This is a FANTASTIC restaurant!! J and I were so excited to check it out for a Friday happy hour after hearing about it from some friends. I was particularly interested by the Indian fusion concept. We arrived right at the start of Happy Hour on a Friday evening. We were surprised to be the only diners there - though I will say, this is a difficult spot to access! Driving here involved quite a few u-turns. There's some parking available right next to the restaurant, which has a patio . The inside is spacious with ample seating - high tops and regular tables. A host quickly seated us, and our server explained the happy hour and regular menu to us. We decided on the paratha smash burger, spaghetti bolognese, and for drinks the lusty monk and mango uncensored. Our drinks came first - we thoroughly enjoyed the lusty monk which was essentially a spiced margarita. The mango uncensored was more of a miss - it tasted nice but seemed a bit bland for a full-price cocktail. It comes with a small piece of mango sweet on top of the ice cube which didn't do much for me. Now the food - which was fantastic. The standout here was the paratha smash burger - I've never tried a paratha burger and I absolutely loved it!! The meat was seasoned very well and I loved the onion and cheese pairing as well. The paratha was buttery and went so nicely with the rest of the ingredients. The masala fries were crisp and made a lovely pairing with the chutney. The spaghetti bolognese was also very tasty - the keema was nicely seasoned and I also enjoyed the cheesy garlic bread that comes with it. That being said, the bolognese didn't strike me as a particularly impressive or unique dish, though the flavors were excellent. We've been talking about making the drive out here again soon to try more items from their menu! read more

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Sooo tasty (but a bit overpriced). Recommend reservations because it was busy even on a weeknight. Additionally, I highly recommend using inkind (app) for this to get a good deal - message me for more details if you are curious! Food (rice and naan are additional charge and not included in the entrees except for cauliflower manuchurian which I was not a fan of): - lamp chops - 10/10, my favorite of the night, super flavorful and tender, I want to return just for this - infladita- 7/10, fun spin on pani puri where you can diy your own - paneer tacos- 9/10, very delicious, must get on your first time - cauliflower manuchurian- one of the few vegetarian dishes, I tried the sauce and was not a fan (American Chinese taste) - lamb shank - I tried the sauce and it had a bit of a kick! I think the lamb chops were tastier - naan - good, nothing special Ambiance: perfect for a date night or more upscale outing. Very chilly so I recommend dressing warm. Service: the food took awhile to come out. The owner/manager came to each table at least 3 times to check up which was a bit much. Parking: Free lot in the back but a little hard to get in and out of read more

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This was my second time here, and I had been hyping this place up to my dad for so long that I was finally excited to bring him with me! We went on a Sunday around 7:30 PM and, surprisingly, it was completely dead. On the bright side, that meant the few parking spots they have were actually available! We ordered the Grilled Gossip Lamb Chop, Paratha Smash Burger, Butter Chicken Ramen, and Chili Cheese Kulcha. We also got a few drinks, which my dad loved! The Grilled Gossip Lamb Chop was bursting with flavor and honestly tasted great, but unfortunately, it was overcooked. The Paratha Smash Burger was solid. I loved the caramelized onions and especially loved that the paratha was fresh. It was a little on the sweeter side between the tamarind chutney and the paratha itself, but I still really enjoyed it. The Butter Chicken Ramen was good flavor-wise, but for the portion size and price, it just doesn't make sense to me. And the Chili Cheese Kulcha was... small and, unfortunately, had no chili. Our waiter was definitely a highlight. He was extremely friendly, helpful, chatty, and had all the qualities you hope for in a server. Overall, I'm a little disappointed because I was genuinely obsessed with this place the first time I came. I had hyped it up so much to my dad, and unfortunately, the food just wasn't where I remember it being. read more

Kitchen Rumors - Grilled Gossip Lamb Chop, Paratha Smash Burger, Butter Chicken Ramen, and Chili Cheese Kulcha - Indian Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a great Indian fusion restaurant. I tried their paratha burgers before on happy hour so we had to come back for Houston restaurant week. Def recommend: Lobster caviar dumplings Blue cheese chicken kebab Pan fried paneer Beef vindaloo Chocolate cardamom mousse I wouldn't order the goat biryani, because it is a lot of rice . And I know everybody talks about the Howdy gulab jamun, but I didnt like the nuts, I just preferred the top part . The chocolate cardamom mousse is the better choice. Overall, great choice for Houston restaurant week. Just be mindful of the up charges. read more

