I had never been to Ananda before. I went for a girls night and was excited because it's known as one of the best in Howard county for Indian food. When I walked in, it is gorgeous! I don't even have words to describe how amazing of an ambiance it is. It's Disney like with how magical is it. That is what I was most impressed by at the restaurant. The service was interesting. While my drink was never less than half full and the service was well timed for a nice dinner, the waitress would not let us order appetizers before ordering entrees. We weren't prepared and the she came back 30 minutes later. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and accommodating for a dietary restriction at our table, but felt pressured ordering. The food itself was ok. The appetizers were great. I especially loved the palak chaat. However the entrees felt small and average in taste. I did love my chai and ordered 3 of them, keeping myself up till midnight. read more

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What an experience!!! This restaurant is tucked away in Fulton. From the moment you walk under the pergola and through the front doors, you are overwhelmed by the low overhead lights and candle lit tables. The patio dining area has multiple fireplaces and the garage style window makes for an indoor/outdoor feel, though it was a rainy day the windows made the room feel very open. The food!!!! Couldn't even take a picture of the Kerala Cakes because they were devoured immediately. The naan came out hot. The bacon and cheese naan was amazing and even had a nice cheese pull. The lamb vindaloo was very tender. Server was very attentive. She was able to answer all questions. Multiple people refilled water glasses. Being that this restaurant is farm-to-table, then even sell eggs, both chicken and eggs. Can't wait to go back! read more

Ananda - Garlic Naan - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

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Dining at Ananda feels like stepping into one of those rare food-centered films where a meal quietly alters your internal state. At the first bite of their savory samosas--crisp, deeply spiced, and unmistakably fresh--it was immediately clear this was not a typical dining experience. The flavors felt grounded and intentional, as if the food knew exactly what it was meant to be. As the meal unfolds, you notice video imagery of the farm: the land, the harvest, the work behind the ingredients. Gradually, it dawns on you that the farmers are also the staff. You catch glimpses of family life--children interacting easily, a young boy riding alongside his father on the farm--and then, moments later, that same boy darts across the dining room with an impish smile. The realization lands quietly but powerfully: this is not a concept being presented, but a life being lived. The space reinforces that coherence. Fireplaces, warm lighting, and a calm, elegant atmosphere invite you to slow down and stay present. Nothing feels performative. Everything feels aligned. Ananda doesn't try to impress. It simply knows who it is. The result is a meal that feels quietly expansive--and lingers long after you leave. read more

Ananda - Architectural detail in the dining room. - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

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I'm still going to Ananda several years later, and love it even more. In the interim, I've found that my initial experiences about the small servings have changed-I find the servings now to be appropriate and slightly larger than they were in the past. You're probably not bringing home leftovers or very many, but you won't go home potentially hungry anymore, which is a plus! The service is consistently good, the ambience excellent, and the food is so flavorful, regardless of spice level. I recently went on Thanksgiving and while I was tempted to try their seasonal Thanksgiving plate, I ended up going with the duck dish, which was excellent. My niece ordered the chicken tikka masala, which is a favorite generally, but I didn't find Ananda's version to be up to snuff with the rest of their food. It's my opinion that the best things to order here are those that are more fusion in nature, or updated versions of Indian classics. The lamb shahi korma is one of my go tos but it wasn't available on Thanksgiving, and the Dharamshala Duck did not disappoint. We also tried the kulu kofta, which was more meatball than kofta, given that it was prepared and served in a sauce-it was very tasty, as well as the goat cheese and cilantro naan-which was wonderful. The desserts are always fine-nothing great, nothing terrible, with the exception of the gulab jamun, if you're going for dessert, try that with the cardamom ice cream-it's delicious. Otherwise, in the future, I'll save that room for the savory options. Can't wait to go back again! read more

Got I got takeout from this place after getting microneedling because the nurse recommended it. I ordered chicken biryani and chicken tikka masala. To be frank, the Indian food is too westernized for my liking. The biryani had very little flavor. I'm not sure if it's because they're trying to cater to the community, but I expected more spice from an Indian restaurant. If you're not into spicy food, I guess this place is good for you. If you're looking for authentic Indian food, I suggest looking somewhere else. read more

Love this place! It's hidden but I like that about them. The service is always great! The food is delicious. During our last visit, our bartender, JR was amazing. He gave great suggestions and was very engaging. There's Sir Davis here! I had one of the best Manhattans I've ever had. Thanks JR! I will be back soon. read more

