I had the pleasure of being “customer # 1” at the Grand Opening of Maharaja Palace, which is located in South Harlem (SOHA) between 114th and 115th streets on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, which HarlemCondoLife.com (twitter @HarlemHCL) originally coined “Harlem’s Gold Coast” and “Harlem Restaurant Row”.
It started with a friendly message from Bashar the owner inviting us to attend as their guest for the evening’s grand opening. I love Indian food and had been waiting in anticipation for the Palace’s arrival.
I was greeted by the owner and the staff. They went out of their way to make me feel at home.
This is their second location, the first being on the East Side. The decor is simple and reminded me of my travels through Asia. The space is wired for sound and music will be available soon. The space is air conditioned as well.
The menu is extensive. So I focussed on items that I love.
I started my meal with a Mango Lassi which was the perfect balance of tastes.
I then had the Vegetable Samosas as an appetizer. I usually have these with my meal. This time I had them as an appetizer. They were great. Crispy on the outside. Tender, flavorful and spicy (but not too much) on the inside. The owner mentioned that the recipe dates back to his time in school in college in his home country, where they ate samosas and drank lassis.
I followed that up with the Tandori mixed grill which had a selection of meats and seafood prepared in a variety of ways and cooked in their Tandor oven. Along with rice and Onion Naan. Delicious, plentiful and well priced. There was so much food that I asked for a “doggy bag” so I could savor the rest of my meal later.
As I dined a steady stream of customers came in to take a seat, pick up takeout or grab a menu. Each one was greeted enthusiastically by the owner. And a steady stream of deliveries poured out into the neighborhood. In fact, they will be debuting their menu on the Seamless home delivery service this week. They are open for lunch with great specials. And have early evening dinner specials.
As I was ready to leave, my waiter Richard for the evening said that they were honored to have had me as their “customer # 1”. I was honoured. I thanked them and left the restaurant happy to have ushered in this welcome addition to the neighborhood, and looking forward to my next meal at (or from) Majarajah Palace.
MAJARAJAH PALACE
2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd (between 114th & 115th St)
New York, NY 10026
(212) 222-8934
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At last an Indian restaurant in Harlem! I am so excited – seamless here I come!
Thanks for comment I’m glad you liked it. We hope that they will do well it is a nice addition to the area and I love Indian food too 🙂
I had lunch here today and it was quite good and affordable. It wasn’t very crowded but it’s only the second day opened, I’ll definitely go back. Welcome Maharaja Palace. #IndianFoodLover
The tandoori looks delicious . Glad to hear the prices are reasonable. I’m so excited that there is an Indian restaurant in the neighborhood!