Kalia
8518 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103
Kalia Menu
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Address :
8518 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA, 98103 - Phone (206) 782-7890
- Website https://www.kaliacuisine.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
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Jon C.
Well, this is going to be like tearing off a band-aid. Here goes nothing... Expensive, unbalanced and unfortunately tasting a bit of left-overs. I'd give it 1.5 stars if I could, but I really don't think the experience was deserving of 2; though, it could've been a 2, had they just forgotten to bring us desert. The majority of the meal tasted as if it were sitting over a steam bath for the past several hours. Nothing really had a fresh taste to it. The owner seems like a really nice guy (very hands-on), but he really needs to reconsider the business to have a packed house, in my opinion. I'll begin by mentioning a few 'tells' of this place: 1. The restaurant is a barren wasteland on almost any given night. Ever since they've re-opened, I've only ever seen two tables occupied at any given time. That's usually a sign that the food isn't amazing. In my opinion, it is not. 2. Upon placing our order (the $44 Banquet for Two -- so as to 'sample the goods', as it were), the waitress looked at us as if we had made a bad decision. "Well, shit." Based on other reviews, I ordered a "0" on the spice scale. I prefer a little bit of spiciness in my dishes, but often, my company does not. In retrospect, I'm not sure spicy food would've made it any better. The staples were decent enough. The fried appetizers were okay, but not incredible; definitely the most bland Samosa I've ever had. Otherwise, they just did not taste very fresh. The Butter Chicken was good (fairly hard to mess up), and the Naan was edible (though, a bit gooey and doughy in the middle). The Palak Chicken was okay, though the chicken had little bits of cartilage attached. Not completely awful, but nothing to really write home about; certainly not at this price. All in all, I've had better (and fresher) dishes at sub-$10 Indian Buffets. And sadly, the portions of an entree here are not worth $10 each. Each dish probably has half of a chicken breast in it, cut into fourths. The rice really didn't have any amount of flavor (though it was unlimited -- go figure), and the Lamb Vindaloo seemed to be rather spicy and sour, without a hint of lamb or potato flavor. Honestly, I couldn't identify that as lamb in a blind taste test. Again, I've had better lamb dishes at cheaper establishments. Sadly, Naan is extra. This is unfortunate, as dipping Naan in the curry was the only real redeeming portion of the meal. So, our dessert arrives. This is where we lose that second star: It's a single bowl of off-tasting Rice Pudding. Well, to call it a 'bowl' is a bit deceiving -- think of it as a tiny saucer you'd use to store a dipping sauce, or a chutney. With it, are two spoons, hanging off of the edge. Insulted, we sampled it, and found it to be quite bad. I don't know if this was supposed to be Kheer or Rice Pudding, but it tasted like neither. When the check came, I asked if the Mango Custard would be showing up any time soon, and the owner - interrupting the server - said that it would. Well, thanks for letting us try it, but neither the texture nor taste was very agreeable. This time, the bowl is an actual bowl; but again, we're given two spoons and are expected to share it across this giant table. As for the taste: It reminded me a bit of cottage cheese with mango pulp. It had chunks of 'skin' that you would typically find on pudding, when it sits out for too long. Not very appetizing, if you ask me. The best way to describe it would be, "So you're sitting there, eating cottage cheese, and someone spills some Mango juice in your bowl. You leave it sit for a few hours, and then come back later in the day, to eat the rest." Lukewarm and inedible. I even tried it again, just to be sure. In sum, this isn't at all the experience I was hoping for -- especially not for $44. I'm not really sure where all of these highly-rated reviews come from, to be honest.
(1)Erin B.
I walked by Kalia last night and almost cried seeing it completely gutted from the smoke and electrical damage from the freaking arsons. My boyfriend and I visit this place semi-frequently, it is a convenient walk from home, and it is such fantastic food! We usually go for dinner, but I also looove the lunch buffet, I love having so many choices and variety. I've had a few different dishes, but it's so hard for me to get anything besides the chicken tikka masala, I love it so much! The server/owner, Mr. Kalia, is the nicest guy ever! Sometimes he waves at us as we're passing by. I miss you, Kalia!!! Come back soon!!! I will drive up to Lynnwood to your other location if I have to!! ... and now I'm hungry..
(5)Victoria A.
I love Kalia! My family would go everyday if we could afford it. The service is awesome, every time we come the guy who owns the place comes and talks to us like we're old friends. I love the awesome Bollywood music videos they always play. The food... oh yeah. I prefer coming for dinner because the buffet is a bit mild for my taste- obviously if it's buffet they can't go making everything a 5. Although the buffet is better for the wallet. Every time we eat here we end up with a ton of left overs that make an awesome breakfast. Can't wait for them to reopen....
(5)Patty S.
Just to point out almost all menu items are gf. Thank you for not putting flour where it doesn't belong!!
(4)Lee A.
Don't go here with the impression that this is the same as the Kalia in Lynnwood. We usually get chicken tikka masala from the lynnwood place and so we thought we would get the same here. It's completely different. The sauce is red and chunky (compared to the other smooth and orange) and the spices are different. It wasn't bad just not what we were expecting. I think the servings are a bit bigger and the staff here is nice. I hope they tell the blonde girl to put her hair in a ponytail though so she can avoid dipping her hair in your drinks/food. So odd. Decent/average food, great service.
(3)Salty E.
The service was wonderful, the staff and owner were so friendly and helpful. Great neighborhood Indian restaurant. The food was also perfect, they were very accurate about the spiciness of their dishes (I ordered a mango chicken 3, and husband got a goat curry 5). 5 was very hot, as they said it would be, too spicy for me but my husband loved it. You get a generous portion of food for the price and the mango pudding dessert was amazing in helping to neutralize the lingering spice. They had a huge variety of naan and I want to try them all! Will definitely go back soon!
(5)Crystal F.
After 9 years of living a block away I finally tried this place after seeing decent yelp reviews. We ordered take out on a Saturday night and our order was ready in less than 30 minutes. We ordered naan (very fluffy), raita (a bit watered down), veggie biryani (ok), lamb korma (DELICIOUS), bangan bharta (Delicious!!) We like spice so ordered 4 stars and they definitely delivered that. The portion sizes are so large we had a ton of leftovers. All in all very solid takeout spot in my hood and I'll be back for sure.
(3)Suhani C.
Really disappointed in this place. I went there last Sunday and there happened to be a belly dancing show going on. I had placed an order for pick up and they said it would be ready for 40 minutes. I ended up waiting for 1 hour and 20 minutes! The owner had two poor waitresses working the entire restaurant. It was SO hot and muggy and I had to ask about my food 4-5 times before they brought it out. The owner really needs to step it up because the belly dancing event was pre-planned, so more staff should have been scheduled. In the past, whenever I've gone there, the restaurant is always literally empty, kid you not, so service is normal. You can't grow a business if you can't even serve your customers with some basics. The food isn't cheap here so I expect the service to be much better. Very disappointed? :(
(2)Y S.
Went here for dinner over the weekend with a few friends. Really enjoyed the fact that they had Hayward's available - in addition to the more usual offerings of Kingfisher & Taj Mahal. My cold bottle went perfectly with the warm & pillowy garlic naan. My choice of entree (chicken rogan josh) was savory, juicy, and flavorful - and a great dipping sauce for naan - and my friends enjoyed their lamb dishes (mango & curry, respectively). I'm hesitant about trying lamb at any restaurant that is new to me, but it was cooked perfectly in both cases. We all inhaled our food! Our server was friendly, attentive, and immediately remedied any (minor) issues that came up during the meal. The affable and solicitous owner spent some time at our table a little later, as we were digesting our meals with the help of some surprisingly good Indian wine, and offered us some freshly made & complimentary gulab jamun. All in all, a great meal, and one I'm hoping to repeat soon.
(4)Patrick H.
Been in here for dinner several times. Food is always delicious and filling! Service is always great, AND they take restaurant.com coupons as well. Makes for a great meal at a great price. There is a young male server that we usually get, who is always friendly and smiling. Many of the entrees are excellent when ordered spicy. I personally love getting the Chicken Tikka Masala & one of the varieties of naan. And....they always come back and check on you to make sure that the level of spice is to your liking! One word of caution though, the Chili Pakora is really hot and only the bravest should ever order it!
(5)Elynne G.
I like it for their location as being on the same street of my favorite bar, but good Indian food is hard to find.. I stumbled upon this place with a few vegetarian friends and we were starving for something different.. I loved the interior of the place, everything reminded me of authentic Indian restaurants we had back home in Malaysia, and the Bollywood videos playing on the tv brought back memories of my Indian friends from high school.. The food was delicious, we ordered most of the items non-spicy so that we could taste the true flavors.. We had garlic cheese naan to go with the dishes of paneer makni, yellow dhal and vegetable jalfrazie.. All four dishes were absolutely lip-smackering.. I know they have a lunch special, I wish I had time in the afternoons some day to do that.. I have not tried their food since they re-opened after the fire but I think I will soon..
(4)Sara L.
Went here for the second time with the roommates this evening. I'm glad they're back after the horrible arsonist made them close for a bit. The chicken tikka masala is DELICIOUS -- second time I've ordered it, and I am pretty sure I will continue to order it. Perfectly cooked naan, perfectly cooked meat, perfectly seasoned spices, nom nom nom. I also really like that they give you free refills on rice if you run out -- a lot of Indian and Asian places I've been to charge for rice, which is annoying. I'll be back.
(4)Trinda H.
I've been to both this location and the Lynnwood location and both places are fantastic with wonderful staff! I went with the waiter's recommendation for both the entree and the bread and I was in heaven! I got a paneer masala dish (don't know the name) and the cheese filled bread - I think I will get those every time I go back! Check out the belly dancing on the second and third Sundays - so fun!!! It's the second Sunday in Lynnwood and the third Sunday at this location. You must go!
(5)Micah A.
Someday I'd like to go to India so that I can write negative Yelp reviews on every Indian restaurant in the US and start each one by saying "I've been to India, so I know great Indian food." That's how that works right? Kind of like "I went to Cancun during spring break and tried this one place drunk but now I judge all other Mexican restaurants by how authentic they are compared to this place I don't remember in the tourist trap area of Mexico." Sadly, I haven't been yet, so I can't pretend I have some sort of authority on what good Indian food is even though visiting a country and trying their cuisine has absolutely no bearing on whether or not food tastes good elsewhere. Fun fact! "Authentic" is apparently not synonymous with the word "good." I checked a thesaurus and everything! So I went to Kalia with a friend and his daughter. I ordered Spinach Kafta which is supposed to be spinach and cheese balls though they really tasted more like falafel. I also maxed out the spicy rating at 6, and it was pretty hot, which is a nice change of pace from everywhere. I was pleased with the flavor, though the portion of rice they provided with the dish was smaller than most other places. I also ordered a plain na'an, and it was unremarkable but not bad. I'd go back and recommend it, but I don't think it would blow anyone away. But then again, what do I know about Indian food. I've never been to India.
