$$ food.
(5)
Justine J.

The goan curry (tilapia curry) was amazing. It was so freakin good. It's not spicy, so you can have them make it hotter if you like things that way. Add some nan to that and wrap it up and voila - you have yourself a Ekta fish curry taco.
(4)
Kess M.

Ekta is expensive but is still one of the best Indian spots in Philly.
(5)
Felix P.

The menu price is a suggestion and not accurate. Don't be surprised when you have to give up your first born for mediocre (at best) Indian food.
(1)
Daniel T.

So good! The best Indian that we have had in Philly. Vegetable samosas - delicious. Goan Fish (Tilapia) Curry - so many layers of flavors. It was by far, the best thing that I have had at an Indian restaurant. Baigan Bharta - smokey eggplant goodness. Nothing else needs to be said. Garlic nann - the place has a dizzying variety of naan to choose from, we went with the tried and true.
(4)
Louisa E.

Favorite indian in philly. Get the mango paneer it's my favorite thing ever! Sweet and spicy- more lien a sweet bbq than a mango flavor. Lamb vindaloo is amazing and very spicy. Tandoori veggies are good too. The prices keep going up which makes sense for the neighborhood but still wigs everything was still $12. If you eat in its BYOB and the service is nice. The only complaints is I wish they didn't serve super hot food in plastic containers- not sure what a more health conscious option would be- maybe cardboard soup containers. They are not easily recyclable either.
(5)
Bill M.

I have only ever ordered for delivery to Port Richmond and have been very happy with almost every order. There are very few Indian restaurants in Philly, and even fewer in the northeast corner so I was thrilled to have them deliver. I usually order a little extra for a leftover meal the next day. If you have not tried Indian before and you try delivery or takeout they place little labels on each of the containers. I don't need that but can see how helpful it is to anyone trying something for the 1st time. The Biryani is quite good and, to me, very spicy. My standard is the chicken tikka masala and palak paneer. Both very tasty. Murg Malai Kabob was a very pleasant surprise and is now my new favorite. Delivery guys are all very nice and always deliver within the estimated time they state when the order is placed.
(4)
Emily L.

The food is extremely good. My favorite dishes are anything saag and the rosemary naan. The mango chutney that they give you is an awesome dipping sauce. The only problem with Ekta are the prices - it adds up really quickly!
(4)
Lisa D.

Really really good indian food in Philly. Very authentic and the spiciness was perfect. Saag Paneer - absolutely delicious. Very creamy and my husband who barely likes spinach loved this dish. Chicken Vindaloo - Very spicy and delicious. You feel the heat in the aftertaste. The sauce is soooo good. Lamb Rogan Josh - Lamb was very tender and melted in your mouth.
(5)
Robert W.

Hands down the best Indian I've had since I moved to Philadelphia. I wish I knew the names of the items I tried but they were all good.
(5)
Lisa S.

My teenage daughters and I LOVE Indian Food. We've tried A LOT of Indian Restaurants in the area, and we used to like Tiffins, but then we discovered EKTA and that was it for us. The Chicken Tikka Masala is the best I've ever tasted anywhere. The portions are very generous, and we usually split one order between us and add some appetizers like onion bhaji, samosas (delicious, and the tamarind chutney is the best I've ever tasted!). We also usually order palak (spinach) naan. I love to eat in because the whole place smells amazing! A lot of time we call ahead and pick up our food. The only thing that's a little tricky is trying to find parking when picking up, but I usually just double park because they have my food waiting and ring me up immediately. The staff is always friendly, they even know what we usually order. The place is clean and the ambiance is very relaxing.
(5)
Brian L.

This place really should have five stars, as I have no real complaints. I've had this a couple, three times when visiting Philly and we are either 1) in the mood for Indian food or b) completely lazy and want Indian food. Both work out to incredible advantage. Have been able to try a few dishes at this point, all of them being to my approval. The veggie Samosa I wasn't totally sold on but I know it goes over well with a lot of other people so don't listen to me. The standard naan, while good, could definitely be better. Never been inside, so I can't speak to that. But the portions are plentiful... you'll get at least a couple meals out of it.
(4)
Elizabeth R.

I like everything I've had at Ekta except the Ekta vegetables. They are mostly just bell peppers and mine came with two chunks of paneer cheese in it even though it's not listed as an ingredient on the menu. I won't be ordering that again. My boyfriend gets the tandoori chicken and loves it. We've tried several dishes that were all very good, as well. They give you plenty of rice, but naan costs extra. They opt for the weird sesame crackers as their free appetizer. I'm not a fan of them, but I always eat them anyway. This place has pretty decent ambiance. It's quiet and classy, and also BYOB. The service is reserved, but absolutely adequate and polite. Street parking can be sketchy, but fortunately we live locally and are able to walk. There are plenty of cabs nearby, as well. The one thing I would like from Ekta is the option to select the spice level of my dishes. Their menu is set up so that most dishes are not spicy at all, and a few are slightly spicy. I like my Indian food tongue-stingingly spicy and I have never been to an Indian restaurant that didn't ask what my preference was. If they had this, I would give them five stars.
(4)
Frank P.

Excellent neighborhood Indian restaurant. We ate in their cozy clean dining room that had linen tablecloths and napkins. We had the Ekta Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala and the Ekta Tandoori and for dessert the Gulab jamun. Everything was delicious. Service was quick and pleasant. And the price was very reasonable. Quality all around. Highly recommend!
(4)
Christina M.

Never had Indian food so was very skeptical. It was very good. I stuck with the simple things on the menu as the waiter. Who by the way was very helpful in his suggestions. I ended up getting the curry chicken & the cashew rolls. Delicious! My boyfriend got chicken tikka masala. This is one of the hidden Byob places in the city. We didn't bring a bottle. They have a take out place connected right next store. I grabbed a menu & I am definitely going to order take out from there. It will be a welcoming change from always ordering the same chinese , pizza, & sandwich takeout I usually order
(5)
Phanna P.

A friend surprised me with this visit. Small but the food was very good. A slow Thursday night and it was BYOB. I definitely would eat here again. I emjoyed the chicken vindaloo, spicy yes!
(5)
Pam S.

I've loved Ekta from delivery for a while. Good vegan options, amazing baji, true winners. I finally went to eat in the other day, and the dining room was cute, service was very nice, and as always, food was great. My hubs adores the saag paneer, and I usually change between their version of chana masala (different name) and their ekta dal. The dal's a little bland, so probably a good choice if you don't like spicy food. I like it for a solid meal that always has leftovers, plus I've had too many chickpeas in my food career. I'll probably make an effort to come back to their brick and mortar since it's a nice quiet experience. Always great, Ekta!
(5)
Bill M.

This review is brought to you by the word spicy. Because that's exactly what Ekta wowed me with like no other restaurant that I've ever been to in Philly (Note: I still haven't given in to the Handy Nasty)! I've heard the rave reviews about Ekta for as long as everybody else. But it's taken me forever to give in and try it just because of how freaking tiny it used to be. those two booths inside the take away section just weren't manageable no matter how good the food was! But cue the much needed remodeling, and you now have a seriously amazing Indian BYOB to enjoy that's not too far away from concert central Fishtown. As you can tell from some of the reviews some people aren't down with the changed results, and while I can understand why, so long as I can sit down to some saag paneer and a bottle of wine before the next show the Deli books at Johnny Brenda's, I freaking LOVE it! I knew that when I was looking for something spicy to fill me up during an insanely cold day. And when I saw the three peppers next to the Kadai Chicken to gauge it's spice, I considered myself a serious contender. I'm someone who recklessly puts Siracha on just about anything (I only really draw the line at ice cream). But holy hell did some of those bites turn up the heat in my mouth like no other entree has to date. I finished up every bite that came out of the decorative bowl though, with just a little bit of help from the water that our servers were spot on with pouring, and the complimentary crispy naan appetizer that they hooked up. While I might keep it lightly spiced with their full on veggie options next round, I fully intend to be back!
(5)
love n.

Always enjoy the food at Ekta. Just wish it was a little cheaper. $15 for entrees is a bit much for Indian...
(4)
Angela E.

How have I not reviewed Ekta yet!? This place is as good as it gets when it comes to Indian flavors and spicy punches. My first piece of advice- please be careful eating the Vindaloo. It will knock your socks off. Second, leftovers are okay. Don't pack it all in and make yourself regret choosing Indian food- all of their food reheats wonderfully. Third, you can pick it up or eat in- the restaurant beside the pick-up area now has a window so you can see outside...actually, you can see all of the folks waiting on their food...but still, better than a wall! We've eaten so many great items on the menu- chicken tikka masala of course, lamb saagwala, chicken vindaloo, lamb chettinad...they're all so delicious. Add some naan to the mix (we stick with the plain) and you don't need much else. We only get one entree each and we still have leftovers to heat up the next day, which is always a nice treat! Special Note: It's dress-up or dress-down in the little side restaurant- a free for all, really!
(5)
Adam T.

Not only the best Indian food I've ever had (in the US) but my favorite restaurant hands down. Usually go for the Chicken Tikka Masala or Saag Aur Paneer. It's a byob and despite a recent price hike the portions are generous. Love.
(5)
Athena C.

Goan shrimp curry Faithful to you, never stray Rice so flavorful Order "spicy" if You don't mind runny noses Makes you feel alive
(5)
Seema F.

I finally got the chance to sit inside Ekta to eat. The interior is rather tiny, and brightly lit, so don't expect anything too cozy. They right away give you papad and 2 chutneys--green and tamarind. The green however was oddly creamy and sweet. Four of us ordered Butter Chicken, Lamb Korma, Kadai Chicken, and Lamb Vindaloo. Everything was served in a small copper pot that was a pretty big serving. They didn't seem to give us enough rice, but it was refillable. I said before that Vindaloo would be the true test, and it certainly was. Tiffin's vindaloo is MUCH better. Ekta's was pretty mild and tomatoey. Since vindaloo should be very hot, I asked for some chilies. The waiter asked me if I want it chopped, which I did. I expected small choppings of chili peppers, but instead I got about 5 chilies, 3 of which were simply sliced in half on an angle and the other 2 were whole. Not sure what they were thinking, but I had to chop it myself at the table. They also seemed to be light on the cilantro, so when I asked for some more they brought that out--chopped a little better. Ekta's secret seems to be cream, which can work sometimes, but not in everything. I had to deduct a star simply based on the vindaloo, chilies, and nonstop cream, but compared to most places in the city this is pretty good. I still much prefer Tiffin though.
(3)
Christina A.

Best Indian in town. Delivery takes a while (usually over an hour) but always worth the wait.
(5)
Erica E.

Really tasty Indian food that delivers = yay in my book. It's not mind blowing, life changing food but definitely the best Indian I have had in the city. Also, huuuge delivery zone so you're bound to get some goodness delivered right to your door and usually within an hour.
(4)
Valerie D.

I had not ordered from Ekta for a while. Just had a craving for yellow dal and chicken curry. It was delicious although the prices have gone up ($40 for three dishes!) and the chicken pieces were few and small. But, it did address the craving on a cold winter day and I did not have to cook!
(4)
Lena W.

I ordered delivery from here, which didn't take too long. But, they gave me the order wrong. One of the entrees I ordered was replaced with a completely different dish. We called and they said that they would send us the right dish and take back the wrong one. That makes no sense, as I assume they would just throw away the dish anyway. After an hour, I finally got the dish I ordered. We did not give them back the dish because that is just strange. After I had already finished my meal, my boyfriend finally was able to eat his. Despite the poor service, the food was very tasty. They are a little pricy, but great food.
(3)
Erica M.

I have tried most of the vegetarian options here and I have not tried anything yet that I didn't like. My only complaint is the price. I always get take-out, so I don't know what the service is like.
(4)
P. D.

I had been looking forward to trying out ekta for a year or so. Usually I go to Tiffin - and after dining at Ekta finally I will always go to Tiffin. The lamb biryani was overcooked and uninspiring. The okra (bhindi) curry seemed like the okra had been defrosted or something - the veggies were small and frayed. No music in the background. Good service...but the ambiance and food are disappointing when you have Tiffin down the street.
(2)
Lia B.

i love ekta. when i moved to philly from new york city i was so dismayed at the lack of good, spicy indian food available. ekta is the only place that comes close.
(5)
Me C.

Best Indian food in Philly- amazing. The portions are also a decent size so I had enough left over for for lunch the next day. They have a huge delivery area and delivery was faster than we were told it would be. I had a Shabanam Curry and it was full of veggies in a delicious sauce. This contrasts with many Indian places in Philly where it's a lot of sauce (that's mostly cream instead of flavor) and the odd potato and overcooked broccoli. I ate with three other people and everyone was really happy with their dinner- vegetarians and carnivores alike.
(5)
Yaya M.

I just ate-in at this establishment for the first time and was reminded how much outstanding service can make a great meal even better. I swear I never saw the bottom of my water glass in this place, no sooner than I took a sip was it replaced. We received whatever we asked for within seconds of requesting it and were allowed to bask in our after-meal glow without feeling rushed. In the past I would typically get take out from here or delivery when I lived in the Kensington area. I like to slip into food comas in the comfort of my own home and this food certainly inspires fits of taste-bud ecstasy that borderline on inappropriate for children under the age of 13. Everything is spiced to perfection with a flavorful complexity missing from many Indian restaurants in the area, is delightfully creamy, is hot when necessary without being watered down for the western palette, and is offered in portions that are sized to share. The Goan Shrimp Curry and Saag Aur Paneer are my favorites (with the Saag Paneer setting the standard for how this dish should taste) but the common dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Samosas, and Chicken Vindaloo are delicious as well without feeling typical. As hesitant as am am to give the kind of review that will only increase the popularity of one of my favorite spots in the city, making it that much more difficult for me to get a table on the weekend, I need you to eat here. If this place ever closed I would be devastated to the point of holding a candlelight vigil on the sidewalk out front.
(5)
David B.

First off, I walked out of this place stuffed. There was so much food I could hardly eat it all - and that rarely occurs at most restaurants for me. I ordered the Garlic Naan, Methi Ka Parath and Chicken Tikka Masala. All were delicious. To start the meal off they bring some kind of flat (unleavened?) bread with two dipping sauces. Both sauces were good, but I prefer the green kind. Should have asked what I was eating, but I was too busy enjoying the food. The Garlic Naan and Methi Ka Parath were fresh, soft and piping hot. The Chicken Tikka Masala was heaven in a bowl: spicy, thick with good portions of moist, tender chicken. The sauce was so good I cleaned the bowl with my Naan. The Chicken Tikka Masala comes with a bowl of Basmati rice easily large enough for two people to share. No way I could finish that much by myself. Best of all this place is open late on the weekends (until 10PM) and is BYOB. I'll be back.
(5)
Shay K.

I love Ekta! This is the best Indian food I have ever had. Ever. And I have sampled Indian food in Boston, Miami, all over Philly... Ekta wins! The atmosphere, as one of my close friends who also loves Ekta says, "Feels like you're eating in someones parent's living room." But no matter, it is dark and eerily quiet when it's not in full swing. But the food is to die for. I highly recommend the Saag Paneer or the Lamb Saagwala. The first is a healthy, vegetarian delight full of spinach and saucy, spicy but not firey deliciousness. The latter is full of lean, tender lamb, planty of vegetables and another spicy slightly firey sauce. I dare you to finish your entire pot of food. There is so much actual meal and an abundance of aromatic rice that going home without extras is a rarity. But if you're trying to go all out, definitely start with the Samosa Chat. a small bowl filled with lightly fried dough, yogurt, chickpeas, veggies, and millions of herbs and spices, I'm sure. It is both spicy and cooling (bc of the yogurt) and 100% delish. Everytime I go to Ekta, I suffer Ekta withdrawal for the next week. But, in order to save the state of my sad college-student's bank account, I have forced myself to refrain from returning to Ekta at every craving. P.s. BYOB!
(5)
Walter K.

As my friend John Mallinen put it, "I'm just way into the idea that I can eat bomb-ass Indian food without even leaving my house." And here it is: Ekta is the new king of 19125 delivery Indian food. This new joint opened recently on Girard Ave and only a few blocks from Tiffin. And I've heard that a few people from Tiffin left and started Ekta, but I'm not sure, and it doesn't really matter. Ekta has a good variety of veg options. Overall, it has standard, but great Indian options. Lentils, Paneer, lamb, and chicken are served with fresh vegetables in various curries. Best of al, each dish is made to order. The main downside of Ekta is that it has no atmosphere. Two small tables are crammed into the front of the kitchen, leaving almost no room to eat at the restaurant. Here's the bottom line: Ekta offers fresh, healthy, delicious Indian food, and it's cheaper than Tiffin. The main dishes are just as good, if not better. There is no reason, however, to eat at the restaurant. If you're trying to go out for Indian food, Tiffin should be your option. Still, be lazy, order Ekta delivery, and enjoy the goodness from your own couch.
(4)
Robin T.

OH Ekta, as I eat my leftovers for lunch, I give thanks that you are the closest takeout to my house. I love the smell of you wafting down Girard and around the corner. I haven't eaten much Indian food in my life, but I hear there's nowhere better. I love you and the spice you add to my life! No wonder there's always double-parking going on! (But what have you done to the front of your building?!)
(5)
Keith P.

Great food, though a bit pricey. Ordered delivery and they didn't provide eating utinsels and had a hard time finding our location.
(4)
Abhinav N.

I tried this place after a friend recommended it and this is definitely one of the best Indian food I've had after a long time. They have a great menu and excellent choices of meat / vegetarian curry and tandoor dishes. I ordered the Ekta Kebab and Paneer Lychee which was really good. One thing about this place is that the owners and chefs are from Nepal, so you get a very unique blend of North Indian spices and this is not what we get in other local Indian / Pakistani restaurants. Bottom line - I would recommend this place to anyone looking for some great Indian food in the neighbourhood . Enjoy !!
(4)
Patricia S.

Yes, it's fantastic. This is coming from someone who was practically raised on Punjabi curries (typical Indian food in America) and has had it in at least a half dozen different countries (except India, sadly). The highlights were the Goan Shrimp Curry, Kadai Lamb and Shrimp Tikka Masala. The Goan Shrimp is nicely creamy, but spicy and flavorful. The Kadai curry was actually spicier than the Vindaloo, but quite different. Not as vinegar-y as Vindaloo can be. It was really really nice. The shrimp in both dishes are very large and perfectly cooked. For bread, I'd go for Paratha or the Palak Naan. The Palak Naan really blew me away. It was a combination of Naan and Spanakopita. Absolutely, delicious. As someone from out of town, I was a bit wary of the neighborhood at night, but it's not that bad. Just need a bit of street smarts, and you're probably fine if you're driving into town. The ambiance of the restaurant is a tad rundown, but it's homey and nice and perfect for a casual catch-up with friends or family. Ekta gets it right. The price is spot-on, the food packs the "pow" that you're looking for, it's BYOB AND the service is efficient. I will be returning!
(4)
Clara L.

Best Indian Food in Philly, but paltry in comparison to Jerz or NYC or west coast. All my friends are Indian, so I'm brown by association... it's where my cred comes from. The food is typical Punjabi (Read: what Americans think of as Indian food with dishes in curried sauces. You guys really don't know what you're missing with all the other types of Indian food out there.) Spicier than Tiffin, which is a much more watered down version of Indian food. At work, we will order in massive quantities and stink up our lounge. The food tastes like it's supposed to with generous amounts of ghee (clarified butter). Malai Kofta--potato-veggie-cashew--(meatless) ball in creamy cashew sauce is great for late night carbtastic snacking. Chicken Tikka Masala is a decent version. The Vindaloo is pretty spicy, but it won't burn on the way out, which is the way it should be. Goan Shrimp Curry is good. Standard Samosas and Naan. The Chicken Tandoor is excellent, however, wonderfully seasoned and juicy, unlike other Indian places.
(4)
Jamaica Y.

Link to the MENU.. cuz yes they are dope and do deliver: foobooz.com/wp-content/uâ€¦ Oh man, I'm full. Sooo, I'm one of those idiots who eats foods she is allergic to, like several Indian spices. Now my eyes are burning and my lips are stinging... but man was that good! My brother ate with me and agrees wholeheartedly that I am an idiot--with or without the spices. I had the chicken masala and the butter chicken. Both were exceptional, but I won't lie and say I knew which one was which once they hit my plate. The rice is pretty much perfect which you may not find impressive until you experience it. This place is great. Period. Oh, and the delivery driver was also notably nice.
(5)
A K.

Fantastic food!! Who knew they would have a restaurant like this in a the middle of no where. Ordered Chkn tikka masala. It was probably the best I had in 3 years! Also ordered tandoori Chkn. Very juicy and perfectly blended with spice. Veg samosas were fresh too. Overall a great experience. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars because they don't have any desserts (like Gulab jamun or ras malai etc). They DID offer rice pudding but I am not a fan of rice pudding. Kinda disappointing. But whatever items they do sell, is top notch and fresh!
(4)
Jessica E.

I hadn't been to Ekta since it first opened a few years ago, and went this evening for an Indian food craving. The food was, for the most part, excellent. My boyfriend and I both really enjoyed our entrees - I got chicken tikka masala and he got a lamb dish (which I can't recall how to spell). My chicken was delicious and the sauce was spiced beautifully. It had much more depth to it than lots of other tikka masala that I've had. The naan was warm and fresh. Minus one star for the vegetable samosas that we ordered as an appetizer - burning hot on the outside and freezing cold in the middle. The texture of samosa filling when it is cold is not appealing at all. Service was friendly and efficient. Very solid option for Indian food in the area.
(4)
Sophia S.

I became an ekta convert after two 'eh' experiences at tiffin. Since i lived only a few blocks away, ekta became a staple in my diet. now that i've moved to a new neighborhood, i still spring for delivery all the time. Unlike many indian places, ekta's sauces are not homogeneous...they look (and taste) like they are made from real food! you can actually see the spices their chiken tikka masala--standard of all indian restaurants in america--and it has more of a kick than tiffin's also. my other favorite is the malai kofta. similarly, their creamy cashew based sauce is creamy, substantial, and zesty. it is part of the meal, not just an accoutrement. they also send indian rice pudding as a free accompaniment most nights...its not overly sweet and has almond slices and little fruits in it. I hate western rice pudding but LIVE for this stuff. I will warn that when getting delivery, the nan has been kinda stale. i'd advice against it.
(5)
Steph A.

I have never once had an issue with Ekta. I've since moved out of the city, but my business is right down the street from them. At least once a week, my boyfriend brings home Ekta because we love it that much. Really great food.
(5)
Ian F.

Medium spicy and good!
(5)
Michelle S.

All the staff were really nice and friendly, the food was really good, and it's really affordable. All-in-all a pretty good experience for Indian food.
(4)
Erica M.

Let me start this by saying that Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines. This food was SO SALTY I couldn't even eat it. I mean it honestly was some of the saltiest food I've ever eaten...certainly the saltiest Indian I've ever had. We had saag and a type of chickpea dish (not chana masala). WOW! With so many great Indian places around, I don't think I'll be back.
(1)
Gina L.

Spicey hot goodness! This place rocks on so many levels. However, the first level is that fact that they do not overly use oils which is my pet peeve with restaurants. I took the advice of fellow yelpers and headed to this place and was not disappointed. Unlike most, I chose to eat in the dining area. It was a bit quiet (read:empty) but the server was friendly and attentive. My dining partner and I ordered the garlic kabob, garlic nan, the kadai chicken and the bhindi masala. The garlic kabob was a chicken kabob that was tender, lemony and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs. The nan came out, warm and soft and just right with a texture that was crisp in some places and chewy in others. Both the "sinus clearing" kadai chicken and bhindi masala exceeded expectations. The only comment I have on a fellow yelper's review is that if you want leftovers and you consider yourself to be a "big eater" you may want to order an additional portion because after singing the praises of this place throughout the entire meal we had nothing left to take home! I would have liked a bigger selection of drinks and maybe a sparking water choice but overall, I highly recommend this place. Dance of joy: Perfectly seasoned dishes with distinct flavor and character. Superb hotness in the spicey dishes. Weeps and Wails: I forgot my tissues and I sneezed and cried while eating the kadai chicken...(it was awesome). Dining area can be a little empty...
(5)
Adam R.

Ekta or Tiffin? This review is coming from someone who has had Tiffin as their go-to Indian for delivery. After seeing Ekta as having the same amount of reviews as Tiffin with a little better rating, I decided to order it tonight instead of Tiffin. Long story short, after ordering the same staples I love from Tiffin, I have decided I am still a tiffin fan. What I ordered: Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Goan Shrimp Curry Chicken Tikka- Ekta has nice spicing while still having a creamy taste.However, i still prefer tiffin's chicken tikka. Creamier, and just more addictive IMO Saag Paneer- Again i have to go with Tiffin. It seems like tiffin's spinach was not quite as mushy as Ekta. I will say i definitely had more spicing in Ekta than tiffin, although at one point was a bit too much since i bit into a whole cardamom pod and had to fish it out of my mouth. In general, it seems they both have the same price point, both are as good with portions of rice and entrees, but i will say Tiffin gives memore chicken in my tikka masala and more cheese chunks in my Saag Paneer. Ekta did give a desert witheach entree which i will say is a neat little surprise. In conclusion: Ekta is a great choice for some good, authentic (from my perspective) indian fare. However, with Tiffin just around the corner and delivering in the same Areas as both Ekta locations. I would have to recommend Tiffin over Ekta.
(3)
Steve S.

I had to try this place since there are so many great reviews. I got the chicken tikka masala, onion baji, and naan. The onion and naan where very good. The chicken tikka masala was really not that good. The spices they used were not cooked fully and it had a raw spice flavor. Also the ground spices left the sauce gritty like sand was in it. I like my tikka sauce to be rich, smooth, and creamy. I will not be returning.
(3)
Abigail L.

I'm sorry Ekta. I guess we just got off on the wrong foot. I love your new menu additions and the spice levels seem fine now, so maybe it was just a bad first date. Ekta is now my go to Indian place and I love, love, love every morsel I've had as of late, which is a lot, like several times a month a lot. If we were on the Bachelorette I'd give you a rose.
(4)
Deann M.

I got Ekta to deliver to me, and the chicken korma was creamy and nutty and flavorful. The chicken was just a tad dry. When reheated as leftovers, the dish improved. My veggie BF enjoyed his dish, the kadai paneer. Overall it wasn't the holy grail of Indian food, but it satisfied my indian food craving. I intend to try King of Tandoor and Tiffin next.
(4)
William S.

I thought Philly only had hoagie shops and gastropubs, but Ekta turned my ignorant notions into... uh... non...ignorance. Anyway I guess Philly has good Indian food as well. Ekta was my first taste of Indian food in the great city of Philly and it did not disappoint. I went there with my bud DJ on a man-date, and we got lamb chettinad, samosa chaat, and garlic naan. We got the samosa chaat based on the recommendation of Manzur, the server/manager, and it was good but we had no idea it was a cold dish... kind of like a cold, mashed samosa gazpacho. It's good, I promise, but if you're craving a samosa then that's probably not going to satisfy. But no worries, Manzur sensed our slight disappointment and gave DJ and I an order of regular samosas ON THE HOUSE, which of course is my favorite. Free. A little tip: dine in and get a punch card. If you dine in 5 times, you get 1 free entree the next time you eat in. ALSO, if you bring your own gin, they can make authentic Indian cocktails and you can mix the gin in yourself. PARTY WITH MANZUR!
(5)
Jennifer T.

I used to not like Indian food, but I'm glad I got over that weird stage of my life. Now I loveeee Indian food, and if it's cheap, good Indian food, that gets 5 stars in my book. Ekta is a small joint in Fishtown - a 'hood I rarely venture to, except to get facials from Affordable Skin Care and beers from Frankford Hall. One side is for take out, the other side is for dining in (notice the handmade BYOB sign in the glass window). I walked by on a whim one day and sniffed the amazing scents wafting out to E. Girard Ave. The bf & I decided to give Ekta a whirl and we're so glad we did. Just the right amount of spicy (no baby-ing here) and large portions! Service was spotty, our guy never brought out our samosas (sad!) and didn't understand when we didn't want to pay for them. However, I can overlook the small language barrier because it makes me feel like I'm getting extra authentic food! We'll probably only order takeout from now on... I just checked their delivery map and WHEW, I'm within 2 blocks of their boundary line.
(4)
Charles R.

Not being a great authority on Indian food I will just say that I agree with the 4 star reviews on Yelp. Service was prompt. Lamb dishes were tender, sauces were tasty and the garlic naan was moist with lots of garlic. Actually, they can never put too much garlic in anything for me, but this did contain an ample amount. Next time I would have the Vindaloo because the waiter said it was super spicy, but the dish I had that was one step down from the Vindaloo was just average on a spicy scale to me. BYO, takes all credit cards, and public parking right across the street.
(4)
Marie R.

I will admit, I have not written a review in quite SOME time.....but it is the perfect time to rage about Ekta, briefly. Dear Ekta, Thank you for consistently great service and delicious food. Thanks for your awesome delivery man who makes your Indian taste-bud dreams come ALIVE. Thank you for sending me a birthday card .:) Your food is delicious and our household loves you- dining in or out. From 3 roommates: vegan,vegetarian & a meat eater!
(5)
Sana R.

EXPENSIVE! Expect to spend $50+ for two people for dinner. This includes two apps and two entrees. Def get the cashew rolls and pappdi chhat though.
(4)
Annie R.

best indian food in philadelphia. butter chicken & garlic naan a+ and byob!
(5)
Brett J.

Ekta, we almost walked by you because we saw you from across the street and thought you were a carryout-only joint. We were wrong. Your food was very tasty, once the order came out right. The deduction here comes because of a somewhat awkward encounter w/ the waiter after my non-meat-eating girlfriend was brought a chicken tikka masala dish instead of the paneer. It took a few minutes of awkward exchange before the mistake was realized and eventually corrected. Once the correct order came out, we were both pleased w/ the food (the Kadai Chicken effectively cleared my sinuses). Overall, a good meal, just took a while to get there.
(3)
Daniel E.

Good food sluggish service
(4)
Mike G.

WELCOME EKTA! Love the previous reviews so I'm not gonna try and be witty (yeah, like a paralyzed person promising not to run) so I'll share my bit. As an enthusiastic group of 6, we ordered more than I can recall honestly but I'm a HUGE fan of Cafe Bombay in Bristol which has my favorite dish: kadai. I usually go for the Kadai Lamb, which EKTA has, however I had to share with some others that don't eat meat. (chicken's not meat, cool). The Kadai Chicken was great actually. It was different though than the one I love at Bombay. It's more a red gravy rather than brown and yet it's full of flavor and a bit spicy. I would totally recommend this place based on the 5 main dishes we all shared and the appetizers were great. In fact, the Samosa Chat was something I'm already jonesin' for. The Onion Bhaji left me wanting more. For our bonus, they threw in 2 containers of great homemade rice pudding. The whole bill and tip for delivery came out so low that it cost us around $10 each and though we only had 5 entrees for 6 adults, we still had leftovers! We all need to enjoy this place while they're at this "grand opening" price range. Tiffin was once so eager to please. Our hope now should be that these two duke it out and keep the prices reasonable.
(5)
Leah S.

Great food and the people were very nice!
(4)
Chris M.

