Tamba Indian Grill & Bar

NO! NO! NO! Do not come here! I am still in the restaurant, furious, as I write this. This is one of the worst dining experiences ever. As other reviews suggest, the food is good (mine, a thing called Mutton Pepper Fry, was delicious). But I can’t even begin to list every incident of poor service that was just insulting.
You The server seated me, then told me a big group would soon be coming in. He asked if I’d like an appetizer, so he could have it made before the group arrived. The first two I asked for weren’t available, so I gave up on that and ordered dinner. The group (including the obligatory screaming children), soon arrived and took over the place. After a (long) while, the server stopped by to tell me that my food would be prepared AFTER the group was taken care of. I decided I’d better just pay for the drink I’d been brought and get the hell out if there, but by the time I could get anyone’s attention it was too late. Took forever to get the food, and I couldn’t wait to get away. I was dealt with as a nuisance, or at least an afterthought. Stay away! I’ve never seen anything like it.

It takes a lot to make me sign on to Unilocal and write a review, especially a negative one. To jump straight to it, lunch buffet, walk in to pin drop silence and an empty restaurant. There was no music or ambiance except for the (clearly very famous in the ratings) owner on the phone. The AC was clearly not on. My friends and I got our plates and sat down to eat, while we are having our conversation the owner just decides to butt in and start talking to us. Its okay to mingle a little but not stand there and talk to us the entire time, its disturbing and uncomfortable. The food, mediocre, so many better options on Curry Hill.
After we were done we got the check and paid by card, writing our tips in separate bills, some of us did not as the rest had tipped enough. The owner had the audacity to come back and tell us that our tips were not enough. My bill was 13, I tipped 3, the others tipped the same or about 2 each. More than 15%. So we put in an extra dollar, not needed but just to get him off our backs because of the way he was hounding us about it. While we walk out not he calls us out again and says «you only give an extra dollar what are you guys doing etc etc». My friends are all students, they are not working professionals. They even told him they were students when we were constantly interrupted by him while we dined.
It is not surprise that in the middle of Manhattan and middle of Curry Hill this restaurant is empty, it all makes a lot of sense now. Especially after reading the reviews and seeing the reaction towards the owner’s behavior. A tragedy since the restaurant is in an incredible location.

Been waiting over 35 minutes now in an entirely empty restaurant and still the food is yet to make an appearance. Stupid stupid me to enter seeing that it was all empty.
Yet to decide what we do about the food as I am in half a mind to get up and go.

Went for dinner 7PM. Only 3 tables were taken. Big mistake, should’ve gone with my instincts. Poor service, the owner tried everything to make us order just about everything. A glass of wine was ridiculously overpriced, and the food is a simply bad.
No ambiance, or music. so I asked for music, it took 5 people to turn on the TV and instead of music I got Fashion TV??? So I requested music again, this time, the owner disappeared and didn’t return to see how the people were doing, or if the music even worked!
Count down to the end of this restaurant!

The best Indian buffet on the block — great variety and everything is fresh and delicious!

If you have any respect for food, service, or yourself, don’t waste your time and money to go to Tamba. Don’t go to Tamba even if you are paid to.
I went to Tamba with my boyfriend on a Thursday night. The service, including the owner, was beyond awful and rude. We started off with a round of drinks; their «fully-​stocked» bar didn’t have tequila (that’s ok, benefit of the doubt, it happens, no big deal). I ask for another drink. Here you should note that we were seated near the window (about a few steps away from the bar). When our drinks were ready, the waiter LEANS over the bar and hands us our drinks. Not serve, he literally leaned over and gestured for me to stretch over and grab the glasses from over the bar. Ridiculous. Then my white boyfriend wanted some extra bread (papad), but the waiter sighed and grumbled and said that «it would cost us extra». Being Indian, I know papad is the equivalent of bread in an Italian restaurant, so please stop being so cheap. Food was average. Unappetizing plating. The curries were served but we didn’t get our naan bread for almost 40 minutes later.
Despite all this, after «dinner», we decided to order more wine (stupid decision in hindsight) and while we’re sipping our drinks, the owner comes up and tells us that «the place is getting full so could we kindly hurry up». Firstly there was ample seating left, secondly, we are not free-​loading customers. We had two rounds of drinks, two entrees, breads, rice and dessert. Although the amount of food we ate shouldn’t be the point, customers are customers either way.
This review comes a few weeks after this debacle. But I felt like it was my duty to get this out and inform (warn!) others. Avoid Tamba at all costs and enjoy substantially better Indian food and service at chote nawab /​dhaba /​the South Indian place (the name evades me) down on lex and 23^rd ish. This place is an embarrassment.