(4)David L.
I am a fan of indian food for the most part. My favorite place within walking distance would be the saffron grill. I didn't feel like walking last night or driving, so I ordered from another indian restaurant I am a fan of: Kalia. I made an order for delivery and they arrived within 30 minutes with my butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and garlic and basil naan. It was tasty and spicy the way I ordered it based on their 1-6 star's spice level. I was very satisfied with their response time and the flavor.
(4)Laxman P.
We really liked the food there. Got authentic taste and the service was also really great. Would love to go there again.
(5)Laura P.
As a last minute decision the BF and I decided to try this place out for the first time. We walked through the doors 15 minutes before closing time, I know that's terrible of us - but there were two other tables seated, so we figured we would give it a go. I'm guessing our waiter was the owner, because he was super friendly and inviting, even though they were about to close. I haven't had a ton of Indian food to compare this place to, but it was really delicious! The garlic naan was flavorful, not too garlicky - served warm and well baked. We also got the Chicken Tandoori and Chicken Tikka Masala, which are my two favorites and they were mouth watering yummy! Great flavors and was perfectly spiced how we ordered (3) and the chicken was cooked perfectly. We asked the waiter to surprise us with his favorite lamb dish.. he didn't really tell us which one he decided on. It came in a brown sauce of some sort, and it was definitely my favorite of the three. We did order the Indian Salad in the beginning to get some veggies on the table, I don't really recommend it because it definitely isn't the typical salad I am used to. The veggies were hard, raw and cold pickled of some sorts.. we barely touched it. But the basmati rice was delicious and bottomless. I wasn't a huge fan of whatever the orange gelatin dessert was that came with the rice pudding, but besides that, the food is very tasty and our service was fast and friendly. I will most definitely be back to find out what that lamb dish was!
(4)Katie H.
Come hungry and leave full. This is authentic Indian and so so good. Boyfriend and I stopped by on a whim and got one of the three course meat meals for $41 and were in heaven while we stuffed ourselves with curry chicken, perfectly prepared goat and a delicious mango pudding for dessert. It was more than enough for the two of us and we happy took the rest home. The owner is super friendly and accommodating and I swear it's his grandmother cooking in the back the food was that good. Definitely recommend it, it's a hidden gem for sure.
(5)Anna D.
This was my first time coming here with a friend of mine during a buffet. If you like Indian food i will say this is the best! Way better than your mainstream stuff and highly underrated! The service was great, music on tv was awesome and the garlic naan is always to die for because they make it fresh from the back. The buffet is decent priced for what you get, it also includes chai! The butter chicken was very pleasing with the mix of raita and some salad. I also love their paneer dishes (awesome for vegetarians). There is a large variety in the menu as well. I will definitely be back for more....and if you're reading this, don't hesitate to check it out!! P.S for anyone who likes tangy yummy foods i recommend saag chole with the poori, with a side of diced onions and tomatoes w/ lemon.
(5)Laura M.
Kalia is the top choice for me and my boyfriend. I order the lamb curry, it's delicious. The waiter has always been so kind to us. One time when my food was a little too hot for me, the water gave me a complimentary rice pudding. Delicious food, lovely people. The dancing and music on the TV is always a nice touch too, fun to watch.
(5)Eric D.
Really good food but the staff is what makes it such a great experience. They have any kind of curry you can think of and a lot of nann choices... my weakness.
(5)Erin N.
I have never been treated so poorly in my life. I love Indian food, and am not terribly particular because I enjoy it so much. So I place a lot of value on service. But this place is awful. I purchased a gift certificate, 2 in fact as part of a gift I was given. Kalia required that I buy $100, so I bought two $50 certificates. But when I went in, they insisted I needed to buy $100 in FOOD, and that my certificate would only be redeemed for the $50 I already spent if I bought $100 worth. I could also only use one certificate at a time. When I asked to speak with a manager to clarify, they told me it was my fault for being stupid and they wouldn't give me food. After a very long day at work, my husband and I (two people) wanted a quiet night at home with some yummy comfort food. Instead, we were greeted with sour attitudes and an establishment that would rather screw a person than build a relationship with a new customer. Wont be going here EVER.
(1)Kristen L.
We came here for dinner and ordered the samosa, garlic and basil naan, chicken tikki masala and mango chicken. All in all, everything was decent... not the best Indian food, not the worst, just OK. The tikki masala was a little too "tomatoey" for me and not nearly as flavorful as the mango chicken. In addition, the chicken in the tikki masala was firmer and not as moist as the mango chicken. This place seems to be more of a lunch or to-go place, as each time I've walked past this restaurant for dinner it's been empty. As predicted, my bf and I were the only ones in the restaurant. Service was friendly and attentive.
(3)Kevin K.
Yum! Wife and I shared Tandoori fish, chefs special Naan, mango lamb, chai tea, salty lassi. Server was very friendly. We caught them when they weren't too busy so we had time to enjoy conversing with him as well. Tip: restaurant.com has coupons for this place.
(5)Priyamvada B.
A discount coupon (well fate) brought us here. First of all, I love the drive all the way from downtown to this quiet area. Secondly, the food has been delicious all 3 times we went there (only tried vegetarian) and the manager is very personal and warm. Order medium spice level (trust me we ordered spiciest in enthusiasm and then the kind manager got our dishes replaced, the second course was awesome).
(4)Samantha G.
Who can say no to their $7.99 lunch buffet? It's not the greatest but it filled me up without making a dent in my wallet. I'll start off with the stuff I wasn't impressed with: Their tandoori chicken was overcooked, where the meat was dry and slightly tough. I probably will skip this one next time. The rice was also a little overcooked as well so it was a good thing I got a small sample of that. Other than that, the rest of the food I tried was fine. My favorites had to be their curry cabbage dish, garlic naan and pickled carrots. The pickled carrots had a nice kick and acidic taste to them. If anything, I'll come back when I'm lazy to cook.
(3)James E.
I dont review often but I have been in here twice now (once for togo and one for sit down). It is hard to get any kind of service and even when you do the food is just NOT GOOD. There are SO many great indian places. Work to get this garbage off greenwood.
(1)Shekinah S.
We needed a late dinner in Greenwood and passed on several places with 2 Star ratings (what did we do before magical phones and Yelp?!). Kalia had a respectable rating so we headed in. We were greeted warmly even though it was 9:30 and they close at 10. There were a couple other tables and towards the end one guy came in to order food to go. We started with the garlic & basil naan ($2.99). Delicious. It was fluffy and buttery and covered with bits of garlic. It was served with two chutneys, one green and one reddish like at all other Indian places. However, unlike at other Indian places the sauces had a bit of kick and were served separately in two little dishes so we didn't run out. Nice. I noticed several stuffed naan options on the menu and I'd like to try those if we ever come back. For entrees I had the mango chicken ($13.99) and my boyfriend had the vegetable vindaloo ($10.99). We were each served a plate of buttery basmati (?) rice and our food arrived in cute little copper bowls placed atop candle holder thingys. I could have lived without the candle contraption since I was constantly afraid that I would either tip my food off the holder and/or set something on fire. The mango chicken was slightly sweet and very tasty. No chunks of fruit -- just chicken in the sauce -- and the 5 out of 6 stars spiciness was not really that spicy. I added some of the green chutney and that was good too. The vege vindaloo had a nice variety of vegetables and my BF quite enjoyed his meal (he opted for 3 out of 6 stars and I felt like it was the same as mine in terms of spiciness). The servings were a little small for the price tag, but I filled up on naan so I did get leftovers out of it. Success! What really made this an enjoyable experience was the service and atmosphere. A TV at the back near the bar was playing Indian pop music videos and these were the most entertaining things I've ever seen. I could have watched them for hours. I kept laughing hysterically, they were so amazing I could barely pay attention to anything else. SNOOP DOG actually appeared in one of the videos!!!?!?! Seriously. The very adorable waiter was singing along with the songs, made a show out of packaging up my leftovers, and at one point actually jumped into the air and CLICKED HIS HEELS. He was very amusing and did not make us feel rushed. The man that I think is the owner came and checked on us several times as well. I'm glad we found Kalia. I'd stop in again if I was in Greenwood. Credit cards accepted. Kalia closes for about an hour inbetween lunch/brunch and dinner, FYI. Lunch buffet and catering available.
(4)Mollie F.
I was really hoping this place would be better. I am very disappointed! The waiter/owner (?) tried to talk me out of the meal I was going to get since it was the same order as my boyfriend. Look, that's what I want to eat, so stop nagging me. I ended up trying something else just so he would leave me alone. The food came out pretty quick - this explains why the rice wasn't cooked all the way! The curry was literally all heat with no real flavor to it. The tikka masala was a little bit more flavorful... but not by much. We ordered garlic and basil naan to go with our "family-sized" (NOT!!!) meal. It was like eating garlic with a little bit of naan flavor. So disappointed. To top it off, we were clearly ready to pay and the owner (the only server at the time with no other customers but us) was too busy talking on his personal cell phone. We ended up walking over to him and personally handing him our card so he could just run it already. We were ready to leave! I will not be returning here. If you want really good Indian food and don't mind heading a little bit south of Seattle, I recommend India Mahal in University Place. SO good.
(1)Mark M.
Have gone here probably a half dozen times. Their Naan tastes very good, and we order it with every meal. Their food is pretty good, but the quality can be kind of hit or miss. I usually order take out, and there have been times my food tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. (perhaps they took the buffet food and served it, instead of made to order). For the most part, my food usually tastes great, and this could have been an isolated incident. The staff is VERY friendly. I usually see the same guy in there every time I go, and he is VERY polite, and very helpful. If you go to this restaurant, you will get good service. This place is unfortunately not very busy, so getting a table should not be a problem.
(4)Brad A.
Curry lamb. Yum. The young waiter. Wow. Parking in the back. Nice. Naan bread. Mmm. I like to go there regularly.
(5)Leonard P.
I don't normally find myself in Greenwood for any reason, let alone in Greenwood looking for strip mall Indian food. But sometimes, social engagements demand one's presence, so there I was. Service is indeed attentive and courteous; it's just too bad the food couldn't live up to its presentation. It's not as bad as strip-mall Indian can get (though the venue is a bit of a drag), but it's still pretty average and uninspired. They do host belly-dancing on occasion, which is more than worth coming out for, but otherwise, there are more and better Indian options in Seattle.