Samosa Sogooda Love Indian food, but clueless where to go.. wanted something we thought might be authentic, and spicy. Ekta served both purposes. Tandoor Boti Kabob, Chicken Vindaloo, Veg Samosa, and a bottle of wine. Food was incredibly fast, and perfect. The Lamb was superb, and Vindaloo hot.. but not lethal. Service is the best, these guys are on it. Perfect for night before or after Johnny Brenda's or Kraftwork. Get in here. I WILL be back, or order takeout for sure their menu is huge!
(4)
Seth K.

Love this place. Sure, there isn't much competition for delicious Indian food in Fishtown. But this spot beats my previous favorite Indian takeout in the region, Taste of India out near the KoP mall. I tend to order veggie when I get Indian because there so many good indian veg options. My personal favorite is the Paneer Mangoli. It's more sweet than spicy, a bit divergent from the rest of the menu. The Kadai Paneer is also excellent, but don't take the little pepper graphics on the menu lightly. This food is spicy. My roommates get the usual Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Vindaloo and also rate those very highly. Ekta loses a star because it is just too darn expensive to be a regular to-go spot for me. Yeah I know, Indian is always expensive, and I usually get 2 meals out of an order, but the sticker shock on a $20 to-go meal is tough.
(4)
Kev G.

Really bad food here! Portions are extremely small and overpriced! The only good thing was these cashew fried things. They had good flavor, but I would never come back here! Sorry! I will find another indian place!
(2)
Gino C.

Love the food here! We've grabbed take out a few times here and never been disappointed. Some of the best Indian food I've found. We even brought our young kids into the new dining room and had a great time there. Very friendly staff, good service and excellent food. It's our go to Indian restaurant.
(5)
Katherine K.

My boyfriend and I usually go to Lovash for Indian food, but decided we would try something different considering there are several other places in the city. We ordered the vegetable samosa, basil naan, onion naan, kadai chicken, and the lamb rogan josh. Veg. samosa- no complaints here. They tasted like any other vegetable samosa I've had before and the sauces that accompanied were good. The naans were a little squishier than I'm used to. Usually they are a little bit crisper, or maybe just more charred? The dough was all loosey-goosey and just not as appealing as I'm used to. If I had to pick one, I preferred the onion naan over the basil. Lamb rogan josh had a lot of fatty bits in it. I did a lot of napkin stowing with this meal. It was only slightly spicy, which is good for me. However, on the menu it does not indicate any spiciness, so for someone that does not do well with heat, be forewarned. I typically go for chicken dishes and thought since we were already trying a new place, why not try a new meat? I think I'll stick with the chicken from now on. My boyfriend's kadai chicken was too spicy for me to eat. I got down two bites and then had to stop because I was pretty sure my sinuses were beginning to flow Hoover Dam-style. It is listed as a "two chili pepper" on the menu and some items are "three chili peppers". I don't even want to think about how spicy those threes are. I'm glad we checked out another place, but I definitely prefer Lovash still. On to the next!
(3)
Julie G.

Best Indian food in the city. I get the Chicken Tikka Masala and a side order of Garlic Naan. The chicken is marinated, cooked, and trimmed perfectly, and the sauce is perfectly spiced. Another reviewer said the sauce has "depth," to it, and she's right. Order the Naan - it is popping out of the ovens when you get there - it isn't reheated or refreshed...it's literally made for you, perfect, crisp/chewy and fantastic. After going to this place once on a fluke for take out, I've since been there an embarrassing amount of times...and am always trying to convince friends to 'meet up there' just so I can eat there. Fantastic.
(5)
Nicole D.

The best Indian delivery in the city. But be forewarned that they ALWAYS estimate delivery time as "one hour 20 minutes", but actually may arrive within the half hour.
(5)
Daniel T.

Basically if you're reading this, you're probably wondering if you should eat from Ekta or Tiffin. As far as chicken/lamb vindaloo goes, Ekta is the clear winner. Their vindaloo comes seething like molten lava, an evil red color born from the depths of hell. As I eat in my underpants, endorphins shoot through and I start to sweat upon my couch. That's what I'm talkin' about. Tiffin's is much milder and to me that's a no deal.
(5)
ed r.

The food is great, but I had a delivery experience that will keeping me from doing that ever again. Last night my order arrived two hours after ordering- most places would offer the meal for free at that point. I don't live far by any means, but I typically don't take chances sticking indian food in a backpack while biking.. if I ever order from them again I guess that's what I'll have to do.
(3)
Karina M.

amazing!!! Amazing buttered chicken
(5)
Erik s.

First things first- let me stress I have the intestinal fortitude of a new born. I do as well with real spicy food as an irishman would do sunbathing w/ no spf. So true ethnic Indian food and their devil spices r lost on me. I tried it once w/ some Indian friends in college and my bathroom would not talk to me for 4 monthes. That saying I love Tiffin..blah blah I don't care if it's not true Indian food .. whatever.. it makes my taste buds happy so shove it. Recently, though I have been feeling a bit frisky so I decide to try the wares of the other Indian game in town - Ekta. Once again I stuck to the less spicier dishes like butter chicken, lamb saagwala and chicken masala. Ba ba bangin! Ekta's dishes r full of flavor and have large chunks of meat which sometimes Tiffin seems to be lackin. And because they give u a quarter ton of rice when u place 2 orders or more, I even have left overs. I have had better naan, but it's ok they r super fast and they r about a buck cheaper than Tiffin on most dishes. Tiffin u better treat this boy better otherwise I might be seeking comfort in the warm and flavorful embrace of Ekta on these lonely summer nights.
(4)
Kellee K.

After a long drive through Philadelphia, a meal at Ekta was just what we needed to end the day. Two of us are vegetarian, one is not - us veggies got Paneer Tikki Masala, a spicy savory red sauce with goat cheese curds, and Mutter Paneer, a slightly sweet and savory red sauce with goat cheese curds. Our other friend ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, which is the same as the Paneer TIkka Masala but with meat. We also ordered naan and garlic naan, both good. These dishes were to die for - excellent, flavorful, and seasoned just right with enough spiciness. They also gave us generous portions of basmati rice, which is something not a lot of Indian restaurants do - usually they give you a small bowl and charge for extra. This restaurant is not the cheapest, but for the quality of the food, very reasonable. It seemed like most people get take-out, so the dining room was very quiet and the server was very thorough and helpful. I would recommend this restaurant wholeheartedly - some of the best Indian food around. Bottom line: excellent and authentic Indian food, generous portions, but definitely hide your valuables when parking. And always remember: Mind over matter; food over mind.
(5)
SaintPatrick P.

Food is decent, I prefer more authentic Indian chIcken wIth the bone in, they use boneless breast. However if you like Indian like I do this will do.
(3)
Dan F.

Fix the weak-ass Wonder Bread nan and you could very well claim the title Best Indian in Philadelphia. Positively scrumptious and world-class. Extremely reasonable prices. Insanely huge delivery area. Large, varied food orders delivered on time, with a smile, every item at the perfect temperature. Two Indian thumbs up!
(4)
Laura S.

I am facing down the fact that I will be moving away from Philadelphia in the next 6-18 months, and suddenly discovering a million places that I wish I'd known about in my previous 25+ years in the city. Ekta is near the top of this list. I thought my discovery of Tiffin a year ago was both belated and momentous - but Ekta blows Tiffin out of the water. I am already mourning the fact that, wherever I end up, it is not going to have Indian takeout that approaches this level. Ekta strikes the perfect balance between traditional and innovative dishes/flavors. The aloo aur papri chaat was an excellent example of this - all of the flavors I expected, but much lighter and brighter than those I've sampled at more traditional Indian spots. The portion was also super-generous. I ordered the mango chicken because it was something I'd never seen on an Indian menu - it was awesome, rich, and had the perfect amount of spice. Lamb korma was rich and creamy and had generous chunks of meat. The garlic naan was soft and fluffy and super-garlicky. I also received a small container of what I thought was raita - but turned out to be (I think?) rice pudding. It was delicious and really helped when I accidentally bit into a mouthful of something crazy spicy (chili pepper?) from the mango chicken. Best of all? I've got enough leftovers for lunches and dinners through Wednesday, at least! Ordering was quick and efficient, my food arrived right when they had estimated, and the price - while a notch higher than cheaper Indian from West Philly - was on-par with the food. They are definitely going to be hearing from me again ... sooner rather than later.
(5)
Vin D.

Indian for the first time solid
(3)
Tim F.

It isn't cheap. It isn't fast. But... My friend from India said it was awesome. From India. AWESOME. I strongly concur! The details are in all of the other reviews.
(5)
Sarah F.

The biryani was pretty meh, but the lamb chettinad and the aloo papri chat were simply amazing. 1 app, 2 mains, a biryani, and a couple mango lassis turned into $62, so this is a little more expensive than say Sahara. But it held its own, so I'm pleased. And the free dessert balls was a classy touch. We love Sahara and Tiffin, and we'll be adding Ekta to the rotation now.
(4)
mishel c.

The only reason I did not give Ekta 5 stars was their packaging...I love getting take away + am racked with guilt throwing away the number 5 plastic containers they package their food in into the trash. I try to re-use them a bunch before tossing, but still...... guilt-city. Guys, could you please maybe use recyclable plastic or something?? Anyway, onto the actual review: Ekta is the best Indian food in Philadelphia. To some degree, such isn't saying much because oddly, Philly isn't ripe with a vast number of great, cheap, Indian take-aways for some reason. Lack of competition aside, their food is quite solid. The samosas are lovely pockets of potato-spiced heaven ... and the masaladar chola (known as channa masala elsewhere) is pretty much perfect. I love daal as well, but as such is usually made with ghee or butter, I can't normally eat it -- in asking for daal without such, I was referred to their version called "ekta daal" which is seriously rad. Deliver can take a bit on the weekends, but having someone to deliver into Fishtown at all is a treasure. I hear they've opened a dining room + I'm hoping to get there to check it out soon.
(4)
Lauren R.

Indian delivery? Yes please! After recently discovering the joys of Indian food, my boyfriend has become obsessed with this place. I think we've ordered from here at least once a week (yes, sometimes more) since we moved into the area. Portions are substantial, as we split a single entrÃ©e to feed two-three people and our delivery has always been prompt. Prices won't leave you crying and every time we order we get a surprise item (usually desert). We have yet to try anything we haven't immediately loved.
(4)
Aruna A.

Ekta is GREAT Indian food. Arguably the best in the city of Philadelphia. I have tried them all, so I think I can say this with some authority. Additionally, I am Indian. So I know the difference between good Indian and BAD Indian. This place has reliably GREAT Indian food. The food is consistent, fairly priced. The chef here used to work at Tiffin, and when I heard he left to start his own place named Ekta - I had to naturally try it out. I had an aloo palak - which is technically not on their menu, but they made it for me special. It was fantastic, as I expected it to be. Reliably good comfort food. I recommend it!
(5)
Christine H.

Good stuff. Every time there is traffic on 76, I get off at Fishtown to go to Ekta before heading back to West Philly. Somehow smelling the food from Ekta as I drive home locally makes everything magically copasetic. This is definitely one of the better places I've been to in Philly. When I usually go to Indian places, I stick to a few dishes that I know I will like. However at Ekta all the dishes I've tried were equally as tasty. I've never had a bland dish, and every dish that was supposed to be spicy was actually spicy:) I highly recommend their naan and samosas.
(5)
Bri H.

In my opinion Ekta has the best Indian food in Philly. I have yet to dine in the restaurant but I've ordered take out a few times...YUM! The food is delicious & I love their appetizers. The Chicken Pekora and Garlic Kebob are soooo good & well seasoned. My favorite entree is the Malai Kofta. The Saag Paneer is also really good. The portions are huge and reasonably priced. The delivery time can be a bit ridiculous, but they service a huge area and the food definitely makes up for the long wait.
(5)
Sara H.

ekta, your food is most delicious. the veggie samosas are amazing, the masaladar chola makes my tastebuds super happy, and your prices are very reasonable. i'm not sure if i can pick a true winner in the tiffin vs. ekta battle for girard ave. supremacy. each has their strengths and/or weaknesses. however, i will say that the depth of flavor in the vegetarian dishes at ekta is much better than tiffin. overall, i'll be switzerland and say, ekta rocks...and tiffin rocks, too.
(4)
Amanda M.

Amazing! Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Tiffin, but Ekta takes the cake. Their service is A+ with waiters catering to your every need before the customer lifts their head to ask. If being located on Girard Ave is not convenient enough to eat in their newly added dining area, they deliver to surrounding Fishtown-Port Richmond-Northern Liberties too. The food is out of this world. First place prize goes to The Chicken Tikka Masala dipped with Paneer Naan that hints to the tastes of a bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese. Second and third place goes to the Lamb Rogan Josh, and the Chicken Saagwala. Each dish was more savor-able than the next. The large portions makes great leftovers
(5)
Mindy Y.

Simply amazing, especially considering it had quite a long journey from Fishtown to Center City. The rice didn't travel well - it was pretty mushy by the time we got it, but everything else was delicious. Recommendations: Paneer Tikka Masala, veggie samosas and naan (of course) My boyfriend had the Lamb Vindaloo, which he also loved. The leftovers also made for a delicious lunch today so bonus points for that. It took about an hour for delivery on a rainy weeknight, but definitely worth it. One other point to note: everything in the bag was labeled which means no guessing whose is whose. Customer service was great, it arrived on time and it was delicious. What more can you ask for?
(4)
David K.

i tried Ekta when they were in the process of building out the other seated table side, and it was damn fine. flavorful, complex, the spicy was truly spicy, and the service was friendly. great location right up from Johnny Brenda's. i need to make it a point to go back soon.
(4)
Nikki H.

Whenever i eat i a new place I always notice the smell. Lets just say I knew i was in for an experience just by the smell. The food absolutely lived up the reviews and praises. I ordered the tandoori chicken and lamb biryani. It was worth every penny. The chicken was was tender and flavorful, the lamb was plentiful and succulent in the biryani. Everything was well seasoned and the spice was just right. I'll definitely go back to this restaurant...now time for leftovers yum!
(5)
Sara L.

Yay, Ekta! After living in the yuppie mecca of Hoboken, NJ, I was shell-shocked when I moved to Philly and did not have half a dozen different cheap, excellent Indian delivery restaurants racing one another to get menus under my door and vindaloo in my tummy. I spent a sad year or two eating very little Indian food because the only high-quality offerings I found in Center City came with the sort of price tag that I just won't pay for take out (I am talking to you, Palace...). I have Ekta to thank for lifting the cloud. The prices are not cheap, but are reasonable. They deliver and are honest when the wait time will be long. I have sampled most of the menu and all of the dishes are solidly above average. The Ekta kabob was an outstanding surprise - very complex flavors that I don't usually expect from delivery, and good naan. The portions are not huge, but are certainly adequate. They also win points for throwing in free accompaniments - usually chutneys and whatever the daily dessert is.
(4)
Ajay K.

Lamb Rogan Josh was a disaster. Ordered the Rogan Josh (I asked for it to be a little spicy) and it really disappointed. It was almost inedible due to the level of chillies/heat. Additionally, it tasted and looked nothing like a traditional Rogan Josh, which is supposed to be red in color - this was a shade of pale green. To add to it all... the dish had almost no salt. Finally, there was no disposable cutlery or plates included despite the fact that this order was delivered to a non-residential address. Thought that maybe they had an off day... but then I found this link - ektaindiancuisine.com Not sure I will be ordering again from this place in a hurry.
(1)
Shari R.

Ekta is hands-down one of the best Indian restaurants on the east side of the Schuylkill. And - as a total bonus - they deliver all the way to South Philadelphia from their Girard Avenue/Fishtown home. Unbelievable - talk about customer service! My personal favorite menu items (all veg, non-meat eater here) * Dal Makhani * Paneer Tikka Masala - spicy! * Masaladar Chola * Samosa Chat * Saag Paneer * all the naan is good, especially the garlic naan and their pickles are divine - really salty and hearty, just like indian pickles should be. Ekta is divine and a permanent favorite in my book.
(5)
Angelica R.

This place puts other restaurants to shame. The staff is friendly, the food is amazing, and the place is clean and relaxed. I normally order the Mutter Paneer, and the best thing is when you ask for "spicy" they actually grant your wish. Ekta is affordable (although their prices seem to have gone up a little), and they give you so much food-- expect to bring some home. The food takes a long time to prepare, but honestly, I never care because it's just that good. If you order from Ekta, expect at least an hour wait. If you dine in, bring wine and eat some apps. before your dish arrives.
(5)
Zoe P.

I'm writing this review after just finishing our dinner of leftovers from last night's Ekta order. My bf and I have had their food before when his cousin had us over for takeout, but this was our first time ordering delivery from them ourselves. It amazes me that this restaurant delivers as widely as it does - its located all the way in Fishtown! - and they don't even charge an extra fee like another restaurant did who shall remain nameless but is located only 6 blocks from our apartment (out of your delivery area?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!). We ordered their chicken vindaloo, bhaigan bharta, and aloo gobi, which came with white rice (ALOT) and small sauce containers with mango chutney, raita, and some other condiment I opted not to try given it appeared to be spicier than the food itself. Their Indian food is AMAZING - spicy but not too much that it overpowers the rest of the dish (and I'm sure you could ask for spicier if you think you can handle it - I know I can't handle TRUE Indian spice levels). Plus the food is cooked really well and is quality. Our chicken vindaloo had large chunks of white meat drenched in the sauce. And with delivery, they mark each container with the name of the dish so that you (and anyone else) won't mix up any meat and vegetarian dishes. I was surprised by the speed of the delivery as well; we ordered around 6pm, and when they said it would take 1 hour and 15 minutes I didn't mind considering how far they're located. But the delivery guy showed up 25 minutes early! Now THAT'S service.
(4)
Sarah B.

Ekta is not my all-time favorite Indian food in the city, but: - they deliver - their portions are huge - their prices are reasonable - the food is decent - they include free chutneys that would cost a buck or two elsewhere - free kheer! For these reasons, they are worth returning to. Be forewarned that delivery can take a while.
(4)
Jenny K.

Whenever I'm not eating Ekta for dinner, I *wish* I was eating Ekta for dinner. I've tried a few different dishes, but I usually get the Chicken Tikka Masala and plain naan, sometimes with a veggie samosa or samosa chat to start. Everything is consistently nom nom licious. And the fellas who work there are super nice. My one gripe would be the amount of meat in the entrees. I could use maybe, 4 more pieces? But that's not going to change a 5-star to a 4-star for me. Just sayin'. It would be nice.
(5)
Annie D.

Don't tell most of Philadelphia that I said this but, Ekta is better than Tiffin! Oh yeah, that's right! I said it...and what?!?! So, you've had a crappy day and you got out of work late and you hit parking lot caliber traffic on 76 and life just kinda sucks a little?? Call Ekta and they will make it all better... Garlic naan loaded with Samosa Chat, Saag Paneer, Chicken Korma, Mango rice........... It's all good, it's all cheap and so far I can vouch for Ekta delivering as far down as the 22nd & Pine area and as far over as 30th & Poplar (who knows how far they'll go!?)
(5)
alexis g.

It seems like there are two camps out there, one for Tiffin and one for Ekta. Count me as firmly planted in the Ekta camp. Before we discovered Ekta, we tried Tiffin several times. Takeout Indian was a staple of our diet in our former homes and so we were desperate to find a Philly equivalent. After hearing such great things about Tiffin, we were really excited to try it. And we were really disappointed. Over and over again. No matter what we ordered, everything at Tiffin seemed too sweet somehow. The food wasn't bad necessarily, the flavor just wasn't what we were looking for. Enter Ekta. I know my palate may not be super-geared toward authentic Indian food, but Ekta is what I want when I want some delicious Indian take-out. The dishes have heat (not sweet), are chock-full of spices, and Ekta's menu has plenty of variety. I have no idea what I was eating before I had Kadai Paneer, but I can say for certain that I was not truly enjoying Indian food. A few commenters note the suspicious absence of proteins when ordering chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo or whatever... and I can see that. Usually I know I can bet on about seven or eight pieces of meat per container, which I suppose is fair to say: not much. But I feel like that's not necessarily a bad thing. For the price, you kind of get what you pay for and -- like a lot of rice-based cuisines -- the sauce is there to stretch things out a bit. I shouldn't order chicken tikka masala expecting the Indian equivalent of KFC portions. As for the rest, I second the emotions of Walter K.'s friend: "I'm just way into the idea that I can eat bomb-ass Indian food without even leaving my house." Since the closest Indian establishment to me is Ashoka Palace (with its whopping 1.5 star average...) the fact that Ekta will deliver to my center-city door from its Fishtown homebase is enough for me. Bomb-ass indeed.
(4)
John B.

I do not claim to know much about Indian food, but I sure do eat a lot of it. Ekta is our go-to place in Philadelphia for Indian food. They deliver pretty quickly (we live in Old City); their price is reasonable; and their portions are huge; their curry dishes pack a lot of flavors. Our go-to dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala Saag Paneer Navratan Curry Aloo Papri Chat Baingan Bharta Chicken Korma Naans Their chutneys are probably a bit too sweet, but much better than Tiffin. Also Tiffin's delivery takes too long. Ekta is definitely not the best Indian food I've had, but it sure seems like the best option for Indian food in Center City Philadelphia.
(4)
Leslie P.

HOLY COW! I just had the saag paneer. Like literally just licked the container clean, that is how much I needed to write about this RIGHT AWAY. Now, I love saag paneer. Or I thought I did. But now that I have had Ekta's, I realize that I had never had it before! Because all the saag paneer I have had in my life has never been as aromatic, as flavorful, as delicious as the one I just had. Amazing. It makes everything else pale in comparison. And lucky me, I have some baingan bharta for tomorrow's lunch. I have a good feeling about it.
(5)
Michael M.

I've been searching for awesome, affordable Indian food in Philly for six years now, and Ekta has just rocked my world. I was living in NYC before moving down to Philly, and there the options were endless: the cheap 6th St joints that probably share a kitchen, Curry Hill, reliable but over-priced Baluchi's, and the wealth of Jackson Heights, reaching a pinnacle at Jackson Diner (since gone somewhat downhill, but that's another review). So I moved to Philly, and there were cheap, mediocre buffets (e.g. the West Philly places) and expensive CafÃ© Spice. Other options came up over the past few years, but they were either let-downs or in the 'burbs. I don't know why it's taken me so long to try Ekta, but it will be but days before I call them again. We had the paneer tikka masala, malai kofta, and naan, and it was mind-blowing. Wow. Seriously, nearly on par with Jackson Diner at its peak, and clearly the best Indian food I've had between the Susquehanna and East Rivers (that's a wide swath of land, people). The naan was delicious; not quite restaurant-crisp but a few minutes in the oven would have seen to that (but who wants to wait?). The curries were just superb, the epitome of what Indian food should be: not freakishly hot but extremely well-spiced. And, even with two people sharing, there are plenty of leftovers for lunch. The prices aren't bad, especially for food of this caliber, and with leftovers, the value is even better. Ekta, expect my call.
(5)
Kara D.

My mouth demands Ekta on at least a monthly basis. I agree with another reviewer that people unfamiliar with indian food try the chicken tikka masala first, veggies go with the mutter paneer (or anything with that cottage cheese). Overall there has been only one item on the menu I didn't enjoy immensely (the malai kafta dumplings were so-so). Mainly, I'd recommend getting Ekta take-out/delivery. The receipt of the food can take anywhere from a half-hour to over an hour, depending on how far you are and how busy they are. Be patient, they are busy! They throw in a free dessert with delivery, which can be delicious rice pudding or unidentifiable fruit in milk. Whatever, it's free. From time to time I will go eat in the "restaurant," which is really just a kitchen with 2 tables. But it is BYO, which is helpful because the kitchen staff are so busy cooking take-out orders that you are really their last concern, so don't expect quick service. If you're on a date and want a cute atmosphere go to Tiffin. But I prefer Ekta: it's cheap, it's delicious, I don't have to leave my apartment and I get a free dessert. And there's always enough for lunch tomorrow...
(4)
Mallory P.

I actually chose Ekta because I'd seen a bunch of people review it on Yelp last week! We got delivery, so I can't comment on their dining-in offerings (although I walked by and it seems pretty tiny). They were very courteous on the phone and then in-person when they delivered the food (although it did take almost an hour). I had the Veg. Tikka Masala, and it was everything I wanted (as well as sweat inducing, which is not necessarily something I wanted, but certainly a quality of good Indian food!). I am eager to order from them again and try a new dish!
(4)
John N.

I'm not an expert on Indian, but I've had a lot of Indian food around the city and this is the best so far. The Lamb Chettinad is heaven, but be warned - when they the Vindaloo is hot... they mean it. It's a kind of hot I can't even describe. But anyway, the deliver, have take out, and a nice little dinning area and will blow your mind.
(5)
Kim C.

I cheated on Palace at the Ben with Ekta this week. Yeah, I read Philadelphia Weekly's 50 best things you must eat in Philadelphia, and I'm a sucker for a good chicken korma. I had to try it out on principle, and man oh man am I glad I did. First of all, it's cheaper than Palace at the Ben. (Altogether, my boyfriend and I saved about $10 on the meal.) Secondly, despite their Fishtown location, they deliver to Center City (and the surrounding areas). And the portions are HUGE (I'm making three meals out of the one!). Then there's the korma itself--I wasn't disappointed... The flavor was delightfully spot on, the texture was creamy, and they didn't skimp on the chicken--there were huge chunks of white meat simmered in the delicious korma curry. (Contrast to Palace at the Ben, which tends to run a liiiittle on the greasy side, and uses dark meat. I prefer the naan at PatB, though, because it's fluffier.) We do live in a world of consequences, however, so I'm subtracting one star for the hour and a half I waited for my dinner. In summary: LOVE the korma, hate the wait. Next time I'll order, go do the laundry, and then enjoy a well-deserved chicken dinner.
(4)
Alexandra P.

Yummm. Best indian food in the city. My favorites are the ekta kabob and chicken tika. Delivery is slow but its worth the wait. Love how its' BYOB.
(5)
Colleen L.

When I lived in Northern Liberties I didn't give Ekta much thought. I would drive by, but knew that Tiffin was within a shorter walking distance. Plus Tiffin had been the best Indian I'd had in Philly so far, so I didn't feel any pressure to extend my search. But after making the BIG move to Fishtown, we decided to give Ekta a shot. Well, I'm really glad we did because I like it more than Tiffin. The entrees are just as good (very little difference between the chicken tikka masala), and we liked their samosas better. The chutneys were more flavorful, and I always found Tiffin's chutneys and sauces to be watered down. Ekta's onion bhajis were also totally yummy! I could probably make a meal out of samosas and bhajis, but I am a sucker for fried treats. Plus Ekta is a few bucks cheaper than Tiffin. I also love the free dessert. The kheer was so good, and I was really happy to have it after dinner. My fiance and I split an entree, plus one order of samosas and the bhajis, and there was still enough of the chicken tikka masala left over for his lunch the next day. Ekta has definitely won me over.
(4)
christina j.

After reading the reviews on Ekta, I decided on the naan, samosa and Ekta kabob for tonight's dinner. Delivery was about an hour and food arrived hot. I enjoyed everything that I ordered. The Ekta kabob was may favorite of all the items. I was a bit confused on the sauces that were included along with a container of something sweet which contained what I think was coconut. All in all the food was hot, fresh and tasty.
(3)
M J.

We went there for an early family dinner. Ordered the samosas, chicken tikka masala, kadai lamb, tandoori chicken, naan and mango lassi. The entrees were on the spicy side, especially the lamb. We like spicy so it suited us well. The sauces were very flavorful, nothing was bland. The seasoning on the tandoori chicken was spicy so the kids couldn't eat it. Wish we could bring our own food to Indian restaurants for the kids.
(4)
Jenna M.

Mmmm... Ekta. There are dozens of different spices used in Indian cooking, and if you try enough of Ekta's menu, you'll probably enjoy them all. At some lesser Indian places, everything tastes more or less the same. Not Ekta. So far each dish I've tried has been a marvelous, self-contained universe of flavors. The prices are decent too. They're still holding the line at $8 to $9 curries, which used to be standard in Philly until a few places raised their prices. Unfortunately the low prices only tempt me to order more dishes to stockpile yummy leftovers. I've only done Ekta for delivery, so I can't comment on what the experience is at the restaurant. If I ever find myself in their neighborhood, I will surely stop in for some curry!
(5)
Melch R.

Nice Indian spot, even moreso cuz It's just down the lane from me. The chef gets the spice combos right and everything comes out fresh and tasty. Menu has the standards, though Ekta makes 'em a bit better than most places around town. Authentic? I guess so. The best Indian I've had was in Hong Kong, followed closely by Southall, near London. I guess those spots were the most "authentic" (never been to India) and Ekta does a good enough job in comparison.
(4)
Brooke W.

I thought Tiffin was great. Ekta is better: spicier, tastier, cheaper. If you're looking for Indian food in the River Wards, you've got to give this place a try. They're expanded their dining room but I always get takeout. And I always get the peshwari naan.
(4)
N L.

This is amazing, well-priced Indian food. I have never been to their dining room, so this review is only for the delivery service. They have a huge delivery area, practically the entire city and yet I always get my food before the time stated (they usually say an hour and fifteen) and it's piping hot. I can't say I'm particularly knowledgeable about Indian food at all. I just pick and choose from the menu at random. I have yet to order something from Ekta that I haven't loved. The only things I won't order are anything on the menu marked with three peppers as far as hotness is concerned. I'm a wimp, so two is as far as I dare go. The food is amazing, service is friendly, delivery is fast and the food arrives hot. They give you complimentary dessert. Prices are good for all the food you get. It lasts me just about all week. I love them. If they delivered later into the night, I'd order from them more. The End.
(5)
bob b.

cant keep me away from the malia kofta!!! heaven in my mouth. worlds apart from tiffin.
(5)
Nancy K.

Love it! I'll keep this simple, since there are already so many reviews on here, and the place just opened a month ago. Best Indian food for best price in city. I'm loving that it's in Fishtown (practically on my street), and that it's giving Tiffin some competition. I was getting really sick of waiting two hours for my over-priced food. I've never had a better lamb saag (think they call it lamb saagwala), never ever, ever!
(5)
Colin S.

Easily the best Indian in Philly today after having spent years searching city-wide. We were thrilled when Ekta opened up right in our area and were one of the first to order. The chef/owner couldn't be nicer and of course, the place has caught on like "wildfire". Renovations are well under way for the sit-down part of the restaurant and I'm sure it will be packed, once it is officially opened. The wait tends to be longer than you'd expect, but know that your meal is literally being made from scratch, each time. You can watch them prepare your meal, if you choose to hang out and wait.. I love the open kitchen concept at Ekta, sporting a "come watch us cook" attitude. If you're into fast and "so-so" quality, you can pretty much choose from most other Indian places in the city, but I'd rather wait for quality, at this little gem. When you order from Ekta, they do the little things - like free dessert, relish and all the various and assorted condiments that SHOULD go along with an Indian meal, for free. They also deliver almost anywhere in the city - a ballsy, but truly confident move, staking out space in busy, foodie, landscape. You just want to "hug" the owner for getting it all so right. I'll also mention that the Masaladar Chola (chickpeas and gravy), is the best I've ever had. Don't judge a book by it's cover and don't look past the "chickpeas and gravy", based on what you "think" it might taste like. The subtle mixes of this tangy, mellow, but flavorful dish, are too good to be true. Put it over some rice and enjoy. I'll even go so far as to say that this should really be their signature dish - FANTASTIC!
(5)
Simmone B.