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This was my first time back at Ananda since the pandemic. The last time I was here, I hosted my birthday dinner with a party of 10. This time it was a quiet solo dinner by the fireplace. This remains one of my favorite Indian restaurants. The service was impeccable. I usually get the whole Goa fish (visited Goa and loved the seafood), but I decided to try something different this time and ordered the Chilean sea bass with classic naan. I also ordered meat samosa and butternut squash and carrot soup as appetizers. My cocktail of the evening was the pomegranate martini. The sea bass was moist and flaky. It was accompanied by vegetable biriyani and cream spinach (I think). I didn't like the spinach. There was also a serving of what tasted like a sweet potato hash and it was delicious! The naan was warm, soft and fluffy. The meat samosa was different. It was tasty, but seemed more like a meat pie than a samosa. The butternut squash soup is always a favorite and it didn't disappoint - rich and flavorful. The pomegranate martini was sweet and smooth. Since I left happily stuffed, I had no room for dessert. I ordered the Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake to go. It was okay. I highly recommend dining here for an upscale dining experience. This place exudes old world charm, and the staff is very attentive. read more

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We arrived just before 5:30pm and were quickly greeted, seated and brought water. We opted to dine inside; however, the beautiful shaded patio was open with live music. Every item was perfectly cooked, well seasoned and came out hot temperature wise. Loved our first experience here and we will definitely be back to explore the rest of the menu! read more

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My husband and I came here for his birthday. The ambiance, food and service were all wonderful. You can taste the quality of the food. This is the best Indian restaurant I've ever been to. We will definitely be back. read more

Ananda - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

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Overall: absolutely gorgeous restaurant, indoor, outdoor, and covered patio seating, delicious drinks, incredible food, huge menu, attentive service, multi-stall gendered restrooms, expensive, no happy hour What a perfect place for a nice date night. Every corner of this place is beautiful. I loved their plants and decor and there were so many cute and romantic places to sit. We were sat right away early on a Thursday. We tried four different cocktails- Warrior, cucumber detox, madras mojito, and the Parinda. All four were delicious, but the warrior definitely stood out. There were so many options on the food and drink menus that all sounded delicious. They even had mocktails. All of our food was stellar. It came out altogether. We got the garam masala goat, bengan bhartha, jingha karari, garlic naan, and aloo paratha. The meat was all tender and the flavors were balanced. It sounds like they have a farm which is really cool. The price was pretty hefty. It was a $200 dinner, so sadly we won't be able to frequent this place but I can definitely see us returning for a special date. read more

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summary: a total vibe of a dining experience. Upscale and definitely expensive, but up there with some of the best Indian food I've ever had. A must-experience in the area if your budget allows. For context: we went for dinner around 4:30, so the restaurant was empty and just slowly starting to fill up. The decor is very unique and quite nice. There's a lot of covered seating with outdoor fans blowing everywhere (noise wasn't an issue). The service was plentiful and attentive. Side note: there was no sign or indicator from the outside that we were at Ananda (unless I totally missed it), so just bear that in mind if you're looking for it. It's not hard to find though especially if you use GPS - there's only one building in the lot. Drinks - we had a total of 4 signature cocktails (only one picture included) - all of the cocktails are priced at $15. This is how I knew we were in for a treat. The drinks were all delicious in a way where there was a perfect balance of ingredients and a level of depth/complexity where you immediately know the kitchen/bar knows exactly what they're doing. Food - Unsurprisingly, everything was delicious. Cooked perfectly with a perfect balance of seasoning. The shrimp dish had just the right amount of bounce to the meat and the goat was super tender. We were also provided with some rice and sauce to complement the dishes that went really well with the entrees. I honestly think you'll be fine ordering anything on the menu here and it coming out delicious. Price - I do think it warrants mentioning because the prices do feel a bit on the steep side. Small plates and apps were in the mid 10s and above. Entrees were in the mid 20s and many of them going into the 40s per plate. That being said, it was an elevated, upscale dining experience and I do feel like it was worth it. The ambiance and the food really took things to a different level compared to just some other restaurant. If your budget allows and you're looking for an incredible culinary experience, I would say that Ananda is a must check out. read more