(3)Anthony S.
Curry here is very good. I recommend anything with lamb meat. My friends and I ordered different types of curry and they were all good. The only reason I dock off a star is that I wasn't really pleased with the naan. It was hard and I felt like I was eating thin pizza. I've been to really good Indian restaurants where the naan is fluffy with a good amount of butter. The server was attentative. The restaurant looks appealing for Indian curry fans. I'll be back soon!
(4)Anna W.
The Greenwood Arson spree took place very shortly after I moved to the neighbourhood, and sadly, it took Kalia with it. Tonight, my roomies and I finally got to check out the newly restored Kalia. The place itself and the service were good. The owner (I assume it was the owner) came over to our table several times to make sure everything was good -- and it was. A warmly-hued interior, Bollywood videos, and a very attentive server made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Adding to the warm fuzzies was the food. I liked the Garlic & Basil Naan and the Chicken Tikka Masala especially, as in, I'm pretty sure I could eat them for every meal. Chef's Special Naan and Lamb Vindaloo were good, too, but the other dishes were especially memorable. I don't know how busy Kalia was before the fires, but it was fairly quiet when we were there despite the fact that it was Friday night. So I hope people continue to come in and support this place. I'll try my best to do my part.
(4)Chelsea J.
This was my first visit to Kalia and I was pleased. Will definitely go back! Prices were good. I got a mango lassi for $2.50 which is a good deal. I ordered the chicken tikka masala with a spicy level of 4 on a scale of 1-6. The server was right when she warned me that it was spicy. I was surprised that it was spicier than I usually prefer at only a 4/6. I would normally order a 4 on a scale of 1-5 and be perfectly happy. If you like spicy, I'd suggest trying a 4 unless you know you like very spicy dishes! The other dish we had was chicken korma at a spiciness of 3. It was creamy and delicious with pieces of cashew sprinkled in the sauce. In both chicken dishes I thought the chicken pieces were a bit on the tough side. This was the only negative side of any of the dishes we had. The bread pakora was my favorite pakora I have had! The bready coating was seasoned and crunchy, pairing well with the chutneys on the table. The garlic naan was pretty standard but very tasty and fluffy. Free rice refills were a plus. The rice was excellent. The service was attentive without being overbearing. I am already looking forward to going back to Kalia!
(4)Ann G.
The food is good, the service is friendly, and they know the difference between 3 star spicy and 5 star spicy. While there's nothing wrong with the take out, this is a place where I much prefer to sit down for my food. I've only ever been for dinner; never for the buffet lunch, so I can't speak to that!
(4)Lizzie C.
I've eaten here twice so far and will definitely go back, for several reasons: 1) Awesome vegetarian menu 2) Incredible naan 3) Not too loud 4) Bollywood music videos constantly playing on TV above kitchen Both times I've been, I requested a spice level of 0 (on a scale from 1-6) and, true to form, the food wasn't spicy at all. I can see why some reviewers have found it uninviting. The place always seems mostly empty, which is weird. But I'm not complaining. I mean, come on, where else can you walk in and get naan to go?
(4)Katie S.
Very sweet and friendly server, the only person there besides one other diner. I should have left when I saw the practically empty restaurant. What a sad, lonely buffet line of un-needed food. There were no vegetables worth eating, the only thing with any flavor was the butter chicken and one other chicken based item. The naan bread was brought out for me, and had obviously been microwaved, as it toughened considerably after 5 minutes' cooling time. The mint chutney is an unappealingly artificial shade of green, but tastes alright. I've been here once before several years ago, but I won't be back. My tummy's been bothering me all afternoon. : ( RULE ONE: NEVER eat at a place where vast quantities of colorless (except the chutney) food sit and no one is eating. Seriously, what was I thinking? That food could have been warmed up several days in a row for all I know. Lord knows there aren't enough customers to eat it. Yuck. Chutney's in Wallingford, now THAT'S an Indian lunch buffet.
(2)Nicole M.
I went with a friend for dinner and it was absolutely amazing! The waiter was friendly, attentive, and overall pleasant. We started with the Veggie samosas and some Indian Beer. We moved on to the main course of Curry Lamb, Tikka Masala Chicken, Creamed Spinach with Potato, and Garlic & Plain Naan. It was so goof and filling we had plenty left overs and were too full to get desert! Next time i'm hitting up the LUNCH BUFFET and I can't wait!
(4)Alan W.
Holy cow! No play on words intended. The food is REALLY delicioso, unbelievably so actually. You get free rice and then order sauces... clearly I am a frequent Indian food flyer. Anyway, I got butter chicken which is a beautiful orange bowl of sauce with chicken inside to spread on light and fluffy garlic naan, yummmmm!!! Also, I had the lamb in creamed spinach sauce which was also superb. The mango lassi was pretty forgettable at $2.50, but I think the naan is the item that really puts this place over the top. The restaurant needs some lighting because I could hardly see my food. The chandeliers provide only the impression that there will be visibility. Expect ~$20/person, a whole lot of clarified buttery deliciousness and a restaurant all to yourself. Come for the food and the peace and quiet, because no one eats here.
(4)Happy M.
I love this place. I only get delivery, so I can't speak to the restaurant, but the food is great and I'm always amazed how quickly they get here. I usually get the malia kofta & the sag panare (I'm definitely spelling those both incorrectly) and both are very good. Those are my standard order at any indian food restaurant so I know Kailia does a good job with them. The portions are good, and the gentleman who delivers is professional and polite.
(5)gretchen m.
We wanted a curry the other night and didn't want to travel far so we went to Kalia in Greenwood. Now we've been ordering for delivery from them for a while and they were just okay, but we found that eating it right there in the restaurant the food was much better. We had tomato basil soup which was lightly spicy and tasty. The onion stuffed naan (I forget the real name for this) was good as was the butter chicken and a vegetarian curry dish as well. Overall a very good meal. Reasonably priced. The place is a little plain looking but it was fine for a weeknight. The Indian music videos playing on the TV could have been annoying but actually weren't as they kept the music to the right level. There is free parking in back which is helpful.
(3)Mm Z.
The vegetable saag is one of the most tasty and unique dishes I've had in a while, and you can't beat 8 entrees for an $8.99 lunch buffet....
(4)Cameron T.
Take out was good. Mango chicken and a veggie curry. From the comments below I would avoid the lunch buffet and just stick with take out. That's what I did. The man who greeted us at the counter was very nice.
(4)Adam L.
Damn good Indian food. Friendly service. Worth a visit.
(5)Bill S.
Had a hankering for Indian and had to run to my bank, decided to kill 2 birds. I figured since this place was next door I'd give it another try. The food was fresh and really amazing, so I loaded up my plate and ordered a big beer thinking I'd be here for a few plates. I was 3 bites into my first plate 2 sips into my beer when a cockroach walks across my table and on to my plate. I promptly sent him on to his next level of consciousness. I look over on the sill and there were 2 more crawling around, at that point I got up and left. that was $20.00 I'll never get back.... I'd love to love this place but I don't share my food ever especially with creepy crawlers.
(1)Dee W.
Great lunch buffet! Terrific selection, variety... The butter chicken, garlic naan, veggies and sauces are always tasty. Service is friendly but not very attentive. It's a buffet so I think one server (I think he's the owner) seems to run the whole place alone at lunch. I've never brought my husband but to try it but will soon. I also found out they have a location in Lynnwood that I will check out. Thanks!
(4)Andy O.
Service was fast and very friendly. Food was tasty w/just the right amount of spicing (I got the aloo mutter).
(5)H K.
This is a decent take out place if you live in the neighborhood. The quality and taste is a hit or miss. Sometimes the food is amazingly fresh and delicious other times it completely misses the mark. I've often gotten naan that wasn't cooked so I finish the cooking process at home. Occasionally the pieces of garlic and ginger are an afterthought and you will find large chunks of it in your dish.
(3)Dan H.
Great buffet! Very underrated. Nothin' fancy here, just very tasty and varied food. Pros: Food taste, large variety of items, very reasonable price Cons: The soap operas on tv
(4)Chris S.
Went here for the lunch buffet. Not sure if I got there on a bad day, but the food was bland, and meats were dry. One day I may want to go back and try the other food on the menu, but from what I tasted, I don't think it'll be anytime soon. I think the only thing I liked in there was the diet coke.
(1)Brittanie F.
I placed a order for pick up for the Chicken Tikka Masla and Garlic cheese naan. When I arrived 15mins later, I walked into a completely empty restaurant, even though I saw my to go order on the counter. I stood around for about 10 minutes, 9 minutes too LONG! I didn't get service to pay for my meal till I walked back to the kitchen and asked someone to help me. I've worked in the restaurant industry for a long time this was some of the worst service I have ever received. Sadly the food did not make up for it. As a prior review stated the Chicken Tikka Masla was "tomatoey" and note good at all! The naan was alright but either way I won't be coming back unless someone buys these guys out and I really hope they do cause I would like a good Indian food restaurant in Greenwood, one that rivaled Annapura Cafe in Capitol Hill.
(1)Rachael F.
We love Kalia! The staff is friendly. The atmosphere is inviting. And the food is wonderful!! Would happily recommend Kalia to anyone looking for good Indian!
(5)C M.
If you live near Kalia, it's a great takeout North Indian option. We've had tandoori chicken, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, a couple different kinds of naan... all really really good. Four of us got three entrees and there were leftovers.
(4)Pea J.
One of my favorite places. Excellent servings, wonderful flavors. Quick delivery times. Every dish I've had is amazing. The only complaint would be the samosas. Sometimes they can be a bit dry. I've only ever ordered delivery but sometime I want to go to the restaurant and introduce myself to the owner. I recommend the naan, and the butter curry with lamb. The Chicken Tikka is done very nicely, tandoori style over charcoal, boneless. If you want your chicken bone-in then try the Chicken Tandoori.. Another thing about this place I like is the consistency. Also, the rice, which is always perfectly cooked and free!
(4)Ron O.
Overpriced. I normally love Saag Ghoosht, (lamb and spinach and mustard greens). I order it here, but the meat was bland. Food was poor quality. I won't eat here again.
(2)Daren D.
Mainly 4 for me letting my take-out get cold, p00p. I got simple snacks with the garlic & basil naan and basmati chawal(?) rice. It was cold when I got home, but I could imagine it being very good at the right temp - eating it right away. ;)
(4)Josh C.