Been here tons of times but never without a groupon, not sure it’s a good thing since they always on that app. I probably would not be here had I have to pay the full price. Like many mentioned service is slow and hit or miss depends on who is your waiter. Also, it looks like only manager can OK your groupon. Place is either half empty or host family dinners and seeing Indian families eating here is a good thing to me. Forget alcohol at this place get mango lassi instead. Yummy. Good food. I do eat Indian both out and home (not my home) cooked so say this is a pretty tasty. But what I really really love about this place is the older lady who I assume is owner’s wife. She makes everyone, well me for sure, feel so welcomed and I never even spoke to her. Definitely will get my groupon soon

The most disgusting Indian buffet I ever had! The appetisers were cold and the chat was stinking of old-​reused oil (may be the papdi used was stale). The server got a roti basket when we were having appetisers, by the time we started with main-​course the rotis turned cold and chewy. Upon telling him to replace it, he denied saying– it is not cold (something very lame). Finally on requesting again he changed our rotis. The curries were cold and not at all tasty! We thought to save ourselves by having desserts but they were equally horrible and tasteless. How could one serve cold gulab Jamun? Finally, we decided to satisfy our hunger by having Dosa at «sarvana bhavan». Overall I felt the quality of food was pathetic and compromised. I would never ever go to this place again. And would recommend everyone to avoid it. Absoute waste of money and time! Complete mood spoiler.

Worst Indian restaurant ever! This place is short staffed, poorly managed and will probably go down the drain soon!
We went for dinner as other places in the area were all busy and it was a big mistake! :(
We ordered food right away with some appetizers. First, the appetizers didn’t arrive on time the. Second, The appetizer portions were ridiculously small and the onion pakora we ordered was under cooked. The lasuni gobi I was ok.
We also ordered a chai (tea) and a tandoori mint paneer dish. The chai never came and they brought the paneer appetizer at the end (which we didn’t eat) because It was laced with green food Color (see picture) and it came after an hour.
When we asked 40 minutes after getting in about the tea and remaining appetizer, The owner had the guts to ask us that we should chit chat while the food is being cooked (after 40 minutes of placing order) and how he is short staffed with 4 people instead of 8. When I mentioned that we are hungry, he brought some cold «pooris» and said they are complimentary. We didn’t even eat them and and we decided to leave after spending an hour still waiting for food. They brought good as we were leaving but that was without Roti/​naan bread. We left and just gave cash for 2 appetizers that were served. Such a waste of time!
Do not go!

I wish I could do 3.5 stars. 4 just seems a little much because there’s a bit of awkwardness to the atmosphere/​service, but the food really is good, so let’s go with 4.
This is one of my go-​to spots in the area, and I really do like their food. It is very aromatic and flavorful. The fish curries are absolutely melt in your mouth. Garlic naan is also excellent.
We usually go out to dinner early to beat the crowd, but it’s weird that the five or more times we’ve been here, it’s been pretty empty. Sometimes they do play background music (I actually love it when they play the super old bollywood movies soundtracks!), but often they don’t, which is a little awkward when you’re one of only two couples!

First time going there– food was average but nothing particularly special. The place was basically empty so we got a fair amount of attention, sometimes being bothered a little too frequently. At times, we felt like we were being pushed to order more, but we didn’t have some of the problems others have posted about regarding splitting the bill, using credit cards, etc.
Overall, not a place I’d be enthusiastic about recommending, but there are worse places.

Food was good and I was satisfied, I had a good amount and felt like I didn’t pay too much for it. We got 2 glasses of wine and it was definitely not what I expected, we didn’t finish them. I went for dinner and I feel like I should have just ordered the food threw seamless.

I stopped by for brunch because I had no other place in mind– honestly! But I am SO GLAD i did! The stars do NOT do justice to this place at all! I have been in India for half my life so I knw wat real desi food should b like. Let me break this down a bit–
1– food– THe most important part of the experience. It was a Sat Brunch. They had Chat selection, spiced yogurt, chicken tikka, samosas, veggie pakoras, jalapeño pakoras, salad selection for starters. Main course had palak paneer, butter chicken, dal, veggie korma, chicken biryani, lamb vindaloo. They served Warm and crisp naan bread. Dessert options gulab jamun (indian sweet round donuts) and kheer. This is pretty much the same menu everywhere– obviously! But the taste of everyb single item was distinct. Every spice hit my palate. I enjoyed every bite of my meal. Excellent food. Amazing cooking. I have been to dhaba a bunch of times and I would rate this place way above dhaba. It hurts me to see that such a gem is so underrated!
2– the service– oops! That is where this restaurant kind of falls apart. The TV constantly runs some ages old bollywood movies which kills the ambience. However, i have seen this before at many other highly reviewed restaurants as well. If you give that taste to my palate, i can enjoy the bollywood music for a lil bit too.
In sunmary– dont choose this place if u r looking for a date night. Definitely visit this place if u r hungry and u want to eat good, absolutely delicious and well made Indian food.

The owner of this restaurant Malik. Certified crook. Stay away, at all costs, unless you like to be ripped off!
It’s a shame I did not go through all other reviews. filter by all 1 star reviews. it’s quite synonymous to what I am saying!