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Ananda has yet to disappoint me! One of my favorites! The roasted broccoli is 100/10. It was a perfect blend of sweet with the tamarind and savory with the cheese. The butternut squash and carrot soup was just delicious. The beef short rib was so flavorful, the beef was super tender with robust flavors and I especially loved the cauliflower and corn smash. My server was so kind and very attentive. The other staff and the manager were also very hospitable and kind. read more

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I love the food here! My favorite dish is the Goa Fish. But everything I've ever had here is tasty. I love that everything taste different too. Huge selection of drinks: wine, cocktails, whatever you fancy. Service is amazing. We were the last table and had to wait for our Uber to come, but the waiter staff were patient with us and let us stay longer even though they were closing. read more

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First of all this is not an Indian restaurant serving Indian food. It is run by someone of south asian origin and the food is Americanized. So please STOP calling this an Indian restaurant. The food is not authentic at all. The service is average. The only reason to go here is if someone else is paying the bill, such as corporate lunches/dinners. Milestone events, date night where the ambience matter and where you need to make a good impression- not for food. read more

Came to celebrate my friend's birthday here. This is probably one of the nicest decorated Indian restaurant in Howard county. It's located in a nice and safe community called Maple Lawn. Service is great. They are usually busy so I can see why some reviews say they feel rushed. Our server was pretty nice. Food is mostly great. I love their Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter chicken. We ordered lamb dish that I wouldn't get it next time. It had little too much of the lamb smell. When the lamb is marinated and cooked right, there shouldn't be any smell of it. Rice and naan were great. I wouldn't mind visiting on a special occasions but the price is little too high compare to the quality. read more

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We saw that Ananda was booked solid... AGAIN, but having been once we knew that it was well deserved. That being said, when you have a taste for good Indian cuisine, you need to crush that craving. We did our trick... we showed up early, we sat at the bar... BOOM, we got our fix. Nann bread was amazing. Non-alcoholic berry smash, was awesome. Service from Kay, perfect!. The bar was perfect, we could talk, we could eat. we had plenty of space, didn't feel rushed. I don't know what more you would need. read more

We went for an early dinner for Mother's Day to enjoy a lovely meal in a great environment. We were seated immediately by an open window. It was a bit chilly and I asked if the window could be closed, and it was raining, but they said they could not because other customers would object. So I slid far to the right on the bench seat so I had less air on me. Funny two other groups were brought to the table next to us and both asked to be moved because it was too chilly. Okay now that this issue is discussed let's discuss them meal which had a few highs and mostly lows. We both had soups, one the butternut squash and the other the mushroom. Both were not hot enough and both were a bit thick. When I got to the bottom of the bowl and it was very thick so I left it. Both soups had some kind of funny greens decorating the soup which added nothing to the flavor. Those greens need to go. Next we ordered the onion Naan bread, which is usually thin, hot and tasty. This was thick doughy , over seasoned with too many onions inside. I thought I was eating an onion sandwich. This just was not tasty. Now to the dinners. I had the vegetable jalfrezi with rice and lentils. Usually the dish is colorful and the vegetables are crunchy. These vegetables were dingy and overly spiced. The rice was not hot and the lentils were merely a circle of wet brown food rather than whole tasty lentils. My husband had the crab Malabar and said it was fine. His rice and lentil sides were similar to mine. We had no dessert and drank iced teas. This was definitely not what we expected from Ananda after driving 35 miles to eat there. Maybe it was Mother's day or maybe the chef had an off day but we had a $150 check and not much to rave about for this dining experience. I know from previous times this was an off day for the kitchen. read more

LOVE this place!! I come here often mainly for dinner--arriving into the complex, the parking lot is very dark and not well lit, but don't be fooled, once you get inside it's well lit and has a nice fancy vibe. Food is AMAZING! Top recommendations are the Chicken Tikka Masala/Butter Chicken, Lamb Shank, Garlic Naan or Goat Cheese Naan and Fish Curry! Their Butter Chicken is the best I've had in the DMV area--so delicious especially if you dip the naan bread in the masala sauce--I usually request for extra sauce on the side. The Lamb Vindaloo and Beef Tenderloin are good too! Portions are huge, so expect to get very full. Service is always great--love sitting at the bar because all the bartenders are super cool. They have a full bar and offer lot of the high end whiskey/scotch/bourbon that you don't see too often in other restaurants. The owner comes around too and always stops by to say hi to us. read more

