Inside: Monsoon Indian Cuisine

Ever since watching Danny Boyle’s new film Slumdog Millionaire last week, I can’t shake my craving for Indian food.  If you’re daydreaming about tandoori chicken and garlic naan bread too, I highly suggest heading over to Monsoon Indian Cuisine in Palm Springs where exotic Eastern flavors, spices and scents are ready and waiting.

Food: Monsoon serves up a medley of sizzling Indian dishes such as Chicken Curry ($12.99) Prawn Vindaloo, which is sautéed in traditional spices and cooked with hot and spicy tomato, topped with onion basted sauce ($14.99) and Malai Tikka, a boneless chicken dish marinated in fresh herbs, yogurt, spices and green cardamom, cooked in a clay oven ($14.99).  Many organic, vegetarian entrees are also available such as the Mushroom Masala ($18.99) and Aloo Gobi, a dish of cauliflower and potatoes cooked in ginger, garlic and house spices.

Don’t forget to save some room for dessert.  Mango Kulfi will only set you back $5 and the Kheer, a rice pudding cooked with milk and topped with sliced almonds, is sure to appease your sweet tooth.

For those of you on a budget, Monsoon’s popular lunch buffet is a great dinning option.  For only $8.99 you’ll be able to sample a wide variety of Indian dishes with your choice of garlic, onion or traditional Naan bread.  Every time I’ve dined during lunch hours the food has been fresh and piping hot.  Vegetarians need not worry, there’s plenty of meat-free options. The buffet is served Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to  3 p.m.

Service: There’s something to be said for locally owned businesses and the quality of service.  At Monsoon you can bet your drink will never be left empty while the friendly and accommodating staff will do everything in their power to assure you’re enjoying your meal.

Crowd:  Monsoon draws an eclectic desert crowd from older retirees to young professionals.  You’re bound to run into a blend of young couples, families and tourists because (unfortunately) this is one of the few Indian restaurants in the Coachella Valley.

Insider tips:  The buffet is great, which makes it hard not to quickly inhale your food and head back for another plate.  Try to savor each bite.  Oh, and if you’re feasting on the garlic Naan bread, bring some gum, everyone you come in contact with during the remainder of the day will thank you.

Add a comment