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This was a fun place to check out with friends! They have a fun fusion/modern take on Indian food. They are slightly on the pricier side but if you're on a budget, their happy hour is a great way to try some food options. Of note, happy hour items are for outdoor or bar seating only. The chili cheese kulcha and sichuan eggplant were fantastic. The paneer kakori was also delicious. My friend also got the butter chicken ramen, which unfortunately tasted more like cream than the spices. For dessert, we got the shahi tukda panna cotta and the chocolate cardamom mousse. Both were delicious, but if you're between the two, the panna cotta is the way to go. One thing that was frustrating was that none of the outdoor fans worked. For a spot in Houston that offers outdoor seating (and happy hour outdoors), this was a huge detractor. read more

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Cute/trendy Indian fusion spot with casual-ish vibes but not casual flavor! If you love Indian fusion then this spot is great! We joined today for happy hour (except lamb). I love a good happy hour so you can sample more things! Our favorites are always the kale and I liked the chicken sandwich. Parking in front and back. Some street parking is available. Dress cute but nothing too crazy. Reservations preferred. read more

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It is an amazing feat to bring together different cultures. From their website, the chef celebrates New York and Japanese culture. When you have a taste here, you can trace the journey of the chefs who engineered these dishes. Kitchen Rumors pushes aside my other two favorite indian fusion restaurants, Da Gama, and Musaafer straight to the top. The flavors are bold, zesty, and delicious. The mixture of textures are skillfully crafted. Instead of light and delicate, each dish packs a punch that I'm craving when I want indian food. The lobster dumplings had east asian roots. Reminiscent of a siu mai, the filling was balanced with either lime or curry leaf in a lobster paste. The peanut sauce around the dumplings was rich of tomato tangy notes. The palek paneer was my favorite. The cheese blocks were thick, the presentation was beautiful. In addition to the usual coconut milk base, another flavor mellowed the curry out, almost a sweet oil base. I felt like this dish reminded me more of thai cuisine more than anything (Indian and Asian fusion). Overall, I highly recommend the perspective that the restaurant has to offer. It is not 100% Indian food nor is it the cheapest meal you can find. It is highly curated emulsions of different cultures presented nicely for guests to enjoy. read more

This place never disappoints! Everything is super flavorful, with strong ties to Indian spices while still feeling upscale and adding fun twists to traditional dishes. Our server was super accommodating, kind, and knowledgeable about the menu as well. Cocktails: 8/10 - The watermelon one was really good and not too sweet. The other wasn't my cup of tea; it tasted like a healthy ginger shot or some kind of wellness drink. Crispy kale: 12/10 - I've had it twice now and it never disappoints. You'll like this even if you don't like kale. It has a toasty crunch, and you have to eat it inside out since the potato pancake-like layer is in the middle. Mixed with the kale and sauces, it's divine! Oysters: 8/10 - The curry sauce is really good and a unique take, but it does take away from the natural briny oyster flavor. Honestly, if you don't usually like oysters, you'd probably like these since they don't taste super oyster-y. Lobster dumplings: 9/10 - I love these. Perfect consistency with a great sauce. The only downside is I'm allergic to the spicy sauce (it has nuts), which I'm told really elevates them. Sides: The garbanzo bean curry is a solid staple and great with rice. The eggplant was good but nothing special. The cauliflower was 10/10 - perfect crunch, great spice, and a little acidity. Curry butter chicken ramen: 7/10 - The broth is a bit too thick to really be ramen, but the flavor is unmatched. (Also contains nuts.) Lamb shank: 10/10 - The lamb fell right off the bone, and the sauce was thick, flavorful, and slightly spicy. Parking: Small lot, but mostly street parking. I will be going back! read more