We went on New Year's Day, and unfortunate to say that the food was really bad. All the main dishes were very greasy and the curries were thin and watery. Even the dhal was off. It all lacked flavor, and we left feeling a bit sick.
(1)Grant N.
My wife and I were craving Indian food, were in the neighborhood and took a chance by ordering take out. Maybe it was that we ordered 30 minutes before they closed but the food wasn't prepared very well. It was bland, the texture was off and the rice was either not cooked or burnt. I'll eat anything and I couldn't eat more than a few bites. The staff was friendly and the interior was nice but not enough to make up for the food quality.
(2)Jamie U.
GREAT service! I called a bit too late for delivery, so I had to go pick it up. When I picked up, I realized they were closed and stayed open just for me. When I apologized for not realizing how late it was, he smiled and said "Really, no problem. We don't want anyone to go hungry." The food was good. I hate to say that it's not the best Indian, but, they deliver and that makes up for it. Its great for a night you don't want to go out but are craving curry. 4 stars and I will be ordering again. :)
(4)Samantha G.
Who can say no to their $7.99 lunch buffet? It's not the greatest but it filled me up without making a dent in my wallet. I'll start off with the stuff I wasn't impressed with: Their tandoori chicken was overcooked, where the meat was dry and slightly tough. I probably will skip this one next time. The rice was also a little overcooked as well so it was a good thing I got a small sample of that. Other than that, the rest of the food I tried was fine. My favorites had to be their curry cabbage dish, garlic naan and pickled carrots. The pickled carrots had a nice kick and acidic taste to them. If anything, I'll come back when I'm lazy to cook.
(3)James E.
I dont review often but I have been in here twice now (once for togo and one for sit down). It is hard to get any kind of service and even when you do the food is just NOT GOOD. There are SO many great indian places. Work to get this garbage off greenwood.
(1)Patty S.
Just to point out almost all menu items are gf. Thank you for not putting flour where it doesn't belong!!
(4)David L.
I am a fan of indian food for the most part. My favorite place within walking distance would be the saffron grill. I didn't feel like walking last night or driving, so I ordered from another indian restaurant I am a fan of: Kalia. I made an order for delivery and they arrived within 30 minutes with my butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and garlic and basil naan. It was tasty and spicy the way I ordered it based on their 1-6 star's spice level. I was very satisfied with their response time and the flavor.
(4)Laxman P.
We really liked the food there. Got authentic taste and the service was also really great. Would love to go there again.
(5)Dee W.
Great lunch buffet! Terrific selection, variety... The butter chicken, garlic naan, veggies and sauces are always tasty. Service is friendly but not very attentive. It's a buffet so I think one server (I think he's the owner) seems to run the whole place alone at lunch. I've never brought my husband but to try it but will soon. I also found out they have a location in Lynnwood that I will check out. Thanks!
(4)Andy O.
Service was fast and very friendly. Food was tasty w/just the right amount of spicing (I got the aloo mutter).
(5)H K.
This is a decent take out place if you live in the neighborhood. The quality and taste is a hit or miss. Sometimes the food is amazingly fresh and delicious other times it completely misses the mark. I've often gotten naan that wasn't cooked so I finish the cooking process at home. Occasionally the pieces of garlic and ginger are an afterthought and you will find large chunks of it in your dish.
(3)Pea J.
One of my favorite places. Excellent servings, wonderful flavors. Quick delivery times. Every dish I've had is amazing. The only complaint would be the samosas. Sometimes they can be a bit dry. I've only ever ordered delivery but sometime I want to go to the restaurant and introduce myself to the owner. I recommend the naan, and the butter curry with lamb. The Chicken Tikka is done very nicely, tandoori style over charcoal, boneless. If you want your chicken bone-in then try the Chicken Tandoori.. Another thing about this place I like is the consistency. Also, the rice, which is always perfectly cooked and free!
(4)Rachael F.
We love Kalia! The staff is friendly. The atmosphere is inviting. And the food is wonderful!! Would happily recommend Kalia to anyone looking for good Indian!
(5)C M.
If you live near Kalia, it's a great takeout North Indian option. We've had tandoori chicken, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, a couple different kinds of naan... all really really good. Four of us got three entrees and there were leftovers.
(4)Trinda H.
I've been to both this location and the Lynnwood location and both places are fantastic with wonderful staff! I went with the waiter's recommendation for both the entree and the bread and I was in heaven! I got a paneer masala dish (don't know the name) and the cheese filled bread - I think I will get those every time I go back! Check out the belly dancing on the second and third Sundays - so fun!!! It's the second Sunday in Lynnwood and the third Sunday at this location. You must go!
(5)Micah A.
Someday I'd like to go to India so that I can write negative Yelp reviews on every Indian restaurant in the US and start each one by saying "I've been to India, so I know great Indian food." That's how that works right? Kind of like "I went to Cancun during spring break and tried this one place drunk but now I judge all other Mexican restaurants by how authentic they are compared to this place I don't remember in the tourist trap area of Mexico." Sadly, I haven't been yet, so I can't pretend I have some sort of authority on what good Indian food is even though visiting a country and trying their cuisine has absolutely no bearing on whether or not food tastes good elsewhere. Fun fact! "Authentic" is apparently not synonymous with the word "good." I checked a thesaurus and everything! So I went to Kalia with a friend and his daughter. I ordered Spinach Kafta which is supposed to be spinach and cheese balls though they really tasted more like falafel. I also maxed out the spicy rating at 6, and it was pretty hot, which is a nice change of pace from everywhere. I was pleased with the flavor, though the portion of rice they provided with the dish was smaller than most other places. I also ordered a plain na'an, and it was unremarkable but not bad. I'd go back and recommend it, but I don't think it would blow anyone away. But then again, what do I know about Indian food. I've never been to India.
(4)Shekinah S.
We needed a late dinner in Greenwood and passed on several places with 2 Star ratings (what did we do before magical phones and Yelp?!). Kalia had a respectable rating so we headed in. We were greeted warmly even though it was 9:30 and they close at 10. There were a couple other tables and towards the end one guy came in to order food to go. We started with the garlic & basil naan ($2.99). Delicious. It was fluffy and buttery and covered with bits of garlic. It was served with two chutneys, one green and one reddish like at all other Indian places. However, unlike at other Indian places the sauces had a bit of kick and were served separately in two little dishes so we didn't run out. Nice. I noticed several stuffed naan options on the menu and I'd like to try those if we ever come back. For entrees I had the mango chicken ($13.99) and my boyfriend had the vegetable vindaloo ($10.99). We were each served a plate of buttery basmati (?) rice and our food arrived in cute little copper bowls placed atop candle holder thingys. I could have lived without the candle contraption since I was constantly afraid that I would either tip my food off the holder and/or set something on fire. The mango chicken was slightly sweet and very tasty. No chunks of fruit -- just chicken in the sauce -- and the 5 out of 6 stars spiciness was not really that spicy. I added some of the green chutney and that was good too. The vege vindaloo had a nice variety of vegetables and my BF quite enjoyed his meal (he opted for 3 out of 6 stars and I felt like it was the same as mine in terms of spiciness). The servings were a little small for the price tag, but I filled up on naan so I did get leftovers out of it. Success! What really made this an enjoyable experience was the service and atmosphere. A TV at the back near the bar was playing Indian pop music videos and these were the most entertaining things I've ever seen. I could have watched them for hours. I kept laughing hysterically, they were so amazing I could barely pay attention to anything else. SNOOP DOG actually appeared in one of the videos!!!?!?! Seriously. The very adorable waiter was singing along with the songs, made a show out of packaging up my leftovers, and at one point actually jumped into the air and CLICKED HIS HEELS. He was very amusing and did not make us feel rushed. The man that I think is the owner came and checked on us several times as well. I'm glad we found Kalia. I'd stop in again if I was in Greenwood. Credit cards accepted. Kalia closes for about an hour inbetween lunch/brunch and dinner, FYI. Lunch buffet and catering available.
(4)Mollie F.
I was really hoping this place would be better. I am very disappointed! The waiter/owner (?) tried to talk me out of the meal I was going to get since it was the same order as my boyfriend. Look, that's what I want to eat, so stop nagging me. I ended up trying something else just so he would leave me alone. The food came out pretty quick - this explains why the rice wasn't cooked all the way! The curry was literally all heat with no real flavor to it. The tikka masala was a little bit more flavorful... but not by much. We ordered garlic and basil naan to go with our "family-sized" (NOT!!!) meal. It was like eating garlic with a little bit of naan flavor. So disappointed. To top it off, we were clearly ready to pay and the owner (the only server at the time with no other customers but us) was too busy talking on his personal cell phone. We ended up walking over to him and personally handing him our card so he could just run it already. We were ready to leave! I will not be returning here. If you want really good Indian food and don't mind heading a little bit south of Seattle, I recommend India Mahal in University Place. SO good.
(1)Dan H.
Great buffet! Very underrated. Nothin' fancy here, just very tasty and varied food. Pros: Food taste, large variety of items, very reasonable price Cons: The soap operas on tv
(4)Chris S.
Went here for the lunch buffet. Not sure if I got there on a bad day, but the food was bland, and meats were dry. One day I may want to go back and try the other food on the menu, but from what I tasted, I don't think it'll be anytime soon. I think the only thing I liked in there was the diet coke.
(1)Brittanie F.
I placed a order for pick up for the Chicken Tikka Masla and Garlic cheese naan. When I arrived 15mins later, I walked into a completely empty restaurant, even though I saw my to go order on the counter. I stood around for about 10 minutes, 9 minutes too LONG! I didn't get service to pay for my meal till I walked back to the kitchen and asked someone to help me. I've worked in the restaurant industry for a long time this was some of the worst service I have ever received. Sadly the food did not make up for it. As a prior review stated the Chicken Tikka Masla was "tomatoey" and note good at all! The naan was alright but either way I won't be coming back unless someone buys these guys out and I really hope they do cause I would like a good Indian food restaurant in Greenwood, one that rivaled Annapura Cafe in Capitol Hill.
(1)Daren D.
Mainly 4 for me letting my take-out get cold, p00p. I got simple snacks with the garlic & basil naan and basmati chawal(?) rice. It was cold when I got home, but I could imagine it being very good at the right temp - eating it right away. ;)
(4)Mark M.