My boyfriend and I decided to head out to Ekta after reading so many of the glowing reviews, and this place lived up to all of them! We're both vegetarians and usually a little skeptical of ordering tofu items in fear of getting giant chunks of mush, but Ekta cooked it beautifully. The dining room is small and modest, but the food is delicious, and reasonably priced and the staff are all friendly and attentive. If you want indian food, go here.
(5)
Anna Marie C.

if i got delivery from ekta as much as i craved it, i would be one fat fat girl. saag paneer was tasty, and naan was still semi-warm even after waiting over an hour for delivery. i feel like there are certain indian places that just add a crapload of spiciness to food, but here, there are more subtleties to the flavor that make it all the better. but yes. all indian food is greasy and fattening. i cannot wait to have more.
(4)
Carl F.

I had the "Kadai Chicken" for $8.25. This comes with rice, mango chutney, raita, mint chutney, and pickles, as well as a "chef accompaniment of the day"...Very spicy, but so good. Also had some Rosemary Naan for an all out carb explosion...Plump juicy chicken. Mmmm... Etka was just what the doctor ordered...I had it delivered and it comes with the plastic containers labeled, so there's no messing stuff up with big orders. If you like Tiffin, you'll most likely dig this place.
(4)
Dustyn C.

Ekta is reliable Indian comfort food, full of flavor. They've been a favorite of mine since they opened. Mostly we order delivery, which can occasionally take forever but almost never takes as long as they say it will, and the food always shows up hot and fresh. The coconut rice they just added to the menu is terrific.
(5)
Christine B.

I am giving a bad review, not because of the food - what we could eat was great - but because of the poor service. We ordered at about 8:50 p.m. on a Friday night. Pushing it, I know, but we were going through a sad pile of menus and Grubhub reviews for a long time, wondering where we could find good food to feed 2 vegetarians. That wasn't pizza or oily, salty, flavorless Chinese (Rich City and Golden Empress, I am looking at YOU). We ordered the Gulistani (vegetable) kabob appetizer, rosemary naan, paneer tikka masala, and EKTA vegetables. Our order arrived an hour later. We didn't receive the Gulistani kabob at all and instead of the EKTA vegetables we (again, vegetarians) received EKTA Lamb. When we called about the mix-up, we impressed upon them that there was a dish we couldn't eat because we were vegetarian. I.E. someone wasn't getting dinner. They said there was nothing they could do - they were closed. Which is fine. But we paid cash, so they couldn't credit a card. The least they should have done was send the driver back with cash to reimburse us. Instead, we were informed they would "get us next time". What do you mean "next time"? You screwed up our order, effectively shorted us a meal, didn't take our phone number when we called,wouldn't offer to have the driver come back to reimburse us, and we are supposed to trust that you will "get us next time"?
(1)
A L.

Ekta is AWESOME!!! The prices are really low, which I've found to be not very common for Indian restaurants. The food was really good, and the employees were soooo nice! Ekta wins my award as the best Indian Place on Girard.
(5)
Bridget K.

I moved from Philadelphia over 6 months ago and miss Ekta so much. I was always tempted to get Ekta when walking to and from the El Girard station. It was my local Indian restaurant. The paneer saag is amazing. It's my favorite! My friends and I were so excited when they added the nice dining room. It was one of the last places that I went to eat out at in Philly before I moved to Detroit. I haven't been able to find a place that comes anywhere close to it in the D.
(5)
Felicia D.

Tiffin who? Ekta has the creamiest, spiciest sauces and soft naan- it's as good as it gets. Friendly man who answered the phone even took our order on a Tuesday night a few minutes after 9:30, when they were technically closed. Butter chicken with rice served me three satisfying meals with a great punch of heat. According to the menu "hot pepper" legend that identifies the spicy items, butter chicken does not even warrant a "Medium" single-pepper status, so watch out if you are hot-intolerant. Can't think of a witty way to say this, but if you like truly delicious Indian food, order takeout from Ekta. You will not be disappointed. Mmmm, butter chicken. God bless Girard Avenue and their low-rent, utterly divine ethnic food.
(5)
Jake V.

Ekta you have broken my heart. You must have gotten a Tiffin menu because you have raised your prices close to 20%. I know that times are tough and when facing the idea of expansion, capital is important but changing a $8 dinner to a $10 dinner doesn't seem right. Our two person dinners went from very reasonable $18 to a silly $28. Ekta, I know that the long-tail theory has been kind of getting discredited lately but by the fact that every time I go in there there are 5 people waiting for the same crack-filled indian food, it seems like you guys are not hurting. I will never trust a restaurant again.
(3)
Jen O.

It should be noted that I am a relative noob when it comes to Indian food. The first few times I tried Indian, my meat dishes were sweet (rosewater lamb and something else), and I am no fan of sweet-flavored meat. Also, I'm a slightly picky eater (onions are my enemy). So it was with just a bit of hesitation that I ordered from Ekta on Sunday. I will never hesitate again. I ordered for four people, so we got a good sampling of what Ekta offers. Within 25 minutes of placing my order, there was a knock at my door. There stood a plumpish Asian man with a huge smile, a red checkered shirt, and a big, blue necktie holding a bag of food. I only live a few blocks from Ekta, so he walked my delivery over, and the food was still thoroughly hot by the time he arrived. I know it's not an original idea, but I love the labeling of the food containers. I had the tandoori chicken, which was succulent and tasty. But my friend got the butter chicken, which was truly outstanding. I've been thinking of it ever since. We also tried the chicken tikka masala and chicken curry, both of which were praised by my friends. The only bump in the experience was the naan -- we ordered three kinds: plain, garlic, and potato. Onion naan was delivered instead of potato naan, and it wasn't awesome. Neither was the garlic version. I'd stick to just plain naan in the future.
(5)
Leanne M.

Tiffin vs. Ekta? EKTA ALL THE WAY! I tried Tiffin to be fair...but won't be ordering from them again any time soon. Indian food is supposed to have SPICE and Tiffin forgot to add it into my food. Ekta's seasoning is just right! TEAM EKTA!
(4)
Trauts N.

Great food, good prices. Some very unique items on menu. The Ekta Chicken kabob on the tandoori section of the menu was very good. So was the spinach naan.
(5)
Catherine F.

After abstaining from Indian food after getting deathly ill in West Philly about 5 years ago, ekta is quickly helping me regain my love for Indian food . Unfortunately for me Ekta is not very close to my South Philadelphia stomping grounds, but when I can get my hands on it I am a happy girl. They give you a good amount of naan, which is not too thin and not too thick. Their prices are reasonable and the portions are good (much better than Lovash) I recommend: Mutter Paneer (7.50) Saag Aur Paneer (7.50) Chicken Korma (about 9) I know there are some negative comments about consistency with Ekta but I am pretty sure they have worked the kinks out. It is definately worth a shot. Oh and if you think you don't like Indian food, the above mentioned are definately great to start with! Hopefully I don't get too hooked...all that yummy food might lead to bad things!
(4)
Kate M.

Wow! I'm sweating. Might be the 90 degree weather today but Ekta is helping. This place popped up down the street from me in Fishtown and I'm always on the lookeout for a good indian restaurant so gave it a try tonight for take out. Plus the chef if formerly of Tiffin so you cant really go wrong. The Chicken Tikka Masala was flavorful and delicious, veg samosas delish, and garlic nan mmmmmmmmm. Its not the best indian I've ever had, but for the price you cannot beat this. All that for less then $15 and enough to feed two hungry ladies. Theres just one table inside, so its mostly a take out/delivery place but defintly needed in this area. No delivery charge. Everyone I interacted with was super nice. Awesome addition to fishtown. HARRAH!
(4)
RESPECT MY A.

I can go on for days about how good it is. If you want amazing indian food, with good portions, and at a decent price then you've found your spot. I order here at least once a week. And booo-hooo someone saw a mouse and they didn't pass a few Fascist health codes the city likes to enforce (they were all 1st time violations and if they weren't corrected they would've been shut down by now) . Really though, WHO CARES. You're in Philly and I hate to tell you that prob. every restaurant in the city has mice. It kinda comes with the territory when you're cooking massive amounts of food in a 100+ year row home. I've been eating here ever since it's opened and have never gotten sick or had any of the oh-so-famous indian poops.
(5)
David P.

Living in Fishtown can be a challenge for a vegan, that's why I am thankful for living so close to center city. That said, there are two places that serve up delicious vegetarian food, Sketches Burgers (they make a fabulous veggie burger and have vegan cheesesteaks as well) and Ekta. Ekta is great... They have an amazing vegetarian menu and their naan bread is always nice and soft. I like their samosa too, but sometimes they can be a bit greasy/ oily. And sometimes I wish they could offer more vegan options but all in all... a solid place and I am a returning customer for life
(4)
Liz V.

I was never big on Indian food until I tried Ekta a few months ago. I thought it to be too spicy than to attempt to eat on a dare. Now, I am a full-fledged addict. I love this restaurant. We always get the same server, who is just wonderful. The atmosphere is very low-key, unpretentious, warm and inviting. You can relax with your favorite BYO of choice over a delicious meal at a reasonable price. I know giving any place a full 5-stars seems a bit much, but I can not think of a real, reasonable reason ( is it really necessary or even fair to comment on something as asinine as say, the paint color of the walls in a restaurant? No, not in my book) not to. I always leave fully content ( and usually with a doggy-bag of left overs!) Personal recommendations: Shabanam Curry and Kachha Aam Ki Sazi ( gets easier to say with practice, I assure you).
(5)
Marlise T.

Bless Chef Raju Bhattarai, formerly @ Tiffin, for bringing a delightful bit of variety to us Port Richmond/Fishtown residents with EKTA (205 E. Girard Ave.)!! The food is AMAZING, the portion size generous, and the price is just right --Perfection!! Additionally, the staff are friendly, polite and helpful (especially when mispronouncing several dishes ;) My friends and I ordered many tasty items from the menu, which I couldn't yet find online, so I thought it'd be helpful to list a bunch of our favorites..... Appetizers Veg. Samosa: $2.50 Onion Bhaji: $2.25 (yum!) Malai Seek Kabob: $4.50 Vegetarian Main Course (w/ rice & sides) Saag Aur Paneer: $7.50 (my favorite!) Alu Gobi: $6.50 Masaladar Chola: $6.50 Non-Vegetarian Main Course (w/ rice & sides) Lamb Saagwala: $8.95 Kadai Lamb: $8.95 Chicken Tikka Masala: $8.95 Tandoor (w/ rice & sides) Tandoori Chicken: $7.50 Bread Naan: $1.50 Pudina Naan: $2.00 (naan w/ mint...I was expecting more minty-ness, but still very good) They're wonderful...& hope to entice the entire neighborhood ;) Enjoy!!
(5)
Lawrence K.

We get Indian delivery on a regular basis and this is our go to place. (although not really many other choices in the city). Anyway, it's really good, solid, Indian Food. We use to get delivery from Tiffin but now patronize Ekta since it is around the corner. Ekta used to be cheaper than Tiffin but now I think they're about the same. The usual dishes we get are saag paneer and moli kofta. Recently had chicken tandoor and a lamb dish too which were both great. Also had a cauliflower dish which was stewed with tomato, onion and chilies that was out of this world. Everything is pretty spicy here (even the mild dishes) so be aware, but it's nothing an ice cold beer or a couple glasses of riesling cant take care of. They also have really great vegetable samosas and their naan is also excellent. They are usually willing to deliver across the city (my sister gets them in Queen Village) so don't be afraid to call and ask.
(4)
Kaz H.

Had their chicken tikka masala & buttered chicken. Perfect! Keep in mind that they don't have much seating so it's pretty much only take out...
(5)
Kathy L.

Oh yeah oh yeah. Delicious paneer naan and butter chicken. That's all it takes to make me happy at an Indian restaurant. I decided to try Ekta with a few friends after one of my profs claimed he thought Ekta was better than Bukhara. That's a pretty bold claim! We went to Bukhara in delhi and I don't remember much. The (best) meal I do remember was at the Copper Kettle in Jaipur. Anyone out there been?? Anyway, the bottom line is that Ekta reminded me how delicious Indian food can be without weighing you down too much... The servers were very gracious and also gave us free dessert rice pudding. Apparently their mango lassis were delicious as well.
(5)
Jihan D.

Love. Love. Love. I've only had delivery a couple of times, but it's always delicious. Comes hot and with free dessert of the day! They're usually pretty accurate with their delivery time too. I could eat their butter chicken and naan (or aloo naan) everyday.
(5)
Alex M.

going to india is great. the food is amazing. the people are amazing. the culture. the sites. bla bla bla. The problem with going to India, though, is that when you come back, it's quite hard to settle for average indian food. it's almost impossible to find naan in the US that is as perfect as the naan from random streetcarts and hole in the wall fooderies in india. the sauces here seem simple and boring compared to the complexity and perfection of their in-india counterparts. thankfully Ekta exists to give a little bit of that flavor to us here in the states. the naan is the closest thing to the naan in India. The sauces are effing delicious. The experience feels home-cooked and authentic. my goal for 2010 is to literally try every dish on the menu.
(5)
Patrice B.

Credit card issue is resolved, but my credit card company had to clear it up. So again...use cash and enjoy!
(4)
Munchie W.

Will always order from Ekta... Probably the best Tikka Massala Sauce in city. Prices are a little high but food is amazing! Also love theo Vindaloo Chicken (very hot n spicy)
(4)
mike v.

Ekta used to be the bomb but I've gotten shitty chicken (old, stiff, gross) here too many times. We avoid it now.
(3)
Anne D.

The best Indian food in the city!!! YUM! Even though there are alot of places for Indian much closer to my house, it is Ekta every time I even get the slightest inkling for Indian food. I have always had delivery so I have never been there in person. I have never been disappointed by anything I have ordered from Ekta. My all times favs are the Chicken Pakora, Chicken Korma & the Onion Naan. Their portions are very generous, there is always enough left over for lunch the next day.
(5)
Maxwell S.

I will warn everyone that the atmosphere here is very thrown together and inexpensive looking. Which can be awkward. If you take a date here you will not be dazzling them with fancy decor. But the food is so good her that I will go again and again. Maybe the reason it's so good is because they focus all their energy on how everything tastes and not on how everything looks. Check this place out. Also they deliver. But I live too far away so I have to dine in.
(5)
Rasi W.

There are a lot of fans for this restaurant on Yelp. I've gotta admit, being from the subcontinent, I was excited to try this place out. So I ordered 3 different dishes from 3 different parts of India (Mugh Makhani, Lamb Chettinad for South Indian flare and Goan Shrimp). Sadly, all three dishes tasted alike. There was slightly nuanced flavors, but all three were very thick curries full of cream. While Murgh Makhani is meant to creamy, the Chettinad is usually a dry peppery dish that is very spicy, and Goan dishes are usually coconut milk based (the one here was very heavy cream based). So I am giving 3 stars, because while the dishes did not deliver for me, the service certainly did. This restaurant is in a sketchy looking part of the city (Fishtown), but the people there were definitely lovely.
(3)
Brad H.

Money......Again. Had the butter chicken and the tandoor chicken app. I started to get really mad when I realized I was getting towards the end of the meal. Best food ever. I'm dreaming for an girlfriend who knows how to cook this kind of food!
(5)
Craig N.

Love it and they deliver!! The only Indian joint I would order from around. Some dishes are a tad spicy, caveat emptor!!
(4)
Elizabeth D.

Ekta definitely lived up to the rave reviews it got! Food was good, cashier was friendly (I only did take out) My husband described his food as "orgasmic." Mine was also really great, but I will order it mild next time because medium was a bit too spicy for me (then again I don't go crazy for spice) I will be taking my out of town friends here to eat in the dinning room when they come stay because Ekta is not the best indian food i've ever had, but it it the best indian food i've had in philly.
(4)
William D.

Really great food for the price. You wouldn't think that the food would be so good just by looking from the outside. The chicken tandoori was very flavorful and NOT too dry which is hard to do with BBQ chicken. The lamb vindaloo and the Mirch Tikka are also fantastic.
(4)
Payal P.

3rd times a charm. tried it again last night and i enjoyed it. we split an order of samosas, an onion naan, kadai paneer and chicken biryani and the always free rice pudding dessert thing. everything was tasty and extra spicy as requested. the onion naan was different than the previous time, no weird purple onions and soft and fresh tasting! i was sad that they didn't give papad with the delivery biryani and they forgot the red onions. portions are big so plenty of leftovers which is always nice. delivery was 20 mins early (from the hour and 20 min timeframe they game me) which is great considering it was snowing!
(3)
Lena S.

YO!!!!! I gotta thank you YELPERS for getting us to get delivery from here!!! We'd been soooo disappointed for sooooooo long because we just could not get Indian food in the 'hood that really satisfied us, let alone wowed us. Like I'm talking we'd sit around being hungry and bummed sometimes because we just wanted some good, spicy, warm Indian delivery, but all the places we'd tried were just ...meh. I saw the reviews on here earlier today, and based on what we read we just tried Ekta for dinner. The samosas were beany and full of spices and crispy and delicious and our saucy entrees followed suit, copiously spiced and warming (in temperature as well as in flavor). Added bonus: the guy who took my order on the phone was patient and kind in addressing my questions re: food allergies and ingredients, and then our delivery guy...our delivery guy ROCKED too! I opened the door wearing a New Orleans Snoopy t-shirt that my dad brought me back from a conference in 1988, used to come down to my ankles, def doesn't anymore. Dude was like "Been to New Orleans?" I said no, but it was a gift to me when I was 4, now it's my fave sittin-on-a-couch-on-a-drizzly-Sunday shirt. Started up a convo about travel and American cities and vacation destinations (gotta check out Savannah) and it was just one of those warm, fuzzy, I-love-talking-to-people moments. Said restores-one's-faith-in-people moment preceded actually-satisfying Indian delivery for the first time in a long time. Thanks, Yelpers.
(4)
Emily S.

I don't really want to give a bad review because I don't know how the food is. All I am saying is, don't eat here if you have food allergies. Even though they mention it on the menu, they had no idea what we were talking about.
(3)
Cheri W.

Love the mango chicken and the fact that its a BYOB. But, the service can suck at times...but I go there just for the food so it's not a deal breaker.
(4)
Tim O.

Only the third time i've had Indian food, and the first time in Philadelphia. It was great. I hear they're adding a dining room next door, but for now it's just 2 tables in front of the counter, the kitchen is directly behind. Compact, to say the least. Good prices, fast service. Fishtown is on it's way. I don't even know what i ate. i split it with my friend with a side of naan bread filled with cheese. It was more than enough for both of us and the bill was only like 13 bux with a drink. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Travis T.

Fishtown may not have a lot to offer when in comes to good take-out, but thank god Ekta is just down the street. Tiffin is good but Ekta is better. I've eaten here steadily for a year now and it has been consistantly delicious! Entrees are generous enough to split and I am never hungry afterwards. NOM
(4)
Chad C.

I'm craving chicken korma! Most menu items are delicious and not too pricey. This is my favorite take-out place in Fishtown.
(4)
Shikha G.

I love this restaurant because the food is DELICIOUS!!! especially the briyani.. YUMMM.... i wish i could give 100 stars, but there's only 5.. :( I highly recommend EKTA CUISINE for any one who wants to try INDIAN CUISINE!! delicious is the only word that can describe ekta's food!
(5)
Kathleen D.

This delivery thing is coming between us. Deliver to my neighborhood! Do it Ekta. Do it. I'll make it worth your while...by which I mean I'll order lots and lots of Indian food on the regs. By far Ekta makes my favorite Indian food in Philadelphia, to date. I would absolutely get down with you more, if you weren't over the hills and far away and me with lazy bones. I'll tell you something. Some of the true loves of my vegetable-loving-life are Indian style vegetable preparations. You know a mediocre place when every vegetable dish tastes more than vaguely the same...like...the exact same masala on your chana as is on your dal...as is on your aloo gobi, you know? That rots. Weak sauce. At Ekta you won't have to worry your pretty little head about that nonsense. All my favorites are represented well. I'm talking about you, ol' gobi aloo, and saag, baingan bharta.... Looks like I just love to name-drop Indian dishes, apparently. They're all expertly cooked up, nice and extra extra spicy, as requested. Malai kofta is crazy cashewy good. I love those little veggie dumplings... Also, as I do fancy as spicy vindaloo, I will note that Ekta's is a winner, lamb or chicken. Nice and hot and spiked with vinegar. Dig the super creamy tikka masala, too as well as the Kadai chicken (tomato-y sauce, fresh green chiles, mmm hot). The tandoor chicken is juicy. Straight up juicy. Lotsa of garlic naan plus any or all of the dishes I just mentioned makes for a very happy ole gal. Bring. It.
(4)
Bill B.

Great food. Solid take on traditional Indian fare. However I just spent $40 on dinner and got a half container of mango chutney and that horrible curry stuff no one eats. Really! Samosas and no mint/cilantro chutney? Or tamarind sauce? Last time I asked for onion chutney since I've never gotten it from them instead they gave me "onion salad" which cosisted of a sliced onion in a container. Only Indian restaurant I've ever been to that didn't know what onion relish was.
(4)
Anannya T.

I prefer the less expensive and better-tasting Mood Cafe to Ekta anyday for takeout. I don't understand why people like this place so much. I for one am unimpressed. In all fairness, I was raised on Indian food, cook it myself, and have fairly high standards when I am actually paying to eat it. And I'm most definitely not a fan of Ekta's customer service (or lack thereof, rather), either. One day, I decided to order food for delivery from Ekta. I called in and ordered and the grand total they gave me seemed suspiciously large. I hung up, checked the menu on their website, calculated the totals, found a discrepancy, and then called them back to question it. They told me that the menu I accessed (once again, on *their website*) was outdated. Since I was turned off by the new higher prices, I cancelled my entire order. Their response: "Next time, YOU need to double check to make sure that the prices are correct! Update your browser! We've already started making the food!" Whoa. 1.) Customer Service 101: Barring VERY few circumstances, the owner/server is never to criticize or otherwise mistreat the customer. 2.) I'm allowed to change my mind. 3.) I really don't know how much cooking/preparing could have been accomplished in the three minutes between each of my calls. 4.) The issue about the price was NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, my fault as I'd been misled by THEIR information -- and I calmly told the man on the other line as much. After the phone call, I re-accessed the website and was able to find the menu he was talking about. But I could just as easily find the erroneous one that I'd initially accessed. As I'd suspected, there was nothing wrong with my Macbook or my browser. Ekta just needs to get rid of their outdated online menu (and their rudeness).
(1)
Charles W.

Small portions but great food. Well to be honest the Tandoori chicken is a decent size but the vegetarian dish we for was in a small bowl. Will definitely be coming back though.
(5)
Alex X.

I love eating at Ekta. Give me the spicy Chikem Tikki Marsala, Chicken Biriyani, and surprise me cause I need to try something different! Lol. Customer service is cool here. I totally recommend this place for those spicy Indian food lovers!
(5)
Andrew W.

I'm a huge fan - Ekta is consistently delicious across every aspect of its menu. Saag paneer, either Masalas, lamb vindaloo... doesn't matter, its delicious. I'm amazed that some people said that they didn't think it was very spicy, I was sweating eating the Lamb Vindaloo. Probably the best Indian food I've had in Philadelphia
(5)
Brad P.

Hey, you! Get out of your comfort zone and get the Goan shrimp curry! It's great! What's that? You wanna stick with what you are used to? That's fine because basically everything at Ekta is strong. I used to make massive orders from this place when I was the lunch n' learn commander in my residency at Temple so I'm familiar with many of the options: The Saag Aur peneer- solid(like Han Solo in that stuff) The chicken tikka masala - solid(like Snake) the veggie samosas - solid(like a rock) the lamb korma - solid(like steel) the lamb vindaloo - solid(like that Goanna song) the navrattan korma - solid(like the state of an advanced type of hard drive) naan - solid(Google is failing me for more "solid" references) garlic naan - solid(like when it is used as a synonym for "favor") ...you get the idea. Ekta is fantastic at knowing its customer base. They add that little bit of extra salt and little bit of extra cream that really makes it appeal to the American palate. It's a great place for Indian-food-first-timers as well as veterans.
(4)
A P.

I hate trying other indian restaurants now because I am always disappointed, I have had the best and that is Ekta! I have had lamb saagwala, chicken saagwala and chicken Tikka masala! Large portions so I always take some home and it has the perfect amount of spice.
(5)
Joe M.

Outstanding food, service, and prices! The lamb vidaloo I had would strip the paint from your car and that's exactly how spicy I want it. I will definitely go again!
(5)
Jennifer G.

My roommate could eat Indian food every single night. I, on the other hand, can only eat it occasionally so she gets super excited when I suggest ordering from Ekta. They have a huge delivery area so it's pretty much a given that no matter where you live in the city, you'll be able to order from Ekta. They're a little pricey, which is the only reason they're not getting 5 stars, but everything we've ordered is outstanding. The garlic kabob, sam severa, and vegetable samosas are our go-to's on the appetizer menu and we're never disappointed. I usually get an order of the garlic naan just for me because it's just so good that I don't want to share. I'm still a bit of a novice when it comes to Indian food so I get the Chicken Tikka Masala as my main course and it's incredibly good, creamy with just a hint of heat and big chunks of chicken. Their typical delivery estimate is an hour and a half, but it usually arrives a little after an hour. All the drivers wear professional business attire because, as their website states, "we feel our customers are worth it." Nice little touch, Ekta. I'll see you soon.
(4)
Kasey R.

Ekta is my go-to Indian joint. It's in the neighborhood, BYOB, and typically easy to snag a seat (or just grab some take-out). I generally opt for the vegetable samosas, garlic naan, and chicken tikka masala... All of which are awesome. Only taking a star off because the dining area leaves much to be desired. It's a bit grungy, but they did just paint it the last time I was in. Sometimes, it also has a bit of a musty smell which is odd. Regardless, I will be going back for sure. The food is consistently good.
(4)
Adam R.

I used to be a huge fan of "Tiffin," however after Ekta opened I am yet to go back. I have tried virtually everything on the menu and it is ALL DELICIOUS. If you want it hot, they'll make it hot, if you want it atomic, they'll make it atomic! My one complaint is that everything seems to be slightly over priced. Granted the food is outstanding, but I feel as though every plate should be a 1-2 dollars cheaper. I constantly find myself spending twenty to thirty bucks on myself, and most of the time it's take out. I am not a fan of reheated Indian, but all the food I get from here winds up being reheated at some point the following day, even the naan. Reheated naan, never thought I would do it, but it has become a rather common occurrence.
(4)
Anandi B.

Adventured to a new place for dinner-- Theres two sections to the restaurant.. take out and dine in. Was slightly confused when first coming in... then OMG finally good indian food in philly! atmosphere was uber lacking, and the service was second rate but oh boy oh boy oh boy the food was awesome-sauce! i got the ekta chicken special and weeeee! my taste buds were so happy i smiled for two days after. wee hoo!
(5)
Lindsay D.

I've tried a few Indian restaurants since I moved to Philly, but Ekta stands out as my favorite for several reasons. The food: My favorite dish is Biryani, so I use the house special as a sort of gauge for my first impressions of an Indian restaurant. On my first visit, I ordered the Ekta Biryani, which had amazing flavor and generous portions of chicken, shrimp, and lamb. The service: After this first visit, I accidentally left my favorite winter hat at the restaurant, so I called and they told me they would look for it. I prepared myself for never seeing the hat again, but late that night, someone from Ekta called to tell me they had found it and would hold it for me. The food again: I went the next day around lunch to pick up my hat and figured I would also order more food, since they had been kind enough to call me back about the hat. I ordered the chicken tikka masala, which was just as fantastic as the Biryani. The service again: Since then, I have ordered several more times from Ekta. They must have my name in their phone system because they call me by name when I phone in an order and treat me with familiarity and friendliness each time, both over the phone and when I pick up the food. It's really simple, but I truly appreciate feeling like a regular customer who matters to a restaurant. In my experience, Ekta treats their customers well. Will definitely be taking more of my business to Ekta, and I will also be spreading the word to everyone who lives in the area.
(5)
Elizabeth D.

After all the hype about Ekta, we were excited to try it. I have to say I felt a little let down. We ordered samosas, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, and naan. I assured the nice man on the phone that I knew vindaloo was spicy, and if he could actually make it MORE spicy that would be ideal. My husband has iron tastebuds. But when it arrived, I have to say, the vindaloo was not that spicy. I am a complete wuss about spice too. Besides that, the entire experience was okay. It took about an hour to get the food, and our order was good - portions were fine, flavors were fine, but it wasn't spectacular. I know this opinion is not shared by a lot of these reviews, but I don't know if we'd order from Ekta again.
(3)
Elizabeth R.

I like everything I've had at Ekta except the Ekta vegetables. They are mostly just bell peppers and mine came with two chunks of paneer cheese in it even though it's not listed as an ingredient on the menu. I won't be ordering that again. My boyfriend gets the tandoori chicken and loves it. We've tried several dishes that were all very good, as well. They give you plenty of rice, but naan costs extra. They opt for the weird sesame crackers as their free appetizer. I'm not a fan of them, but I always eat them anyway. This place has pretty decent ambiance. It's quiet and classy, and also BYOB. The service is reserved, but absolutely adequate and polite. Street parking can be sketchy, but fortunately we live locally and are able to walk. There are plenty of cabs nearby, as well. The one thing I would like from Ekta is the option to select the spice level of my dishes. Their menu is set up so that most dishes are not spicy at all, and a few are slightly spicy. I like my Indian food tongue-stingingly spicy and I have never been to an Indian restaurant that didn't ask what my preference was. If they had this, I would give them five stars.
(4)
Frank P.

Excellent neighborhood Indian restaurant. We ate in their cozy clean dining room that had linen tablecloths and napkins. We had the Ekta Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala and the Ekta Tandoori and for dessert the Gulab jamun. Everything was delicious. Service was quick and pleasant. And the price was very reasonable. Quality all around. Highly recommend!
(4)
Christina M.

Never had Indian food so was very skeptical. It was very good. I stuck with the simple things on the menu as the waiter. Who by the way was very helpful in his suggestions. I ended up getting the curry chicken & the cashew rolls. Delicious! My boyfriend got chicken tikka masala. This is one of the hidden Byob places in the city. We didn't bring a bottle. They have a take out place connected right next store. I grabbed a menu & I am definitely going to order take out from there. It will be a welcoming change from always ordering the same chinese , pizza, & sandwich takeout I usually order
(5)
Phanna P.

A friend surprised me with this visit. Small but the food was very good. A slow Thursday night and it was BYOB. I definitely would eat here again. I emjoyed the chicken vindaloo, spicy yes!
(5)
Pam S.