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We went here for Mother's Day and First the ambiance is great!!! Live jazz in the background soft pillows along the bankhead. The servers were all helpful and very nice! The place was not loud even with a good number of kids around. And the food was awesome!My first son had a tiki masala he said it was delightful my second son had lamb balls that he said was amazing! The seasoning on everything was evenly distributed and overall Mild.My wife had a Peach Bellini and I think she loved it because she ordered 2 of them! Overall this was a Dream restaurant! read more

Ananda - Jazz band - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

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Upscale Indian dining that provides a lovely indoor or outdoor setting in this well to do area of Maple Lawn in Fulton. As others have mentioned, the building that houses the restaurant is difficult to identify from the roadside and the entrance we found was from the parking lot and not the side that faces the road. Parking is easy once you can find it. We were a party of 10 and were easily placed together. Unfortunately, the one thing they were not able to do is give us separate checks and would only take 6 credit cards. Service was okay. They were quite busy for a weeknight. We would occasionally need to flag down our server. There were others who helped clear out table as dishes were finished and refilled our water glasses. We selected a variety of different dishes and everyone enjoyed their meal. The sauces were flavorful, meats were tender and I understand many of the fresh produce used in several dishes comes from their own Ananda organic farm. So vegetables will be fresh. There is no large communal platter of rice that can be shared unless you order one of a variety of Biryanis, which was quite overpriced. Each plate has a preplated serving of simply flavored rice and a side. The one thing I was a bit disappointed about was the Kashmiri naan. It was quite dry and falling apart when trying to lift it. The filling of dried fruit and nuts were falling out. So I needed to scoop up pieces of a tasty bread that I usually enjoy pulling apart. The garlic naan bread had a totally different texture for the others who ordered that bread. All in all, it was an enjoyable night out, a bit pricey for what we ordered. I could see coming here for a special occasion. The dining room is well decorated and quite beautiful. I believe due to certain walls that can be slid opened or closed to the outdoor, the acoustics are limited in dampening the noise levels. Smaller groupings would make it easier to hear one another. read more

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I was in the area for business and my friend asked to meet here, as many of his neighbors are coming here, all the way from Bethesda. We had a few dishes to try different things. The lamb chops were delicious. The Tikka Masala and the Paneer were also good. They have a nice whiskey selection. The service was good and we were able to sit outside as the weather was good that day. read more

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This is a beautiful restaurant lovely staff incredible food I love the laying of the spices read more

Ananda - Dessert - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

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The restaurant has a relaxing , classy vibe both indoors and out. Outside has a covered area surronded with greenery. The vegetable samosa had a satisfying strong seasoning that was balanced. The grilled broccoli had a complex taste that was delicious. The garam masala goat was prepared perfectly, tender full of flavor. The chicken Tikka masala was good, but I have definitely had much better. read more

Ananda - A full flavovered samosa with the best flavored Broccoli. - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

My friend has been talking about this place forever and I finally got to go with her. First of all, I'm glad she drove. This place is tucked away in Maple Lawn and is hidden by greenery. I gave my friend the side eye and asked her if she was trying to get away from me. But once we were inside, the place was lovely. There is also a wonderful outdoor space but it was raining so we just sat by the window. My go to entree at Indian restaurants is Chicken Tikka Marsala. But this day we just got drinks, appetizers and a dessert. The appetizers were nothing like I had ever had and an Indian restaurant. I have never seen tuna in an Indian restaurant and this tuna appetizer is as good and the spices were surprising and amazing. The meat samosa was shaped like a big pop tart, but so much better. Another surprise was goat cheese in naan. I don't know if I can go back. Another surprising dish was the Palak Chaat. I have no idea how they got the spinach so crispy and it still held together. The drinks were also tasty and I'm sorry I didn't take some chai to go. There are still some appetizers I need to try. It might take a couple of trips to get to Chicken Tikka Marsala and that is ok. read more

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When we pulled up, I was amazed. This restaurant was gorgeous! The service was great, the ambiance was great and the food was great. I would absolutely go back. Plenty of parking. Bathrooms are spotless. I highly recommend this place. read more