5 Stars. The quality and service is on point. I was pleasantly surprised the restaurant is participating in restaurant week. The wine flight and food was great. A lot of large portions and a cozy atmosphere

I used to come here all the time while I was in College. Cheap buffet with a nice variety of food. They have your regular stuff like Chicken tikka, Byriani, Paneer etc. They waiter also comes around to give you some nan bread and tandoori chicken. The buffet menu does get altered slightly from day to day. The atmosphere is great you have some light hindi music playing in the background. I used to go here every week but stopped because the food just kept getting progressively worse.
It came to my attention that the reason for this is because management does not treat their employees very well. This is terrible because we always had a sweet lady who took care of us whenever myself and my girlfriend visited the place. Management keeps tips for themselves and I’ve seen the owner be particularly nasty with some of the workers there. A word of advice to you guys, treat your employees well. Your business will do much better. I refuse to eat at a place that steals money that rightfully belongs to the employees.

Best tandoori chicken I’ve had in Manhattan. Their lunch buffet is a great value. $ 10.95, seven days a week. I love their glistening, warm, soft, fantastic naan. Yes. Glistening. Basmati rice is excellent. And I could eat three heaping plates of papri chat. And saag paneer. And pretty much everything else…
I’ve had great service both times I’ve visited. I don’t think my water glass was ever empty! One thing I don’t like is that they only bring out one price of tandoori chicken at a time. And I feel bad/​guilty asking for more… Another thing is when staff is having loud conversation around the customers in a language I don’t understand. My friends think I’m paranoid, but I’m convinced they’re (at least sometimes) talking about the customers. Which makes me uncomfortable. And I hate feeling uncomfortable when I’m dining out.

One buffet is not definitive, but this was good, not great. Chicken tikka masala was below average; chicken biryani above average; goat curry average; pakora etc appetizers very good; hot chicken tandoori and nan broguht to table very good.
Service very good and weekday price of $ 10.95 a bargain.
Round one goes to Dhaba across the street.

Walking in the strip of 27^th and 28^th street on Lexington, you find a lot of really great Indian restaurants. Tamba is certainly great for its food, but it’s service is something else.
Anyway, about the food — we started with complimentary thin naan with two sauces. Very nice starter. Then, we waited about 20 – 30 minutes (a bit ridiculous if you ask me…) for our three chicken tikka masala and one lahori balti gosht. We were also given two rice dishes (we had four people, we thought we’d get four) but not much to complain about that because it does look small, but it is certainly filling. If you’re not hungry, two people can share one.
The prices are relatively same to all of those in the area. There is nothing wrong with the food — it’s absolutely delicious. Full pieces of chicken for the masala — nice, large chunks and same goes for the lamb. However, asking for mild spice… still a bit hot but that’s not the problem.
The problem was their service. Continuously, we’d have to ask for water when most of the waiters were just hanging out by the bar because they didn’t pay attention to us. The service is absolutely poor but it was strange — it wasn’t even busy. We were one of the three tables there at 8pm on a Tuesday night. When they gave us water, they either didn’t fill everyone’s cup or overfilled and spilled some. Also, the waiter is different from the person who takes your order… yes it’s strange. The waiter has no idea about the sizing of the dishes, but the person who takes your order and checks up on you does (I guess he sorta realized that we weren’t too fond of the service). With that, they gave us complimentary rice pudding with ginger and almonds — very good but not for my taste.
Also, the overall atmosphere is also kinda dim (he asks if you want to turn on the light). The art is kinda nice and the chairs are comfy but I guess if you look at it other than that, the whole restaurant is just kinda silent until the waiter turns on the TV with Bollywood. No music, just Bollywood (which sort of has music) but a language that I’m sure a lot of the people who visit this restaurant wouldn’t understand.
I would come here for the food, maybe take-​out but not for the experience.

This was a new try for us in Curry Hill. My friends wanted protein so we didn’t go to my favorite vegetarian Indian.
We stood outside debating. It was fairly quite inside for a Saturday evening dinner. Checking Unilocal.Hmmmm… I know sometimes those stars make or break a decision but in this case we decided to take a chance.
The low key restaurant had some lingering patrons eating on the night we went. As far as service went. It was fine. It was acceptable. The host came to take our orders after settling down and looking at the menu. The Ginger Ale was flat from the tap so they gave me friend from a can. The vegetable samosas were slightly dry on the inside but overall tasted good. The 4 pieces of Tandoori Chicken was pretty good and moist still. The Chicken Tikka Marsala in a creamy sauce that was slightly spicy but held together. The okra was the only one that seemed to have been left in the pot all day and this was the last of it for the night. It was good but the okra were a bit dry. I liked the lemon rice aromatic with pieces of whole dried chilli peppers and lemon leaves.
So our random pick turned out to be a decent choice even with the Unilocal rating. We enjoyed our meal. It was a pleasant service. Food came out not to long after our orders. While the water wasn’t always refilled and had to ask. We were content in our little world. Sometimes you have to just give it a try. We did and were happily surprised.