Have gone here probably a half dozen times. Their Naan tastes very good, and we order it with every meal. Their food is pretty good, but the quality can be kind of hit or miss. I usually order take out, and there have been times my food tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. (perhaps they took the buffet food and served it, instead of made to order). For the most part, my food usually tastes great, and this could have been an isolated incident. The staff is VERY friendly. I usually see the same guy in there every time I go, and he is VERY polite, and very helpful. If you go to this restaurant, you will get good service. This place is unfortunately not very busy, so getting a table should not be a problem.
(4)Brad A.
Curry lamb. Yum. The young waiter. Wow. Parking in the back. Nice. Naan bread. Mmm. I like to go there regularly.
(5)Leonard P.
I don't normally find myself in Greenwood for any reason, let alone in Greenwood looking for strip mall Indian food. But sometimes, social engagements demand one's presence, so there I was. Service is indeed attentive and courteous; it's just too bad the food couldn't live up to its presentation. It's not as bad as strip-mall Indian can get (though the venue is a bit of a drag), but it's still pretty average and uninspired. They do host belly-dancing on occasion, which is more than worth coming out for, but otherwise, there are more and better Indian options in Seattle.
(3)Anthony S.
Curry here is very good. I recommend anything with lamb meat. My friends and I ordered different types of curry and they were all good. The only reason I dock off a star is that I wasn't really pleased with the naan. It was hard and I felt like I was eating thin pizza. I've been to really good Indian restaurants where the naan is fluffy with a good amount of butter. The server was attentative. The restaurant looks appealing for Indian curry fans. I'll be back soon!
(4)Anna W.
The Greenwood Arson spree took place very shortly after I moved to the neighbourhood, and sadly, it took Kalia with it. Tonight, my roomies and I finally got to check out the newly restored Kalia. The place itself and the service were good. The owner (I assume it was the owner) came over to our table several times to make sure everything was good -- and it was. A warmly-hued interior, Bollywood videos, and a very attentive server made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Adding to the warm fuzzies was the food. I liked the Garlic & Basil Naan and the Chicken Tikka Masala especially, as in, I'm pretty sure I could eat them for every meal. Chef's Special Naan and Lamb Vindaloo were good, too, but the other dishes were especially memorable. I don't know how busy Kalia was before the fires, but it was fairly quiet when we were there despite the fact that it was Friday night. So I hope people continue to come in and support this place. I'll try my best to do my part.
(4)Chelsea J.
This was my first visit to Kalia and I was pleased. Will definitely go back! Prices were good. I got a mango lassi for $2.50 which is a good deal. I ordered the chicken tikka masala with a spicy level of 4 on a scale of 1-6. The server was right when she warned me that it was spicy. I was surprised that it was spicier than I usually prefer at only a 4/6. I would normally order a 4 on a scale of 1-5 and be perfectly happy. If you like spicy, I'd suggest trying a 4 unless you know you like very spicy dishes! The other dish we had was chicken korma at a spiciness of 3. It was creamy and delicious with pieces of cashew sprinkled in the sauce. In both chicken dishes I thought the chicken pieces were a bit on the tough side. This was the only negative side of any of the dishes we had. The bread pakora was my favorite pakora I have had! The bready coating was seasoned and crunchy, pairing well with the chutneys on the table. The garlic naan was pretty standard but very tasty and fluffy. Free rice refills were a plus. The rice was excellent. The service was attentive without being overbearing. I am already looking forward to going back to Kalia!
(4)Ann G.
The food is good, the service is friendly, and they know the difference between 3 star spicy and 5 star spicy. While there's nothing wrong with the take out, this is a place where I much prefer to sit down for my food. I've only ever been for dinner; never for the buffet lunch, so I can't speak to that!
(4)Lizzie C.
I've eaten here twice so far and will definitely go back, for several reasons: 1) Awesome vegetarian menu 2) Incredible naan 3) Not too loud 4) Bollywood music videos constantly playing on TV above kitchen Both times I've been, I requested a spice level of 0 (on a scale from 1-6) and, true to form, the food wasn't spicy at all. I can see why some reviewers have found it uninviting. The place always seems mostly empty, which is weird. But I'm not complaining. I mean, come on, where else can you walk in and get naan to go?
(4)Katie S.
Very sweet and friendly server, the only person there besides one other diner. I should have left when I saw the practically empty restaurant. What a sad, lonely buffet line of un-needed food. There were no vegetables worth eating, the only thing with any flavor was the butter chicken and one other chicken based item. The naan bread was brought out for me, and had obviously been microwaved, as it toughened considerably after 5 minutes' cooling time. The mint chutney is an unappealingly artificial shade of green, but tastes alright. I've been here once before several years ago, but I won't be back. My tummy's been bothering me all afternoon. : ( RULE ONE: NEVER eat at a place where vast quantities of colorless (except the chutney) food sit and no one is eating. Seriously, what was I thinking? That food could have been warmed up several days in a row for all I know. Lord knows there aren't enough customers to eat it. Yuck. Chutney's in Wallingford, now THAT'S an Indian lunch buffet.
(2)Nicole M.
I went with a friend for dinner and it was absolutely amazing! The waiter was friendly, attentive, and overall pleasant. We started with the Veggie samosas and some Indian Beer. We moved on to the main course of Curry Lamb, Tikka Masala Chicken, Creamed Spinach with Potato, and Garlic & Plain Naan. It was so goof and filling we had plenty left overs and were too full to get desert! Next time i'm hitting up the LUNCH BUFFET and I can't wait!
(4)Josh C.
We went on New Year's Day, and unfortunate to say that the food was really bad. All the main dishes were very greasy and the curries were thin and watery. Even the dhal was off. It all lacked flavor, and we left feeling a bit sick.
(1)Grant N.
My wife and I were craving Indian food, were in the neighborhood and took a chance by ordering take out. Maybe it was that we ordered 30 minutes before they closed but the food wasn't prepared very well. It was bland, the texture was off and the rice was either not cooked or burnt. I'll eat anything and I couldn't eat more than a few bites. The staff was friendly and the interior was nice but not enough to make up for the food quality.
(2)Jamie U.
GREAT service! I called a bit too late for delivery, so I had to go pick it up. When I picked up, I realized they were closed and stayed open just for me. When I apologized for not realizing how late it was, he smiled and said "Really, no problem. We don't want anyone to go hungry." The food was good. I hate to say that it's not the best Indian, but, they deliver and that makes up for it. Its great for a night you don't want to go out but are craving curry. 4 stars and I will be ordering again. :)
(4)Fred P.
Worst Indian food I have ever eaten, seriously. Flavorless (for Indian food), poor quality ingredients. Butter Chicken was dry and over cooked, naan was undercooked (?!), mango lassi clearly made from a powder...and just plain awful saag paneer and bengan bharta. I cook better Indian at home, and I'm a dude from jersey. The only good point was the friendly service. Don't waste your money here.
(1)Alan W.
Holy cow! No play on words intended. The food is REALLY delicioso, unbelievably so actually. You get free rice and then order sauces... clearly I am a frequent Indian food flyer. Anyway, I got butter chicken which is a beautiful orange bowl of sauce with chicken inside to spread on light and fluffy garlic naan, yummmmm!!! Also, I had the lamb in creamed spinach sauce which was also superb. The mango lassi was pretty forgettable at $2.50, but I think the naan is the item that really puts this place over the top. The restaurant needs some lighting because I could hardly see my food. The chandeliers provide only the impression that there will be visibility. Expect ~$20/person, a whole lot of clarified buttery deliciousness and a restaurant all to yourself. Come for the food and the peace and quiet, because no one eats here.
(4)Happy M.
I love this place. I only get delivery, so I can't speak to the restaurant, but the food is great and I'm always amazed how quickly they get here. I usually get the malia kofta & the sag panare (I'm definitely spelling those both incorrectly) and both are very good. Those are my standard order at any indian food restaurant so I know Kailia does a good job with them. The portions are good, and the gentleman who delivers is professional and polite.
(5)gretchen m.
We wanted a curry the other night and didn't want to travel far so we went to Kalia in Greenwood. Now we've been ordering for delivery from them for a while and they were just okay, but we found that eating it right there in the restaurant the food was much better. We had tomato basil soup which was lightly spicy and tasty. The onion stuffed naan (I forget the real name for this) was good as was the butter chicken and a vegetarian curry dish as well. Overall a very good meal. Reasonably priced. The place is a little plain looking but it was fine for a weeknight. The Indian music videos playing on the TV could have been annoying but actually weren't as they kept the music to the right level. There is free parking in back which is helpful.
(3)Mm Z.
The vegetable saag is one of the most tasty and unique dishes I've had in a while, and you can't beat 8 entrees for an $8.99 lunch buffet....
(4)Dean M.
We originally found this hidden treasure due to the Entertainment Book back in 2008 (I think). Every time my partner and I go into the restaurant, we don't even have to order our meal. The owner and the chefs know our order which makes us feel special. Our soup comes out and we have enough time to have our conversation and finish our first course before having our Chicken Tikka. Normally, we have about a 2 star rating, but the owner can bring it up to a 6 star if you like SPICY! Never disappointed with our meal. Always a treat to go!
(5)Jon C.