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I probably can't write enough good things about this place. The restaurant itself is beautiful, our favorite spot to dine is the outdoor patio close to the water fountains. We love the ambiance and how just sitting in the patio, you feel like you transported to somewhere else. The bathrooms are clean and also beautiful. The service is exceptional. The food is amazing. It's always like this at Ananda. My family and I visit Ananda whenever we feel like eating out. It's our favorite spot. It's a great place to take someone, celebrate someone, or even bring you kids to try some new delicious food. The seasonal squash, veggie samosa, and gobinda are our favorite appetizers, but we try a lot of the appetizers and have many more favorites as well! Our favorites for entrees are the lamb vindaloo, butter chicken, and punjabi pork. Again, there are so many amazing and delicious options, you can't go wrong. I would say stick the dishes with flavor and be bold because those are the dishes that are going to wow you! We haven't had bad food or a dish we haven't enjoyed yet. For dessert, my go to every single time is the challah bread pudding. It is so heavenly and warm and delicious. It's buttery, and sweet, then you can dip it in the fruit compote it is sometimes served with for tart and sweet taste- and the dessert sings! It seriously hits all the notes of an amazing dessert bite. While the other desserts are all delicious- yes, we tried them all, challah bread pudding is the one try here per my recommendation. If you love Inidian Cuisine or just really good food, this is the place to go. Additionally, they own their own farm and source their ingredients from it. Fresh, seasonal, organic?!? You cannot ask for more. Highly recommend!!! read more

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Went back 2 more times recently. The first just because and the second occasion for my birthday. FIRST TIME: My friend and I got the Meat Samosa with the Punjabi Pork dish and Masala Chai. The Meat Samosa was underwhelming for me as I expected more flavor like the Squash Samosa I had tried before. The chutneys were good, but previous times I've went, the chutneys tasted different. The green one was perfect while the tamarind date tasted a little off. But, I recommend getting the vegetable Squash Samosa since it's more traditional and tastier. The Punjabi Pork dish was incredibly meat centric. I just thought there'd be more rice or a dal/veggies on the side with it. Though I don't eat meat much, I knew the Pork was cooked to perfection; it cut easily and fell off the bone. This didn't taste authentically Indian by any means, but it's an interesting take. Would I get this dish again? Probably not, but it's good for those who enjoy pork and meat heavy dishes. Personally, I feel the pork could've used more Indian seasonings since I just tasted the meat. The flavor was on the bottom. Their chai was great and didn't disappoint. SECOND TIME (BIRTHDAY): Incredible time with attentive waiters and delicious food. Started with the light, flavorful Palak Chaat. Crispy, sweet, and savory with crunchy elements to it. Definitely a more Indian dish. I recommend this appetizer; it's light and refreshing before having your main meal. Per the waiter's suggestion, I opted for the Lamb Vindaloo- something supposedly spicy and something actually authentically Indian. I'm glad I listened- a large portion size was provided and it tasted great! Filling dish with incredible flavors. I can see this dish as a good go to if I cannot decide on anything else. I liked eating an actual Indian dish compared to the Punjabi Pork. My partner ordered the Garam Masala Goat, something I was debating to get. I tried some bites and it had some interesting sweet elements to it as if soy sauce was in it or something (I'm sure no soy sauce but something sweet in it.) The goat was cooked very well and it did taste good, but the Lamb Vindaloo is a legit Indian dish for sure. Their Mango Lassi and Masala Chai never disappoint. I also got gulab jamuns with a candle to celebrate my birthday. It was magical and an amazing, memorable time. Thank you, Ananda. I can't wait to come back again. read more

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Ananda is a modern take on Indian food. The appetizers seemed untraditional but were very good. The cocktails were also very good. Try the sagamore smash it doesnt disappoint. The main dish however left a lot to be desired. Somewhat small portions for the price tag and flavors that were decent but not the best. Also, I found it so strange to see items like duck, beef and pork on an Indian menu. read more

Ananda - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

Invited to a private dinner event- beautiful warm fireplace and soft lighting, private space had sofa sitting area as well as private bathroom! Drink I tried was the spicy old fashioned- delicious with orange peel and fig! Smooth like honey Waiters were efficient and responsive. Menu yums: Crab cakes Gobinda- fried cauliflower- best way to eat this vegetable Fried kale salad- with pomegranate seeds and tangy sauce- so addictive and fun to eat My main was the lamb korma- delicate flavors, not spicy -more gentle Indian but still very savory Dessert some kind of salted caramel ice cream with crunchy chocolate bites- so good! read more