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I attended a Yelp event at Kitchen Rumors over the summer, so in October for our date night, I suggested we go back because I had a feeling my S.O. would really enjoy the experience. And no surprise, he did. First, he's not a drinker, and he had three of their delicious cocktails. "Desi Girl" to be specific. :) He said Kitchen Rumors was now one of his top three favorite restaurants in Houston (right there with Aiko and Rumi's). And it's one of my favorites too. I've had two dinners there so far, and my favorite menu items: :: Crispy Kale & Wasabi Ragda Chaat (this is a must, hands down, you'll crave it for days!) :: Infladita ( :: Blue Cheese Chicken Kebab :: Howdy Gulab Jamun (gulab jamen atop pecan pie) :: Chili cheese kulcha :: Biryani :: Roasted oyster tikka Cocktails :: Banghra Routine (watermelon-based) :: Desi Girl We did the tasting menu for two, and it could have easily feed four people. It was a lot of food! Their menu aslo has gluten-free and vegan options. We keep talking about going pack for happy hour so we can enjoy those cocktails for $8. read more

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Infladita - 9/10 - Puri was crispy and filling options had a lot of flavor Roasted oyster tikka - 6/10 - Had a lot of flavor but a bit oily, i wasnt a big fan Lobster dumplings - 9/10 - Cooked well and had a spicy kick Blue cheese chicken kebab - 8.5/10 - Very cheesy and chicken was tender Crispy kale salad - 9.5/10 - Loved how crispy the kale was and the flavorful potato filling in the middle Butter chicken ramen - 8/10 - Sauce was a bit too thick for my liking but was tastyy Pan fried cauliflower - 8/10 - Crispy and spicy but a bit hard Branzino fish - 8.5/10 - Tasty and cooked well Goat biryani - 8/10 - Had less flavor than the other dishes, goat was nice and tender Gulab jamun cake - 9/10 - Had a lemony flavor and i loved the pecan crunch Tangerine flan - 7/10 - A little too orangey for my liking but flan was great Love marriage mocktail - 8/10 - Had a strong cucumbers taste, was sweet and refreshing Not so over smart - 8/10 - Tasted like a very lemony sprite Kitchen Rumors is a unique experience for $75 per person with 4 courses offered that come out one at a time. The dishes were packed with flavor and spice. We loved the quality and presentation. They focus on setting a vibe for meaningful conversations and i love that! read more

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Came here for the first time and it was such a great experience from start to finish. The hostess was very friendly and playful as I checked in with my reservation. I was seated very quickly and my waiter Tony wasted no time bringing me the menu and giving me drink recommendations. He went in depth about each of the drinks and how they are made and the flavors you will get from them. He did the same with the food menu, explaining the popular dishes and his personal favorites. I ended up trying the Infladita which ended up being a little arts and crafts project lol jk. They are little hollowed balls that you fill with the provided ingredients. Very flavorful and customizable. I also tried the blue cheese chicken kebab which was amazing! So much flavor and the chicken was juicy and tender! I paired it with the garlic naan as Tony recommended. The garlic naan was perfect! Freshly baked and so much flavor. I'll be back soon for sure! read more

Kitchen Rumors - Indian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Exceptional in every way. Bold Indian flavors paired with eclectic global fusions come together beautifully to create a truly special dining experience. Every dish impressed. This place is unassuming and the service is friendly and genuine. The lamb chops are to die for! And the dessert is heaven sent (seriously!) Holy Gulab Jamun. read more

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Having been out for an event, I wanted to come back and show some love. The location can be a little rough. There's a lot of construction around which makes it a bit difficult to get where you want to go. They have a small parking lot in the front and a slightly larger one in the back. It's not necessarily the easiest place to get in and out of. We rolled in on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. We were the only ones in the joint for most of the time we were there. Which is unfortunate. It's a really well decorated spot. And while I do enjoy having a place to myself, I would much rather see the business flourishing with humans during happy hour. They're happy hours 4:00 to 6:00 in case you were wondering. They do have both food and drinks on their happy hour menu. So this time through we ordered crispy kale, but they ended up bringing us crispy cauliflower. That's fine, because it was really good. And we really liked the side of sauce that it came with. Very fresh, very tasty and flavorful. We also got some sliders, which were okay. This is your stand when fair that you would get pretty much anywhere with the side of fries. Nothing amazing. But we did get the Grilled Gossip Lamb Chops, and those were fantastic. Unfortunately they only come in a pair, but they were very, very tasty. Highly recommend if you're into Lamb. The staff were very attentive and helpful. The place is decorated very well. I do hope they generate more business and they get more people to come out. Highly recommend if you're in the air and you want to give them a shot. read more