I've loved Ekta from delivery for a while. Good vegan options, amazing baji, true winners. I finally went to eat in the other day, and the dining room was cute, service was very nice, and as always, food was great. My hubs adores the saag paneer, and I usually change between their version of chana masala (different name) and their ekta dal. The dal's a little bland, so probably a good choice if you don't like spicy food. I like it for a solid meal that always has leftovers, plus I've had too many chickpeas in my food career. I'll probably make an effort to come back to their brick and mortar since it's a nice quiet experience. Always great, Ekta!
(5)
Kathleen K.

I'm no expert on indian food, but we have had Ekta, Tiffin, and Mood multiple times each. I have to say that Ekta is the one we keep going back to. Great for carry out or dining in, it is always consistantly good. I love the Malai Kofta here and my husband loves the Goan shrimp curry. This is most certainly our go to for great Indian food
(5)
NewtoIthaca N.

The food here is so delicious I crave it year round when I'm not in Philly. Love the Chicken Tikka Masala here! It's not too tomatoey (I like CTM to be more creamy). The staff is super friendly. We've had great conversations about yoga and meditation and they seem to always remember their returning customers. Would highly recommend!
(5)
Jeanna M.

A neighborhood favorite of mine. If you're dining in remember it's a BYOB. Our delivery experience has always been quick here. The mango chicken is my personal favorite. I requested mild resulting in a pleasantly mild and flavorful dish. We've tried about a quarter of the menu and enjoyed all items sans the pickles. We have ventured out with the flavored Nans but prefer the traditional.
(4)
Niki A.

The most f*cking delicious Indian food I've ever f*cking had.
(5)
Huamei Y.

Went here last night to explore Fishtown, a part of town I've neglected to invest my time in. Since I'm pretty sick of eating burgers and fried food, my friend and I opted to have indian. Parking is a a bit difficult here since it's all street or residential parking. We got lucky to find a spot 3 blocks away. The entrance confused us at first but it looks like two buildings that merged into one, with a wall that divides the takeout portion on the right and the restaurant on the left. It was strange to me at first but I realize the advantage to that is that the restaurant area is more quiet and intimate as a result. We sat in the corner and noted the simple but clean eating area. The waiter was very good, quick and not pushy at all. He was always in the vicinity but never hovered. He also paid attention to when our water or rice bowl needed refilling. We ordered the chicken tikka marsala (can't have an indian meal without it) and the boti kabob (lamb marinated overnight with ginger garlic and baked in a tandoori oven). While we waited, the waiter filled our water and gave us the crispy appetizer in the beginning, supposedly made out of chick peas. It came with two dips, a sweet brown one and a green one that reminded me of green chili. The lamb was tender and delicious, but I was not a fan of the raw slices of onion - ouch. The tikka marsala was a bit on the sweet side, creamy and filling. Let's not forget the basmati rice, can't stop eating that! Overall a great place for delicious indian food. Pricey, but delicious.
(4)
Kelly S.

Is it worth the wait?!? Ehh 1.5 hours for delivery time is too long. I could have gone to the grocery store and cooked dinner if I wanted to wait that long. However, the chicken tikka masala is excellent and came piping hot. Gave it 4 stars bc I'm impatient. Overall value is ok. Expensive but you get 2 meals out of it.
(4)
Brian S.

This place is fantastic! You get good portions of incredibly tasty Indian food in a pretty quick manner. I'm local in the neighborhood and have only done the take-out side of things, but I'm consistently impressed by the fast service and great quality food. They have a sit-down dining room that looks consistently full. I've not bothered to get stuff delivered, so I can't speak to that. The samosas are always perfectly done and the naan fresh and chewy just like I like. It is a bit pricey, but nothing outrageous. If you're looking for really good takeout this is the place.
(4)
R R.

Love this little spot on Girard Ave that's given me a big appreciation for Indian food. The food is everything you'd expect it to be: flavorful, colorful, and delicious. My favorite on the menu so far is the Chicken Tikka Masala and the garlic naan, but have also tried the mango chicken and mint chicken. Every meal was excellent; you can barely keep yourself from using up every bit of the sauces. The restaurant is very clean and tidy and the service is always fast and friendly. As others have mentioned, the menu may seem a bit overpriced; especially because the portions don't look large at first. But it is always filling and flavorful and ultimately, worth it.
(4)
Gabby M.

So good! And the food is very original; they have a bunch of dishes I've never seen at other restaurants! The vegetarian selection is great. Also, it's a BYO, which makes everything better!
(4)
Peter C.

Among the best Indian I've had in Philly. The fact that Ekta is BYO is also a plus. There are a bunch of great places nearby to grab quality beer. Bottle bar east is a five minute walk. A friend and I ate here about a week and split the lamb malai methi, and the chicken saagwala. The meal started off with complimentary papadums and sauces; always a plus. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the sauce had a bit of a kick to it but was really savory. The chicken wasn't dry like most other saagwala dishes I've had. Overall a good meal. Why I don't give it five stars; slowish/impersonal service, and awkward atmosphere. We were in the back with four other tables close-by and there was no music or other background noise generator. Great meal overall though.
(4)
Sammy G.

A friend of mine lives in the area and before visiting him, a few of us wanted to get a bite to eat before the shenanigans of the night began. Good ol' Yelp helped to find us a great Indian spot; you never seem to fail me Yelp! We were going to order it to go and decided to sit next door in their seating area and the people were very nice about it. Ordered the Paneer Tikka Masala - it is my go to Indian cuisine and it was amazing here! We split it and a few pieces of garlic naan. We didn't realize it was BYOB until later and we weren't really planning on staying a long time but it's definitely good to know for next time we're in the area. It was DELICIOUS. Seriously, even if you're not into the vegetarian dishes, I think you should try it because well, it's amazing - DUH. Next time I can't wait to try more of their veggie appetizer options. We let our friends know this was the spot to go to if you are craving good Indian food!
(4)
Jess P.

We had the Mild Chicken Tikka Masala, the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Saag Aur Paneer. All of them were good!
(4)
Megan M.

Let me preface this review by stating that I enjoy Indian food. Ekta, your Kadai Chicken is delicious, as is your Kadai Paneer, Chicken Vindaloo, Tandoori Chicken, Garlic Nan... HOWEVER, the prices are exorbitant for takeout. If I order delivery and spend $20 after tax and tip on Kadai Chicken, why do I only get one piece of chicken in a tupperware container with a boatload of sauce and rice? Why does this cost $20? Eating in may be different, however I've given up on Ekta for takeout. I'm sorry, Ekta, but you let me down.
(2)
Shu T.

A little pricy (each entree was about $15.00) but it was the best Indian food I've had. Very authentic.
(4)
Katelin S.

Got takeout for my first time tonight. It was all delicious. We tried the chicken tikka masala, lamb korma, and garlic naan. The meat was so tender and yummy. The prices may seem high, but I am full and still have half of my lamb korma leftover. The employees are all very nice. And I like how I can see the kitchen and where my food is being cooked.
(5)
Kevin P.

Ekta is pretty good. I've eaten quite a bit of Indian food, mostly in Northern California, and Ekta is average (especially considering the high prices - Aloo Gobi for $13 is kind of ridiculous). The rice is perfectly cooked and the naan is great too. I love mixed pickle, so I was happy to see that on the menu as well. All in all it's pretty...pretty...pretty...pretty good.
(3)
Mike Z.

Got delivery today... The food is clearly high quality.. We ordered Chicken tika masala, lamb tika masala, and garlic naan. All were delicious.
(5)
Sam L.

This is definitely my favorite Indian place in the city. I have never actually been there to dine in, and I've heard that it's a weird vibe inside, but I always love their food so I think I could look past it. They give you a lot of food- I always have leftovers. Sometimes there's only a few pieces of chicken in the broth of whatever meal I got, but honestly that doesn't bother me because the broth/rice/naan combo is the best part IMO. The Rosemary naan might be the best naan I've ever had. I, like other reviewers, would love if the prices went down a smidge, but I do think that the food is good enough to be worth it.
(5)
Jake M.

Why dine at Etka?? We'll let see...the food is authentic and in my opinion the best Indian cuisine in Philly. Appetizers I recommend: Aaloo Aur Papri Chat & Veggie Samosa. EntrÃ©es I recommend: Mango Chicken, Chicken Korma and Paneer Tikka Masala. Don't forget to order naan with your entrÃ©e! Furthermore, Etka maintains reasonable prices especially when you consider the quality of food you receive...AND if you are a wine and dine person like myself you will be happy to know Etka is BYOB. The restaurant capacity is not very large with maybe a total of 8-9 tables...get there before 7pm and you should get a table. Finally the staff is very polite and friendly although they can be a little quiet/hard to hear when the restaurant is buzzing. Overall highly recommend to anyone that enjoys Indian cuisine!
(5)
Michael N.

Ekta is probably my favorite Indian spot in Philly. I can't speak for the restaurant itself as we've only ever done take out, but I believe it is BYO so that's always a fun option. Delicious naan. The garlic kabob is a nice appetizer. For the main courses we usually go with either Chicken Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, or the Chicken curry. Pretty much everything I've had from here is good though. Only drawback is that it tends to be on the pricey side for the amount of food, but oh well, it's still good.
(4)
Arod M.

My go-to in the Fishtown/Kensington area for amazing Indian cuisine. Ample portions, everything has been delicious (we usually get the lamb dishes, saagwala or masala, but the tandoori chicken is also top-notch), and they deliver if you're not dining there.
(5)
Kate B.

I love this place so much I have their number saved in my phone. Delivery takes a long time, but it is SO worth it!
(5)
Dikla B.

To be short and specific - the restaurant does not look good, none of the waiters was Indian but still no one understood a word in English. The Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken were really good, but everything else was not. Please don't order Chai tea, it smelled bad and after one sip we decided not to drink. We will not come back to this place.
(2)
Courtney C.

Ahh.. my three friends and I ordered from here last night and we're all feeling pretty terrible today. Just a little beware. Food was pretty good, but not worth the aftermath.
(2)
Alex G.

Had the ekta shrimp and chicken saagwaalaa. Both were good, not great. Both dishes could have used more protein. Each came with approximately 4-5 pieces of shrimp and chicken. Needs more.
(4)
Laura H.

I have never found another Indian place as tasty as Ekta. It's no wonder I saw it pop up on Travel & Leisure's best Indian food in America top 10 list. travelandleisure.com/artâ€¦ Whether you dine in or take out, the proportions they serve are large. My boyfriend and I go full fat-kids when we eat here - Veggie samosas are amazing, especially when asking for their extra green sauce (sorry, don't know the name), along with the garlic naan dipped in the mango chutney. Their most popular dish, the chicken/shrimp tikka masala rightfully sits atop the list of the most delicious thing I have ever put into my mouth. We've also gotten the chicken vindiloo, which is very good, but when I get it, I feel like I've missed out from not having the tikka masala.
(5)
Lindsay H.

Delicious!!! We finally ordered Ekta for delivery the other night and wow, I was not disappointed. I had always thought Tiffin was the Indian take out place in Nolibs/Fishtown until I drove by Ekta. After looking up the reviews on yelp, I knew I needed to try it and boy was it delicious. I ordered the Goan Shrimp curry based on many of the reviews I read, the butter chicken (per Vinny P's review) and the garlic naan all for delivery. Now, as a highly impatient person, delivery is generally my worst nightmare. They tell you a time and it almost always comes later and then ends up driving me completely crazy. To my surprise and excitement, Ekta showed up 10 mins early. I loved them already. After one bite of the goan shrimp curry, I immediately knew that Ekta was my new spot. First off the sauce was great. It had kick, but not too much and finished with the perfect hint of coconut. The shrimp were also cooked to perfection. Then, tried the butter chicken. The sauce was packed with flavor and hints of heat and the chicken was also cooked perfectly. I find that my biggest issue with Indian takeout tends to be that the food can be over cooked but Ekta did great. Both the shrimp and the chicken were perfect and I was happy. Then, the garlic naan was the perfect platform to grab the rest of the sauce on my plate to enjoy. Yum. To sum it up, I will absolutely be ordering more Ekta before this incredibly cold winter is over. Delicious Indian takeout is perfection on a cold winter night!
(4)
Brian L.

This place really should have five stars, as I have no real complaints. I've had this a couple, three times when visiting Philly and we are either 1) in the mood for Indian food or b) completely lazy and want Indian food. Both work out to incredible advantage. Have been able to try a few dishes at this point, all of them being to my approval. The veggie Samosa I wasn't totally sold on but I know it goes over well with a lot of other people so don't listen to me. The standard naan, while good, could definitely be better. Never been inside, so I can't speak to that. But the portions are plentiful... you'll get at least a couple meals out of it.
(4)
Gautam T.

As a disclaimer this review is purely based on the delivery aspect of the operation, I live pretty far from Ekta but I still get my fix because they deliver to center city all the way from No-lib. First off, delivery is always the last option for me mainly because in my mind the food isn't as fresh as it is when you eat it at the restaurant. Ekta has completely changed my pre-conceived notions about delivery. My horizon has been broadened so to say. The food is simply superb! This past weekend for a party of eight we ordered a variety of dishes; Chicken Tikka, Paneer Saag, Chicken Saag, Chicken Kadai, Malai Kofta, Chicken Biryani and vegetable samosas, and garlic naan. Very reasonable considering the amount of food we got (17.00 + tip per person) and since we were at my place I also got 3-4 meals extra! All the dishes exceeded expectations and had the right amount spice, I can't pick a favorite because they all legitamately were delicious! So, if you live in Center City and crave indian like I do but don't want to move off your couch because there are football games on call up Ekta and have them deliver you some bomb A$$ food.
(5)
Justine J.

The goan curry (tilapia curry) was amazing. It was so freakin good. It's not spicy, so you can have them make it hotter if you like things that way. Add some nan to that and wrap it up and voila - you have yourself a Ekta fish curry taco.
(4)
Kess M.

Ekta is expensive but is still one of the best Indian spots in Philly.
(5)
Felix P.

The menu price is a suggestion and not accurate. Don't be surprised when you have to give up your first born for mediocre (at best) Indian food.
(1)
Daniel T.

So good! The best Indian that we have had in Philly. Vegetable samosas - delicious. Goan Fish (Tilapia) Curry - so many layers of flavors. It was by far, the best thing that I have had at an Indian restaurant. Baigan Bharta - smokey eggplant goodness. Nothing else needs to be said. Garlic nann - the place has a dizzying variety of naan to choose from, we went with the tried and true.
(4)
Louisa E.

Favorite indian in philly. Get the mango paneer it's my favorite thing ever! Sweet and spicy- more lien a sweet bbq than a mango flavor. Lamb vindaloo is amazing and very spicy. Tandoori veggies are good too. The prices keep going up which makes sense for the neighborhood but still wigs everything was still $12. If you eat in its BYOB and the service is nice. The only complaints is I wish they didn't serve super hot food in plastic containers- not sure what a more health conscious option would be- maybe cardboard soup containers. They are not easily recyclable either.
(5)
Bill M.

I have only ever ordered for delivery to Port Richmond and have been very happy with almost every order. There are very few Indian restaurants in Philly, and even fewer in the northeast corner so I was thrilled to have them deliver. I usually order a little extra for a leftover meal the next day. If you have not tried Indian before and you try delivery or takeout they place little labels on each of the containers. I don't need that but can see how helpful it is to anyone trying something for the 1st time. The Biryani is quite good and, to me, very spicy. My standard is the chicken tikka masala and palak paneer. Both very tasty. Murg Malai Kabob was a very pleasant surprise and is now my new favorite. Delivery guys are all very nice and always deliver within the estimated time they state when the order is placed.
(4)
Emily L.

The food is extremely good. My favorite dishes are anything saag and the rosemary naan. The mango chutney that they give you is an awesome dipping sauce. The only problem with Ekta are the prices - it adds up really quickly!
(4)
Lisa D.

Really really good indian food in Philly. Very authentic and the spiciness was perfect. Saag Paneer - absolutely delicious. Very creamy and my husband who barely likes spinach loved this dish. Chicken Vindaloo - Very spicy and delicious. You feel the heat in the aftertaste. The sauce is soooo good. Lamb Rogan Josh - Lamb was very tender and melted in your mouth.
(5)
Robert W.

Hands down the best Indian I've had since I moved to Philadelphia. I wish I knew the names of the items I tried but they were all good.
(5)
Lisa S.

My teenage daughters and I LOVE Indian Food. We've tried A LOT of Indian Restaurants in the area, and we used to like Tiffins, but then we discovered EKTA and that was it for us. The Chicken Tikka Masala is the best I've ever tasted anywhere. The portions are very generous, and we usually split one order between us and add some appetizers like onion bhaji, samosas (delicious, and the tamarind chutney is the best I've ever tasted!). We also usually order palak (spinach) naan. I love to eat in because the whole place smells amazing! A lot of time we call ahead and pick up our food. The only thing that's a little tricky is trying to find parking when picking up, but I usually just double park because they have my food waiting and ring me up immediately. The staff is always friendly, they even know what we usually order. The place is clean and the ambiance is very relaxing.
(5)
Sophia I.

Delicious, but pricey for a take-out experience. Still it's worth it once you realize that every bite is a revelation of flavors. Especially tasty leftovers are also always a good sign. We've enjoyed the Kadai lamb immensely & vegetable curry is another stand-out. A side order of the yogurty Raita is a must if ordering anything spicy. Delicious & cooling. Naan is also good, but averages 3 bucks a pop. We tend not to order a lot of appetizers here, preferring an extra entree instead. And that's coming from an app lover. Not really recommended for dine-in. A great alternative to eating out when you want a splurge while staying in your jammies.
(4)
Kimberly N.

The meal was fine. Had I not had better Indian food in Philly, it would have gotten 3 stars. Hubby and I shared Papdi chaat, lamb korma, and garlic naan. The chaat seemed unusually watery and lacked serious depth of flavor. Lamb korma was good, though the lamb could have been softer. Naan was not crispy and garlic was undercooked. Friendly service. Idk, the food just seemed to kinda just ... Exist. The rice wasn't floral or anything, and was mushy. I guess it's in a good location, and is better than Tiffin. But make the travel to the Northeast for tastier Indian food. Won't be back to Ekta.
(2)
Nirmal U.

Had great expectations from this place after reading the reviews but was disappointed. I definitely have eaten better Indian food in Philly. Their non-vegetarian dishes were still better than their vegetarian counterparts.
(2)
Varun S.

Excellent food. I ordered the paneer tikka masala and the kadhai chicken and they were both spot on. Best meal I've had in Philadelphia so far!
(5)
Mr X.

I feel sorry for Philly! HOW ON EARTH can you have a LENTIL dish for 11.99 plus tax! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Is this Lentil (or anything else on the menu) cooked by the god Krishna him self? If you go up to Edison, NJ or better yet Jersey city you will pay HALF this much for an AUTHENTIC dish. Yes I understand our choices are limited in Philly as we speak BUT COME ON!
(1)
Holly N.

I'm glad this is the only indian food within my delivery range because it is phenomenal. A little on the pricier range (this coming from someone who's almost always broke--your opinion may vary) but snow, sleet or rain, ekta delivery is there for you, earlier than promised. I might add--I appreciate that their non-vegetarian dishes are referred to as "non-vegetarian." One thing--on busy nights, which are most nights, their phone is very busy and you might have to call a few times to get an answer! Don't give up.
(5)
Danie R.

Ekta was my go-to Indian spot when I lived on Shackamaxon. Although the cleanliness of this place was constantly in question, the deliciousness of the place is undeniable. Um, YUM?!? Yes. I think at one point or another, I've eaten just about all the vegetarian dishes that they've had to offer and they're always really good. I highly recommend anything with paneer or nuts in them. Also, their naan is banging. Delivery is pretty quick too. -1 stars for their questionable cleanliness.
(4)
Melissa H.

Ekta had been on my list of places to check out for at least a year, and on a sunny but cold afternoon, I finally made the trip to Fishtown to check it out. Perhaps it was an off-day at Ekta, but the experience left me a little underwhelmed (and sad that Ekta wouldn't be my go-to for Indian food in Philadelphia). Food 3.5/5: We were seated quickly with waters and papadam and chutney. We ordered the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Mirch Tikka. The shrimp curry had large prawns that weren't overcooked (but did have the texture of being slightly undercooked), rich coconut, onion and tomato sauce and a side of basmati rice. The mirch tikka was a bit drier than anticipated with a thin marinade of sour cream and chili peppers. It was listed as "Too Spicy" but lacked the promised kick despite some light heat. The basmati rice served was light and fluffy, but room temperature. Good portion sizes all around. Atmosphere 3.5/5: There were a few other customers in for an early dinner, but otherwise the place was next to empty. Clean, well-kept but slightly cold (temperature) and not particularly decorated or done up in any way. The lack of decor did leave the impression that their focus was only on the food, not on the ambiance. Service: 3.5/5: We had minimal interaction with our server aside from ordering. The meal largely felt like a business transaction rather than a dining experience. We asked if there was tea or hot water (since it was cold out) and after a round, were told that the kitchen was out. As soon as we were finished, the general vibe was to urge us to pay and leave. Overall, decent food and good portion sizes. Large selection of menu items. But food, service and atmosphere lacked the finesse to go from good to great.
(3)
Effie K.

Mmmmmmm.... the food here is so good that it has carved out its own special niche in my food cravings. When that craving comes on nothing else will do. The flavors in the dishes are complex and refined. The prices are a bit too high or I would order way more often.
(4)
Elicia G.

super yum. I got the chicken tikka masala and could NOT have been happier. others said when getting food delivered that they skimped on the chicken. but they were generous with my order. will DEF order again.
(5)
Juno J.

Ekta was very delicious! It is definitely a good place to go with groups so that you can try/share many different plates. We ordered 6 different dishes, my favorites being the Kachha Aam Ki Sabzi, the Bhindi Masala and the Goan Shrimp Curry. Good prices and lots of food!
(4)
Danielle G.

We ordered delivery one snowy Thursday evening on a lazy, lazy whim. Best decision ever! Even in the pouring snow, the delivery driver was at my door within 15 minutes and the food was piping hot. Veggie samosas are killer and the naan is extra fluffy.
(5)
Bill K.

Ekta is prob my favorite Indian restaurant, but Tiffin is a close 2nd; I've frequented both Fishtown & Bryn Mawr locations. Last night I got takeout for two ($44 cost sans tip). (This was one of 3 Indian meals this week, each of which included Vindaloo - my favorite Goan dish). So which is better - Ekta or Tiffin? Fishtown has both and provides a great locale for comparison (which isn't exactly what I did). We started our meal with their Aaloo Aur Papri Chat (once one of Philly Weekly's 50 Foods to Eat), which was nicely crunchy (even an hour after pickup) and wonderfully tasty. We had delicious Peshawari Naan (superior to Tiffin's and served with two chutneys - a mango & another that was crazy-fun-hot) with our two (2) mains. I quite enjoyed the flavorful Shrimp Tikka Masala, but my gal (who isn't a BIG eater) didn't go for seconds on that. I'm not a fan of the dull white bird, but we got Chicken Vindaloo because she isn't a big fan of lamb (admittedly, my favorite meat). We also shared the leftover Vindaloo from Tiffin, which we both found more flavorful than Ekta's and of which she had seconds AND took the leftover leftovers to work today; she WAS digging it, which was merited. Overall, though, our Ekta/Tiffin comparison proved inconclusive; we'll have to try again with different dishes.
(5)
Andrea V.

If this review was based solely on food, it would be 5 stars. I mean, I just licked the tupperware container that held my leftovers. This food is Eastern soul food. My friend and I had the sam savera appetizer, lamb chettinad, lamb tikka masala, garlic naan, and spinach naan. Skip the sam savera; it was good, but it's just sausage. Go for a different appetizer. Both lamb dishes were phenomenal, and the naan was great, too. The spinach naan was a delight to eat on its own. It didn't even need to be dipped into any sauce. Ekta loses a star for the location and the (lack of) ambiance. The neighborhood didn't bother me but I can see how some might find it a bit sketchy at night. More importantly, It isn't convenient to most of the city and while I hear they have a wide delivery radius, I don't fall into it. Therefore, even though the food is glorious, I can't be a frequent customer unless I want to spend 35-40 mins each way on the subway. If I am going to put in that kind of travel time, it's nice to have some ambiance. I know the decor isn't really the point, but with such good food one hopes for the whole experience to match up. As for the prices...well, I think the food's worth it. You will not regret dropping $15 for an entree here, trust me.
(4)
Jemma C.

At long last I found somewhere. Best Indian takeout in Philly by far! Excellent service, fantastic food and reasonable prices. Love this place.
(4)
S S.

Ekta's Chicken Tikka Masala is out of this world! ...burp... Always fresh, consistently good, and fast delivery.
(5)
Mallory D.

Although I am an Indian food novice, I know amazing food when I taste it! If you are sick of the standard pizza, hoagie, cheesesteak callout options and live close to Ekta, you must give them a try. Due to my aforementioned novice status, I played it safe and ordered chicken tikka masala. The sauce was so delicious, that the chicken was really an afterthought. I could make a meal out of that sauce alone, which I pretty much did with my garlic naan, also delicious. I also highly recommend the coconut rice. The food here is slightly more expensive than your typical callout food, but it is so much better. They also give you quite a bit, so you can make two meals out of it. And they deliver to Port Richmond! I can't wait to try more of their delicious food.
(5)
Dee J.

Tiffin, which is not too far away from Ekta, used to be my go to spot for good Indian delivery. However, Ekta takes the cake for delicious Indian food in my Fishtown hood. The lamb tikka masala is delicious, as well as, the paneer sagwala. Additionally, the samosas are hot with a crispy crust. I like to top of my fabulous Ekta cuisine with a mango lassi & their cheese naan. If you visit Ekta, it's definitely not fancy, and a very casual dining experience. Which makes it all the better, as the price is very fair.
(4)
Alyssa N.

When we moved to Frankford Ave, one of the first places we ordered takeout from was Ekta. This place has some of the best Indian food I've had in Philly. The menu is great and it doesn't take long to get your food. We frequently call in and go pick up. They have another location near the main line as well. Definitely must try!
(5)
Brian M.

For delivery/takeout, I'd consider eating from here again. Dining in...no. Came here Friday night, table for two. The small dining room was packed, unsurprisingly, and we were told we could wait by the door. Sure. Another couple came in, were told the same. No system for reservations, just wait for a table so when one freed up it was pretty much whoever grabbed it first. The second couple stepped outside to wait as the inside is cramped and lost their table to another group who slipped in right when a table freed up. Annoying. The service was similarly aloof. As others have said these people (Ekta employees, not Indians you racist monster) are not service oriented; it's what do you want, serve, get out. Another annoyance was the fact that they bill themselves as a BYO yet (despite a bottle being on the table) we had to flag someone down to get glasses. And don't expect an ice bucket, the table next to us asked and were told the best they can do is, uh, pop it in the fridge in the back. No thanks. The food was solid and cheap. Granted I am no Indian food expert but I did enjoy it. Watch the samosa chat, shit's spicy. The lamb in my chettinad was a bit sinewy and very dry as well. Not the best but the sauce was awesome, nice bit of spice. Tried some chicken korma as well which had nice cashew flavor without being too heavy. Definitely worth grabbing for takeout or delivery.
(3)
Akshay N.

Food was amazing I try malai kofta it's good and dessert I try gulab jamun it's to hard
(4)
Nicole E.

Easily the best Indian food I've ever had. I am not a hugely picky eater, and am fairly easily satisfied, but ordering takeout from Ekta has caused me to desire this place and no other. My husband and I have shared the lamb vindaloo (spicy even for his high, mouth-on-fire standards!), garlic naan (I don't eat gluten so I don't know, but it looked and smelled like heaven), paneer malai methi (pretty much the best food I have ever had, EVER, all categories considered... omg, so good), and malai kofta (also incredible). The service was great - they delivered within 40 minutes on a snowy Friday evening, and were sweet and friendly. The dishes came with perfectly seasoned and cooked rice. I could not get over the perfect flavor and seasoning - man, my mouth is watering now. Highly recommend! Reasonable prices, good location. Do it! =)
(5)
nic j.

Simply put I love this place. I must have eaten here a few dozen times, if I count take out/delivery. I have never been disappointed or underwhelmed. Every time I wish my guy was bigger so I could keep eating the delicious food. The dine-in atmosphere is great its not as loud as many of the nearby options which is nice. Waiters are always attentive. Cheap enough to bring friends and upscale enough for dinner with parents (the kind where they pay for your meal) If you are new to Indian food then this is a great place to start. If you are an old pro they can satisfy you here also. I don't think I have ever order the same thing twice and loved everything I have eaten.
(5)
Basil M.

This has to be one of the biggest yelp let downs ever. 4.5 stars?!? Seriously? What a joke. It's places like this that makes me want to rethink yelp. I chose this place solely based on the reviews and placed an order for delivery. I'm guessing people who give this place more than one star have no concept of what Indian food should taste like... They probably consider Taco Bell fine Mexican food. We ordered the chicken biryani, tandoori chicken, mirchi tikka, seekh kabob, chicken biryani, chicken tikka masala, raita and naan. The naan were good - and they better be at $2.50 each when other places charge about half of that. The kabobs were dry and rock hard. The tandoori chicken was bland. The mirchi tikka was one of the worst thugs I have ever eaten - anywhere. Such an odd after taste. It was gross. The biryani and CTM were just ok.... And to put a cherry on top - the bill was $82.00. Overpriced and definitely over hyped. I will NEVER be back, even if it's free.
(1)
Casey R.

This place really takes Indian food to the next level. Wanting to warm up recently with spice we ventured down girard thanks to a recommendation from Blake F. We were very pleased with the food. When we arrived it was a little confusing as no one was in the dining room and we had to go to the takeout side to get someone to seat us. No biggie, they were clearly way busier with take out and delivery due to the cold. After we were seated another table filled in as well, providing great eavesdropping on an awkward first date. I ordered the Mutter Paneer and it was delicious, great balance between the ingredients and slight spice. Clay got a spicy lamb dish that he also enjoyed. We skipped the appetizers but did order garlic naan which was also quite good. We both had food to take home and it reheated great for lunch the next day. The service was prompt and the food came out quickly. I know we will be back soon.
(4)
Angie K.

This is my favorite Indian restaurant in Philly. I was a Tiffin lover, but I converted, and now I am trying to convert others into this religion. First off, delivery. I don't know about you guys, but when I order delivery, I'm hungry when I order, not an hour later when it arrives. Who orders in advance like that? Well maybe diligent people, but I'm not one of those. When Tiffin says their food will take 1 hour 15 mins, it does (give or take 5 mins). When Ekta says their food will take 1 hr 15 mins, it delivers in 45. This has happened on multiple occasions. Hooray! I think all their food is better than that of Tiffin's. The saag paneer is claimed to be wonderful by my friends (I am not a fan of this dish in general), I love the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, naan, the lamb biryani, etc. etc. If you want spicy, it comes out madd spicy. Like...tears-dripping-into-your-dish spicy. Nice! I've dined in also. It's modest like its rival, and service was great and attentive! The area can seem a bit rough, so there's plenty of street parking.
(5)
S P.

(Hastags) best Indian, lamb korma, chicken tikka, paneer whatever!! Our favorite Indian restaurant in the city by far. We order this food for delivery every couple of months or so. We haven't found something that we don't like. We do find that some of the appetizers like the tandoori meats are a little small but they still taste great.
(5)
Katie L.

