Jannat, hasn’t been sustainable, so I decided to try something a little closer to home. Richmond boasts a thriving Indian dining scene, with many renowned locations in Short Pump, the West End, and the Midlothian area. The diverse offerings mean great flavor is rarely far away, and I set out to find it. When I recently stepped into Taste of India off Midlothian Turnpike, the scent of curry and warmth filled the air. Colorful decor lines the ceilings and walls of the room, and ambient lighting sets a delightful mood for a Thursday night meal for me and a friend, St. Catherine’s junior Lillian Walker.
I confess that I am a bit of a butter chicken fanatic, so although we came with open minds and genuine excitement for conversation and new food, I already knew what I wanted. There were only two other parties seated at 7:00 p.m. when we arrived, but drivers from DoorDash and Grubhub were running in and out throughout our entire stay, showing that this place feeds more people than it seats. Taste of India is a small, local spot with a 4.3 rating on Yelp and a dedicated local following.
It’s worth noting that Walker cannot handle any level of spice, so she can offer a differing perspective from my mom and me, who, on the other hand, love fiery food. I made sure to bring home food for my parents as well, since Indian food typically reheats exceptionally well, and Taste of India’s portions offer multiple meals. Despite a few small quirks, Taste of India offers a warm, flavorful experience that balances spice, comfort, and charm.
Service was friendly and attentive, which was partly due to the limited number of people present. The menu is extensive and detailed, with numerous vegetarian options. After a little deliberation and catching up, we ordered a tasting plate of appetizers: two…