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I went with 3 girlfriends to Houston restaurant week. Unfortunately, the restaurant had a few fans running because their AC was having issues. The first table they sat us at was right in front of the fan. We requested to move and it wasn't a problem. Our food was stellar. We enjoyed a 4 different appetizers and entrees; they were all well balanced and tasty. None had any spice (if you were looking for one). Desserts were great. Cocktails and mocktails were solid. Overall, if the ac was working, it was a full stellar night for a mainstream American/ Indian restaurant. If you are looking for authentic Indian, you will be lacking. But I had a great time and great service. Top bites- pani puri, shrimp curry, blue cheese chicken app Parking isn't great but there are two parking lots (front and back). read more

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We came in around 5:20ish for our 5:15 reservation on Saturday - a train had unfortunately blocked us on the way there. We called ahead about this and they were very understanding about the delay! There is a lot in front and street parking nearby. We asked to be moved to the bar (they were exceptionally accommodating) as it was less busy there. It was also HH which was an added plus. We also saw Chef Jassi, who kindly gave us added information about the dishes we ordered. It was fairly busy and got busier over the course of our stay - the atmosphere was lively and conversational. We got some appetizers from the HH menu and the HRW dinner. I do suggest getting an appetizer along with the HRW menu as some may feel portions are smaller in some dishes than others. We got the Sichuan Eggplant and Crispy Kale off the HH. Both were great, but the warm and spicy eggplant was SO good. They were the perfect warm-up. For our HRW appetizers we got the Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche and the Jackfruit Chilla. The scallops were fresh and tender and we loved the creamy leche de tigre poured on top. We also enjoyed the chilla. Our mains were the Malabar Prawn Curry and the Branzino with Herb Sabzi. The branzino was the star of the show and the sabzi paired perfectly with delicate white fish. The $10 up-charge was well worth it for the portion size and taste. We felt the curry could have had a bigger portion size or have had rice as a side, but the sauce was delicious. The HRW mains also come with a side of garbanzo bean curry and naan, both of which held their own well. For the dessert we got the Chocolate Cardamom Mousse and the Howdy Gulab Jamun. We felt that the mousse had more depth flavor-wise with the warm spice and the rich dark chocolate. The gulab jamun dessert was mainly 'just' sweet - I liked the pecan pie bar and the lemon curd though! The glasses of white wine and rosé we got also paired well with what we ordered. The service was great and the food came in a timely manner. I enjoyed my experience and would love to come back to see what Chef Jassi has in the future or to just try more of the menu! read more

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I drive past this location everyday and I was surprised to see the previous restaurant no longer in business. However, I saw that Kitchen Rumors was taking over! I had to stop by on opening day. I must say, it is super cute...I'm digging the color palette! I love pops of color and they have done such a great job. When they bring you the ticket it comes in a little mailbox:). I ordered the Rose Cocktail, Cauliflower Tajin Appetizer and Chicken Sliders. They were all from the Happy Hour Menu...drop the mic!!!! Oh yes, this is my new happy hour spot and it's within walking distance to my home. The parking is limited, but it's located in a neighborhood so you might have to park there if they are packed in the lot. They have a patio that is very spacious. The staff provided great service and they accept walk ins if you do not have a reservation. I'm bummed that I had to leave early due to this Saharan Dust giving me a headache. Nonetheless, I will return next week. They have craft cocktails and an array of dishes that vary in pricing. You definitely should give them a try! read more