Yes. Yes, please. And yes again. Ekta is a small and unexpected gem on a stretch of Girard that feels a little hmmm... after dark, but it is worth the journey. I am uncertain if they take reservations, but it might be recommended as there are only a few tables. Don't be confused - you enter through the area that looks like take-out only, and the dining room as adjacent. We showed up a little bit early for my taste (around 6:00), but that was a fortunate decision as they tables had filled up by the time we were done. For the food - really solid, well-prepared, thoughtful, not outrageously priced Indian food. The tasty sauces that came with our chapati were delicious. We went with a dahl makhani, alu gobi, and the chicken biryani. Would probably trade in the biryani next time for a different meat choice - it was kind of underwhelming, but the accompanying raita made the dish. It's BYO and bring your appetite, too, because there seem to be lots of delicious things to try.
(5)
Christina R.

This is my go to place for Indian fare. I must admit, I typically call for delivery... And I should offer a little advice if you are interested in doing the same. The wait time for it is an excess of an hour, so planning ahead is very helpful if one is looking to eat at a specific time. My go to choices are samosa chaat, garlic naan, mango chicken, saag aurr paneer... I'd like to try different things, but these are always so good!
(5)
Kelly C.

Woah! Can't believe I haven't written a review of Ekta yet. I've been a regular for pretty much as long as they've been open. Great take out, and they have a small dining room now too. Great place for a simple date that doesn't feel like a big to-do. I have yet to find any other Indian food in the city that compares. Karma in Old City is a close 2nd. My favorite way to order is while sitting in traffic on 95-S and then picking up after taking the Girard exit to avoid the rest of the traffic on 95. If traffic starts flowing and I have some time to wait in the take out area, I love watching them place the naan into the tandoori or pulling it out with the irons.
(5)
Shawndra W.

This has become my go to Indian Restaurant in the neighborhood. Overall, I prefer it over Mood and Tiffin but all have dishes I prefer over the others. I have ordered here 15 times easily and my go to order is garlic naan, veggie samosas, lamb vindaloo, and chicken tikka masala. The chicken tikka Masala is my favorite. It is a thick creamy consistency with a very distinct taste. The lamb vindaloo is appropriately spicy with very good flavor but unfortunately the lamb is not the most tender. Mood wins hands down of the tenderness of the lamb dishes. Veggie samosas are good. Not overburdened with peas, which is a pet peeve of mine and very good flavor. They send plenty of flavorful white rice but I believe you can get brown by request. They almost always deliver faster than they quote me also and I have never had an issue with my order. I highly recommend giving this place a try. I admit I haven't explored the menu much because my go-tos are always so good!
(4)
Rebecca S.

Chicken tikka masala and garlic naan, ya dig? Once a month my work team gets together for a little catch up session over lunch, it's hard to get the four of us together regularly working in the four corners of the city and with jam packed schedules so when the boss sent iCal invites asking our availability for a rendezvous at Ekta the positive RSVP's flooded in faster than you can say biryani. We took a little bit of time to chat about work things (see what I did there?) before diving into orders of veg samosa followed by tikka masala, goan curry, and both wheat and garlic naan. I feel like chicken tikka masala is such a bullshit order here simply because there are so many other wonderful dishes to choose from, but at the same time it's a pretty standard dish that you can use as a benchmark in determining quality. Honestly, I'm not sure why I even bothered...it was so damn delicious I should have just trusted the reviews and gone with something a bit more adventurous. I didn't, my bad, but now understand why Ekta consistently gets such high marks. We all loved our lunches so much that we decided that all future monthly meetings will take place here because we have some serious menu exploring to do. We were able to knock out a ton of work because the lunch crowd was non-existent, an issue we always run into when meetings are downtown, plus parking is easy enough to find without having to pay for meters and lots. I'm definitely looking forward to many more visits here in the future and fully recommend Ekta for dine in or take-out whether you live near or far.
(5)
Fan L.

Oh Ekta. How we'll miss your completely deserted dining area and unbelievably amazing mango curry (Paneer Mangoli, or anything that has this delicious sauce). + Did I already mention the mango curry? garlic naan byob cheap - not the best neighborhood mediocre-to-awkward service
(5)
Jenny P.

Loved their Indian vegetable... The dal makhani was okish... The garlic naan was really soft even wen we ordered home delivery... The delivery takes 50 mins or so...so u better order ahead..that cuts 1 star for me..since I can't wait that long wen I am hungry.. Also the spicy vegetable was also bit sweet..that cut 1 more star for me..other than that I would order it again..
(3)
Jenny T.

Ekta has the BEST Indian food I've ever had thus far!!!! I may not be an elite but take my word for it you won't be disappointed! The first time I had Indian was at a place called Cross Culture and that's where Indian food and I fell in love. I thought Cross Culture had the best Indian food until I stumbled upon Ekta. Don't get me wrong Cross Culture is great but Ekta is superb!!! They serve the best chicken tiki masala, it's so good and it has a hint of spiciness. Another favorite dish is the chicken saagwala, it may not look appetizing but it's freaking delicious. The papri chat is a great appetizer, there are may textures and flavors it's definitely a culinary art. Another favorite item on there menu is the garlic naan, whoa, so darn good! This place get pretty packed and when it dose the server might forget about your appetizer and serve it with your entrÃ©e. The portions are great and the price can't be beat for the quality of the food, flavors, price, and good size portions. They may not have super quick service but they do their best. Don't forget to bring beer or wine because it's a byob!!
(5)
P. D.

I had been looking forward to trying out ekta for a year or so. Usually I go to Tiffin - and after dining at Ekta finally I will always go to Tiffin. The lamb biryani was overcooked and uninspiring. The okra (bhindi) curry seemed like the okra had been defrosted or something - the veggies were small and frayed. No music in the background. Good service...but the ambiance and food are disappointing when you have Tiffin down the street.
(2)
Lia B.

i love ekta. when i moved to philly from new york city i was so dismayed at the lack of good, spicy indian food available. ekta is the only place that comes close.
(5)
Erica E.

Really tasty Indian food that delivers = yay in my book. It's not mind blowing, life changing food but definitely the best Indian I have had in the city. Also, huuuge delivery zone so you're bound to get some goodness delivered right to your door and usually within an hour.
(4)
J M.

The best Indian food I've ever tasted anywhere. Although their prices have gradually increased over the years, I buck up anyway because the food is outstanding. I take an inconvenient drive across the city to get my Ekta when the craving hits, and I'll never waste my time or money getting Indian food from anywhere closer or more convenient. I'd do anything to convince them to deliver to my home in South Philadelphia. Do you hear me, Ekta? ANYTHING! This includes breaking the law. What can I do?
(5)
Matt B.

Indian delivered! Over the weekend I was jonesing for Indian but too lazy to make the trek from Fairmount to Fishtown, so I ordered in. They said it would be about an hour and a half, but it was delivered 40 minutes after I called! So I did a celebratory dance, as I was starving at this point. I ordered the Kadai Chicken, which was delicious, but hoooo boy was that spicy. Their menu denotes 4 levels of spiciness (0-3 peppers), with the Kadai clocking in at 2 peppers. At certain points I invoked a line from Modern Family: "I feel like I ate the sun!" But I couldn't stop eating. The best was that I had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. But as another reviewer noted, the naan loses some of its warmth and gets a bit stale in the delivery process. Had to throw it in the microwave for a bit, but not a huge complaint there. I'm stopping short of giving 5 stars, due to my laziness of not actually visiting the restaurant, and my naÃ¯vetÃ© regarding the level of spices they throw in (damn good ones too).
(4)
Monang S.

Awesome Indian food. Preferable if you take delivery or take-out.
(5)
Gwen T.

Chicken Tikka Masala. I've never had such irresistible cravings for anything as I have for their chicken tikka masala. If you haven't had it yet, you don't even know. Also... I live at 21st & Fitzwater (Graduate Hospital neighborhood). They're in Fishtown on east girard.. and they DELIVER TO ME! yes yes yes!
(5)
amber r.

If you want delicious Indian food, you want Ekta. Seriously good food. The saag aur paneer, the cheese dumplings in cashew sauce, the lamb rogan josh, and the plain naan were all big time hits. A little pricey ($11-$16/item), but more than enough food. Ordering in is a special treat.
(4)
Me C.

Best Indian food in Philly- amazing. The portions are also a decent size so I had enough left over for for lunch the next day. They have a huge delivery area and delivery was faster than we were told it would be. I had a Shabanam Curry and it was full of veggies in a delicious sauce. This contrasts with many Indian places in Philly where it's a lot of sauce (that's mostly cream instead of flavor) and the odd potato and overcooked broccoli. I ate with three other people and everyone was really happy with their dinner- vegetarians and carnivores alike.
(5)
Yaya M.

I just ate-in at this establishment for the first time and was reminded how much outstanding service can make a great meal even better. I swear I never saw the bottom of my water glass in this place, no sooner than I took a sip was it replaced. We received whatever we asked for within seconds of requesting it and were allowed to bask in our after-meal glow without feeling rushed. In the past I would typically get take out from here or delivery when I lived in the Kensington area. I like to slip into food comas in the comfort of my own home and this food certainly inspires fits of taste-bud ecstasy that borderline on inappropriate for children under the age of 13. Everything is spiced to perfection with a flavorful complexity missing from many Indian restaurants in the area, is delightfully creamy, is hot when necessary without being watered down for the western palette, and is offered in portions that are sized to share. The Goan Shrimp Curry and Saag Aur Paneer are my favorites (with the Saag Paneer setting the standard for how this dish should taste) but the common dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Samosas, and Chicken Vindaloo are delicious as well without feeling typical. As hesitant as am am to give the kind of review that will only increase the popularity of one of my favorite spots in the city, making it that much more difficult for me to get a table on the weekend, I need you to eat here. If this place ever closed I would be devastated to the point of holding a candlelight vigil on the sidewalk out front.
(5)
David B.

First off, I walked out of this place stuffed. There was so much food I could hardly eat it all - and that rarely occurs at most restaurants for me. I ordered the Garlic Naan, Methi Ka Parath and Chicken Tikka Masala. All were delicious. To start the meal off they bring some kind of flat (unleavened?) bread with two dipping sauces. Both sauces were good, but I prefer the green kind. Should have asked what I was eating, but I was too busy enjoying the food. The Garlic Naan and Methi Ka Parath were fresh, soft and piping hot. The Chicken Tikka Masala was heaven in a bowl: spicy, thick with good portions of moist, tender chicken. The sauce was so good I cleaned the bowl with my Naan. The Chicken Tikka Masala comes with a bowl of Basmati rice easily large enough for two people to share. No way I could finish that much by myself. Best of all this place is open late on the weekends (until 10PM) and is BYOB. I'll be back.
(5)
Abhinav N.

I tried this place after a friend recommended it and this is definitely one of the best Indian food I've had after a long time. They have a great menu and excellent choices of meat / vegetarian curry and tandoor dishes. I ordered the Ekta Kebab and Paneer Lychee which was really good. One thing about this place is that the owners and chefs are from Nepal, so you get a very unique blend of North Indian spices and this is not what we get in other local Indian / Pakistani restaurants. Bottom line - I would recommend this place to anyone looking for some great Indian food in the neighbourhood . Enjoy !!
(4)
Shay K.

I love Ekta! This is the best Indian food I have ever had. Ever. And I have sampled Indian food in Boston, Miami, all over Philly... Ekta wins! The atmosphere, as one of my close friends who also loves Ekta says, "Feels like you're eating in someones parent's living room." But no matter, it is dark and eerily quiet when it's not in full swing. But the food is to die for. I highly recommend the Saag Paneer or the Lamb Saagwala. The first is a healthy, vegetarian delight full of spinach and saucy, spicy but not firey deliciousness. The latter is full of lean, tender lamb, planty of vegetables and another spicy slightly firey sauce. I dare you to finish your entire pot of food. There is so much actual meal and an abundance of aromatic rice that going home without extras is a rarity. But if you're trying to go all out, definitely start with the Samosa Chat. a small bowl filled with lightly fried dough, yogurt, chickpeas, veggies, and millions of herbs and spices, I'm sure. It is both spicy and cooling (bc of the yogurt) and 100% delish. Everytime I go to Ekta, I suffer Ekta withdrawal for the next week. But, in order to save the state of my sad college-student's bank account, I have forced myself to refrain from returning to Ekta at every craving. P.s. BYOB!
(5)
Walter K.

As my friend John Mallinen put it, "I'm just way into the idea that I can eat bomb-ass Indian food without even leaving my house." And here it is: Ekta is the new king of 19125 delivery Indian food. This new joint opened recently on Girard Ave and only a few blocks from Tiffin. And I've heard that a few people from Tiffin left and started Ekta, but I'm not sure, and it doesn't really matter. Ekta has a good variety of veg options. Overall, it has standard, but great Indian options. Lentils, Paneer, lamb, and chicken are served with fresh vegetables in various curries. Best of al, each dish is made to order. The main downside of Ekta is that it has no atmosphere. Two small tables are crammed into the front of the kitchen, leaving almost no room to eat at the restaurant. Here's the bottom line: Ekta offers fresh, healthy, delicious Indian food, and it's cheaper than Tiffin. The main dishes are just as good, if not better. There is no reason, however, to eat at the restaurant. If you're trying to go out for Indian food, Tiffin should be your option. Still, be lazy, order Ekta delivery, and enjoy the goodness from your own couch.
(4)
Robin T.

OH Ekta, as I eat my leftovers for lunch, I give thanks that you are the closest takeout to my house. I love the smell of you wafting down Girard and around the corner. I haven't eaten much Indian food in my life, but I hear there's nowhere better. I love you and the spice you add to my life! No wonder there's always double-parking going on! (But what have you done to the front of your building?!)
(5)
Keith P.

Great food, though a bit pricey. Ordered delivery and they didn't provide eating utinsels and had a hard time finding our location.
(4)
Patricia S.

Yes, it's fantastic. This is coming from someone who was practically raised on Punjabi curries (typical Indian food in America) and has had it in at least a half dozen different countries (except India, sadly). The highlights were the Goan Shrimp Curry, Kadai Lamb and Shrimp Tikka Masala. The Goan Shrimp is nicely creamy, but spicy and flavorful. The Kadai curry was actually spicier than the Vindaloo, but quite different. Not as vinegar-y as Vindaloo can be. It was really really nice. The shrimp in both dishes are very large and perfectly cooked. For bread, I'd go for Paratha or the Palak Naan. The Palak Naan really blew me away. It was a combination of Naan and Spanakopita. Absolutely, delicious. As someone from out of town, I was a bit wary of the neighborhood at night, but it's not that bad. Just need a bit of street smarts, and you're probably fine if you're driving into town. The ambiance of the restaurant is a tad rundown, but it's homey and nice and perfect for a casual catch-up with friends or family. Ekta gets it right. The price is spot-on, the food packs the "pow" that you're looking for, it's BYOB AND the service is efficient. I will be returning!
(4)
Clara L.

Best Indian Food in Philly, but paltry in comparison to Jerz or NYC or west coast. All my friends are Indian, so I'm brown by association... it's where my cred comes from. The food is typical Punjabi (Read: what Americans think of as Indian food with dishes in curried sauces. You guys really don't know what you're missing with all the other types of Indian food out there.) Spicier than Tiffin, which is a much more watered down version of Indian food. At work, we will order in massive quantities and stink up our lounge. The food tastes like it's supposed to with generous amounts of ghee (clarified butter). Malai Kofta--potato-veggie-cashew--(meatless) ball in creamy cashew sauce is great for late night carbtastic snacking. Chicken Tikka Masala is a decent version. The Vindaloo is pretty spicy, but it won't burn on the way out, which is the way it should be. Goan Shrimp Curry is good. Standard Samosas and Naan. The Chicken Tandoor is excellent, however, wonderfully seasoned and juicy, unlike other Indian places.
(4)
Jamaica Y.

Link to the MENU.. cuz yes they are dope and do deliver: foobooz.com/wp-content/uâ€¦ Oh man, I'm full. Sooo, I'm one of those idiots who eats foods she is allergic to, like several Indian spices. Now my eyes are burning and my lips are stinging... but man was that good! My brother ate with me and agrees wholeheartedly that I am an idiot--with or without the spices. I had the chicken masala and the butter chicken. Both were exceptional, but I won't lie and say I knew which one was which once they hit my plate. The rice is pretty much perfect which you may not find impressive until you experience it. This place is great. Period. Oh, and the delivery driver was also notably nice.
(5)
A K.

Fantastic food!! Who knew they would have a restaurant like this in a the middle of no where. Ordered Chkn tikka masala. It was probably the best I had in 3 years! Also ordered tandoori Chkn. Very juicy and perfectly blended with spice. Veg samosas were fresh too. Overall a great experience. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars because they don't have any desserts (like Gulab jamun or ras malai etc). They DID offer rice pudding but I am not a fan of rice pudding. Kinda disappointing. But whatever items they do sell, is top notch and fresh!
(4)
Jessica E.

I hadn't been to Ekta since it first opened a few years ago, and went this evening for an Indian food craving. The food was, for the most part, excellent. My boyfriend and I both really enjoyed our entrees - I got chicken tikka masala and he got a lamb dish (which I can't recall how to spell). My chicken was delicious and the sauce was spiced beautifully. It had much more depth to it than lots of other tikka masala that I've had. The naan was warm and fresh. Minus one star for the vegetable samosas that we ordered as an appetizer - burning hot on the outside and freezing cold in the middle. The texture of samosa filling when it is cold is not appealing at all. Service was friendly and efficient. Very solid option for Indian food in the area.
(4)
Sophia S.

I became an ekta convert after two 'eh' experiences at tiffin. Since i lived only a few blocks away, ekta became a staple in my diet. now that i've moved to a new neighborhood, i still spring for delivery all the time. Unlike many indian places, ekta's sauces are not homogeneous...they look (and taste) like they are made from real food! you can actually see the spices their chiken tikka masala--standard of all indian restaurants in america--and it has more of a kick than tiffin's also. my other favorite is the malai kofta. similarly, their creamy cashew based sauce is creamy, substantial, and zesty. it is part of the meal, not just an accoutrement. they also send indian rice pudding as a free accompaniment most nights...its not overly sweet and has almond slices and little fruits in it. I hate western rice pudding but LIVE for this stuff. I will warn that when getting delivery, the nan has been kinda stale. i'd advice against it.
(5)
Steph A.

I have never once had an issue with Ekta. I've since moved out of the city, but my business is right down the street from them. At least once a week, my boyfriend brings home Ekta because we love it that much. Really great food.
(5)
Ian F.

Medium spicy and good!
(5)
Michelle S.

All the staff were really nice and friendly, the food was really good, and it's really affordable. All-in-all a pretty good experience for Indian food.
(4)
Erica M.

Let me start this by saying that Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines. This food was SO SALTY I couldn't even eat it. I mean it honestly was some of the saltiest food I've ever eaten...certainly the saltiest Indian I've ever had. We had saag and a type of chickpea dish (not chana masala). WOW! With so many great Indian places around, I don't think I'll be back.
(1)
Abigail L.

I'm sorry Ekta. I guess we just got off on the wrong foot. I love your new menu additions and the spice levels seem fine now, so maybe it was just a bad first date. Ekta is now my go to Indian place and I love, love, love every morsel I've had as of late, which is a lot, like several times a month a lot. If we were on the Bachelorette I'd give you a rose.
(4)
Gina L.

Spicey hot goodness! This place rocks on so many levels. However, the first level is that fact that they do not overly use oils which is my pet peeve with restaurants. I took the advice of fellow yelpers and headed to this place and was not disappointed. Unlike most, I chose to eat in the dining area. It was a bit quiet (read:empty) but the server was friendly and attentive. My dining partner and I ordered the garlic kabob, garlic nan, the kadai chicken and the bhindi masala. The garlic kabob was a chicken kabob that was tender, lemony and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs. The nan came out, warm and soft and just right with a texture that was crisp in some places and chewy in others. Both the "sinus clearing" kadai chicken and bhindi masala exceeded expectations. The only comment I have on a fellow yelper's review is that if you want leftovers and you consider yourself to be a "big eater" you may want to order an additional portion because after singing the praises of this place throughout the entire meal we had nothing left to take home! I would have liked a bigger selection of drinks and maybe a sparking water choice but overall, I highly recommend this place. Dance of joy: Perfectly seasoned dishes with distinct flavor and character. Superb hotness in the spicey dishes. Weeps and Wails: I forgot my tissues and I sneezed and cried while eating the kadai chicken...(it was awesome). Dining area can be a little empty...
(5)
Adam R.

Ekta or Tiffin? This review is coming from someone who has had Tiffin as their go-to Indian for delivery. After seeing Ekta as having the same amount of reviews as Tiffin with a little better rating, I decided to order it tonight instead of Tiffin. Long story short, after ordering the same staples I love from Tiffin, I have decided I am still a tiffin fan. What I ordered: Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Goan Shrimp Curry Chicken Tikka- Ekta has nice spicing while still having a creamy taste.However, i still prefer tiffin's chicken tikka. Creamier, and just more addictive IMO Saag Paneer- Again i have to go with Tiffin. It seems like tiffin's spinach was not quite as mushy as Ekta. I will say i definitely had more spicing in Ekta than tiffin, although at one point was a bit too much since i bit into a whole cardamom pod and had to fish it out of my mouth. In general, it seems they both have the same price point, both are as good with portions of rice and entrees, but i will say Tiffin gives memore chicken in my tikka masala and more cheese chunks in my Saag Paneer. Ekta did give a desert witheach entree which i will say is a neat little surprise. In conclusion: Ekta is a great choice for some good, authentic (from my perspective) indian fare. However, with Tiffin just around the corner and delivering in the same Areas as both Ekta locations. I would have to recommend Tiffin over Ekta.
(3)
Steve S.

I had to try this place since there are so many great reviews. I got the chicken tikka masala, onion baji, and naan. The onion and naan where very good. The chicken tikka masala was really not that good. The spices they used were not cooked fully and it had a raw spice flavor. Also the ground spices left the sauce gritty like sand was in it. I like my tikka sauce to be rich, smooth, and creamy. I will not be returning.
(3)
Deann M.

I got Ekta to deliver to me, and the chicken korma was creamy and nutty and flavorful. The chicken was just a tad dry. When reheated as leftovers, the dish improved. My veggie BF enjoyed his dish, the kadai paneer. Overall it wasn't the holy grail of Indian food, but it satisfied my indian food craving. I intend to try King of Tandoor and Tiffin next.
(4)
William S.

I thought Philly only had hoagie shops and gastropubs, but Ekta turned my ignorant notions into... uh... non...ignorance. Anyway I guess Philly has good Indian food as well. Ekta was my first taste of Indian food in the great city of Philly and it did not disappoint. I went there with my bud DJ on a man-date, and we got lamb chettinad, samosa chaat, and garlic naan. We got the samosa chaat based on the recommendation of Manzur, the server/manager, and it was good but we had no idea it was a cold dish... kind of like a cold, mashed samosa gazpacho. It's good, I promise, but if you're craving a samosa then that's probably not going to satisfy. But no worries, Manzur sensed our slight disappointment and gave DJ and I an order of regular samosas ON THE HOUSE, which of course is my favorite. Free. A little tip: dine in and get a punch card. If you dine in 5 times, you get 1 free entree the next time you eat in. ALSO, if you bring your own gin, they can make authentic Indian cocktails and you can mix the gin in yourself. PARTY WITH MANZUR!
(5)
Jennifer T.

I used to not like Indian food, but I'm glad I got over that weird stage of my life. Now I loveeee Indian food, and if it's cheap, good Indian food, that gets 5 stars in my book. Ekta is a small joint in Fishtown - a 'hood I rarely venture to, except to get facials from Affordable Skin Care and beers from Frankford Hall. One side is for take out, the other side is for dining in (notice the handmade BYOB sign in the glass window). I walked by on a whim one day and sniffed the amazing scents wafting out to E. Girard Ave. The bf & I decided to give Ekta a whirl and we're so glad we did. Just the right amount of spicy (no baby-ing here) and large portions! Service was spotty, our guy never brought out our samosas (sad!) and didn't understand when we didn't want to pay for them. However, I can overlook the small language barrier because it makes me feel like I'm getting extra authentic food! We'll probably only order takeout from now on... I just checked their delivery map and WHEW, I'm within 2 blocks of their boundary line.
(4)
Charles R.

Not being a great authority on Indian food I will just say that I agree with the 4 star reviews on Yelp. Service was prompt. Lamb dishes were tender, sauces were tasty and the garlic naan was moist with lots of garlic. Actually, they can never put too much garlic in anything for me, but this did contain an ample amount. Next time I would have the Vindaloo because the waiter said it was super spicy, but the dish I had that was one step down from the Vindaloo was just average on a spicy scale to me. BYO, takes all credit cards, and public parking right across the street.
(4)
Marie R.

I will admit, I have not written a review in quite SOME time.....but it is the perfect time to rage about Ekta, briefly. Dear Ekta, Thank you for consistently great service and delicious food. Thanks for your awesome delivery man who makes your Indian taste-bud dreams come ALIVE. Thank you for sending me a birthday card .:) Your food is delicious and our household loves you- dining in or out. From 3 roommates: vegan,vegetarian & a meat eater!
(5)
Sana R.

EXPENSIVE! Expect to spend $50+ for two people for dinner. This includes two apps and two entrees. Def get the cashew rolls and pappdi chhat though.
(4)
Annie R.

best indian food in philadelphia. butter chicken & garlic naan a+ and byob!
(5)
Brett J.

Ekta, we almost walked by you because we saw you from across the street and thought you were a carryout-only joint. We were wrong. Your food was very tasty, once the order came out right. The deduction here comes because of a somewhat awkward encounter w/ the waiter after my non-meat-eating girlfriend was brought a chicken tikka masala dish instead of the paneer. It took a few minutes of awkward exchange before the mistake was realized and eventually corrected. Once the correct order came out, we were both pleased w/ the food (the Kadai Chicken effectively cleared my sinuses). Overall, a good meal, just took a while to get there.
(3)
Daniel E.

Good food sluggish service
(4)
Mike G.

WELCOME EKTA! Love the previous reviews so I'm not gonna try and be witty (yeah, like a paralyzed person promising not to run) so I'll share my bit. As an enthusiastic group of 6, we ordered more than I can recall honestly but I'm a HUGE fan of Cafe Bombay in Bristol which has my favorite dish: kadai. I usually go for the Kadai Lamb, which EKTA has, however I had to share with some others that don't eat meat. (chicken's not meat, cool). The Kadai Chicken was great actually. It was different though than the one I love at Bombay. It's more a red gravy rather than brown and yet it's full of flavor and a bit spicy. I would totally recommend this place based on the 5 main dishes we all shared and the appetizers were great. In fact, the Samosa Chat was something I'm already jonesin' for. The Onion Bhaji left me wanting more. For our bonus, they threw in 2 containers of great homemade rice pudding. The whole bill and tip for delivery came out so low that it cost us around $10 each and though we only had 5 entrees for 6 adults, we still had leftovers! We all need to enjoy this place while they're at this "grand opening" price range. Tiffin was once so eager to please. Our hope now should be that these two duke it out and keep the prices reasonable.
(5)
Leah S.

Great food and the people were very nice!
(4)
Chris M.

Samosa Sogooda Love Indian food, but clueless where to go.. wanted something we thought might be authentic, and spicy. Ekta served both purposes. Tandoor Boti Kabob, Chicken Vindaloo, Veg Samosa, and a bottle of wine. Food was incredibly fast, and perfect. The Lamb was superb, and Vindaloo hot.. but not lethal. Service is the best, these guys are on it. Perfect for night before or after Johnny Brenda's or Kraftwork. Get in here. I WILL be back, or order takeout for sure their menu is huge!
(4)
Seth K.

Love this place. Sure, there isn't much competition for delicious Indian food in Fishtown. But this spot beats my previous favorite Indian takeout in the region, Taste of India out near the KoP mall. I tend to order veggie when I get Indian because there so many good indian veg options. My personal favorite is the Paneer Mangoli. It's more sweet than spicy, a bit divergent from the rest of the menu. The Kadai Paneer is also excellent, but don't take the little pepper graphics on the menu lightly. This food is spicy. My roommates get the usual Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Vindaloo and also rate those very highly. Ekta loses a star because it is just too darn expensive to be a regular to-go spot for me. Yeah I know, Indian is always expensive, and I usually get 2 meals out of an order, but the sticker shock on a $20 to-go meal is tough.
(4)
Kev G.

Really bad food here! Portions are extremely small and overpriced! The only good thing was these cashew fried things. They had good flavor, but I would never come back here! Sorry! I will find another indian place!
(2)
Gino C.

Love the food here! We've grabbed take out a few times here and never been disappointed. Some of the best Indian food I've found. We even brought our young kids into the new dining room and had a great time there. Very friendly staff, good service and excellent food. It's our go to Indian restaurant.
(5)
Katherine K.

My boyfriend and I usually go to Lovash for Indian food, but decided we would try something different considering there are several other places in the city. We ordered the vegetable samosa, basil naan, onion naan, kadai chicken, and the lamb rogan josh. Veg. samosa- no complaints here. They tasted like any other vegetable samosa I've had before and the sauces that accompanied were good. The naans were a little squishier than I'm used to. Usually they are a little bit crisper, or maybe just more charred? The dough was all loosey-goosey and just not as appealing as I'm used to. If I had to pick one, I preferred the onion naan over the basil. Lamb rogan josh had a lot of fatty bits in it. I did a lot of napkin stowing with this meal. It was only slightly spicy, which is good for me. However, on the menu it does not indicate any spiciness, so for someone that does not do well with heat, be forewarned. I typically go for chicken dishes and thought since we were already trying a new place, why not try a new meat? I think I'll stick with the chicken from now on. My boyfriend's kadai chicken was too spicy for me to eat. I got down two bites and then had to stop because I was pretty sure my sinuses were beginning to flow Hoover Dam-style. It is listed as a "two chili pepper" on the menu and some items are "three chili peppers". I don't even want to think about how spicy those threes are. I'm glad we checked out another place, but I definitely prefer Lovash still. On to the next!
(3)
Julie G.

Best Indian food in the city. I get the Chicken Tikka Masala and a side order of Garlic Naan. The chicken is marinated, cooked, and trimmed perfectly, and the sauce is perfectly spiced. Another reviewer said the sauce has "depth," to it, and she's right. Order the Naan - it is popping out of the ovens when you get there - it isn't reheated or refreshed...it's literally made for you, perfect, crisp/chewy and fantastic. After going to this place once on a fluke for take out, I've since been there an embarrassing amount of times...and am always trying to convince friends to 'meet up there' just so I can eat there. Fantastic.
(5)
Nicole D.

The best Indian delivery in the city. But be forewarned that they ALWAYS estimate delivery time as "one hour 20 minutes", but actually may arrive within the half hour.
(5)
Daniel T.

Basically if you're reading this, you're probably wondering if you should eat from Ekta or Tiffin. As far as chicken/lamb vindaloo goes, Ekta is the clear winner. Their vindaloo comes seething like molten lava, an evil red color born from the depths of hell. As I eat in my underpants, endorphins shoot through and I start to sweat upon my couch. That's what I'm talkin' about. Tiffin's is much milder and to me that's a no deal.
(5)
ed r.