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My July 2023 pros and cons largely still apply; please see that review. I now have a couple more pros and cons: Pros - Porch seating and breads. We had a lovely table on the porch, extremely well ventilated with giant fans despite the warm humidity of the evening. It really was every nice out there and probably works in all seasons but winter. We ordered a couple of the breads as side dishes, and Ananda does breads (we got Onion Kulcha and Rosemary Naan) especially well. Definitely do not skip the breads. Cons - Prices. I know that restaurants are in business to make money, but $5 for a 5-oz coca-cola? $11 for a glass of white sangria that was mainly ice? With the aforementioned breads and drinks, four of us wound up spending $225, with tax and tip. This is about $50 or so higher than the competition and unnecessarily so. Ananda is pretty good (I would not plate rice with sauce-based main courses but in its own container), but no better than many worthwhile competitors in the region. Nothing was wrong, mind you. My dining out dollars simply go further, elsewhere. Nothing here warranted the added expenditure. read more

If you want to understand the meaning of 'perfection,' please come to eat here and you will! I came here for my birthday -- I waited months for this opportunity, and it was worth the wait! Never before have I had a chai that made me want to cry! For reference, I've been drinking chai for decades at restaurants, people's homes, temples, and schools across the United States, in Panjab, India, and maybe some other places -- and while in the past I'd thought about what goes into chai, what the ingredients are that make it what it is, this was the complete and exact opposite experience! When I tasted this chai -- by the way, in case it is not obvious and clear yet, it was by far the best chai I have ever had in my life! -- it was as if each ingredient was in its own bubble that burst onto my taste buds separately as MILK! CARDAMOM! It was an incredible experience! While other chais might taste really good or even great, this was so above and beyond all of that. I am trying to describe it but really, it is absolutely beyond description -- just incredible! As I told the owner, I wish I'd been making videos as I ate and drank, because with each thing I was tasting I was saying 'This is the best naan I've ever had! This is the best mango lassi I've ever had!' My mom said that my mouth was agape a lot during this meal. I was just so stunned and in awe of it! Again, for reference, I have studied Indian cooking with many teachers of Ayurveda and Indian cooking. I have eaten food prepared by authors of Indian cookbooks and teachers of Indian cooking as well as many many restaurants, Indian hotels, etc. etc. -- running the gamut of 'high' to 'low' cuisine -- and never have I encountered anything like this. I had the squash soup and squash samosa, and I was so full I could hardly get through it. It was so filling, it seemed magic! I mean, I was full after half a piece of naan despite not having eaten for hours and hours and not having had that much of a breakfast -- I only ate enough to sustain me, since the restaurant did not open 'til four P.M. Next time, though, I wouldn't eat anything on a day I was planning to come here! I made it through the soup and samosa and somehow fit it in and then ... my mom informed me that there was cardamom ice cream! I ordered that, too. Never have I seen such a beautiful presentation of ice cream! (Of course, I don't usually order ice cream because in general it is not my favourite thing, so I may have missed out on other beauteous presentations in other places ....) It came with the most perfect blackberry ever and a sliced strawberry plus sprig of mint. Not only that, but the spoon for eating it was most elegant, as well .... Well, in our case, two spoons for sharing, that is! So thoughtful and kind. Some restaurants don't like sharing and this is thankfully not one of those! Speaking of which, I tried my mom's Vegetable Jalfrezi and it was ex-ce-llent! Perhaps I should mention the décor and ambience -- all very nice. Relaxing, soothing lighting, a beautiful location and outside and in. Something probably almost no one cares about but that I noticed -- it's one of the cleanest parking lots I've ever encountered, as well. There was a fan on the porch that was nice to walk by. Inside, there is stained glass and displays of various things here and there including bottles and books stacked appealingly (the books, that is, not the bottles! The bottles are displayed, not stacked!). There is no annoying 'Eat and get out fast.' type of music playing (Did you know that playing certain types of music in a restaurant is a way to get people to eat and get out more quickly?). In fact, we were specifically told to stay as long as we like, take our time, and enjoy ... speaking of which, everyone we encountered was very nice! The bathrooms are also very nice (Okay, I only went into one of them, so maybe I ought say 'The bathroom is very nice.') -- clean and refreshing. I was too full from the 'small plate' and soup I got, plus the bread, to order a main course so I will need to be going back for that! Oh, the samosa! It was unbelievable -- totally different than any other samosa I have ever had. The shape was different and it was presented so elegantly, as well, but that is not what I mean .... Inside, the filling was not uniform. It wasn't exactly the same everywhere, so each bite was different -- just a little different, with a little different taste here and there, probably because the filling had so much variety in it .... It was just a very interesting eating experience! I'd never thought about it before. I always loved samosas and ate them so much, stopping by here and there just for that very frequently, and it never occurred to me once that maybe what I was eating was boring because it was the same with every bite. I never thought it should be different from that but this samosa made me question everything! It was different in the corner than it was just half an inch away. Incredible! read more