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Visited this place during my last trip to Houston with my coworkers overall it was a wonderful dining experience at Kitchen Rumours in Houston. The Indian fusion concept is executed beautifully, with creative flavors that truly stand out. The paneer kakori tacos were a highlight--perfectly spiced, flavorful, and a great balance of textures. The lobster dumplings were excellent as well, delicate yet rich, and cooked just right. For dessert, the saffron orange flan was quite interesting and unique, offering a refreshing twist with subtle aromatic notes. Overall, Kitchen Rumours delivers innovative Indian fusion dishes with thoughtful presentation and bold flavors. Definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to try something different and well-crafted read more

Would rate 3.5 stars if I could, but closer to 3. Pros: staff was so nice and able to accommodate all requests, getting a reservation was not difficult and we were seated promptly, drinks were yummy and offered good mocktails Cons: the entire vibe is just.. odd. Neon colors and random art on the walls that look like someone just googled "desi fusion art." When you pay, the bill comes in a mailbox which was cute except when we split the bill 5 ways they brought 5 mailboxes instead of 1 with all the receipts? I digress. Prices were pretty steep for an ok amount of food, we ordered 4 extra empty pani puri shells and that cost $10. Food: flavors were nice and fusion elements were cool, We especially enjoyed the goat biryani and chicken kebab- but I'd pick Aga's or Musaafer before this restaurant, personally. read more

We are big fans of Amrina, so we were excited to visit Kitchen Rumors in the Heights. They are housed in the old Xin Chao space and have done a great job of making the space their own. The service was top notch - We had a lead server, but there was a great deal of support staff and management who made the whole experience flow perfectly. Chef Jassi even came out and greeted us. Antonio, the assistant GM and Somm was extremely helpful. We started with a couple of innovative and tasty cocktails - The Bhangra Routine which was sort of a tequila based Gin and Tonic type drink. The strawberry ice cubes were interesting. We also had the Swag Wali which was an old fashioned riff. Both tasty. On to the food. For appetizers we had the Roasted Tikki Oysters, the Scallop Ceviche, the Lobster Dumplings and the Crispy Kale Salad. Each dish was innovative and very tasty. The oysters were some of the best roasted oysters I've had in Houston. And the Lobster Dumplings could stand out on the best dim sum menus in town. The Ceviche was flavorful and the scallops were tender and the Kale Salad was a mixture of flavors and textures that Chef Jassi excels at. The Oysters were the closest thing to an Indian dish of the 4, but were all certainly Indian influenced. For our main course we went with the Atta Chicken. Insider note - It takes 45 minutes to prepare this dish, so get it ordered early. The presentation of opening the dough crust was fun, but it might have been more fun if the dish was plated at the table rather than taking it back to the kitchen. In any event, it was like some of the most delicious tandoori like bone in chicken I've had. There have been some complaints about the size of the chicken in the reviews, but for me the size was perfect for two guests and the price was consistent with two entrees. The only side dish we ordered was the Sichuan Eggplant that used to be on the Amrina menu. It was great as usual, but we were so full that most of the eggplant came home with us. We were too full for dessert. Great job Kitchen Rumors. We will return to try some other items!! read more

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We really enjoyed our dinner at Kitchen Rumors. It was pretty packed on a Saturday night, so it had a very fun, upbeat vibe (though a smidge crowded). Kitchen Rumors has a $75/person tasting menu (very good value for ALL that you get below), and it includes what seems to be the restaurant's top items. Here's what we tried (it was a lot!): -Roasted oyster tikka: I'll be honest, I'm not a big oyster fan, so I let my friend have my oyster--I hear it was great. -Infladita appetizer: My favorite item of the night--it's a MUST ORDER appetizer. -Crispy kale & wasabi white peas: I'm so glad this item was on the tasting menu because I probably wouldn't have ordered it--it was the sleeper hit of the night, and I would definitely order again. It had a sweet dressing but was also savory with the potato. -Lobster dumplings: Great, very flavorful, particularly the curry, which was nice and spicy. -Blue cheese chicken kebab: I was pleasantly surprised by this dish--while I probably wouldn't order it again, it wasn't too blue cheesy, which I liked. -Lamb chop: OK, this appetizer was not on the tasting menu, but it's a MUST ORDER too--very tender, perfectly cooked. -Branzino: I liked it, nicely prepared. -Goat biryani: If you like traditional goat biryani (I do!), this dish is perfect for you. -Sichuan eggplant: I like eggplant, but this item was just OK--we each tried one piece but didn't go back. To be fair, we were clearly getting very full by now... -Garlic naan: Delicious and classic! We had to order more. -Garbanzo beans curry: Another not on the tasting menu item, but I liked having the curry to dip the naan. -Dessert: Pana cotta and gulab jamun were the two desserts of the night. We were clearly very full by then and thought the desserts were both great but only managed a few bites before we rolled out of the restaurant. read more