The food is great, but I had a delivery experience that will keeping me from doing that ever again. Last night my order arrived two hours after ordering- most places would offer the meal for free at that point. I don't live far by any means, but I typically don't take chances sticking indian food in a backpack while biking.. if I ever order from them again I guess that's what I'll have to do.
(3)
Karina M.

amazing!!! Amazing buttered chicken
(5)
Erik s.

First things first- let me stress I have the intestinal fortitude of a new born. I do as well with real spicy food as an irishman would do sunbathing w/ no spf. So true ethnic Indian food and their devil spices r lost on me. I tried it once w/ some Indian friends in college and my bathroom would not talk to me for 4 monthes. That saying I love Tiffin..blah blah I don't care if it's not true Indian food .. whatever.. it makes my taste buds happy so shove it. Recently, though I have been feeling a bit frisky so I decide to try the wares of the other Indian game in town - Ekta. Once again I stuck to the less spicier dishes like butter chicken, lamb saagwala and chicken masala. Ba ba bangin! Ekta's dishes r full of flavor and have large chunks of meat which sometimes Tiffin seems to be lackin. And because they give u a quarter ton of rice when u place 2 orders or more, I even have left overs. I have had better naan, but it's ok they r super fast and they r about a buck cheaper than Tiffin on most dishes. Tiffin u better treat this boy better otherwise I might be seeking comfort in the warm and flavorful embrace of Ekta on these lonely summer nights.
(4)
Kellee K.

After a long drive through Philadelphia, a meal at Ekta was just what we needed to end the day. Two of us are vegetarian, one is not - us veggies got Paneer Tikki Masala, a spicy savory red sauce with goat cheese curds, and Mutter Paneer, a slightly sweet and savory red sauce with goat cheese curds. Our other friend ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, which is the same as the Paneer TIkka Masala but with meat. We also ordered naan and garlic naan, both good. These dishes were to die for - excellent, flavorful, and seasoned just right with enough spiciness. They also gave us generous portions of basmati rice, which is something not a lot of Indian restaurants do - usually they give you a small bowl and charge for extra. This restaurant is not the cheapest, but for the quality of the food, very reasonable. It seemed like most people get take-out, so the dining room was very quiet and the server was very thorough and helpful. I would recommend this restaurant wholeheartedly - some of the best Indian food around. Bottom line: excellent and authentic Indian food, generous portions, but definitely hide your valuables when parking. And always remember: Mind over matter; food over mind.
(5)
SaintPatrick P.

Food is decent, I prefer more authentic Indian chIcken wIth the bone in, they use boneless breast. However if you like Indian like I do this will do.
(3)
Dan F.

Fix the weak-ass Wonder Bread nan and you could very well claim the title Best Indian in Philadelphia. Positively scrumptious and world-class. Extremely reasonable prices. Insanely huge delivery area. Large, varied food orders delivered on time, with a smile, every item at the perfect temperature. Two Indian thumbs up!
(4)
Laura S.

I am facing down the fact that I will be moving away from Philadelphia in the next 6-18 months, and suddenly discovering a million places that I wish I'd known about in my previous 25+ years in the city. Ekta is near the top of this list. I thought my discovery of Tiffin a year ago was both belated and momentous - but Ekta blows Tiffin out of the water. I am already mourning the fact that, wherever I end up, it is not going to have Indian takeout that approaches this level. Ekta strikes the perfect balance between traditional and innovative dishes/flavors. The aloo aur papri chaat was an excellent example of this - all of the flavors I expected, but much lighter and brighter than those I've sampled at more traditional Indian spots. The portion was also super-generous. I ordered the mango chicken because it was something I'd never seen on an Indian menu - it was awesome, rich, and had the perfect amount of spice. Lamb korma was rich and creamy and had generous chunks of meat. The garlic naan was soft and fluffy and super-garlicky. I also received a small container of what I thought was raita - but turned out to be (I think?) rice pudding. It was delicious and really helped when I accidentally bit into a mouthful of something crazy spicy (chili pepper?) from the mango chicken. Best of all? I've got enough leftovers for lunches and dinners through Wednesday, at least! Ordering was quick and efficient, my food arrived right when they had estimated, and the price - while a notch higher than cheaper Indian from West Philly - was on-par with the food. They are definitely going to be hearing from me again ... sooner rather than later.
(5)
Vin D.

Indian for the first time solid
(3)
Tim F.

It isn't cheap. It isn't fast. But... My friend from India said it was awesome. From India. AWESOME. I strongly concur! The details are in all of the other reviews.
(5)
Sarah F.

The biryani was pretty meh, but the lamb chettinad and the aloo papri chat were simply amazing. 1 app, 2 mains, a biryani, and a couple mango lassis turned into $62, so this is a little more expensive than say Sahara. But it held its own, so I'm pleased. And the free dessert balls was a classy touch. We love Sahara and Tiffin, and we'll be adding Ekta to the rotation now.
(4)
mishel c.

The only reason I did not give Ekta 5 stars was their packaging...I love getting take away + am racked with guilt throwing away the number 5 plastic containers they package their food in into the trash. I try to re-use them a bunch before tossing, but still...... guilt-city. Guys, could you please maybe use recyclable plastic or something?? Anyway, onto the actual review: Ekta is the best Indian food in Philadelphia. To some degree, such isn't saying much because oddly, Philly isn't ripe with a vast number of great, cheap, Indian take-aways for some reason. Lack of competition aside, their food is quite solid. The samosas are lovely pockets of potato-spiced heaven ... and the masaladar chola (known as channa masala elsewhere) is pretty much perfect. I love daal as well, but as such is usually made with ghee or butter, I can't normally eat it -- in asking for daal without such, I was referred to their version called "ekta daal" which is seriously rad. Deliver can take a bit on the weekends, but having someone to deliver into Fishtown at all is a treasure. I hear they've opened a dining room + I'm hoping to get there to check it out soon.
(4)
Lauren R.

Indian delivery? Yes please! After recently discovering the joys of Indian food, my boyfriend has become obsessed with this place. I think we've ordered from here at least once a week (yes, sometimes more) since we moved into the area. Portions are substantial, as we split a single entrÃ©e to feed two-three people and our delivery has always been prompt. Prices won't leave you crying and every time we order we get a surprise item (usually desert). We have yet to try anything we haven't immediately loved.
(4)
Aruna A.

Ekta is GREAT Indian food. Arguably the best in the city of Philadelphia. I have tried them all, so I think I can say this with some authority. Additionally, I am Indian. So I know the difference between good Indian and BAD Indian. This place has reliably GREAT Indian food. The food is consistent, fairly priced. The chef here used to work at Tiffin, and when I heard he left to start his own place named Ekta - I had to naturally try it out. I had an aloo palak - which is technically not on their menu, but they made it for me special. It was fantastic, as I expected it to be. Reliably good comfort food. I recommend it!
(5)
Christine H.

Good stuff. Every time there is traffic on 76, I get off at Fishtown to go to Ekta before heading back to West Philly. Somehow smelling the food from Ekta as I drive home locally makes everything magically copasetic. This is definitely one of the better places I've been to in Philly. When I usually go to Indian places, I stick to a few dishes that I know I will like. However at Ekta all the dishes I've tried were equally as tasty. I've never had a bland dish, and every dish that was supposed to be spicy was actually spicy:) I highly recommend their naan and samosas.
(5)
Bri H.

In my opinion Ekta has the best Indian food in Philly. I have yet to dine in the restaurant but I've ordered take out a few times...YUM! The food is delicious & I love their appetizers. The Chicken Pekora and Garlic Kebob are soooo good & well seasoned. My favorite entree is the Malai Kofta. The Saag Paneer is also really good. The portions are huge and reasonably priced. The delivery time can be a bit ridiculous, but they service a huge area and the food definitely makes up for the long wait.
(5)
Sara H.

ekta, your food is most delicious. the veggie samosas are amazing, the masaladar chola makes my tastebuds super happy, and your prices are very reasonable. i'm not sure if i can pick a true winner in the tiffin vs. ekta battle for girard ave. supremacy. each has their strengths and/or weaknesses. however, i will say that the depth of flavor in the vegetarian dishes at ekta is much better than tiffin. overall, i'll be switzerland and say, ekta rocks...and tiffin rocks, too.
(4)
Amanda M.

Amazing! Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Tiffin, but Ekta takes the cake. Their service is A+ with waiters catering to your every need before the customer lifts their head to ask. If being located on Girard Ave is not convenient enough to eat in their newly added dining area, they deliver to surrounding Fishtown-Port Richmond-Northern Liberties too. The food is out of this world. First place prize goes to The Chicken Tikka Masala dipped with Paneer Naan that hints to the tastes of a bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese. Second and third place goes to the Lamb Rogan Josh, and the Chicken Saagwala. Each dish was more savor-able than the next. The large portions makes great leftovers
(5)
Mindy Y.

Simply amazing, especially considering it had quite a long journey from Fishtown to Center City. The rice didn't travel well - it was pretty mushy by the time we got it, but everything else was delicious. Recommendations: Paneer Tikka Masala, veggie samosas and naan (of course) My boyfriend had the Lamb Vindaloo, which he also loved. The leftovers also made for a delicious lunch today so bonus points for that. It took about an hour for delivery on a rainy weeknight, but definitely worth it. One other point to note: everything in the bag was labeled which means no guessing whose is whose. Customer service was great, it arrived on time and it was delicious. What more can you ask for?
(4)
David K.

i tried Ekta when they were in the process of building out the other seated table side, and it was damn fine. flavorful, complex, the spicy was truly spicy, and the service was friendly. great location right up from Johnny Brenda's. i need to make it a point to go back soon.
(4)
Nikki H.

Whenever i eat i a new place I always notice the smell. Lets just say I knew i was in for an experience just by the smell. The food absolutely lived up the reviews and praises. I ordered the tandoori chicken and lamb biryani. It was worth every penny. The chicken was was tender and flavorful, the lamb was plentiful and succulent in the biryani. Everything was well seasoned and the spice was just right. I'll definitely go back to this restaurant...now time for leftovers yum!
(5)
Sara L.

Yay, Ekta! After living in the yuppie mecca of Hoboken, NJ, I was shell-shocked when I moved to Philly and did not have half a dozen different cheap, excellent Indian delivery restaurants racing one another to get menus under my door and vindaloo in my tummy. I spent a sad year or two eating very little Indian food because the only high-quality offerings I found in Center City came with the sort of price tag that I just won't pay for take out (I am talking to you, Palace...). I have Ekta to thank for lifting the cloud. The prices are not cheap, but are reasonable. They deliver and are honest when the wait time will be long. I have sampled most of the menu and all of the dishes are solidly above average. The Ekta kabob was an outstanding surprise - very complex flavors that I don't usually expect from delivery, and good naan. The portions are not huge, but are certainly adequate. They also win points for throwing in free accompaniments - usually chutneys and whatever the daily dessert is.
(4)
Ajay K.

Lamb Rogan Josh was a disaster. Ordered the Rogan Josh (I asked for it to be a little spicy) and it really disappointed. It was almost inedible due to the level of chillies/heat. Additionally, it tasted and looked nothing like a traditional Rogan Josh, which is supposed to be red in color - this was a shade of pale green. To add to it all... the dish had almost no salt. Finally, there was no disposable cutlery or plates included despite the fact that this order was delivered to a non-residential address. Thought that maybe they had an off day... but then I found this link - ektaindiancuisine.com Not sure I will be ordering again from this place in a hurry.
(1)
Shari R.

Ekta is hands-down one of the best Indian restaurants on the east side of the Schuylkill. And - as a total bonus - they deliver all the way to South Philadelphia from their Girard Avenue/Fishtown home. Unbelievable - talk about customer service! My personal favorite menu items (all veg, non-meat eater here) * Dal Makhani * Paneer Tikka Masala - spicy! * Masaladar Chola * Samosa Chat * Saag Paneer * all the naan is good, especially the garlic naan and their pickles are divine - really salty and hearty, just like indian pickles should be. Ekta is divine and a permanent favorite in my book.
(5)
Carl F.

I had the "Kadai Chicken" for $8.25. This comes with rice, mango chutney, raita, mint chutney, and pickles, as well as a "chef accompaniment of the day"...Very spicy, but so good. Also had some Rosemary Naan for an all out carb explosion...Plump juicy chicken. Mmmm... Etka was just what the doctor ordered...I had it delivered and it comes with the plastic containers labeled, so there's no messing stuff up with big orders. If you like Tiffin, you'll most likely dig this place.
(4)
Zoe P.

I'm writing this review after just finishing our dinner of leftovers from last night's Ekta order. My bf and I have had their food before when his cousin had us over for takeout, but this was our first time ordering delivery from them ourselves. It amazes me that this restaurant delivers as widely as it does - its located all the way in Fishtown! - and they don't even charge an extra fee like another restaurant did who shall remain nameless but is located only 6 blocks from our apartment (out of your delivery area?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!). We ordered their chicken vindaloo, bhaigan bharta, and aloo gobi, which came with white rice (ALOT) and small sauce containers with mango chutney, raita, and some other condiment I opted not to try given it appeared to be spicier than the food itself. Their Indian food is AMAZING - spicy but not too much that it overpowers the rest of the dish (and I'm sure you could ask for spicier if you think you can handle it - I know I can't handle TRUE Indian spice levels). Plus the food is cooked really well and is quality. Our chicken vindaloo had large chunks of white meat drenched in the sauce. And with delivery, they mark each container with the name of the dish so that you (and anyone else) won't mix up any meat and vegetarian dishes. I was surprised by the speed of the delivery as well; we ordered around 6pm, and when they said it would take 1 hour and 15 minutes I didn't mind considering how far they're located. But the delivery guy showed up 25 minutes early! Now THAT'S service.
(4)
Sarah B.

Ekta is not my all-time favorite Indian food in the city, but: - they deliver - their portions are huge - their prices are reasonable - the food is decent - they include free chutneys that would cost a buck or two elsewhere - free kheer! For these reasons, they are worth returning to. Be forewarned that delivery can take a while.
(4)
Jenny K.

Whenever I'm not eating Ekta for dinner, I *wish* I was eating Ekta for dinner. I've tried a few different dishes, but I usually get the Chicken Tikka Masala and plain naan, sometimes with a veggie samosa or samosa chat to start. Everything is consistently nom nom licious. And the fellas who work there are super nice. My one gripe would be the amount of meat in the entrees. I could use maybe, 4 more pieces? But that's not going to change a 5-star to a 4-star for me. Just sayin'. It would be nice.
(5)
Annie D.

Don't tell most of Philadelphia that I said this but, Ekta is better than Tiffin! Oh yeah, that's right! I said it...and what?!?! So, you've had a crappy day and you got out of work late and you hit parking lot caliber traffic on 76 and life just kinda sucks a little?? Call Ekta and they will make it all better... Garlic naan loaded with Samosa Chat, Saag Paneer, Chicken Korma, Mango rice........... It's all good, it's all cheap and so far I can vouch for Ekta delivering as far down as the 22nd & Pine area and as far over as 30th & Poplar (who knows how far they'll go!?)
(5)
alexis g.

It seems like there are two camps out there, one for Tiffin and one for Ekta. Count me as firmly planted in the Ekta camp. Before we discovered Ekta, we tried Tiffin several times. Takeout Indian was a staple of our diet in our former homes and so we were desperate to find a Philly equivalent. After hearing such great things about Tiffin, we were really excited to try it. And we were really disappointed. Over and over again. No matter what we ordered, everything at Tiffin seemed too sweet somehow. The food wasn't bad necessarily, the flavor just wasn't what we were looking for. Enter Ekta. I know my palate may not be super-geared toward authentic Indian food, but Ekta is what I want when I want some delicious Indian take-out. The dishes have heat (not sweet), are chock-full of spices, and Ekta's menu has plenty of variety. I have no idea what I was eating before I had Kadai Paneer, but I can say for certain that I was not truly enjoying Indian food. A few commenters note the suspicious absence of proteins when ordering chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo or whatever... and I can see that. Usually I know I can bet on about seven or eight pieces of meat per container, which I suppose is fair to say: not much. But I feel like that's not necessarily a bad thing. For the price, you kind of get what you pay for and -- like a lot of rice-based cuisines -- the sauce is there to stretch things out a bit. I shouldn't order chicken tikka masala expecting the Indian equivalent of KFC portions. As for the rest, I second the emotions of Walter K.'s friend: "I'm just way into the idea that I can eat bomb-ass Indian food without even leaving my house." Since the closest Indian establishment to me is Ashoka Palace (with its whopping 1.5 star average...) the fact that Ekta will deliver to my center-city door from its Fishtown homebase is enough for me. Bomb-ass indeed.
(4)
John B.

I do not claim to know much about Indian food, but I sure do eat a lot of it. Ekta is our go-to place in Philadelphia for Indian food. They deliver pretty quickly (we live in Old City); their price is reasonable; and their portions are huge; their curry dishes pack a lot of flavors. Our go-to dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala Saag Paneer Navratan Curry Aloo Papri Chat Baingan Bharta Chicken Korma Naans Their chutneys are probably a bit too sweet, but much better than Tiffin. Also Tiffin's delivery takes too long. Ekta is definitely not the best Indian food I've had, but it sure seems like the best option for Indian food in Center City Philadelphia.
(4)
Leslie P.

HOLY COW! I just had the saag paneer. Like literally just licked the container clean, that is how much I needed to write about this RIGHT AWAY. Now, I love saag paneer. Or I thought I did. But now that I have had Ekta's, I realize that I had never had it before! Because all the saag paneer I have had in my life has never been as aromatic, as flavorful, as delicious as the one I just had. Amazing. It makes everything else pale in comparison. And lucky me, I have some baingan bharta for tomorrow's lunch. I have a good feeling about it.
(5)
Michael M.

I've been searching for awesome, affordable Indian food in Philly for six years now, and Ekta has just rocked my world. I was living in NYC before moving down to Philly, and there the options were endless: the cheap 6th St joints that probably share a kitchen, Curry Hill, reliable but over-priced Baluchi's, and the wealth of Jackson Heights, reaching a pinnacle at Jackson Diner (since gone somewhat downhill, but that's another review). So I moved to Philly, and there were cheap, mediocre buffets (e.g. the West Philly places) and expensive CafÃ© Spice. Other options came up over the past few years, but they were either let-downs or in the 'burbs. I don't know why it's taken me so long to try Ekta, but it will be but days before I call them again. We had the paneer tikka masala, malai kofta, and naan, and it was mind-blowing. Wow. Seriously, nearly on par with Jackson Diner at its peak, and clearly the best Indian food I've had between the Susquehanna and East Rivers (that's a wide swath of land, people). The naan was delicious; not quite restaurant-crisp but a few minutes in the oven would have seen to that (but who wants to wait?). The curries were just superb, the epitome of what Indian food should be: not freakishly hot but extremely well-spiced. And, even with two people sharing, there are plenty of leftovers for lunch. The prices aren't bad, especially for food of this caliber, and with leftovers, the value is even better. Ekta, expect my call.
(5)
Kara D.

My mouth demands Ekta on at least a monthly basis. I agree with another reviewer that people unfamiliar with indian food try the chicken tikka masala first, veggies go with the mutter paneer (or anything with that cottage cheese). Overall there has been only one item on the menu I didn't enjoy immensely (the malai kafta dumplings were so-so). Mainly, I'd recommend getting Ekta take-out/delivery. The receipt of the food can take anywhere from a half-hour to over an hour, depending on how far you are and how busy they are. Be patient, they are busy! They throw in a free dessert with delivery, which can be delicious rice pudding or unidentifiable fruit in milk. Whatever, it's free. From time to time I will go eat in the "restaurant," which is really just a kitchen with 2 tables. But it is BYO, which is helpful because the kitchen staff are so busy cooking take-out orders that you are really their last concern, so don't expect quick service. If you're on a date and want a cute atmosphere go to Tiffin. But I prefer Ekta: it's cheap, it's delicious, I don't have to leave my apartment and I get a free dessert. And there's always enough for lunch tomorrow...
(4)
Nancy K.

Love it! I'll keep this simple, since there are already so many reviews on here, and the place just opened a month ago. Best Indian food for best price in city. I'm loving that it's in Fishtown (practically on my street), and that it's giving Tiffin some competition. I was getting really sick of waiting two hours for my over-priced food. I've never had a better lamb saag (think they call it lamb saagwala), never ever, ever!
(5)
Kim C.

I cheated on Palace at the Ben with Ekta this week. Yeah, I read Philadelphia Weekly's 50 best things you must eat in Philadelphia, and I'm a sucker for a good chicken korma. I had to try it out on principle, and man oh man am I glad I did. First of all, it's cheaper than Palace at the Ben. (Altogether, my boyfriend and I saved about $10 on the meal.) Secondly, despite their Fishtown location, they deliver to Center City (and the surrounding areas). And the portions are HUGE (I'm making three meals out of the one!). Then there's the korma itself--I wasn't disappointed... The flavor was delightfully spot on, the texture was creamy, and they didn't skimp on the chicken--there were huge chunks of white meat simmered in the delicious korma curry. (Contrast to Palace at the Ben, which tends to run a liiiittle on the greasy side, and uses dark meat. I prefer the naan at PatB, though, because it's fluffier.) We do live in a world of consequences, however, so I'm subtracting one star for the hour and a half I waited for my dinner. In summary: LOVE the korma, hate the wait. Next time I'll order, go do the laundry, and then enjoy a well-deserved chicken dinner.
(4)
Alexandra P.

Yummm. Best indian food in the city. My favorites are the ekta kabob and chicken tika. Delivery is slow but its worth the wait. Love how its' BYOB.
(5)
Colleen L.

When I lived in Northern Liberties I didn't give Ekta much thought. I would drive by, but knew that Tiffin was within a shorter walking distance. Plus Tiffin had been the best Indian I'd had in Philly so far, so I didn't feel any pressure to extend my search. But after making the BIG move to Fishtown, we decided to give Ekta a shot. Well, I'm really glad we did because I like it more than Tiffin. The entrees are just as good (very little difference between the chicken tikka masala), and we liked their samosas better. The chutneys were more flavorful, and I always found Tiffin's chutneys and sauces to be watered down. Ekta's onion bhajis were also totally yummy! I could probably make a meal out of samosas and bhajis, but I am a sucker for fried treats. Plus Ekta is a few bucks cheaper than Tiffin. I also love the free dessert. The kheer was so good, and I was really happy to have it after dinner. My fiance and I split an entree, plus one order of samosas and the bhajis, and there was still enough of the chicken tikka masala left over for his lunch the next day. Ekta has definitely won me over.
(4)
christina j.

After reading the reviews on Ekta, I decided on the naan, samosa and Ekta kabob for tonight's dinner. Delivery was about an hour and food arrived hot. I enjoyed everything that I ordered. The Ekta kabob was may favorite of all the items. I was a bit confused on the sauces that were included along with a container of something sweet which contained what I think was coconut. All in all the food was hot, fresh and tasty.
(3)
M J.

We went there for an early family dinner. Ordered the samosas, chicken tikka masala, kadai lamb, tandoori chicken, naan and mango lassi. The entrees were on the spicy side, especially the lamb. We like spicy so it suited us well. The sauces were very flavorful, nothing was bland. The seasoning on the tandoori chicken was spicy so the kids couldn't eat it. Wish we could bring our own food to Indian restaurants for the kids.
(4)
Jenna M.

Mmmm... Ekta. There are dozens of different spices used in Indian cooking, and if you try enough of Ekta's menu, you'll probably enjoy them all. At some lesser Indian places, everything tastes more or less the same. Not Ekta. So far each dish I've tried has been a marvelous, self-contained universe of flavors. The prices are decent too. They're still holding the line at $8 to $9 curries, which used to be standard in Philly until a few places raised their prices. Unfortunately the low prices only tempt me to order more dishes to stockpile yummy leftovers. I've only done Ekta for delivery, so I can't comment on what the experience is at the restaurant. If I ever find myself in their neighborhood, I will surely stop in for some curry!
(5)
Melch R.

Nice Indian spot, even moreso cuz It's just down the lane from me. The chef gets the spice combos right and everything comes out fresh and tasty. Menu has the standards, though Ekta makes 'em a bit better than most places around town. Authentic? I guess so. The best Indian I've had was in Hong Kong, followed closely by Southall, near London. I guess those spots were the most "authentic" (never been to India) and Ekta does a good enough job in comparison.
(4)
Brooke W.

I thought Tiffin was great. Ekta is better: spicier, tastier, cheaper. If you're looking for Indian food in the River Wards, you've got to give this place a try. They're expanded their dining room but I always get takeout. And I always get the peshwari naan.
(4)
N L.

This is amazing, well-priced Indian food. I have never been to their dining room, so this review is only for the delivery service. They have a huge delivery area, practically the entire city and yet I always get my food before the time stated (they usually say an hour and fifteen) and it's piping hot. I can't say I'm particularly knowledgeable about Indian food at all. I just pick and choose from the menu at random. I have yet to order something from Ekta that I haven't loved. The only things I won't order are anything on the menu marked with three peppers as far as hotness is concerned. I'm a wimp, so two is as far as I dare go. The food is amazing, service is friendly, delivery is fast and the food arrives hot. They give you complimentary dessert. Prices are good for all the food you get. It lasts me just about all week. I love them. If they delivered later into the night, I'd order from them more. The End.
(5)
Mallory P.

I actually chose Ekta because I'd seen a bunch of people review it on Yelp last week! We got delivery, so I can't comment on their dining-in offerings (although I walked by and it seems pretty tiny). They were very courteous on the phone and then in-person when they delivered the food (although it did take almost an hour). I had the Veg. Tikka Masala, and it was everything I wanted (as well as sweat inducing, which is not necessarily something I wanted, but certainly a quality of good Indian food!). I am eager to order from them again and try a new dish!
(4)
John N.

I'm not an expert on Indian, but I've had a lot of Indian food around the city and this is the best so far. The Lamb Chettinad is heaven, but be warned - when they the Vindaloo is hot... they mean it. It's a kind of hot I can't even describe. But anyway, the deliver, have take out, and a nice little dinning area and will blow your mind.
(5)
Colin S.

Easily the best Indian in Philly today after having spent years searching city-wide. We were thrilled when Ekta opened up right in our area and were one of the first to order. The chef/owner couldn't be nicer and of course, the place has caught on like "wildfire". Renovations are well under way for the sit-down part of the restaurant and I'm sure it will be packed, once it is officially opened. The wait tends to be longer than you'd expect, but know that your meal is literally being made from scratch, each time. You can watch them prepare your meal, if you choose to hang out and wait.. I love the open kitchen concept at Ekta, sporting a "come watch us cook" attitude. If you're into fast and "so-so" quality, you can pretty much choose from most other Indian places in the city, but I'd rather wait for quality, at this little gem. When you order from Ekta, they do the little things - like free dessert, relish and all the various and assorted condiments that SHOULD go along with an Indian meal, for free. They also deliver almost anywhere in the city - a ballsy, but truly confident move, staking out space in busy, foodie, landscape. You just want to "hug" the owner for getting it all so right. I'll also mention that the Masaladar Chola (chickpeas and gravy), is the best I've ever had. Don't judge a book by it's cover and don't look past the "chickpeas and gravy", based on what you "think" it might taste like. The subtle mixes of this tangy, mellow, but flavorful dish, are too good to be true. Put it over some rice and enjoy. I'll even go so far as to say that this should really be their signature dish - FANTASTIC!
(5)
Simmone B.

My boyfriend and I decided to head out to Ekta after reading so many of the glowing reviews, and this place lived up to all of them! We're both vegetarians and usually a little skeptical of ordering tofu items in fear of getting giant chunks of mush, but Ekta cooked it beautifully. The dining room is small and modest, but the food is delicious, and reasonably priced and the staff are all friendly and attentive. If you want indian food, go here.
(5)
Anna Marie C.

if i got delivery from ekta as much as i craved it, i would be one fat fat girl. saag paneer was tasty, and naan was still semi-warm even after waiting over an hour for delivery. i feel like there are certain indian places that just add a crapload of spiciness to food, but here, there are more subtleties to the flavor that make it all the better. but yes. all indian food is greasy and fattening. i cannot wait to have more.
(4)
Dustyn C.

Ekta is reliable Indian comfort food, full of flavor. They've been a favorite of mine since they opened. Mostly we order delivery, which can occasionally take forever but almost never takes as long as they say it will, and the food always shows up hot and fresh. The coconut rice they just added to the menu is terrific.
(5)
bob b.

cant keep me away from the malia kofta!!! heaven in my mouth. worlds apart from tiffin.
(5)
Christine B.

I am giving a bad review, not because of the food - what we could eat was great - but because of the poor service. We ordered at about 8:50 p.m. on a Friday night. Pushing it, I know, but we were going through a sad pile of menus and Grubhub reviews for a long time, wondering where we could find good food to feed 2 vegetarians. That wasn't pizza or oily, salty, flavorless Chinese (Rich City and Golden Empress, I am looking at YOU). We ordered the Gulistani (vegetable) kabob appetizer, rosemary naan, paneer tikka masala, and EKTA vegetables. Our order arrived an hour later. We didn't receive the Gulistani kabob at all and instead of the EKTA vegetables we (again, vegetarians) received EKTA Lamb. When we called about the mix-up, we impressed upon them that there was a dish we couldn't eat because we were vegetarian. I.E. someone wasn't getting dinner. They said there was nothing they could do - they were closed. Which is fine. But we paid cash, so they couldn't credit a card. The least they should have done was send the driver back with cash to reimburse us. Instead, we were informed they would "get us next time". What do you mean "next time"? You screwed up our order, effectively shorted us a meal, didn't take our phone number when we called,wouldn't offer to have the driver come back to reimburse us, and we are supposed to trust that you will "get us next time"?
(1)
A L.

Ekta is AWESOME!!! The prices are really low, which I've found to be not very common for Indian restaurants. The food was really good, and the employees were soooo nice! Ekta wins my award as the best Indian Place on Girard.
(5)
Bridget K.

I moved from Philadelphia over 6 months ago and miss Ekta so much. I was always tempted to get Ekta when walking to and from the El Girard station. It was my local Indian restaurant. The paneer saag is amazing. It's my favorite! My friends and I were so excited when they added the nice dining room. It was one of the last places that I went to eat out at in Philly before I moved to Detroit. I haven't been able to find a place that comes anywhere close to it in the D.
(5)
Felicia D.

Tiffin who? Ekta has the creamiest, spiciest sauces and soft naan- it's as good as it gets. Friendly man who answered the phone even took our order on a Tuesday night a few minutes after 9:30, when they were technically closed. Butter chicken with rice served me three satisfying meals with a great punch of heat. According to the menu "hot pepper" legend that identifies the spicy items, butter chicken does not even warrant a "Medium" single-pepper status, so watch out if you are hot-intolerant. Can't think of a witty way to say this, but if you like truly delicious Indian food, order takeout from Ekta. You will not be disappointed. Mmmm, butter chicken. God bless Girard Avenue and their low-rent, utterly divine ethnic food.
(5)
Gina C.