Ananda - Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

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ANANDA!!!! I FINALLY had a chance to visit this beautiful restaurant! I've been trying to get to this place for at least two years. I discovered it randomly while watching a commercial a few years ago. I thought to myself that it looked pretty attractive and added it to my bookmark on Yelp. My two friends and I are foodies and we formed a little foodie group where one of us will pick a restaurant and taste all the foods. It was my turn and I thought of Ananda. The restaurant sits by itself on a huge parking lot. It's huge a plus, because nowadays, you almost have to assume that you have to pay for parking OR you have to park super far from your destination. As you come upon the building, it looks like a little resort with huge columns on the front with plants draped all around. The restaurant itself is really big! They have indoor and outdoor options. I made reservations at 6:15 and we all arrived around the same time. I didn't bother suggesting any particular seating arrangement, but the hostess took care of us! We were seated on an outdoor patio. It was BEAUTIFUL! It was a great day weather wise, and my friends were thoroughly impressed. As we walked through the restaurant to our seats, I noticed an attractive bar and the seating indoors. I don't believe there's a "bad" seat in the whole place! The waitresses and waiters were very accommodating and helpful. Our water glasses STAYED full! We started off with drinks and appetizers. One friend got a mojito and my other friend decided upon a mango cocktail. Both looked attractive and refreshing. We shared crab cakes, a meat samosa, goat cheese & cilantro naan, and Chicken Burra (grilled chicken with spices and squash polenta). Every dish was delicious! The crab cakes were delicate and tasty. There was lump crab meat (seemingly pan fried), with bits of corn. It wasn't too far off from the traditional Maryland crab cake. The meat samosa was so flavorful! The meat and vegetables inside the flaky pastry crust were perfectly spiced and the sauces that came with it paired very well. The goat cheese and cilantro naan is a MUST HAVE! Omg, it was like eating a delicious Indian styled quesadilla. The cheese and cilantro were sandwiched between a delicate, crispy naan. I was saving room for the entree, so I only ate half of a piece. But it was truly delicious. The chicken Burra was SOOO good and one of my favorite appetizers out of what we had! The chicken was tender and incredibly flavorful. That, paired with the naan is a complete chef's kiss. For entrees, I chose the Jingha Karari (Jumbo shrimp, garlic, ginger, green chilies, coconut milk, coriander ). It was fresh and delicious, however a bit delicate on flavor. One of my friends had the fish curry and we both needed salt and pepper. Other than that, the dishes were honestly very delicious. My other friend had the Shrimp Balchao (Grilled jumbo shrimp, tamarind, coconut, lime, chili, fresh vegetables, cardamom and cumin-scented lentil & seasonal squash polenta). When our food arrived at the table, I wished her entree was mine! The shrimp were HUGE and the dish was beautifully, deliciously plated. She throughly enjoyed her meal and needed no additional salt or pepper. I know what I'll get next time for sure! Both my friends used the restroom on our visit and said it was nice and clean. The ONLY con I had at Ananda (that was honestly hard to avoid), were the flies and mosquitoes. Definitely spray yourself with some bug spray beforehand to avoid the biting mosquitoes. There *will* be flies because of delicious smells and unfortunately cannot be avoided. This, for me was a small inconvenience in comparison to the overall amazing experience. The dessert menu was enticing, but we all decided to skip it. For two drinks, four appetizers and three entrees, we spent a little over two hundred dollars, which was pretty great! I truly cannot wait to come back. A great place for friends, family or date night. Five stars across the board. read more