Came on a Sunday night at 6:30 and the place was almost completely empty the entire evening, which is unfortunately because we really enjoyed our experience. The paneer tacos were quite good and the spaghetti bolognese with lamb was also delicious (somehow even better reheated the next day) and the chili cheese bread it came with was also just as good. Service was fast and friendly; the rest of the menu also looked really good, would come back again read more

Kitchen Rumors - Eat Me Like a Taco - Paneer Kakori - Indian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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**This place was upsetting... to say the least.** My girlfriends and I saw a bunch of posts about this spot on Instagram and decided to make reservations and check it out. It wasn't packed when we arrived, but it's still worth reserving a table -- about 70% of the place was full on a Tuesday night. There's parking in the front and back, not a ton, but there's street parking nearby so finding a spot wasn't an issue. We were seated right away, but wow -- it is *cramped*. There was a group of four guys at the table directly behind us, and every time a server came by to take their order, clear plates, or refill water, our chairs got bumped. Constantly. We were basically sitting back-to-back, rubbing chairs, and could hear each other's conversations word-for-word. Maybe that kind of setup flies in New York, but in Houston? Where space isn't exactly at a premium? It felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. Then came the part that really soured the night. When our server came over to introduce himself, drop off menus, and take our drink order, he gave us a little spiel about the restaurant. And in that, he told *a table of three Desi women* that the food wasn't traditional Indian -- it was fusion, borrowing from different cuisines so you get "the best of everything without that bad Indian smell." We were stunned. Why say that? And to *us*, of all people? What about us made him think that comment would land? It was ignorant, offensive, and honestly, just disappointing. As for the food -- it doesn't cater to a traditional Indian palate at all. Indian food is bold, layered, and rich. This was, across the board, forgettable. Here's what we tried: 1. **Infladita** - Basically a lamb pani puri. The passion fruit water was nice, but otherwise meh. 2. **Jackfruit Chilla** - Looked beautiful, tasted like nothing. Way too thick. 3. **Pan-Fried Paneer** - Actually pretty good. 4. **Bison Short Rib Nihari** - A complete letdown. Barely any shorba, which is *the* star of nihari. This dish missed the mark completely. 5. **Chili Cheese Kulcha, Garlic Naan, and Layered Sheermal** - Kulcha was tasty but *tiny* for the price. Naan was good but swimming in oil. And the sheermal? Not even close to the real thing -- missed both flavor and texture. 6. **Howdy Gulab Jamun** - Didn't hate it, but there was way too much going on. We left feeling disappointed and uncomfortable. It wasn't a memorable meal -- at least, not in a good way. And honestly, we were glad our husbands didn't come. That comment from the server alone would've ruined the night for them. We won't be back. There are too many amazing places in Houston that actually respect the food -- and the culture it comes from. read more