Three stars for the PRICES! Four for the food. I have ordered takeout twice from Ekta: Lamb Biryani: A++, awesome. I have a lot of respect for this biryani after making it at home several times this year. It is a laborious recipe, and at Ekta one of the few things I believe to be entirely worth the price. $15 and they gave me a whole quart container of the stuff. I was a very happy lady. Ekta Vegetables: Delicious! The menu described this as fresh vegetables sauteed in fresh tomato and mustard seed. From the description I thought perhaps this dish would not come in a creamy gravy, but rather one tangy and packed with flavor. While it was BURSTING with flavor, it was pretty creamy. Next time I might see if they can hold the ghee. Aloo Aur Papri Chaat: Got all the ingredients, but proportions were off. Another legume was added apart from the typical chick peas, think it was an adzuki bean...a respectable bean but not one I believe has a plane in my chaat. One of my favorite salads when done right, but I wouldn't get it at Ekta again. Chicken Vindaloo: Bomb. This is my bf's mainstay and he was happy with it. I also liked it but found the chicken to be a bit dry.
(3)
Amanda O.

I love Ekta for their Chicken Tikka Masala, fast service, and amazingly friendly staff. Their garlic naan pretty much rocks the house, too. If you're in the NoLibs/ Fishtown/ Kensington area and are even open to the idea of TRYING Indian food, I highly encourage you to give this place a go. Start with the Chicken Tikka and branch out from there... you won't be disappointed (this from a former Indian-food naysayer).
(4)
Ben H.

This place is great! We get delivery for lunch from here at least once a week. They never disappoint! Butter Chicken, fruit & nut Naan, and extra rice all day!
(4)
Sophie U.

I decided to pick up dinner from Ekta on my way home from work today. It's now 6:20pm and I'm already almost food-comatose. I had been to Ekta before but only as a dine-in customer; today was my first time getting take-out -- but just like every other time, my mind was blown to smithereens. 2 veggie samosas 1 lamb sagwaala 1 lamb korma lots of basmati rice 1 free dessert = $32.83 I would estimate the lamb sagwaala and the lamb korma at roughly 3-4 servings each, so that's a lot of meals for thirty bucks. The former is a bit spicier than the latter but they are both absolutely, positively DELICIOUS. Once I got home I was delighted to find the dessert, which I've always referred to as "delicious balls" (I just poked around online and found out that they're actually called "gulab jamun"). I don't know what else to say. Ekta is amazing. The service is great. I'm falling asleep. And when I wake up I'll probably eat again.
(5)
Tyler B.

Delicious food, but a tad over priced. We ordered three dishes (Dal, Paneer-dish, and a lamb dish), which also came with two small cups of rice. In total, our bill was just under $50.00. One of the best Indian restaurants in the city (best in Fishtown), but the price will prohibit us from returning for quite sometime. Excellent vegetarian and meat options. Our food was flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. Friendly staff, with average preparation time. Try Kabobeesh on 40th and Walnut for dishes that compare in taste, but are 1/3rd of the price and of much larger portions.
(4)
Nikki C.

I agree with the other reviews. Take-out is a better option than dining in. The restaurant itself is pretty much a hole in the wall. Not welcoming, not inviting- decor is non-existent, no ambiance. Service left a lot to be desired- waiter was indifferent. Because of the above reasons coupled with the small portions, I find this restaurant to actually be more on the expensive side for a "hole in the wall" Indian restaurant. The bill come out to $45 for 2 ppl without drinks of course. Back in Chicago, I'm used to getting twice as much food for much cheaper and the quality and service is better all around. I thought the food itself was decent but nothing special especially if you are used to eating good Indian food.
(3)
Vishwa M.

Medium rated for taste. Was a pick up order. Well packed and on time. Can give a try when you do not see any other good restaurant around.
(3)
Karen Y.

love the revised menu adding new dishes. they are amazing. first venture into the new items: lamb malai methi. awesomely complex with rich sauce. second: murg malai kabob. like all the items from the tandori oven, full of flavor and seasoned with a heavyhand. third: goan shrimp curry. why didn't we order this sooner!? slightly sweet, spicy and rich with large tail-on shrimp. i spend way too much money here, dinner for 2.5 always comes out to over $35 and that's includes making the roti at home. but no one really does indian food like ekta.
(5)
Jade V.

Honestly, my favorite Indian food in America, let alone Philly. The standard to which I hold other Indian restaurants to. If you love spices, they won't disappoint. I like how it feels like you're eating in someone's dining room. Such an eccentric place, with amazing food. (Possibly a bit inconsistent, though. The first time I went and asked for "really spicy curry," it was really satisfying. Second time around, it was still well-spiced, though not to the extent from the first time.) OK, the service can get a little awkward, but it doesn't deter from the delicious food. For instance, we brought a bottle of wine (yup, it's a BYOB) and the waiter gave us the wine glasses and a corkscrew, and left us to open up our wine and self-serve it. Not a big deal, but it was a waiter's corkscrew, which we're not used to using, so we struggled with that a bit. I highly recommend the Aloo Aur Papri Chat, a cold appetizer that works well to whet the appetite. it's crunchy and runny with raita and has just a hint of spice. The entrees came out relatively quickly (though we were the only ones in there at the time...). We've had Ekta vegetable curry, Ekta shrimp curry, chicken vindaloo, and lamb vindaloo. All delicious, and all uniquely flavored. You also get complementary papad when you sit down, always a bonus. And the curries come with rice (for two people, we got one bowl's worth of rice, so you may want to order more rice or nan if you want more starch in your meal). We always sit next to the window, and there are always people walking by, looking at the place, considering coming in, but walking away. If you want Indian food, this is the place to be! Seriously, I'm giving it five stars on the flavor alone.
(5)
Vinny P.

Uh-may-ZING! Lady Gaga and I ordered takeout last night from Ekta before the Halloween party. We decided to watch Blackula and what better food to pair with such a stunning piece of cinematic genius than Indian? Delivery time was 1:20. I expected it to be a long wait because it was Friday night and they are very popular. They did not disappoint in the least. We ordered garlic naan, rosemary naan, butter chicken and chicken kadhai. I loved this food. I was like a little kid on Christmas when the food came. The naan was warm and extremely flavorful. Soft and slightly chewy. Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. The chicken kadhai was hot (being a two pepper dish) but it did not kill me. It has all kinds of peppers in it and it just went so well with the naan and the basmati rice. The butter chicken was creamy, the pieces of chicken were tender and the sauce was the stuff of legends. I'm definitely geting two meals out of this order. I know that I'm going to smile when I eat the leftovers. I might even fist pump (I've been known to do that in the presence of awesome food) Blackula was terrible by the way, in case you were wondering. I guess i'm gaga for Ekta.
(5)
Joseph C.

Great Indian. Tops Tiffin in my opinion. Better flavor, larger portions. Definitely my go-to spot.
(4)
Jordan S.

I must have gone on an off night but it did not meet my expectations. The service, atmosphere, and what have you were all great, but the food was just subpar. I have tried Chicken Tikka Masala at around seven indian restaurants about the city now and Ekta's just does not fit the bill from what I have been used to. It was a bit over spiced and lax on the creamy dimension of the Tikka Masala that I have come to expect. The Lamb Rogan Josh came with maybe four actual pieces of lamb and the sauce was just terrible for me. This dish I am guessing you have to be more of a fan for as it was just too overpowering for me with no redeeming quality. The naan on the other hand was excellent. Get aloo or garlic naan. Definitely worth it here! Sorry to let you down Ekta fans :(.
(3)
Lee-sa D.

Ordered Chicken Tikka Masala for delivery. The food was great. I also had Garlic Naan. I ate so much I can't move. My 2 year old grandson ate some with me and enjoyed it as much as I did. I would definitely order from there again in the future. I will also try some of their other dishes. Highly recommend for a delicious meal.
(5)
Annie P.

Everything was so delicious! This is my favorite Indian food in Philly. We had the onion fritters, saag paneer, malai kofta and eggplant dish. It was all out of this world. The restaurant was packed but we still got our food pretty quickly and the service was excellent. Definitely worth a trip to Fishtown.
(5)
Carolyn L.

Best Indian Food in the city hands down (that I've found anyways). The food is spicy, authentic, and will satisfy any Indian food craving you may have. You'll crave your next visit before you even leave! Large portions, usually enough for dinner and lunch the next day, for me. I usually get the Lamb Korma, Lamb Chettinad, or Chicken Tikka Masala. The lamb here is excellent; really tender. All have GREAT complex yet balanced flavors and are served with basmati rice. Each bite is a rollercoaster ride of richness, various spices, and heat. Order some onion naan to sop up the saucy goodness that you may have missed, it's fluffy warm and delicious. Also, get their mango lassi to cool down the palate; it's a mango, yogurt based drink. It's one of my favorite drinks, ever. Seriously, if you like mangoes, you'll love it! They also deliver to a pretty wide area, so if you're feeling lazy, order in.
(5)
Dennis V.

I passionately love Ekta. The food is expertly spiced. I have a soft spot for their saag paneer and chicken tikka masala. The garlic and paneer nann are great too. At Ekta, I can always find a table regardless of how big my party is with no reservation. I can bring in beer with me, and they won't charge me a corking fee. Her prices are great. But Ekta is only perfect in my dreams. Sometimes she can disappoint me so much, I can only express my undying love with my fists. Why did you spill so much salt into my food? /punch. Goddamn it, you know how I like my food! /punch. Why do you embarrass me in front of my friends? /punch. You're never salty when it's just the two of us alone! /punch. It's ok, baby, it's ok. This hurts me more than it hurts you. We can make this work. I love you. Let's get married...
(5)
Shannon C.

IMHO, best Indian food in Philly.... I drive ALL THE WAY from South Philly to get Ekta take out. I've never eaten-in, so this is a take-out based review only.
(5)
Sarah B.

My favorite Indian Food restaurant in Philadelphia and hands down, the BEST Chicken Korma i've ever had. I love Ekta, I bring everyone who visits me there for dinner. Besides the Korma, i love butter chicken, kadai chicken, Dal Makhani, lamb vindaloo and all of the Naans are great. I love that they provide plenty of rice which is flavorful and not dry or old. Always fresh, always good service.
(5)
Miss WineandDine P.

I ordered take out from here today. Expected this amazing food and it really was average. I've had better Indian food. Too pricey .. And portions were horrible. $27 for 3 appetizers. Way over the top!! But delivery was fast.
(2)
KJ S.

I have heard a lot of great things about this place, so I was excited to try it. It was SO disappointing... the food was over the top greasy & the rice was super dry. The naan was dry & reheated, and (although it was still about 30 minutes before closing when we were finishing up) they acted as if we were there hours past closing... I will not waste my time or money again...
(2)
Grace S.

It's Labor Day Weekend and my bf and I decided to stick around. He is a HUGE fan of Indian food (we order it once every other week and make it at home) and we decided to explore the Indian restaurants east of the border. We narrowed down our choices through Yelp reviews to Tiffin and Ekta. Since Ekta beats out T on stars, we gave them a call, skeptical that they'll deliver. The man who picked up was very calm and polite even though it sounded like there were a million people trying to order in person. He asked me to hold and after taking 2 take-out orders, he asked me what I would like. He was patient with me while I asked him some questions and settled on Kadai Chicken and Lamb Korma, The garlic naan seems cheap at $2.75 but decided against it since reviewers said portions are very big. He calmly told me delivery 4 miles away on the complete other side of the city would be 1 hour and 20 minutes. Wow, this place better be damn good because I'm hungry right now! A little over an hour passes and my phone rings. I run downstairs, get my food and the curries are piping hot. There's also what appears to be rice pudding (free dessert, yay!), mago chutney, real authentic red pepper hot sauce, and a big container of basmati rice. Let me say, the lamb korma was on the buttery side but DELICIOUS. There are chunks of broken cashews and raisins but just a hint of it so it's not annoying or overpowering. There are lots of diced onions that were clearly sauteed in butter before the curry was made. I'm not a big lamb fan but my boyfriend who's Greek really liked it. The kadai chicken was damnnnn spicy. There were tons of green and red bell peppers and onions in it and you could actually taste them (they're fresh!). The ginger was not overpowering. It was hard to eat though because it was so spicy! The rice is nothing special but that's the way I like it (I am not a big rice or bread person and enjoy a very large curry to rice ratio). I don't like how the W. Philly joints use frozen peas and carrots and the rice is yellow and kinda sticky. Ekta serves long-grain basmati rice, it's white when done and there is a touch of cinnamon to it and cardamom pods. It's not greasy at all and it's not sticking together at all. After I stuff my face, I open up the dessert and take a sip because it's watery. YUM! It tastes like almond milk! Then I use a spoon to scoop up what looks like light brown vermicelli noodles on the bottom of this delicious concoction. Overall, GREAT INDIAN FOOD. Given how great the korma curry was, I'm going to try the tikka masala next and from the pictures people have posted, the samosas look awesome. YAY! Thank you Yelpers for helping me find this place!
(5)
Regina F.

Oh but seriously, Ekta is bomb. You know how Philly can't really handle snow...or rain...or any weather pattern not consistent with Scottsdale, Arizona? Well mega props to Ekta for having solid delivery of hot food in less than an hour on the quintessential dark and stormy night....When the rain smacks against your window like a cudgel wrapping against prison walls, there's nothing more comforting than a large hot bowl of spicy, freshly cut bindi masala. The spice warms your insides, while the okra, tender, yet firm, swoops over your tongue. The garlic naan oddly cools your fire, calms your gastric juices, and appeases your tongue with its soft, fluffy elegance.
(5)
Bill M.

This review is brought to you by the word spicy. Because that's exactly what Ekta wowed me with like no other restaurant that I've ever been to in Philly (Note: I still haven't given in to the Handy Nasty)! I've heard the rave reviews about Ekta for as long as everybody else. But it's taken me forever to give in and try it just because of how freaking tiny it used to be. those two booths inside the take away section just weren't manageable no matter how good the food was! But cue the much needed remodeling, and you now have a seriously amazing Indian BYOB to enjoy that's not too far away from concert central Fishtown. As you can tell from some of the reviews some people aren't down with the changed results, and while I can understand why, so long as I can sit down to some saag paneer and a bottle of wine before the next show the Deli books at Johnny Brenda's, I freaking LOVE it! I knew that when I was looking for something spicy to fill me up during an insanely cold day. And when I saw the three peppers next to the Kadai Chicken to gauge it's spice, I considered myself a serious contender. I'm someone who recklessly puts Siracha on just about anything (I only really draw the line at ice cream). But holy hell did some of those bites turn up the heat in my mouth like no other entree has to date. I finished up every bite that came out of the decorative bowl though, with just a little bit of help from the water that our servers were spot on with pouring, and the complimentary crispy naan appetizer that they hooked up. While I might keep it lightly spiced with their full on veggie options next round, I fully intend to be back!
(5)
love n.

Always enjoy the food at Ekta. Just wish it was a little cheaper. $15 for entrees is a bit much for Indian...
(4)
Angela E.

How have I not reviewed Ekta yet!? This place is as good as it gets when it comes to Indian flavors and spicy punches. My first piece of advice- please be careful eating the Vindaloo. It will knock your socks off. Second, leftovers are okay. Don't pack it all in and make yourself regret choosing Indian food- all of their food reheats wonderfully. Third, you can pick it up or eat in- the restaurant beside the pick-up area now has a window so you can see outside...actually, you can see all of the folks waiting on their food...but still, better than a wall! We've eaten so many great items on the menu- chicken tikka masala of course, lamb saagwala, chicken vindaloo, lamb chettinad...they're all so delicious. Add some naan to the mix (we stick with the plain) and you don't need much else. We only get one entree each and we still have leftovers to heat up the next day, which is always a nice treat! Special Note: It's dress-up or dress-down in the little side restaurant- a free for all, really!
(5)
Adam T.

Not only the best Indian food I've ever had (in the US) but my favorite restaurant hands down. Usually go for the Chicken Tikka Masala or Saag Aur Paneer. It's a byob and despite a recent price hike the portions are generous. Love.
(5)
Athena C.

Goan shrimp curry Faithful to you, never stray Rice so flavorful Order "spicy" if You don't mind runny noses Makes you feel alive
(5)
Seema F.

I finally got the chance to sit inside Ekta to eat. The interior is rather tiny, and brightly lit, so don't expect anything too cozy. They right away give you papad and 2 chutneys--green and tamarind. The green however was oddly creamy and sweet. Four of us ordered Butter Chicken, Lamb Korma, Kadai Chicken, and Lamb Vindaloo. Everything was served in a small copper pot that was a pretty big serving. They didn't seem to give us enough rice, but it was refillable. I said before that Vindaloo would be the true test, and it certainly was. Tiffin's vindaloo is MUCH better. Ekta's was pretty mild and tomatoey. Since vindaloo should be very hot, I asked for some chilies. The waiter asked me if I want it chopped, which I did. I expected small choppings of chili peppers, but instead I got about 5 chilies, 3 of which were simply sliced in half on an angle and the other 2 were whole. Not sure what they were thinking, but I had to chop it myself at the table. They also seemed to be light on the cilantro, so when I asked for some more they brought that out--chopped a little better. Ekta's secret seems to be cream, which can work sometimes, but not in everything. I had to deduct a star simply based on the vindaloo, chilies, and nonstop cream, but compared to most places in the city this is pretty good. I still much prefer Tiffin though.
(3)
Christina A.

Best Indian in town. Delivery takes a while (usually over an hour) but always worth the wait.
(5)
Valerie D.

I had not ordered from Ekta for a while. Just had a craving for yellow dal and chicken curry. It was delicious although the prices have gone up ($40 for three dishes!) and the chicken pieces were few and small. But, it did address the craving on a cold winter day and I did not have to cook!
(4)
Lena W.

I ordered delivery from here, which didn't take too long. But, they gave me the order wrong. One of the entrees I ordered was replaced with a completely different dish. We called and they said that they would send us the right dish and take back the wrong one. That makes no sense, as I assume they would just throw away the dish anyway. After an hour, I finally got the dish I ordered. We did not give them back the dish because that is just strange. After I had already finished my meal, my boyfriend finally was able to eat his. Despite the poor service, the food was very tasty. They are a little pricy, but great food.
(3)
Erica M.

I have tried most of the vegetarian options here and I have not tried anything yet that I didn't like. My only complaint is the price. I always get take-out, so I don't know what the service is like.
(4)
Jake V.

Ekta you have broken my heart. You must have gotten a Tiffin menu because you have raised your prices close to 20%. I know that times are tough and when facing the idea of expansion, capital is important but changing a $8 dinner to a $10 dinner doesn't seem right. Our two person dinners went from very reasonable $18 to a silly $28. Ekta, I know that the long-tail theory has been kind of getting discredited lately but by the fact that every time I go in there there are 5 people waiting for the same crack-filled indian food, it seems like you guys are not hurting. I will never trust a restaurant again.
(3)
Jen O.

It should be noted that I am a relative noob when it comes to Indian food. The first few times I tried Indian, my meat dishes were sweet (rosewater lamb and something else), and I am no fan of sweet-flavored meat. Also, I'm a slightly picky eater (onions are my enemy). So it was with just a bit of hesitation that I ordered from Ekta on Sunday. I will never hesitate again. I ordered for four people, so we got a good sampling of what Ekta offers. Within 25 minutes of placing my order, there was a knock at my door. There stood a plumpish Asian man with a huge smile, a red checkered shirt, and a big, blue necktie holding a bag of food. I only live a few blocks from Ekta, so he walked my delivery over, and the food was still thoroughly hot by the time he arrived. I know it's not an original idea, but I love the labeling of the food containers. I had the tandoori chicken, which was succulent and tasty. But my friend got the butter chicken, which was truly outstanding. I've been thinking of it ever since. We also tried the chicken tikka masala and chicken curry, both of which were praised by my friends. The only bump in the experience was the naan -- we ordered three kinds: plain, garlic, and potato. Onion naan was delivered instead of potato naan, and it wasn't awesome. Neither was the garlic version. I'd stick to just plain naan in the future.
(5)
Leanne M.

Tiffin vs. Ekta? EKTA ALL THE WAY! I tried Tiffin to be fair...but won't be ordering from them again any time soon. Indian food is supposed to have SPICE and Tiffin forgot to add it into my food. Ekta's seasoning is just right! TEAM EKTA!
(4)
Trauts N.

Great food, good prices. Some very unique items on menu. The Ekta Chicken kabob on the tandoori section of the menu was very good. So was the spinach naan.
(5)
Catherine F.

After abstaining from Indian food after getting deathly ill in West Philly about 5 years ago, ekta is quickly helping me regain my love for Indian food . Unfortunately for me Ekta is not very close to my South Philadelphia stomping grounds, but when I can get my hands on it I am a happy girl. They give you a good amount of naan, which is not too thin and not too thick. Their prices are reasonable and the portions are good (much better than Lovash) I recommend: Mutter Paneer (7.50) Saag Aur Paneer (7.50) Chicken Korma (about 9) I know there are some negative comments about consistency with Ekta but I am pretty sure they have worked the kinks out. It is definately worth a shot. Oh and if you think you don't like Indian food, the above mentioned are definately great to start with! Hopefully I don't get too hooked...all that yummy food might lead to bad things!
(4)
Kate M.

Wow! I'm sweating. Might be the 90 degree weather today but Ekta is helping. This place popped up down the street from me in Fishtown and I'm always on the lookeout for a good indian restaurant so gave it a try tonight for take out. Plus the chef if formerly of Tiffin so you cant really go wrong. The Chicken Tikka Masala was flavorful and delicious, veg samosas delish, and garlic nan mmmmmmmmm. Its not the best indian I've ever had, but for the price you cannot beat this. All that for less then $15 and enough to feed two hungry ladies. Theres just one table inside, so its mostly a take out/delivery place but defintly needed in this area. No delivery charge. Everyone I interacted with was super nice. Awesome addition to fishtown. HARRAH!
(4)
RESPECT MY A.

I can go on for days about how good it is. If you want amazing indian food, with good portions, and at a decent price then you've found your spot. I order here at least once a week. And booo-hooo someone saw a mouse and they didn't pass a few Fascist health codes the city likes to enforce (they were all 1st time violations and if they weren't corrected they would've been shut down by now) . Really though, WHO CARES. You're in Philly and I hate to tell you that prob. every restaurant in the city has mice. It kinda comes with the territory when you're cooking massive amounts of food in a 100+ year row home. I've been eating here ever since it's opened and have never gotten sick or had any of the oh-so-famous indian poops.
(5)
David P.

Living in Fishtown can be a challenge for a vegan, that's why I am thankful for living so close to center city. That said, there are two places that serve up delicious vegetarian food, Sketches Burgers (they make a fabulous veggie burger and have vegan cheesesteaks as well) and Ekta. Ekta is great... They have an amazing vegetarian menu and their naan bread is always nice and soft. I like their samosa too, but sometimes they can be a bit greasy/ oily. And sometimes I wish they could offer more vegan options but all in all... a solid place and I am a returning customer for life
(4)
Liz V.

I was never big on Indian food until I tried Ekta a few months ago. I thought it to be too spicy than to attempt to eat on a dare. Now, I am a full-fledged addict. I love this restaurant. We always get the same server, who is just wonderful. The atmosphere is very low-key, unpretentious, warm and inviting. You can relax with your favorite BYO of choice over a delicious meal at a reasonable price. I know giving any place a full 5-stars seems a bit much, but I can not think of a real, reasonable reason ( is it really necessary or even fair to comment on something as asinine as say, the paint color of the walls in a restaurant? No, not in my book) not to. I always leave fully content ( and usually with a doggy-bag of left overs!) Personal recommendations: Shabanam Curry and Kachha Aam Ki Sazi ( gets easier to say with practice, I assure you).
(5)
Marlise T.

Bless Chef Raju Bhattarai, formerly @ Tiffin, for bringing a delightful bit of variety to us Port Richmond/Fishtown residents with EKTA (205 E. Girard Ave.)!! The food is AMAZING, the portion size generous, and the price is just right --Perfection!! Additionally, the staff are friendly, polite and helpful (especially when mispronouncing several dishes ;) My friends and I ordered many tasty items from the menu, which I couldn't yet find online, so I thought it'd be helpful to list a bunch of our favorites..... Appetizers Veg. Samosa: $2.50 Onion Bhaji: $2.25 (yum!) Malai Seek Kabob: $4.50 Vegetarian Main Course (w/ rice & sides) Saag Aur Paneer: $7.50 (my favorite!) Alu Gobi: $6.50 Masaladar Chola: $6.50 Non-Vegetarian Main Course (w/ rice & sides) Lamb Saagwala: $8.95 Kadai Lamb: $8.95 Chicken Tikka Masala: $8.95 Tandoor (w/ rice & sides) Tandoori Chicken: $7.50 Bread Naan: $1.50 Pudina Naan: $2.00 (naan w/ mint...I was expecting more minty-ness, but still very good) They're wonderful...& hope to entice the entire neighborhood ;) Enjoy!!
(5)
Lawrence K.

We get Indian delivery on a regular basis and this is our go to place. (although not really many other choices in the city). Anyway, it's really good, solid, Indian Food. We use to get delivery from Tiffin but now patronize Ekta since it is around the corner. Ekta used to be cheaper than Tiffin but now I think they're about the same. The usual dishes we get are saag paneer and moli kofta. Recently had chicken tandoor and a lamb dish too which were both great. Also had a cauliflower dish which was stewed with tomato, onion and chilies that was out of this world. Everything is pretty spicy here (even the mild dishes) so be aware, but it's nothing an ice cold beer or a couple glasses of riesling cant take care of. They also have really great vegetable samosas and their naan is also excellent. They are usually willing to deliver across the city (my sister gets them in Queen Village) so don't be afraid to call and ask.
(4)
Kaz H.

Had their chicken tikka masala & buttered chicken. Perfect! Keep in mind that they don't have much seating so it's pretty much only take out...
(5)
Kathy L.

Oh yeah oh yeah. Delicious paneer naan and butter chicken. That's all it takes to make me happy at an Indian restaurant. I decided to try Ekta with a few friends after one of my profs claimed he thought Ekta was better than Bukhara. That's a pretty bold claim! We went to Bukhara in delhi and I don't remember much. The (best) meal I do remember was at the Copper Kettle in Jaipur. Anyone out there been?? Anyway, the bottom line is that Ekta reminded me how delicious Indian food can be without weighing you down too much... The servers were very gracious and also gave us free dessert rice pudding. Apparently their mango lassis were delicious as well.
(5)
Jihan D.

Love. Love. Love. I've only had delivery a couple of times, but it's always delicious. Comes hot and with free dessert of the day! They're usually pretty accurate with their delivery time too. I could eat their butter chicken and naan (or aloo naan) everyday.
(5)
Alex M.

going to india is great. the food is amazing. the people are amazing. the culture. the sites. bla bla bla. The problem with going to India, though, is that when you come back, it's quite hard to settle for average indian food. it's almost impossible to find naan in the US that is as perfect as the naan from random streetcarts and hole in the wall fooderies in india. the sauces here seem simple and boring compared to the complexity and perfection of their in-india counterparts. thankfully Ekta exists to give a little bit of that flavor to us here in the states. the naan is the closest thing to the naan in India. The sauces are effing delicious. The experience feels home-cooked and authentic. my goal for 2010 is to literally try every dish on the menu.
(5)
Patrice B.

Credit card issue is resolved, but my credit card company had to clear it up. So again...use cash and enjoy!
(4)
Munchie W.

Will always order from Ekta... Probably the best Tikka Massala Sauce in city. Prices are a little high but food is amazing! Also love theo Vindaloo Chicken (very hot n spicy)
(4)
Angelica R.

This place puts other restaurants to shame. The staff is friendly, the food is amazing, and the place is clean and relaxed. I normally order the Mutter Paneer, and the best thing is when you ask for "spicy" they actually grant your wish. Ekta is affordable (although their prices seem to have gone up a little), and they give you so much food-- expect to bring some home. The food takes a long time to prepare, but honestly, I never care because it's just that good. If you order from Ekta, expect at least an hour wait. If you dine in, bring wine and eat some apps. before your dish arrives.
(5)
mike v.

Ekta used to be the bomb but I've gotten shitty chicken (old, stiff, gross) here too many times. We avoid it now.
(3)
Anne D.

The best Indian food in the city!!! YUM! Even though there are alot of places for Indian much closer to my house, it is Ekta every time I even get the slightest inkling for Indian food. I have always had delivery so I have never been there in person. I have never been disappointed by anything I have ordered from Ekta. My all times favs are the Chicken Pakora, Chicken Korma & the Onion Naan. Their portions are very generous, there is always enough left over for lunch the next day.
(5)
Maxwell S.

I will warn everyone that the atmosphere here is very thrown together and inexpensive looking. Which can be awkward. If you take a date here you will not be dazzling them with fancy decor. But the food is so good her that I will go again and again. Maybe the reason it's so good is because they focus all their energy on how everything tastes and not on how everything looks. Check this place out. Also they deliver. But I live too far away so I have to dine in.
(5)
Rasi W.

There are a lot of fans for this restaurant on Yelp. I've gotta admit, being from the subcontinent, I was excited to try this place out. So I ordered 3 different dishes from 3 different parts of India (Mugh Makhani, Lamb Chettinad for South Indian flare and Goan Shrimp). Sadly, all three dishes tasted alike. There was slightly nuanced flavors, but all three were very thick curries full of cream. While Murgh Makhani is meant to creamy, the Chettinad is usually a dry peppery dish that is very spicy, and Goan dishes are usually coconut milk based (the one here was very heavy cream based). So I am giving 3 stars, because while the dishes did not deliver for me, the service certainly did. This restaurant is in a sketchy looking part of the city (Fishtown), but the people there were definitely lovely.
(3)
Brad H.

Money......Again. Had the butter chicken and the tandoor chicken app. I started to get really mad when I realized I was getting towards the end of the meal. Best food ever. I'm dreaming for an girlfriend who knows how to cook this kind of food!
(5)
Craig N.

Love it and they deliver!! The only Indian joint I would order from around. Some dishes are a tad spicy, caveat emptor!!
(4)
Elizabeth D.

Ekta definitely lived up to the rave reviews it got! Food was good, cashier was friendly (I only did take out) My husband described his food as "orgasmic." Mine was also really great, but I will order it mild next time because medium was a bit too spicy for me (then again I don't go crazy for spice) I will be taking my out of town friends here to eat in the dinning room when they come stay because Ekta is not the best indian food i've ever had, but it it the best indian food i've had in philly.
(4)
William D.

Really great food for the price. You wouldn't think that the food would be so good just by looking from the outside. The chicken tandoori was very flavorful and NOT too dry which is hard to do with BBQ chicken. The lamb vindaloo and the Mirch Tikka are also fantastic.
(4)
Payal P.

3rd times a charm. tried it again last night and i enjoyed it. we split an order of samosas, an onion naan, kadai paneer and chicken biryani and the always free rice pudding dessert thing. everything was tasty and extra spicy as requested. the onion naan was different than the previous time, no weird purple onions and soft and fresh tasting! i was sad that they didn't give papad with the delivery biryani and they forgot the red onions. portions are big so plenty of leftovers which is always nice. delivery was 20 mins early (from the hour and 20 min timeframe they game me) which is great considering it was snowing!
(3)
Lena S.