Well, this is going to be like tearing off a band-aid. Here goes nothing... Expensive, unbalanced and unfortunately tasting a bit of left-overs. I'd give it 1.5 stars if I could, but I really don't think the experience was deserving of 2; though, it could've been a 2, had they just forgotten to bring us desert. The majority of the meal tasted as if it were sitting over a steam bath for the past several hours. Nothing really had a fresh taste to it. The owner seems like a really nice guy (very hands-on), but he really needs to reconsider the business to have a packed house, in my opinion. I'll begin by mentioning a few 'tells' of this place: 1. The restaurant is a barren wasteland on almost any given night. Ever since they've re-opened, I've only ever seen two tables occupied at any given time. That's usually a sign that the food isn't amazing. In my opinion, it is not. 2. Upon placing our order (the $44 Banquet for Two -- so as to 'sample the goods', as it were), the waitress looked at us as if we had made a bad decision. "Well, shit." Based on other reviews, I ordered a "0" on the spice scale. I prefer a little bit of spiciness in my dishes, but often, my company does not. In retrospect, I'm not sure spicy food would've made it any better. The staples were decent enough. The fried appetizers were okay, but not incredible; definitely the most bland Samosa I've ever had. Otherwise, they just did not taste very fresh. The Butter Chicken was good (fairly hard to mess up), and the Naan was edible (though, a bit gooey and doughy in the middle). The Palak Chicken was okay, though the chicken had little bits of cartilage attached. Not completely awful, but nothing to really write home about; certainly not at this price. All in all, I've had better (and fresher) dishes at sub-$10 Indian Buffets. And sadly, the portions of an entree here are not worth $10 each. Each dish probably has half of a chicken breast in it, cut into fourths. The rice really didn't have any amount of flavor (though it was unlimited -- go figure), and the Lamb Vindaloo seemed to be rather spicy and sour, without a hint of lamb or potato flavor. Honestly, I couldn't identify that as lamb in a blind taste test. Again, I've had better lamb dishes at cheaper establishments. Sadly, Naan is extra. This is unfortunate, as dipping Naan in the curry was the only real redeeming portion of the meal. So, our dessert arrives. This is where we lose that second star: It's a single bowl of off-tasting Rice Pudding. Well, to call it a 'bowl' is a bit deceiving -- think of it as a tiny saucer you'd use to store a dipping sauce, or a chutney. With it, are two spoons, hanging off of the edge. Insulted, we sampled it, and found it to be quite bad. I don't know if this was supposed to be Kheer or Rice Pudding, but it tasted like neither. When the check came, I asked if the Mango Custard would be showing up any time soon, and the owner - interrupting the server - said that it would. Well, thanks for letting us try it, but neither the texture nor taste was very agreeable. This time, the bowl is an actual bowl; but again, we're given two spoons and are expected to share it across this giant table. As for the taste: It reminded me a bit of cottage cheese with mango pulp. It had chunks of 'skin' that you would typically find on pudding, when it sits out for too long. Not very appetizing, if you ask me. The best way to describe it would be, "So you're sitting there, eating cottage cheese, and someone spills some Mango juice in your bowl. You leave it sit for a few hours, and then come back later in the day, to eat the rest." Lukewarm and inedible. I even tried it again, just to be sure. In sum, this isn't at all the experience I was hoping for -- especially not for $44. I'm not really sure where all of these highly-rated reviews come from, to be honest.
(1)Hi C.
Great service. Delivery very timely. Food pretty good. We will definitely order from them again. We ordered a bunch of different dishes with medium spices, which was hotter than normal, but just fine for our tastes. Here are the dishes we ordered and are notes about them: Yellow dal - good, not the best (it is slightly more "brothy" (liquid) than most and has sliced tomatoes and onions in it. Paneer tikka masala - sauce is pretty yummy, but couldn't really get a good flavor from the Paneer - perhaps because of the heat? Basmati rice - comes complimentary with the meal - a huge amount too. This is very nice, since most Indian joints in Seattle don't seem to do this. Raita - didn't come. The must have missed putting it in the bag. :( Garlic Cheese naan - Very much like pizza. Husband loved it. Chicken naan - Good, but we liked the Garlic Cheese Naan better (personal preference). Mango chicken - really good flavor. Unlike a lot of the Indian restaurants we've tried in Seattle, we are left with tons of leftovers, so that's a plus!
(4)Sherrie S.
This place is fantastic for vegetarians and carnvores. The Chicken Tikka Massala is the best anywhere. Chai tea...yup, very tasty. Try the vegetarian potato dish...yummy. What am I saying....EVERYTHING is YUMMY there.
(5)James D.
Love me some kalia indian! Killer food! I have ordered the lamb tikka or the lamb rogan josh on several occasions and has never been anything less than excellent- love the bollywood movies on the lcd.
(4)Josh I.
O.K. for dinner, but for the love of god AVOID THE LUNCH BUFFET!! The dinner specials for two are a good deal and the lamb and chicken curries were all pretty tasty. However, for lunch every dish tasted as if it had an extra gallon of water dumped in. I set the bar pretty low for an Indian buffet - definitely not expecting 4 star dining. But I can say this was by far the worst effort I've ever seen All sauces were virtually flavorless, the meat stringy, and as mentioned, all dishes were watery to the point of being broth. So, if you live in the neighborhood and want an affordable and decent Indian dinner, head on in. Skip the buffet.
(2)Lannie R.
JUST finished eating here. It was empty, though the owner/server was awesome. His personality was great. Nice genuine smile. Food was DELICIOUS. I ordered the Lamb Curry. There are 1-6 stages of spice. Don't go 6! Lol it's very spicy. I went 3 & it was just right. We'll be coming back here :)
(5)Vega S.
Went here for an afternoon buffet and it was a truly regrettable decision. The buffet consisted of usual suspects like naan, dal, chicken tikka masala, and miscellaneous cooked veggie items. Many of the food items were undercooked. The daal makhani was so undercooked that it felt like crunching on gravel. The naan was raw inside and completely tasteless. Not to mention they had used kraft cheese to make the chicken tikka because that's what it tasted like. After the meal I completed avoided the dessert because the mango custard was a toxic neon yellow. They had advertisements everywhere about a belly dance show for dinner on Wednesday. Except wrong country bro...
(2)Opal D.
I ordered the Lamb Tikka Masala with Garlic and Basil Naan to be delivered. The lamb dish was merely "alright", the naan was above average! The delivery man was nice and the food arrived hot. I would order from them again!
(4)Lee A.
Don't go here with the impression that this is the same as the Kalia in Lynnwood. We usually get chicken tikka masala from the lynnwood place and so we thought we would get the same here. It's completely different. The sauce is red and chunky (compared to the other smooth and orange) and the spices are different. It wasn't bad just not what we were expecting. I think the servings are a bit bigger and the staff here is nice. I hope they tell the blonde girl to put her hair in a ponytail though so she can avoid dipping her hair in your drinks/food. So odd. Decent/average food, great service.
(3)Salty E.
The service was wonderful, the staff and owner were so friendly and helpful. Great neighborhood Indian restaurant. The food was also perfect, they were very accurate about the spiciness of their dishes (I ordered a mango chicken 3, and husband got a goat curry 5). 5 was very hot, as they said it would be, too spicy for me but my husband loved it. You get a generous portion of food for the price and the mango pudding dessert was amazing in helping to neutralize the lingering spice. They had a huge variety of naan and I want to try them all! Will definitely go back soon!
(5)Crystal F.
After 9 years of living a block away I finally tried this place after seeing decent yelp reviews. We ordered take out on a Saturday night and our order was ready in less than 30 minutes. We ordered naan (very fluffy), raita (a bit watered down), veggie biryani (ok), lamb korma (DELICIOUS), bangan bharta (Delicious!!) We like spice so ordered 4 stars and they definitely delivered that. The portion sizes are so large we had a ton of leftovers. All in all very solid takeout spot in my hood and I'll be back for sure.
(3)Kevin K.
Yum! Wife and I shared Tandoori fish, chefs special Naan, mango lamb, chai tea, salty lassi. Server was very friendly. We caught them when they weren't too busy so we had time to enjoy conversing with him as well. Tip: restaurant.com has coupons for this place.
(5)Suhani C.
Really disappointed in this place. I went there last Sunday and there happened to be a belly dancing show going on. I had placed an order for pick up and they said it would be ready for 40 minutes. I ended up waiting for 1 hour and 20 minutes! The owner had two poor waitresses working the entire restaurant. It was SO hot and muggy and I had to ask about my food 4-5 times before they brought it out. The owner really needs to step it up because the belly dancing event was pre-planned, so more staff should have been scheduled. In the past, whenever I've gone there, the restaurant is always literally empty, kid you not, so service is normal. You can't grow a business if you can't even serve your customers with some basics. The food isn't cheap here so I expect the service to be much better. Very disappointed? :(
(2)Laura P.
As a last minute decision the BF and I decided to try this place out for the first time. We walked through the doors 15 minutes before closing time, I know that's terrible of us - but there were two other tables seated, so we figured we would give it a go. I'm guessing our waiter was the owner, because he was super friendly and inviting, even though they were about to close. I haven't had a ton of Indian food to compare this place to, but it was really delicious! The garlic naan was flavorful, not too garlicky - served warm and well baked. We also got the Chicken Tandoori and Chicken Tikka Masala, which are my two favorites and they were mouth watering yummy! Great flavors and was perfectly spiced how we ordered (3) and the chicken was cooked perfectly. We asked the waiter to surprise us with his favorite lamb dish.. he didn't really tell us which one he decided on. It came in a brown sauce of some sort, and it was definitely my favorite of the three. We did order the Indian Salad in the beginning to get some veggies on the table, I don't really recommend it because it definitely isn't the typical salad I am used to. The veggies were hard, raw and cold pickled of some sorts.. we barely touched it. But the basmati rice was delicious and bottomless. I wasn't a huge fan of whatever the orange gelatin dessert was that came with the rice pudding, but besides that, the food is very tasty and our service was fast and friendly. I will most definitely be back to find out what that lamb dish was!
(4)Katie H.
Come hungry and leave full. This is authentic Indian and so so good. Boyfriend and I stopped by on a whim and got one of the three course meat meals for $41 and were in heaven while we stuffed ourselves with curry chicken, perfectly prepared goat and a delicious mango pudding for dessert. It was more than enough for the two of us and we happy took the rest home. The owner is super friendly and accommodating and I swear it's his grandmother cooking in the back the food was that good. Definitely recommend it, it's a hidden gem for sure.
(5)Kristen L.
We came here for dinner and ordered the samosa, garlic and basil naan, chicken tikki masala and mango chicken. All in all, everything was decent... not the best Indian food, not the worst, just OK. The tikki masala was a little too "tomatoey" for me and not nearly as flavorful as the mango chicken. In addition, the chicken in the tikki masala was firmer and not as moist as the mango chicken. This place seems to be more of a lunch or to-go place, as each time I've walked past this restaurant for dinner it's been empty. As predicted, my bf and I were the only ones in the restaurant. Service was friendly and attentive.
(3)Anna D.
This was my first time coming here with a friend of mine during a buffet. If you like Indian food i will say this is the best! Way better than your mainstream stuff and highly underrated! The service was great, music on tv was awesome and the garlic naan is always to die for because they make it fresh from the back. The buffet is decent priced for what you get, it also includes chai! The butter chicken was very pleasing with the mix of raita and some salad. I also love their paneer dishes (awesome for vegetarians). There is a large variety in the menu as well. I will definitely be back for more....and if you're reading this, don't hesitate to check it out!! P.S for anyone who likes tangy yummy foods i recommend saag chole with the poori, with a side of diced onions and tomatoes w/ lemon.
(5)Laura M.
Kalia is the top choice for me and my boyfriend. I order the lamb curry, it's delicious. The waiter has always been so kind to us. One time when my food was a little too hot for me, the water gave me a complimentary rice pudding. Delicious food, lovely people. The dancing and music on the TV is always a nice touch too, fun to watch.
(5)Eric D.
Really good food but the staff is what makes it such a great experience. They have any kind of curry you can think of and a lot of nann choices... my weakness.
