Diana S.

My friend and I stopped by the Himalayan Kitchen at Ala Moana Center on Sat., 11/30/24 for a late lunch, around 1:30p. We sat inside of the restaurant. The music playing was melodic and set the ambiance for our dining experience. This was the first time my friend would be having Nepalese/Indian cuisine. I've had it many times on Oahu, Portland, and even London, as well as home made by my Nepalese friend. I suggested having Samosas, and Lamb Saag, and told her to choose a dish on her own, she ordered the Lamb Naan. I also suggested the Butter Chicken, since that is what people who've never experienced Nepalese/Indian food gravitate, too. She declined the latter, and wanted to start off with flavors similar to what she is used to. I ordered the Lamb Saag at a 5 out of 10 spice level, where 10 would be extremely spicy. It was the perfect amount of spice for me. It was too hot for my friend. She enjoyed the flavors of the Saag, though. We both agreed that the spinach and spices were so creamy with the tender lamb. The Basmati rice was also the perfect accompaniment, to the Lamb Saag, as it enveloped the spices of the Saag. That is why this is my favorite Nepalese/Indian dish. The Samosas had a great potato filling and we both finished it off with the cilantro chutney dipping sauce. My friend also enjoyed the Lamb Naan. The lamb filling was tasty and the naan was warm and freshly baked. The food was excellent, and the service was friendly as well. My friend and I will be back to Himalayan Kitchen and she can try the Butter Chicken and I will order the Lamb Saag once again.

Samantha K.

Came here for the first time tonight for something to warm me up from this dreary weather we've been having. Seemed like a two-person operation but even though they were short-staffed, the service was excellent. The lady working was so attentive, seemed to anticipate what we needed and checked on us. Since we had a small table, her serving style was smart and helped us maximize the space of our table. My friend had the chicken tikka masala and I had the lamb bhuna. I gotta say, I'm really impressed with how much lamb my curry had. Most other places just give you 4-5 pieces cubed, but the lamb in this curry tasted like it was slow cooked, so it melted in my mouth as I ate. And there were so many pieces. Same with my friend's chicken Tikka masala. The food was flavorful and great portion. I had enough to take home for lunch tomorrow. Will definitely be coming back!

Kristen S.

My grandfather was excited to take my honey and I to Himalayan kitchen on a Monday night, and it was pretty busy for a weeknight at the mall! We found parking easily and were welcomed to seat ourselves. Favorites from the menu include lamb madrass and the fish korma, although we opted for shrimp because they were out. We also tried the lamb buhma for the first time and it was our favorite bite (if you love garlic!). The garlic naan is always hot and delicious and this location provides jasmine rice with every entree (I think it's Ala carte in kaimuki). Servers are friendly and attentive, and our only complaint was a long wait time, but to be expected as the food is all made to order. The dine in area options are indoor and outdoor, and aren't terribly scenic, but to be expected of a mall parking lot.

John S.

This is a small place on the 1st level of the Ala Moana mall. I've been meaning to try this place that last time I was in Waikiki but it was closed at the time. I approached the entrance and was asked where I wanted to sit. I decided to sit one of the few small tables inside even though it was hot. The server promptly served me a glass on ice water and kept refilling it. I looked over the menu and ordered the lamb coconut curry and a mango lassi. The drink was delivered followed by the lunch dish a few minutes later. I have had better mango lassi at other places. It was not as thick and tasty as I expected. They did not skimp on the meat in the lamb curry; it was full of tasty lamb chunks. It came with white basmati rice but no veggies or salad. I guess those needed to be ordered separately. The portion was more than I could eat at that time, could not finish all the rice. I saw their Tandoori chicken dish being served to another patron. It was on a sizzling dish and looked really good. I thought to myself, I should have ordered that dish (not to take anything away from the lamb curry, it was delicious). It was really hot in the place despite the fan and that was only drawback.

Mary S.

Although small, one person working front of house is not enough. Service was incredibly slow, and food was not prepared accurately (neither dishes were spice level 10 - the hottest) and my naan was completely forgotten. The only redeeming quality was after I pointed out to my server that they had not brought my naan (to ensure I was not charged for it), they did go ahead and make it for me complimentary. I would maybe try a different location before writing them off completely.

Sandy M.

When we have a lot of errands to run in town, this is our favorite place to relax and eat. Plenty of parking, indoor and outdoor seating (great for people watching) and a lovely waterfall nearby. The service is always prompt and attentive! I seem to see a lot of take out meals, so I know they're very popular! The food is always fresh, hot, well presented and DELICIOUS!! Going to keep enjoying this place for a while!

Dan A.

I've visited this Ala Moana Center location several times - purchasing takeout on each occasion. They don't offer online ordering, so I've just walked up and ordered for takeaway. Wait time varied from 15-30 minutes - usually accurate except for one instance - depending on when I ordered. Himalayan Kitchen's first location in Kaimuki is excellent and I've seen mixed reviews on Yelp for the AMC locale. The most recent takeaway consisted of Chana Aloo ( chickpeas and potatoes in a tomato-based sauce ) and Garlic Naan Bread. Requested a spice level of 1 for the Chana Aloo because I've tried their 7 - for their mixed vegetable curry- and it was nearly too much for me, bordering on too spicy to enjoy. 8+ will mean suffering, sweating, swearing, and...well, imagine the end result...yes, more suffering. Unfortunately, I did not receive a spice level fit for a child but what was closer to a 7. There was a phone order while I was waiting to make my own and they must have gotten our orders switched up. Garlic Naan was okay...can't go wrong with a warm naan. Cheese naan from a previous order was also average. Samosas were very good and their mint sauce was excellent. They are on the Diamond Head side of AMC, first level, on the corner next to the escalator (to Macy's, The Lanai, etc.) and the Satellite City Hall. Parking is often packed nearby. Car thefts and bag snatching happen on occasion in this vicinity, so be aware of your surroundings

Sharon H.