YO!!!!! I gotta thank you YELPERS for getting us to get delivery from here!!! We'd been soooo disappointed for sooooooo long because we just could not get Indian food in the 'hood that really satisfied us, let alone wowed us. Like I'm talking we'd sit around being hungry and bummed sometimes because we just wanted some good, spicy, warm Indian delivery, but all the places we'd tried were just ...meh. I saw the reviews on here earlier today, and based on what we read we just tried Ekta for dinner. The samosas were beany and full of spices and crispy and delicious and our saucy entrees followed suit, copiously spiced and warming (in temperature as well as in flavor). Added bonus: the guy who took my order on the phone was patient and kind in addressing my questions re: food allergies and ingredients, and then our delivery guy...our delivery guy ROCKED too! I opened the door wearing a New Orleans Snoopy t-shirt that my dad brought me back from a conference in 1988, used to come down to my ankles, def doesn't anymore. Dude was like "Been to New Orleans?" I said no, but it was a gift to me when I was 4, now it's my fave sittin-on-a-couch-on-a-drizzly-Sunday shirt. Started up a convo about travel and American cities and vacation destinations (gotta check out Savannah) and it was just one of those warm, fuzzy, I-love-talking-to-people moments. Said restores-one's-faith-in-people moment preceded actually-satisfying Indian delivery for the first time in a long time. Thanks, Yelpers.
(4)
Emily S.

I don't really want to give a bad review because I don't know how the food is. All I am saying is, don't eat here if you have food allergies. Even though they mention it on the menu, they had no idea what we were talking about.
(3)
Cheri W.

Love the mango chicken and the fact that its a BYOB. But, the service can suck at times...but I go there just for the food so it's not a deal breaker.
(4)
Tim O.

Only the third time i've had Indian food, and the first time in Philadelphia. It was great. I hear they're adding a dining room next door, but for now it's just 2 tables in front of the counter, the kitchen is directly behind. Compact, to say the least. Good prices, fast service. Fishtown is on it's way. I don't even know what i ate. i split it with my friend with a side of naan bread filled with cheese. It was more than enough for both of us and the bill was only like 13 bux with a drink. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Travis T.

Fishtown may not have a lot to offer when in comes to good take-out, but thank god Ekta is just down the street. Tiffin is good but Ekta is better. I've eaten here steadily for a year now and it has been consistantly delicious! Entrees are generous enough to split and I am never hungry afterwards. NOM
(4)
Chad C.

I'm craving chicken korma! Most menu items are delicious and not too pricey. This is my favorite take-out place in Fishtown.
(4)
Shikha G.

I love this restaurant because the food is DELICIOUS!!! especially the briyani.. YUMMM.... i wish i could give 100 stars, but there's only 5.. :( I highly recommend EKTA CUISINE for any one who wants to try INDIAN CUISINE!! delicious is the only word that can describe ekta's food!
(5)
Ann R.

This place is so, so yummy. Yes, the delivery takes a while, but it is totally worth it. If I were you, I would just pick it up or better yet, take a seat at one of two tables for four and eat in! The staff is friendly and so, so thoughtful. I love eating there because I really feel like a guest at someone's house. They're always asking if you need more rice or more condiments and I get to feel super special because I get to watch my food being prepared while I wait. Get the tandoori chicken because it is out of this world and beware, it is spicy, not burn your mouth spicy but surpisingly spicy when you're used to not having spicy tandoori. The nan is also yummy-garlic and onion are my favs! The appetizers are also yummy-I've had them all but my fav. is aloo aur papri chat-kind of like the Indian version of nachos sans cheese. You have to get the saag paneer and the chicken tikka masala. I don't love the lamb but I don't mind because everything else is so yummy. The best part is that if you get the food delivered or to go, you get free rice pudding. I don't love rice pudding, I never have, and I always try it when we get it in the bag. Their plain rice pudding is tasty but the best is the mango lassi rice pudding. I don't know when they make it or if you can even request it, but it is really, really, good. It is the only rice pudding I love. Bottom line: Go to Ekta and skip Tiffin (over priced and blah-where's the taste?)
(4)
Dan V.

So my wife and I eat Indian at least once a week....we just moved here and were looking for a good local spot - found one in Fishtown - not local but got good reviews so figured it was worth the trip. We got there, not crowded at all, menu looked meh, but when the food came out...holy shit! This is the best Indian food I've had yet! Having traveled extensively throughout India and growing up with a childhood friend who is Indian, I've had my fair share of this food. Ekta has the best Indian food I've had - BY FAR! This restaurant alone makes living in Philadelphia worth it. What's even better - they have a 4 MILE DELIVERY RADIUS!!!!! You can get their food just about anywhere downtown. Order tonight - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Rachel S.

Now most don't know, but Cincinnati (my former city before moving to Philly) was a hot bed of amazing northern Indian food. I know, it's hard to believe that anything in Ohio is spicy or brag-worthy, but it really was "the shiz". So after searching for something comparable in Philly and coming up empty handed, I had pretty much given up -- that is until I met EKTA. Now the mere fact that they will deliver all the way to my office in Rittenhouse, without charge and in a timely manner is unbelievable! Add that to the free dessert and the delicious food and you've got a winner. We've ordered a few times from there now and done it up family style and I've never been disappointed with anything. I usually stick to the veggie dishes like masaladar chola and saag paneer, but the lamb vindaloo and butter chicken totally knocked my socks off.
(4)
Uciane S.

Saw mouse scurrying across the dining room floor...dropped my flat-bread, grabbed my boyfriend's hand and ran out the door...only to see a huge gapping hole in the front of the building leading to the dining area. Wanted to visit after seeing so many great reviews, but will stick to King of Tandoor!
(1)
Dilbert D.

Ekta gets 4 stars because from my experiences, this is the best, most authentic Indian food that Philly has to offer. It's a charming little place if you want to eat out. I only ate-in here once for lunch, but got take out several other times. I've only tried a few menu items, all delicious: 1) Chicken tikka marsala, 2) Saag Paneer, 3) Yellow dal, and 4) Naan. Far above average. If you like Indian food and are in Philadelphia, Ekta is a must.
(4)
Jr F.

Ekta is an excellent choice for real Authentic Indian food in Philly. I always have an awsome experience at this place, and the people there are genuinely friendly. Everything on the menu is so tasty. I like how it doesn't try to be something it isn't. They just serve authentic Indian goose. Some of the best in town.
(5)
Neetu B.

Best Indian food I've had in Philly. Hands down. Kind of expensive for Indian food.
(4)
Alan M.

I'm a big fan of Indian food and this is as good as it gets. I've been going there since it opened when there were only two tables and I have never been disappointed. There are other good Indian places but this is always the best .Did I forget to mention the price is right too!!!
(5)
Susan F.

I order ekta at least once a week, enough said.
(5)
Randi M.

As the star-ratings here say, Ekta is indeed "as good as it gets". Don't be scared if you go there to pick up your food. It's definitely understated (which is an understatement... or something). There is nothing about it that says it will be good. You might even be a bit frightened. However, I tell you that it's completely worth the trip (I say this as I've never gotten delivery). The food is excellent, the prices are completely affordable (for those of us with less-than-normal paychecks) and the people there are very nice. I thought the food was far superior to Tiffin and the prices were definitely easier to handle!
(5)
Tom H.

I'm upgrading my review because Ekta is now what I consider to be the best Indian food in the city. Food is fantastic, authentic, fresh, and priced fairly.
(5)
Kandy K.

I am SO happy to have Ekta in the neighborhood. I'm a Tiffin fan and have been ordering from there since they opened, but now with Ekta so much closer and cheaper I've been ordering from there lately. I love the butter chicken which is not chicken soaking in butter as the name suggests, but rather chicken in a delicious spice loaded red sauce (well, I'm sure there's butter in there too...). The food I've tried is at the top of my spice threshold which I'd say leans toward wimpy (me, not the food). The samosa chat, and the onion bahji are really good appetizers with plenty for sharing. I keep garlic naan from Trader Joe's in the freezer since I've found naan really doesn't travel well (we get take out). Two entrees plus an appetizer for two adults gets us two full meals in our house. Yay leftovers!
(5)
jody g.

great place...especially if you find tiffin just a bit too expensive. ekta is almost identical in quality, but it will save you some money. the only real difference is that the sauces are slightly less thick than tiffin's and the paneer is smaller and a bit less firm. other than that, you can't tell the difference. i always order takeout, and they are quick and nice, and always throw in a sample of something new to try. tip them well. they deserve it!
(4)
nicole p.

I love when you order and they tell you half hour forty five minutes and the food comes in like 20. 5 stars for that, even though I had to scurry downstairs to answer the door. What can I tell you, I am a huge fan of TIffin, with that said, Ekta is closer, and from what I hear the chef is from Tiffin so how could I go wrong, not to mention that their food is a tad cheaper which I can feel less guilty for ordering indian at least once a week for my chicken tikka addict daughter. Which was fabulous. The naan hot and soft and perfect. Not sure I want to fully abandon Tiffin but hey I can spread the love equally. Just another reason to love living and never leaving our lovely neighborhood.
(5)
John P.

I have gotten delivery four times, twice in the past week and every time was very satisfied The dishes all arrived warm. The taste of the sauces is more home-made than other Indian restaurants in town and West Philly. The Goan shrimp is an unusual offering and fabulous. My naan was also superior and the rice well-cooked. The tandoori was temptingly moist.. The Indian restaurant in Fort Washington is the only one I've been to with superior quality but also more expensive.
(5)
Roman S.

My wife and I order from Ekta on a bi-weekly basis. I love the complex composition of spices in the curries. I enjoy the Kadai Chicken, Chicken Vindaloo, Malai Kofta, Paneer Tikka Masala, Veg Samosas and Peshwari Naan. The prices, while not as cheap as they used to be, are on-par with other Indian restaurants in the area, and the amount of food provided usually lasts me for two meals. Delivery is usually quick and friendly. I've never been to the actual restaurant and probably won't unless they expand the purportedly small seating area. Some minor complaints: - Some of the curries are a tad onion-y. Bumping up the spice level compensates for this, but at the default level, it's a bit much. - Naan cooking is inconsistent -- almost burnt once, uncooked another. - Chicken is sometimes a bit dry. - Some people recommended the Samosa Chat. I would avoid this if you're doing takeout. The one time we ordered it, the sauces had permeated the samosas and the whole dish was soggy. Maybe ask for sauces on the side? Overall, my favorite Indian restaurant in Philly.
(4)
Eric S.

There is one thing I know for certain, I ADORE Indian food. So everyday around...oh...about 2-2:30 my brain begins to tell me "you there, guy that encases me! Bring me Indian food and shove it in your mouth at a rapid pace!" I must obey this brainy decree or face the wrath of what some might call "a mood". That is where Ekta comes in. Previously I had been satiating my Indian yearning brain with Tiffin food. Tiffin is Excellent A+ numba 1 fare. However so is Ekta, and at a cheaper price. Both places hit just the right spot and deliver to my senses exactly what I expect of quality heat and spices one would expect from them. I've only had one meal from them so far but know with certainty it will not be my last. I ordered the chicken Tikka Massala; as if they don't get this right, chances are you don't want anything there. It was DELICIOUS!!! though maybe a bit sparse on the Chicken. I also got regular and Garlic Naan, both were very good and fulfilling. There was however an issue with the order. I had ordered for pickup over the phone, and was not asked for my name but just the order. When I arrived my girlfriend went in to get the food as there is very little parking outside. To my surprise she came back empty handed, which almost triggered the dreaded "mood". I kept my cool though, I had her sit in the car in front of the fire hydrant where I parked and strolled on inside. I calmly explained that I had made my order about an hour ago and they seemed to think that I must have been mistaken about what I had ordered. They seemed certain that I had ordered 1 tika massala 3 samosas a goat dish and some other various things, which I definitely did not do. After standing and deliberating about what had happened they decided to check the old orders that had been written down, and found mine. They apologized profusely, saying that someone else must have taken my order by mistake. I continued to keep my cool, even though my brain was mashing the "mood" button and demanding I become an irate crazy customer. I said that it was ok, and that they could just remake the order and deliver it to me, too which they agreed and even sent some free rice pudding. Over all I think it's silly not to take names when you take orders but the food was delicious and the issue corrected with compensation. I'm a very pleased puppy!
(4)
Susan M.

Sooo... might be biased as I write this since I just finished my Ekta dinner... but SO WHAT! I even joined Yelp JUST so I could write this review! Have been a fan of Tiffin since they opened but have been VERY disappointed in their performance in the last year... (45 minute wait for delivery -- which has actually averaged 1.25 - 1.5 hours!!!... Decreasing amount of chicken in their dishes... unfriendly phone service...) SOOOO... now we have Ekta and it's AWESOME! Convenient. Friendly. More affordable... and the FOOD! The Saag Paneer is OUTSTANDING. Best in Philly fo' sho'. Chicken Tikka was very tasty as well... and the complimentary Raita... nice! I COULD NOT STOP EATING tonite... Will definitely get back into eating Indian on a weekly basis now that we have a new place in town... we'll see what happens when THEY get discovered... hopefully things won't go downhill like Tiffin... My waistline isn't happy-- but my tummy is!!! YAY EKTA!
(5)
Laura S.

I ordered delivery from center city, and the food came faster than expected (40 minutes instead of the 70 minutes they estimated on the phone), piping hot, and delicious. I tried the saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan. They included a complimentary gulab jamun, which was also delicious. I have eaten at several other Indian places around the city, and this food was the best I have tried, and it is super convenient to have the delivery option.
(5)
Tanya T.

i'm a pretty big indian fan and have frequented many indian places in other cities. ekta's pretty good...i have been here twice and ordered samosa chat as an appetizer which i love. tandoori chicken was decent kinda dry. lamb rogan josh is great...curry lots of spices and like other rogan josh that i have eaten. i have also ordered chicken biryani which is basically a rice filled with spices but not in a curry consistency. i love this because you can basically eat this as a meal and choose whatever meat you want. they are usually pretty busy so delivery took more than an hour. although it's quite the wait still pretty worth it otherwise if you dine in they have about 10 tables inside.
(4)
Brett B.

I've never eaten at Tiffin as everyone seems so hot on, but this place is really really good. I've had stuff from here a couple of times -- the Chicken Masala is incredible, creamy and not too spicy, Lamb kabob is super super hot but delicious, and Chicken curry is probably my least favorite of the bunch, somehow a little dry even though it was sitting in a curry sauce. As everyone mentioned the people are super nice and delivery is quick and they'll go all over center city. My only complaint is that the portion size was a little small (I'm a take out heffer), but the prices really can't be beat.
(4)
Goa K.

this place is pretty friggin good. do it.
(5)
erik h.

The food here is amazing for the price. We ordered the Bangin Barta and Tandoor chicken and both were excellent. For such a small place, I was surprised at how many items they had on their menu. The best part is that they give you free pickles and rice desert with your order.The only drawback, eg the 4 stars, is the seating situation. There's is only one table so take out is pretty much the only option, but it's still worth the drive to fishtown. They definitely do brisk business and package everything really well in tuperware that you can reuse. This is the best indian food I have had since moving from San Francisco.
(4)
Julie K.

My favorite Indian restaurant! We ordered the samosas, garlic naan, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer and all were so delicious! Portions are big so we had plenty left to take home and eat for second dinner a few hours later... :)
(5)
Tripp P.

LOVE IT! Best Chicken Tikka Masala I have ever had.
(5)
Pooja A.

As an Indian, I'm pretty picky about Indian food. This place is great. The price is right and they deliver all over the city. The wait for delivery can be kind of long, but it is definitely worth it. Sometimes I find a dish is a little too spicy - which means it's really really spicy because I can handle a lot of spice, but overall, great food, great selection.
(4)
Gaurav A.

I stopped in to get the tandoori chicken...the wait was fine, although the staff weren't talkative at all...so I spend the time waiting looking at PW. Anyway, the chicken was subpar...and over-spiced. You could still taste all the spices...they weren't blended in the yogurt sauce apparently. My most favorite thing was the kheer that came along with the food. It was sweet but not too sweet...in escence it was perfect!! I will try this place again...with a different choice of meal.
(3)
Meghan W.

I used to go to Etka, then converted to Tiffin. Last night we decided to try Etka again since it's closer to our house than Tiffin and I couldn't really remember why I stopped going in the first place. I was starving, so I broke out the onion naan in the car on the drive home. It was amazing. Much better than Tiffin. I feel like that's where Etka's edge over Tiffin ended. I ordered Butter Chicken (my go-to dish at Tiffin) and my husband ordered his usual - Curry Chicken. We each got the veggie samosas. Everything was so overly spicy. I like heat in my food, but this was a little ridiculous. I like to taste the flavor of the food through the spice. This just left my mouth numb. I didn't try the curry chicken, but as for my butter chicken, this just wasn't the same dish I've grown to love at Tiffin. Tiffin's chicken melts in your mouth and the sauce is delicate and velvety. It definitely gives you some heat without overwhelming the flavor of the dish. This chicken was tougher and I felt like the amount of chicken was way less than what I get at Tiffin. My husband had the same complaint with his dish. I think next time we'll be driving a little further to get Tiffin again.
(3)
Mark A.

My girlfriend and I order from Ekta at least once a week, we are addicted. We usually find ourselves ordering the veggie samosa, peshwari naan, masaladar chola, and tandori chicken. The little side dishes of mango chutney, mint chutney & tamarind chutney are outrageous, it's where it's at. Delivery time can range anywhere between an hour to two hours during dinner so try to call ahead. Don't get upset if you can't get through on the first few tries, just keep calling, it's worth it.
(5)
Jared B.

ordered - Ekta Dal - Malai Kofta - veggie somosa - nan - free rice pudding thing. $32 + tip for delivery. Verdict - the Malai Kofta was pretty incredible. The cream sauce was delicious and neither too heavy nor too sweet. The Ekta Dal was a nice contrast-tomato and onion w/ yellow lentil. Really savory. Veggie Samosa and nan good, too. Promised delivery in 1 hr 15 min, delivered to old city location in 1 hr. Overall, very impressive! Definitely order from them again
(5)
B B.

Ekta: I've read/heard the reviews about Tiffin being better, but I think Ekta is more persuasive on my taste buds. Tiffin feels good, but it has a tinge more of having been adapted. Ekta, though I'm not the from the good ol' sub-cont., seems more 'authentic.' As to the bitter complaints on the nan, I've never had an issue. One drawback this place shares with Tiffin, the tip area on take away receipts. I hate that. Tip for what again?
(4)
Tracie P.

ekta is so, so good. the vegetable samosas are amazing, the basil naan is delicious, and the lamb vindaloo will knock your socks off (they don't mess around with the heat here). i've liked everything i've ever tried from ekta, plus it's very reasonably priced and delivers almost anywhere. just awesome.
(5)
lisa t.

I'm always excited to learn about new Indian restaurants in the area after Minar palace closed and eventually reopened. This is one of my favorites in the city, not that there are a lot to choose from. The food can be incredibly spicey so beware but I am always happy with their saag paneer. They also deliver which I have started taking full advantage of! The portions are good and I usually have enough leftovers for another meal.
(3)
Jonathan N.

I'm still recovering from overeating this deliciousness, so this review will be brief. Food was hot. Naan was soft. Dishes were extremely tasty. 2 chili icons were spicy enough for me! My fiance and I were extremely pleased. Unless we're in U City and can indulge at New Dehli.....we're definitely getting Ekta delivery again!
(5)
Fleur B.

O-M-G. I just had the Murg Malai Kabob. Wow. Seriously, one of the best things I have eaten, EVER. Ekta. I am NEVER disappointed!!!!
(5)
Rochelle S.

Incredibly solid Indian food...good portions, reasonable prices. Doesn't offer much in the way of ambiance, but I don't mind. Wouldn't be my idea of the perfect date spot, but you won't be disappointed with the food. Two entrees could feed four people. They also have a closed off dining room for patrons who wish to eat in--and it has ac!! I will return.
(4)
Lauren H.

I ordered from this place when it had first opened and they were still sorting out how far out they would deliver. They didn't even have menus yet! I called them and asked if they would deliver to Temple U, and the guy said no, and I was so sad... then he called back 15 minutes later and said he would! You should have seen my face... I was so happy. The owner even brought the food over himself so that he could see where it was, and we had a great little chat. The food comes fast and hot, and so full of flavor it's ridiculous. The naan is so delicious, but eat it fast while it's hot, because it gets tougher as it cools. I've had three types, garlic, plain, and onion, and just be forewarned, that it's not like garlic bread. The garlic naan has fresh garlic in/on it, no salt, so sprinkle some on if you like it salty. I've mostly chicken dishes, my boyfriend always gets the lamb korma. We've learned to get our own naan because it goes fast, and it's too good to share, no matter how much you love someone. I've had the chicken korma, chicken tikka masala, and the kadai lamb, and they were all delicious. And the rice!!! That rice, I swear, is like no other rice I have ever had in life. It is so delicious, and comes free with whatever you order. They also send along a small container of whatever the chef's special of the day is, which to my knowledge, is never on the menu, but is always some kind of dessert, and is yummy. This one time, I ordered a vegetarian dish, and it was disgusting. DISGUSTING. I couldn't finish it. I'm 99% sure it was the baigan bharta, so unless you like the stuff, be forewarned and stick to the meat. Also, the stuff just doesn't taste the same after a night n the fridge, so try to finish it all... the meat gets tougher, the rice gets hard and dehydrated, and the magic is lost... trust me.
(4)
Sally f.

i always make my philly guests try ekta. two friends were here this past week who had just gotten back from india. they liked it better than the food they had there!!!!!! of course, the food there made them poop a lot bc they are american. and this didnt. so they were happy.
(5)
Lauryn Z.

Ekta is a wonderful addition to Indian cuisine in Philadelphia! While I enjoy Karma when in Old City and New Delhi when in West Philly, neither of these places will deliver to me on south street and that's where Ekta comes in. Typically we have to wait about an hour and twenty minutes for delivery, but if I order before leaving work this is usually not a problem- and well worth the wait. Both times we ordered the food arrived hot. For appetizer, we chose the Aloo Papri Chat and found this dish to be very tasty, and the flavors were perfect and spicy- despite the crunch factor lacking slightly. We ordered the Saag Paneer (medium spicy) and the Malai Kofta (spicy). I enjoyed the unique flavor of the Saag Paneer here- I've tasted this dish at many Indian restaurants and would say this is one of my favorites. The Malai Kofta is excellent as well- Both dishes were well prepared! The second time we ordered from Ekta our food was a bit salty and a bit more cardamom than I would like in my Indian food. Hopefully this was a one time thing however, and I will continue to order take out from here for sure.
(4)
Carly N.

while living in rittenhouse square, which is severely lacking in the indian food department, we relied heavily on ekta's incredible food and delivery. they are very popular so delivery sometimes took an hour, hour and fifteen minutes, so make sure you take that into account. however, the food is totally worth the wait. i am especially fond of the vegetarian options: navratna curry, masaladar chola (super spicy but i love it), malai kafta, samosa chaat, aloo papri chaat, etc. i love to get a few different vegetarian dishes and eat them together since every dish seems to complement the others, and the generous portions mean leftovers galore. my only concern really is the amount of packaging involved in the delivery. they include all these sauces and rice pudding which is a nice gesture but we don't eat it so it's a big waste of plastic. i should remember to ask them not to include it.
(5)
Brynn D.

i am being nice by giving three stars, and i'm doing that because they were overly friendly there. i recognized a couple familiar faces from tiffin, but this is no tiffin. which is odd because it's tiffin's former chef's joint. menu is similar but not the same. i ordered one thing tiffin didn't offer (samosa chat) and one thing it did (paneer tikka masala). rounded this out with a mango lassi and a basil naan. the samosa chat, very sorry to say as it's one of my all-time favorite indian dishes and something i've always wished tiffin would carry, was just not good at all. you know that weird burny flavor when tomatoes get stuck to the bottom of a saucepan and burn? it tasted like that, and oil. mango lassi was a lil sour, like the mangoes weren't at their peak. the paneer tikka masala was the exact same recipe as far as i could tell, minus about half of the paneer. tiffin's is $1.50 more expensive but there is a lot more cheese in that dish. rice was the same, and good. my basil naan used dried basil from a shake-can, and the bread was denser than i tend to like. i did like that the free accompanyment was a dessert, kheer. very yummy with lots of little cardamom blasts. the chef/owner took a lot of cues from tiffin (right down to the packaging, bags, labels, staff, delivery men in suits, and even the street - girard) but where it matters they don't live up. in my humble opinion. :)
(3)
David C.

I came here with some friends to celebrate my best man's wife's birthday a couple of weeks ago. The wait staff was a little pushy for my liking, but overall they didn't negatively impact the experience. I ordered the garlic naan and was disappointed with the serving size. I had the lamb vindaloo for my entree, which raised the eyebrows of the wait staff as it was one of the spiciest dishes on the meal. It certainly lived up to the billing. I think that the level of heat actually made the lamb taste better, as it covered up the gaminess of the meat and brought out the lamb's flavor. Prices are acceptable, and I would imagine you aren't going to find a much better Indian place in Fishtown, although there are better places in the city if you are willing to travel.
(3)
K. A. N. A. K.

The delivery guy is a HERO.
(5)
Mickey H.

I found out about Ekta flipping through the paper and read about how the original "Tiffin" chef has now opened his own restaurant. For me it was another hope that I would find a decent Indian restaurant to eat at and not have any regrets or complaints after splurging my money. Well first of all I have to say that I was content and felt Ekta is doing a good job in creating a positive image for themselves and changing the Indian food scene by improving quality. I was use to Tiffin's at least 60-90 minute wait but Ekta is "trying" to change that by delivering within reasonable time of ordering (45-60mins). After ordering in once I decided to check out this place in person. Well first of all this place is on Girard Ave and well we know what Girard ave is like but without Girard we might not have any of these good restaurants. So it's a decent drive from downtown and well there isn't really much of a restaurant. Majority of their business is via delivery. The restaurant is not much of a restaurant. You walk into a place with about 10 seats and two tables and immediately behind the counter you can see the kitchen and the tandoori ovens. So if you are thinking of bringing a pretty large group here, think twice and order in. Parking is street parking. Ambience: None, it's just like a restaurant kitchen with two tables and a few chairs. I must say that the kitchen was clean and everything looked new and sanitary. -Menu/Pricing: I feel Ekta beats many Indian restaurants on this. It's cheaper then most comparable places and the quality of food is not only better but I think you get more for your serving. The menu is like any Indian restaurant there is nothing unique or fusion in nature. Anything you order at the restaurants in this town (besides Bindi) you can find at Ekta but done better with less cost. Food: I have ordered several times from here. I feel for the money you pay you get more food and better quality food then other Indian restaurants that I have tried here in Philadelphia. The dishes are cooked well, all the curries are creamy and have a good texture. It's not greasy and oily as some places can be. You actually find the chicken or lamb in your curry. I liked the lamb dishes much more, although I though it could have been a little more tender. I like the lamb with spinach and it was done very well. The chicken curries that I tried were okay. The reason I am saying Okay is because Indian restaurants have a tendency to go cheap on chicken curries by doing the following: They take tandoori chicken they grilled earlier or night before or whatever and they slice that up and place it in the curry sauce they made. It's like taking BBQ chicken and throwing pasta sauce on it and calling it parmigiana etc. Now twice when I ordered this DID NOT happen and it was fresh chicken cooked with the sauce as it should be done. I don't know if they used tandoori chicken on my last order because it was Friday night and maybe they were behind etc. A LOT of Indian restaurants tend to do this and so far Eka is also guilty but with less violations. The appetizers were good and simple and well seasoned. The naan was okay. I only tried the plain naan. I thought ti was slightly undercooked on the edges. But once again the main dishes were good. Waiter/Service: This restaurant mostly functions as a delivery service. In the location itself the staff are friendly and are eager to help you figure out what you would like to order and make it spicy or less spicy according to your taste. Delivery experience has been positive. Delivery has been timely (about 45mins) with no error to date in dishes ordered. You also get a huge serving of rice with each order and several chutneys/sauces. Would I return? I would. As of now this is the place I rather eat indian food in when in Phili.
(3)
timothy b.

We came here with a group of 12 and the table was ready when we arrived. The ambience isn't great but it was a comfortable enough space. The waiters were efficient and nice. Our appetizers came out quickly and were delicious. Samosas and papadum. It's BYOB, which we didn't realize. The nearest beer store was about .4 miles down the street. Unfortunately for us, another large group sat down not long after we did. For whatever reason, their food came out first. This resulted in a very long wait for our food, about 60 minutes. When the food did come it was delicious. Saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, dal makhani, bengan bharta and various naans. It was generally agreed that everything was amazing except the eggplant. It had a tartness that was unusual. The waiter had no problem providing a birthday candle on a kofta desert, which was cool. I'm sure if you came here with a smaller group, or were not seated at the same time as another large group, everything would be fine. The food was delicious. I'd go back.
(4)
Enid C.

Whoever decided that quality Indian food should be accessible via delivery should be given some sort of medal or ridiculously-sized trophy. Ekta has (in my very narrow opinion) the best Indian food the city has to offer, and it gets at least fourteen bonus points for having spot on delivery service. But apparently, you can eat in too! This locale on East Girard has two sections: first there is the fluorescently-lit take out/delivery portion, then you walk through this empty abyss (perfect for hiding secret treasure or a body) into the exotic, romanticly-lit dining room. Service is impeccable, and you will always find your water glass more than half full. (and that's not a metaphor, I'm being literal here) If you find yourself here, order the Goan shrimp curry - it's delicious. The saag paneer is my personal favorite of all the saags I've paneered. The lamb vindaloo is pretty standard, but great for that spicy kick (though the food masochists like me should order it *extra* spicy). If you ever have a craving for anything even remotely Indian, Ekta should be your go-to. Just pick up the phone. You don't even have to be wearing pants while you do it!!
(4)
Nou B.

I was really surprised how could anyone give less than 5 stars for this Indian restaurant The food is so delicious and so good I've tried a lot of Indian restaurant but this one is one of the best Indian food in the United States You will never regret going there i love it
(5)
Elizabeth B.

Nom nom nom nom nom.... I love me some Indian food and this place is really great. The saag paneer was amazing, the chhola was spicy, the dal delicious, the mango chicken a fave with The Boy, and I ate up all the butter chicken in a hot minute. Bonus: they deliver! As always, price is an issue, but only because I want to EAT IT ALL so unless I'm at an Indian buffet, my pockets be empty.
(5)
Joshua J.

Ekta is right down the street from my house, and probably my favorite Indian place in Philly. I feel like it's pretty expensive for take out, especially for the area, but it's about 1.5 portions, so you get your money's worth. Order an app and an entree and it's nice for 2 people. I have never gotten delivery because I live down the street but I have heard it's very reliable. They generally have the food ready when they say, and I've never really had any issues with it. It's always really delicious.
(4)
Morgan B.

this place rocks. keep up the good work. havent had a bad meal yet.
(4)

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Address : 250 E Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Phone (215) 426-2277
Website https://www.ektaindianrestaurant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Ekta

250 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125

Ekta Menu

Appetizer

Biryani

Bread

Non-Vegetarian Main Course

Side Orders

Vegetratian Main Course

Beverages

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ekta

Appetizer

Biryani

Bread

Non-Vegetarian Main Course

Side Orders

Vegetratian Main Course

Beverages

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