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We tried out Kitchen Rumors on opening weekend - we made a reservation, but there were several open tables available for walk in. The space is inviting and casual. There was a decent amount of parking in the front and side of the restaurant. The service was quick and attentive for opening weekend. We tried a few cocktails, which were all great! Our favorite was the Bindaas Vibes - had a nice curry leaf tinge to a refreshing, ginger cocktail. We got a few dishes to share: - Roasted oyster tikka - 4/5, these were good, definitely different from any other oysters I've had, but wish they were fresh instead of roasted. - Infladita - 3/5, these were okay. It's their version of pani puri. We got them vegetarian, which was double portion of avocado instead of lamb. That was a bit of a let down - I wish they subbed it with another ingredient because it felt pretty plain and missing key texture. Lobster dumplings - 3/5, these were lobster shumai (not potstickers/traditional dumplings) and it felt like the lobster meat was ground up. These were a bit of a let down because of that as well. They just didn't feel like they were particularly different from some shumai that you'd get at dim sum. Blue cheese chicken kebab - 5/5, these were great! The chicken was well seasoned and cooked. Our waiter recommended getting it with the chili cheese kulcha, which was a great recommendation. Butter chicken ramen - 3/5, this was the main reason we went but we were a bit let down by it. We're huge ramen fans, but this wasn't particularly flavorful. We tried to get hot sauce to soup it up - but they gave us what seemed like Cholula or Tabasco, which didn't seem like it fit with either the Indian or ramen taste profiles. Branzino - 5/5, this was great! Cooked perfectly, skin was nice and crispy. On a bed of the spinach you'd maybe see in saag paneer. Cumin spice potatoes - 2/5, would not recommend. Just seemed like boiled potatoes with some seasoning. Not crispy or particularly flavorful. Howdy gulab jamun - 5/5, really tasty and love how they reimagined gulab jamun. It's great with the pecan cookie bar crust. Chocolate cardamom mouse - 5/5, also very tasty! Had a great caramel center and very cardamom forward. Overall, it was a good experience. Drinks and desserts were great, main course items were okay. read more

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Had an enjoyable dinner here with excellent staff, tasty food, and an overall energetic yet classy balanced ambiance. All the dishes we tried were top notch, and out server was instrumental in delivering such a positive experience. The menu here is really fun - some unique fusion takes on familiar Indian/south Asian cuisine. Dishes we tried: Lobster Dumpling - delicious, would order again Grilled Gossip Lamb Chop - also delicious, would order again Goat Biryani - good, classic option. would order again Pan Fried Paneer - favorite, must get Atta Chicken - a specialty here, was good but would probably skip in favor of trying something else on the menu next time. Good option for sharing Naan - classic, must get Clearly there were no misses in our meal, and we tried a good bit of the menu so I tend to think there are no misses here at all. So, enjoy yourself and enjoy the culinary journey! Parking - small lot or street read more

Tony, you're amazing. This is a now love letter to him- Tony, you gave the best recommendations. He recommended the Bhangra Routine cocktail, I got it. It was the best, very refreshing and tasty. The tajin on the rim was a perfect touch with the refreshing, light, and slightly sweet flavor. For appetizers, our boy Tony knew exactly what's best... lobster dumplings and blue cheese chicken kebab. And listen to him when he says to get the garlic naan. I had to hold my guest back from licking the plate from the lobster dumplings. Lastly, I got the pan fried paneer, get the garlic naan with it too, great combo. One guest got the cauliflower and I think he'd go vegetarian if it meant food that good. My other guest got the butter chicken ramen, so yummy and I'm the lucky one who gets to have the left overs for lunch!!! So would recommend!! Tony, you made it great, can't wait to see you again. The vibe of the place is great, such a pretty indoor and outdoor space. Also the check comes in a mini mail box, how cute!!! read more

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The food was great and I would try it again but the hostess was very uncooperative. She couldn't find my reservation and would not sit me. I had the reservation which I made from Open Table which I had on my phone but they seemed unconcerned with me trying their food for the first time. All of the food was cooked what I believe as well as it was supposed to because it was flavorful, seasoned well, and I enjoyed every bit. I will come back again because I like the feel of the decoy and set up but other that the server hopefully the hostess learns better customer service. read more

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Kitchen Rumor is a great date night spot -- cute ambiance, good vibes, and the staff was super friendly and attentive. We got the lamb chops, mushroom, and blue cheese chicken with garlic naan. The lamb chops were well-seasoned with a nice char, and the blue cheese chicken was decadent -- creamy, tangy, and indulgent. Mushroom was mainly the bean paste with a few pieces of mushroom on top. The garlic naan was not too garlicky but solid naan. The flavors are bold and rich, and if you're into big, unapologetic flavors, you'll probably love it. That said, most dishes leaned a touch too salty and heavy for my taste. By the end of the meal, I was feeling the weight of it all so if you prefer something lighter or more balanced, just be aware that subtlety isn't really on the menu. I likely would not return because of the heaviness and saltiness in the flavor. Solid pick for an Indian fusion night out in Houston!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Didn't try their cocktails but if I were to try the cocktails I would try the cocktail bites- they look super cute and yummy. read more