(5)Cameron T.
Take out was good. Mango chicken and a veggie curry. From the comments below I would avoid the lunch buffet and just stick with take out. That's what I did. The man who greeted us at the counter was very nice.
(4)Adam L.
Damn good Indian food. Friendly service. Worth a visit.
(5)Bill S.
Had a hankering for Indian and had to run to my bank, decided to kill 2 birds. I figured since this place was next door I'd give it another try. The food was fresh and really amazing, so I loaded up my plate and ordered a big beer thinking I'd be here for a few plates. I was 3 bites into my first plate 2 sips into my beer when a cockroach walks across my table and on to my plate. I promptly sent him on to his next level of consciousness. I look over on the sill and there were 2 more crawling around, at that point I got up and left. that was $20.00 I'll never get back.... I'd love to love this place but I don't share my food ever especially with creepy crawlers.
(1)Erin N.
I have never been treated so poorly in my life. I love Indian food, and am not terribly particular because I enjoy it so much. So I place a lot of value on service. But this place is awful. I purchased a gift certificate, 2 in fact as part of a gift I was given. Kalia required that I buy $100, so I bought two $50 certificates. But when I went in, they insisted I needed to buy $100 in FOOD, and that my certificate would only be redeemed for the $50 I already spent if I bought $100 worth. I could also only use one certificate at a time. When I asked to speak with a manager to clarify, they told me it was my fault for being stupid and they wouldn't give me food. After a very long day at work, my husband and I (two people) wanted a quiet night at home with some yummy comfort food. Instead, we were greeted with sour attitudes and an establishment that would rather screw a person than build a relationship with a new customer. Wont be going here EVER.
(1)Priyamvada B.
A discount coupon (well fate) brought us here. First of all, I love the drive all the way from downtown to this quiet area. Secondly, the food has been delicious all 3 times we went there (only tried vegetarian) and the manager is very personal and warm. Order medium spice level (trust me we ordered spiciest in enthusiasm and then the kind manager got our dishes replaced, the second course was awesome).
(4)Sonya L.
Since this restaurant is pretty much right across the street from where I live, I was surprised I hadn't tried it prior to this experience. I enjoyed the Lynnwood location well enough (3 stars) and it's always great to have a really close-by Indian place to visit, however I was pretty disappointed by the overall experience. The food was just okay. We started with the Chili Pakora, which was actually pretty good. I enjoyed the flavor and texture. For entrees, we had the Channa Masala and the Aloo Vindaloo. Usually I can pick my favorite dish right away, but with these two I couldn't decide which was better...which was because they were both just okay. They were warm and full of ingredients, but the overall flavor just wasn't really there. The service was so-so. Our waiter forgot that my boyfriend ordered a beer until my boyfriend reminded him when our appetizer came. He brought it out ASAP, but it was kind of frustrating to be waiting for the drink as the people at the table next to us (who came in after us) were served glasses of wine. We also ordered naan with our meal and at the end of taking our order, he asked us if we wanted naan. So we politely reminded him that yes, we would like some plain naan. Our waiter, who I am pretty sure was the owner, was very nice and cheerful. You could tell that he liked his job a lot. It almost makes me a little sad to write this review because he was so nice. Our overall experience was not very good, but I am willing to try this place again.
(2)Theresa G.
This place lacks ambiance, but completely makes up for that with great food at a great price. I've only ever eaten from the lunch buffet, and there is always slightly different choices. They always seem to have three meat dishes and then a great selection of vegetarian entrees. Their pakora (fried vegetables) are always great as is the naan. The daal dish is superb as is the creamy vegetable dish. Go hungry and you will not be disappointed!
(4)Erin B.
I walked by Kalia last night and almost cried seeing it completely gutted from the smoke and electrical damage from the freaking arsons. My boyfriend and I visit this place semi-frequently, it is a convenient walk from home, and it is such fantastic food! We usually go for dinner, but I also looove the lunch buffet, I love having so many choices and variety. I've had a few different dishes, but it's so hard for me to get anything besides the chicken tikka masala, I love it so much! The server/owner, Mr. Kalia, is the nicest guy ever! Sometimes he waves at us as we're passing by. I miss you, Kalia!!! Come back soon!!! I will drive up to Lynnwood to your other location if I have to!! ... and now I'm hungry..
(5)Victoria A.
I love Kalia! My family would go everyday if we could afford it. The service is awesome, every time we come the guy who owns the place comes and talks to us like we're old friends. I love the awesome Bollywood music videos they always play. The food... oh yeah. I prefer coming for dinner because the buffet is a bit mild for my taste- obviously if it's buffet they can't go making everything a 5. Although the buffet is better for the wallet. Every time we eat here we end up with a ton of left overs that make an awesome breakfast. Can't wait for them to reopen....
(5)Ron O.
Overpriced. I normally love Saag Ghoosht, (lamb and spinach and mustard greens). I order it here, but the meat was bland. Food was poor quality. I won't eat here again.
(2)Y S.
Went here for dinner over the weekend with a few friends. Really enjoyed the fact that they had Hayward's available - in addition to the more usual offerings of Kingfisher & Taj Mahal. My cold bottle went perfectly with the warm & pillowy garlic naan. My choice of entree (chicken rogan josh) was savory, juicy, and flavorful - and a great dipping sauce for naan - and my friends enjoyed their lamb dishes (mango & curry, respectively). I'm hesitant about trying lamb at any restaurant that is new to me, but it was cooked perfectly in both cases. We all inhaled our food! Our server was friendly, attentive, and immediately remedied any (minor) issues that came up during the meal. The affable and solicitous owner spent some time at our table a little later, as we were digesting our meals with the help of some surprisingly good Indian wine, and offered us some freshly made & complimentary gulab jamun. All in all, a great meal, and one I'm hoping to repeat soon.
(4)Patrick H.
Been in here for dinner several times. Food is always delicious and filling! Service is always great, AND they take restaurant.com coupons as well. Makes for a great meal at a great price. There is a young male server that we usually get, who is always friendly and smiling. Many of the entrees are excellent when ordered spicy. I personally love getting the Chicken Tikka Masala & one of the varieties of naan. And....they always come back and check on you to make sure that the level of spice is to your liking! One word of caution though, the Chili Pakora is really hot and only the bravest should ever order it!
(5)Frank S.
Had quite a nice lunch buffet. Good selection and all delicious, even tandoori chicken was moist and tender. Probably a first for an Indian buffet. Very pleasant and relaxing. I will be back.
(5)Elynne G.
I like it for their location as being on the same street of my favorite bar, but good Indian food is hard to find.. I stumbled upon this place with a few vegetarian friends and we were starving for something different.. I loved the interior of the place, everything reminded me of authentic Indian restaurants we had back home in Malaysia, and the Bollywood videos playing on the tv brought back memories of my Indian friends from high school.. The food was delicious, we ordered most of the items non-spicy so that we could taste the true flavors.. We had garlic cheese naan to go with the dishes of paneer makni, yellow dhal and vegetable jalfrazie.. All four dishes were absolutely lip-smackering.. I know they have a lunch special, I wish I had time in the afternoons some day to do that.. I have not tried their food since they re-opened after the fire but I think I will soon..
(4)Sara L.
Went here for the second time with the roommates this evening. I'm glad they're back after the horrible arsonist made them close for a bit. The chicken tikka masala is DELICIOUS -- second time I've ordered it, and I am pretty sure I will continue to order it. Perfectly cooked naan, perfectly cooked meat, perfectly seasoned spices, nom nom nom. I also really like that they give you free refills on rice if you run out -- a lot of Indian and Asian places I've been to charge for rice, which is annoying. I'll be back.
(4)Elizabeth D.
I eat here all the time, and I'm very picky about my Indian food. They have great service and the food is amazing. I recommend the tikka masala and the rice pudding. And they deliver!
(5)Sarah M.
I can't believe I've been ordering food from Kalia for over a year and still haven't written a review. I adore this place! My favorite thing on the menu would have to be the mango chutney. Yes, you have to pay for it as a side dish but the portion is basically the size of a jar you'd buy at the grocery store. It'll last you weeks. The lamb & chicken grilled items are always fantastic, and so is the rice pudding. I can't speak to the restaurant's atmosphere as I only ever do delivery. My orders show up fast, and they've still been delivering to Ballard from the Lynnwood restaurant, since their Greenwood location is undergoing repairs from the fire.
(4)Bryan N.
Just got back from the lunch buffet. The food was cold and bland, and upset my stomach. The mango lassi was so milkfat-creamy it left a gross film in my throat. I've had more interesting indian food out of a package from Trader Joes - and that stuff is bad. The sign outside said $7.95 for the buffet, but they charged me $8.95, which is not an unreasonable price for all-you-can-eat, but it wasn't what was advertised. There are way better options of Indian around. Skip this place, it's the worst.
(1)Amanda O.
Never been here for lunch, so don't know what that's like. but I must say that Mr. Kalia is a great person and always makes my family feel welcome in his restaurant (a big plus with a toddler!). We trend towards take out or delivery, due to having a young child, and when we order delivery, Mr. Kalia ALWAYS throws in a little treat for our daughter. Such a thoughful touch. I like the vegetarian dishes - have tried almost all of them - quite a lot. They are spicy when I ask and bland when I ask, which is nice. The food is flavorful and fresh, and I don't understand the bad reviews. As a neighborhood establishment, it's a great place, convenient, and friendly.. and yes, the bollywood TV is a nice touch.
(4)Shawn J.
Yummy lamb curry. The rice is tasty and the vegi Samosas just right. I love the Indian music videos playing quietly in the background. The water was funny and witty.
(4)Tony G.
I am not the biggest fan of Indian food. It tastes good and all, but it is not my first choice and I would only eat it if a friend really wanted to go. The food was good but didn't wow me. I liked the spices they used on the chicken, but it seemed a little dried out. The naan was good, but was a little burnt on the bottom. But ya, if friends wanted to go here I'll go, but I might recommend something else first. Zipzap Zubidy Bop!
(3)Rockett Y.
I give this place an A++ the Tikka Masala and garlic Basil naan is super yummalicious. I will be a repeat customer for sure.
(4)Phil S.
We ate here a while back for lunch and I really was not very impressed. They had the lunch buffet going and most of the food was luke-warm at best, most of it kind of cold. The chicken in the chicken-tikka dish was really fatty, much more so than other Indian choices in the area. Overall comparing this restaurant to other Indian restaurants its is well below the bar. There are several others that when I have an appetite for Indian food that I would much rather dine at.
(2)Ann J.