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Our friend's husband reserved the back room for her 40th birthday. The space was stately and cozy, with fireplaces and elegant decor. The staff was friendly and helpful. We felt they were accommodating when it came to making the room comfortable for the entire group, including the kids. In general the food was great; we particularly enjoyed the samosas as appetizers and the lamb chops as the main course. The only complaint I had was that the cocktails we ordered were not great. Again, everyone complimented the lamb chops, so definitely try them! read more

Ananda - Lamb Chops - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

we keep coming back because it is hands-down one of the best places in all of Howard County ! Anyone who says this food is bland, I have two things to say about that. First, you may have sinus issues? The moment you walk in this place, it smells wonderful. When they lay the plate of food under your face, the aroma is so unbelievably lovely! Second, you can request the heat level by way of spice in your food! I always order mine middle of the line. The ambience, is the absolute most exquisite of any restaurant around! There is not one that compares in the surrounding area. We've been to them all. I am so thankful for this place! Lastly, the staff is very attentive and willing to do whatever they need to make your experience happy. we've been to California, Sag Harbor, New York, Florida, the shore of Maryland, you name it... This place ranks up there! read more

5th time we've been to Ananda and the experience never disappoints. Great food, great service, and a great decor that is consistent. The duck and lamb shank are my favorite dishes, although the seafood is also excellent. Cocktails are always top notch as well. Our waitress Maribel was very prompt and helpful with recommendations. We always have the cardamom ice cream for dessert but they also brought us a complimentary lava cake because it was our anniversary. Another great experience and we will definitely return. read more

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Terri our server was the best more like exceptional. She's intuitive, attentive and by far the best service experience I've had in many years. The food was good though I'm learning about Indian food as I do not enjoy spicy foods. They have many varieties and can direct people according to their preferences. Last the restaurant has a great ambiance and staff. read more

Every now and then I stumble across a gem and Ananda is worthy of that. Anand sits near the foot steps of my Alma Mater, John's Hopkins -APL campus. What a great experience to try upscale Indian Cuisine and to discover they are also have full bar with an extensive "global" bourbon and whiskey selection. Yes that's right, bourbon amd whiskey from around the world. From the time you walk in till the time you leave, there is nothing dissapointing about this place. While, I have to say, I could not find the name of this establishment on the outside of the building, I soon forgot I was looking once I walked into the front courtyard. I can say I did not dine outside because it was raining, but definitely a great place for drinks, appetizers, and great conversation. The inside is just as exciting with modern-worldly antique appearance. The bar staff were great. I only had apps but every was great. I enjoyed the lamb meatballs, spicy chicken, and samosa. By far, my best Indian dining experience in the US. I look forward to my next visit. read more

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We came here for the first time during the week between Christmas and the New Year with some other couples after hearing many great things about Ananda over the last couple of years. The restaurant is located within the Maple Lawn community and our friends that live there are regulars. So with that, they were able to recommend their faves to us first timers. Ananda is an upscale restaurant as noted on their website as "Royal Indian Cuisine'. The decor is beautiful. To start we had the Palak Chaat (crispy spinach), Gobinda (cauliflower), and one of the lamb dishes. (I can't remember if we got the small plate or the Lamb Shank entreé to share as an appetizer but I believe it was the latter.) It was really good! To round out dinner there were a variety of entreés ordered from fish to lamb to shrimp. Along with two different flavors of naan. And great cocktails too. With our friends being known as the regulars they are the owner and bartender also stopped by the table. This was a great experience with excellent company and service all around. p.s. There is no sign on the bldg with the restaurant name. I guess IYKYK applies. No worries your GPS will get you there and it is certainly worth trying. read more

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Came here on a Thursday night and there were a good number of people. Ordered the chicken tikka masala for myself, and my husband got the lamb vindaloo. The tikka masala was good, but not amazing enough for me to make the trip out again. The lamb vindaloo was good enough for me to not gag because I DO NOT do lamb, mostly because of the smell and thought of eating a lamb. So that says something. Drinks were pretty good also. The vibe was nice and the food tasted good (not amazing though), and was a little overpriced for the portions and flavors I got. I've def had better Indian food. Honestly, I wouldn't take the time to come here again, unless a friend insisted, but it was good enough where I wasn't upset at the end. Try for yourself and determine whether it's worth your time. read more

Ananda - Indian Near Me - Fulton, Maryland

Good food, I didn't go wow. To me this is expensive for what it is. Excellent ambiance. Is great for special occasions. read more