5 Star Indian Food - Restaurant Review of India House in Richmond, Virginia

Located on a little side street in the West End of Richmond is India House. This is in a little industrial type of area, and you are not likely to accidentally just stumble across it. It's in a white brick warehouse looking building. They rely heavily on word-of-mouth, and it's working. When you pull up you may have second thoughts. The parking is a major problem as the lot is quite small... but go ahead and find a space and come in. You won't be sorry.

This is a nice place in orange and yellow (for some reason I remembered it being pinks, but the picture is definitely them...I'm getting senile..heh), with mirrors and various Indian items on the walls. The tables are covered with a nice white cloth which is in turn covered with a piece of glass. The napkins are also cloth. Indian music wafts from the speakers at just the right volume.

I believe this is family run, it's always the same folks waiting on you and I get the impression they all have a stake in it. They are very eager to please. I've always gotten seated immediately here, although it's never been totally empty. They have a nice steady flow of business.

The food is excellent. It is every bit as good as A Passage To India. You will be handed a plate of pappardam as soon as you are seated, as with most local Indian places. Some is better than others, but this place has some of the best. I like the onion chutney at Passage better, but just barely. Do order an appetizer. Ask anyone who frequents this place and they will all tell you to start with the Vegetable Samosa. Pastry stuffed with potatoes and peas may not sound all that appetizing, but trust me, it is! It's all about the seasonings and the dipping sauce..come on, give it a try, it's only $2.50.

As for your bread (you always have to order a bread at an Indian place) I suggest their Naan (unleavened flat bread) for a buck 50. It's almost sweet. I love that bread. If you prefer a spicier bread, then go for the Vegetable Paratha. You really can't go wrong with either one.