I like this place. I've eaten inside once and have only done take-out since. I'm picky about my Indian and I love their butter chicken and lamb tika masala! The owner's super nice, he's slipped me free dessert everytime I've picked up! It's definitely worth trying out.
(4)Sydnie J.
Food - fab. Service - fab. Bollywood on big flatscreens - fab. Owner (at least, I assume that's who he is) - fab. He's so friendly and personable, not just I'm-serving-you polite. He demonstrated the toughness of his hands by holding a tealight in a closed fist after my mom made a comment about grabbing hot metal bowls (so cute, the tealights heat them and keep the food warm). I've been there a few times now and I haven't had a bad experience so far! Ugh, now I want Indian food.
(4)Will B.
The second I walked in I loved the atmosphere. It was bright, spacious and clean. The buffet food looked fresh and the music was low enough to provide atmosphere but not inhibit conversation. The food was the best indian I've had on this side of town. Much better than the places near Northgate. Everything was delicious, some dishes varied slightly from how I've had them in the past-especially the butter chicken-but were still good. My favorite was the veggie korma, which would have been even better with chicken. Although the restaurant was a little empty when we ate, my water glass never emptied, and dirty plates were whisked off our table immediately. The server was very, very polite. Seems like a good deal and a great food for the price!
(4)Rhino D.
Average food at average prices. Would rather go to an Indian place with above average food at average prices.
(2)May N.
The veggie banquet for $40 is the way to go! The amount of food that arrived was staggering... appetizers, then 4 dishes (!) with rice and naan, then desert! This is a great deal for tons of food and then you get to try 4 different dishes at once. It's a pretty easy way to expand your Indian cuisine horizons :) I can't remember what the dishes were, exactly, but they were all very tasty and spiced really well. We got a spice level of 4 out of 6 and we weren't disappointed. The owner kept stopping by our table and asked if the food was spicy enough. Through my gulps of water, I think I managed to say, "Yes." There was an advert for a belly dancing show at the restaurant for some later date but I forgot to write it down. In any case, I'll be coming back for the food fo' sho'.
(4)Rolfe B.
I give the dinner experience five stars for flavor. As a vegetarian, I'm extremely pleased with how many veggie entrees and appetizers they have. The manager is extremely friendly, and the service has always been great. I've only had good experiences here. The buffet isn't as phenomenal, ranging from three to four stars. The food at dinner-time is fresher, and you can customize what level of spiciness you want. Obviously, that's not the case with the buffet, but it is unlimited food at a good price, so you can't really complain. They play a lot of Bollywood movies, music, and Indian TV on a big screen, which can be alternately entertaining, culturally enlightening, or a tiny bit annoying sometimes. The food is so good, you can easily forgive the times when the TV just leaves you puzzled.
(4)Kevin A.
Only been here once, but I'll be back soon. Best Indian I've had in a while! The Saag Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Raita (My favorites) were awesome. My only complaint was the plan Naan was a tad doughy, but still very edible. They even carry Hayward's 5000, the best Indian beer there is! (IMO) I can't vouch for lunch, but dinner here was top notch.
(4)Robyn H.
The first time I was here, I ordered the Tandoor chicken and was somewhat disappointed in the dried out, lackluster entree that was served to me. I had been a steady customer at their Lynnwood location and always had good food there so I was expecting the same here. The buffet looks to have the usual suspects lined up for identification but I have yet to try it due to the fact I can't eat enough to justify the cost. The sweet Lassi was good and the naan was fresh but I don't know that I'll go back for more mediocre meals.
(3)Christine M.
Like I said in my review of Phad Thai (which is next to Kalia on Greenwood Ave), I was excited to try out all the restaurants in the Greenwood area when I moved into the neighborhood. Coming from Bellingham where I had to drive across town to get decent food, I couldn't wait to walk down to Kalia's and taste their dishes since Indian is one of my favorite cuisines. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The decor is fairly typical of an Indian restaurant, except for the large TV playing Bollywood. The service seems characteristic of most small restaurants. But, compared to other Indian food I've had, the dishes at Kalia left much to be desired. Don't get me wrong-- the food wasn't bad... it just wasn't that good either. The first time we went to this restaurant we ordered the chicken tikka masala with naan and rice. The chicken tikka masala was okay, but fairly tough (even more dried out than I'd expect chicken cooked in a tandoori oven to be). The flavor was mediocre. We returned with guests a few months later since it was so close to our apartment and had the buffet. The buffet was also mediocre... not bad... but not the best flavor of the freshest food. I have since found a better Indian restaurant in the U-District. I wish the food here was better, because it is so convenient. If I could I'd give this restaurant a 2 1/2 star rating, because the food wasn't terrible. But, I do think 3 stars is too generous for a restaurant with food that's "just okay."
(2)Lori M.
wow, I'm totally disappointed in the other reviews of this place. What's going down people? I have never eaten in the restaurant (although I have walked in by mistake a couple times because it's entrance in the back is connected to Olive You. They do DELIVER though. And did I mention that finally I have found a place that is willing to give me spicy food in Seattle? That's right. Everywhere else they're freaking afraid of letting people taste any spice. Apparently many Seattlites' tastebuds are a bit too delicate. Here I believe the spicy star rating is from 1 to 6. I get 5 and believe me, it's wonderful. It's nice to have spicy food. I did try their biryani once, and I wasn't a fan. They make amazing rice (I know it's silly to talk about, but it's immensely flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with every grain separate...as you'd want in a basmati). I think I've liked their paneer dishes and their vindaloo, their tikka is good, channa masala. If you order spicy, their yogurt sauce (Raita) is amazing. It's really really good. yum.
(4)D B.
This too is an excellent neighborhood restaurant. Clean, friendly, and the food is wonderful. It's not suburban Indian cooking, so if that is what you want, go out to the burbs. Moderately priced which is the icing on the cake for me.
(5)Austin K.
Kalia is an okay Indian restaurant. If you live in the greenhood, then you can walk here and get some decent food. The decor is okay. They have this insane TV blasting Bollywood 24/7 which actually brings me back. Pick a table where everyone can partially see the screen, or expect to have one sided conversations while the other person stares at Austrian landscapes slack-jawed. You could jump on your segway and bust it out to better places, but for a close to home, good Indian experience walk over to Kalia.
(3)Stu S.
I totally disagree with the previous review. The previous Indian restaurants in this space were lackluster but not Kalia. This is a lovely restaurant with friendly management and service. The buffet is quite good too. Any steam table buffet can get a little tired over lunch, but this appeared fresh and inviting, with plenty of chutneys and pickles not often seen on buffets, raita and salads and a nice balance of vegetarian and chicken dishes. Yummy mango pudding and gulab jamon too. And how can you say no to garlic naan? We came here for dinner too, which was delightful. I compare this well to Bengal Tiger, Masala of India and Bombay Grill.
(4)May N.
I really like this place. It is located in a convenient location and there is plenty of parking in the back during evening hours. The food is really quite good and the owner has been very friendly every time we stopped by. (Yes, we dine there regularly.) I've also tried their lunch buffet and the selection of food was great.
(4)Deborah S.
If I only had one word to review Kalia it would be "Meh" For some strange reason this store front is destined to always be Indian restaurant and this recent incarnation isnt good. I've been in twice, once for Carryout and once for the buffet. As is typical, the takeout was better then the buffet. My take out order consisted of Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan, Rice and a Mango Laasi. The Mango Lassi was creamy and thick and sweet with lots o fruitflavor. The rice was a little dried out with little dried out bits of veggie in it. The Chicken Tikka Masala was generously portioned but the sauce was a little oily. The bread was good though, with a soft fluffy interior and bits of crispy crunchy crust. The buffet was not worth the 6.95. half filled containers of dried out dishes, oily sauces and crunchy rice. Not my idea of fun at all. The price goes up on Sundays makes me wonder if its any better then. If I want indian food, I'll just head into Wallingford to Chutneys or to Cedars in the U dist.
(2)Cynthia C.
I have had food at a few Indian restaurants and this one is a shining star. The lamb or chicken marsala is yummo. Actually all the dishes I have tried off other people's plates are super good and the naan bread is great. I totally recommend this place. It has a nice location (85th and Greenwood) and it's small and quaint which makes me want to go back. 4 and a half
(4)D. E.
This has now become another of my regular Indian restaurants in Seattle! Don't be fooled by the dull sign out front, this place is great. I came in for the buffet one day, and the waiter made me a special order of Paneer Tikka Masala as an addition to my buffet, because he knew it was my favorite dish. They really go above and beyond to make you happy here. The service is exceptional, the food is fresh and flavorful, and overall outshines many other Indian restaurants.
(4)Chris F.
I like the food. The owner is nice and very warm when I go there. I like the food, and the buffet is good. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was when I ordered food for delivery and they wouldn't deliver to my house because I didn't meet the requirement (by a couple bucks) for delievery. I live literally TWO blocks away, and being that I was always going in there, THIS bothered me. It also caused my patronage to plummet. I have been back once in several months. However, that's a personal issue, and to be fair, I would still highly recommend it.
(4)linda w.
Super fast delivery and delicious Indian food. We love it and order from Kalia at least 2-3 x's per month.
(4)Tams H.
Have eaten here twice. Very blah food - not the worst I've had but far from the best. I would much rather eat at Mehak or the Kebab House.
(2)Silvershine X.
The food's okay. I have several other Indian places on my list that I'd prefer to go. I hear the lunch buffet on weekends is great. Meaning to try that out sometime...
(4)B C.
My boyfriend and I live on Greenwood and get takeout from Kalia all the time. We love this place, and were really happy to see them reopen after the arson. The naan is huge, and the tikka masala (my favorite) delicious. Plus you always get enough to make two lunches of leftovers when you're done eating. It seems like most of the bad reviews for this place are from people who had the lunch buffet, which I've never tried. I'd encourage those people to go back for dinner or get takeout, and they'll probably be much more pleased.
(4)Will B.
The second I walked in I loved the atmosphere. It was bright, spacious and clean. The buffet food looked fresh and the music was low enough to provide atmosphere but not inhibit conversation. The food was the best indian I've had on this side of town. Much better than the places near Northgate. Everything was delicious, some dishes varied slightly from how I've had them in the past-especially the butter chicken-but were still good. My favorite was the veggie korma, which would have been even better with chicken. Although the restaurant was a little empty when we ate, my water glass never emptied, and dirty plates were whisked off our table immediately. The server was very, very polite. Seems like a good deal and a great food for the price!
(4)Rhino D.
Average food at average prices. Would rather go to an Indian place with above average food at average prices.
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