The baby sister restaurant to the original Kaimuki location, this Himalayan Kitchen may be smaller but no less packing a punch when it comes to those familiar spicy notes and tantalizing aromas. There's limited indoor seating and a handful of outdoor tables that look out over Ala Moana's makai parking lot. Still, we noticed a steady stream of take out orders being filled and customers walking in unannounced just like us on a Thursday evening. Our order: papadam's -- those thin lentil crackers dotted with cumin seeds; two golden fried samosas filled with a mix of creamy potatoes and peas accompanied by a cilantro yogurt sauce and a spicy tomato chili. Scrumptious! My dining companions went with the masala chicken and I ordered the aloo gobi, a vegan curry of cauliflower, potatoes, onions, tomato and spices. An order of basmati rice and plain naan gave us the starch to sop up all those delicious curry right to the last drop! Service was helpful and friendly if not super quick since the kitchen was busy filling all those takeout orders. Still, I can't complain. When you crave Indian cuisine, Himalayan Kitchen hits the spot!

Jessie Ross N.

The food is amazing and flavorful. We had the saag dip, Kathmandu Chicken Chili, and a serving of the garlic naan bread. It's just a symphony of different spices and flavors and we enjoyed all of it. That naan bread, I'm telling you, is just nice and chewy in texture and flavorful in garlic in all the right ways. A lot of the dishes are saucy and we just wiped it right up with the naan to savory each drop and morsel. The only issue we encountered was the waiting time for our order to arrive. I mean, we waited a while, to the point where my partner and I thought they forgot about us. As great as the food was, we were starving before we arrived and the lack of attentiveness was enough for us to feel like we wouldn't want to select this place if we wanted to eat soon.

Edwina S.

Went to Himalayan Kitchen on Sunday for Lunch we sat on the lanai and felt a cool breeze!! The Food was amazing and the ambiance is so pretty and relaxing. We ordered Vegetarian Samosa, Vegetable Bhuna, and Nepal Dal with Family size rice my husbands first real Indian food experience and it was wonderful... We'll be back!!

Val H.

Saturday at Ala Moana Center and we were hungry. Lunch at the Himalayan Kitchen was perfect. The restaurant is usually busy with two tables indoor and the remaining tables were outdoor. We were lucky to sit at a table for two indoor. The server seemed quite busy and I think it was only him. Take out is available so several people did that. For lunch we had the Chicken Tikka Masala with a spice level of 5. We also ordered the Mixed Vegetable Curry with spice level of 5. Both came with rice. In addition we ordered the Garlic Naan which I think they forgot and we were half-way done with our meal when it was brought to our table. It was very delicious and great to dip in the curry sauce. They were also very nice to put this dish on the house which was unexpected. Thank you. We plan to return to try some other dishes and of course to have their Naan.

Kyle S.

I have been to the Kaimuki location but first time to this newer Ala Moana location. If I could give half stars I'd say this location gets 3.5 stars. The location is good and bad. On the plus side great to have Nepalese and Indian food option at the mall! Understandably the rent is high so there is limited seating inside, I think two tables for 2 and one 4 seat table. There are outside seating but the bad thing is it's right next to the parking lot and people walk by without any dividers. I wouldn't bring a date to this location for a romantic dinner but otherwise for casual get togethers it is fine and great for take out. I went on a Friday during the day and no one else was eating there but people were getting takeout. The service was good since it wasn't busy. I love samosas so had to get those for any appetizer. It came with two large ones which were stuffed so you get your money's worth! The outside dough could've been crispier and flakier, but as a whole they were very satisfying. The chicken tikka was not the best I've had but sauce was tasty. Wanting to try something different I got the Kathmandu lamb chili, spiciness level 3. I like spice but even at a 3 it was a good amount of heat while not overpowering the flavor so be aware of that when you select your spiciness level (1-10). This was very flavorful with an initial sweet taste that quickly turns into a sour taste. It reminded me of a sweet and sour dish but more on the sour side and reminded me of Filipino food. It came with carrots, onions and bell peppers. It was good to try something different! The serving sizes are pretty small for the price though the flavors pack a punch which leaves you satiated. Not a place I can afford to eat on the regular but great for a occasional treat meal! There are not many places here for food from that region so good to support them and very convenient location at the mall!

Jennifer E.

Hidden at the bottom of the escalators near the fountain by Assagio in Ala Moana Center. The inside of the restaurant is small and can hold small parties. Outside seating can accommodate more people but the lighting isn't the greatest due to the structure of Ala Moana's parking garage on the lower level. The owner, I think, runs around taking orders over the phone, serving dine in guests, attending to walk in take-out orders and 3rd party delivery orders, and all things in the restaurant. And while I saw some exhaustion, he did it all with a smile and provided great service both times that we visited the restaurant. The food is the same from when I first visited the restaurant last year and last night. This review has pictures of food from when we visited last year. Shrimp Salad: Loved the Tandoori grilled shrimp. Mango Lassi: A bit more tangy than I remember it to be. Gulab Jamun: This dessert was so good. It's quite sweet and moist so I ended up saving some for later.