Kitchen Rumors - Indian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ambience (10/10): nice hip vibe with modern south asian tones in the plateware, decor, and furniture. Service (10/10): while I was essentially the only one in the restaurant, I also was treated very well. The server was attentive, quick, and helpful Food (9/10): Sichuan eggplant (9/10): perfectly crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside. The flavoring was spot on with a hint of the Sichuan spice and classic Indian spices. I was hoping for just a bit more burst of flavor in the crispy outside. Branzino (10/10): very well cooked; perfectly seared to get the outside edge crispy and the inside buttery and flaky. Under the branzino was a delicious sour green dry curry (spinach and fennel based). The dish was perfectly balanced throughout read more

Kitchen Rumors - Branzino - Indian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Top-notch experience! Food and service were both wonderful. Can't wait to be back in the area so we can visit again and explore more of the menu. read more

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Food here is soooooo good!!! Creative Indian inspired menu. My husband and I went during their soft opening and were seriously blown away. Highly recommend! FOOD: Okay... yoooooo! This was hands down the most creative Indian fusion we've ever had. Honestly, when I read the menu, I had no idea what to expect -- but every dish was a total surprise in the best way. The flavors are hard to describe, but somehow everything just worked. Our absolute faves were the oysters, lamb chops, quail, and gulab jamun. Incredible. Also, the prices are very reasonable for the quality, and the presentation? Beautiful. DRINKS: Their cocktails and mocktails were amazing! I was so happy to see they had legit non-alcoholic options -- as someone who's pregnant, that meant a lot. You could tell they put real thought into the mocktails, not just juice in a fancy glass. The "Love Marriage" one with pistachios? Next level. My husband loved his cocktails too -- balanced and super unique. SERVICE: So kind and welcoming! The manager came by to check in, and our server was fantastic. You could tell she was excited about the food and really knew the menu well. Especially impressive since they had only been open a few days. VIBES / LOCATION: Tucked away on a cute little street near Silver Street Studios, super close to Montrose. It's a great spot -- cozy, stylish, and perfect for date night or a group dinner. Already planning our next visit with friends so we can try more of the menu! read more

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I really liked the concept and ambiance -- it has a great chill vibe, and the food is delicious and creative. I've been to Kitchen Rumors twice now and tried several appetizers and mains. I did deduct a star because I was disappointed with the same cocktail on both visits. I ordered the Bindas Vibe the first time and it tasted extremely lemony, with hardly any gin and no curry leaf flavor. When I asked about it, the server checked with the bar and said the bartender had forgotten to add curry leaves. The remade drink was delicious. On my second visit, both my friend and I ordered the same drink -- and again it tasted like lemonade with no gin or curry leaf flavor. When I mentioned my previous experience, the server came back saying there were no curry leaves in the drink and that sometimes the bar doesn't get them if there's a shortage. That response was disappointing -- if key ingredients aren't available, the drink shouldn't be served. They did remake it and it tasted great, but it's frustrating that this happened twice and only improved when we spoke up. I hope management addresses this, because it doesn't feel like a coincidence. read more

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This review is for the NYE experience at Kitchen Rumors.. Ive visited many indian restaurants around Houston and was intrigued but unfortunately this was probably one of the worst ive had thus far. We made reservations for 8:30 and even came in 10 mins early and asked to wait which was fine, sat at bar but then waited till 8:50 pm till we were seated. That was ok as we enjoyed some entertainment provided by the DJ and belly dancer (woo hoo ;)... Speaking of the music, im not sure what was going on but through the night the music would suddenly blast to 130db as they changed tracks which would cause may patrons to jump scare out of their seats.... Moving on to the food, it seems that night there wasn't a regular menu but a set NYE menu. It would have been nice to know about this before but was not told till after seating. The menu had a few options which I was ok with. Below are my thoughts on the courses. Oysters with Tikka masala: hmm very interesting taste but not for me, the combination was not good. Goat Galouti kebab: This was what appeared to be goat curry puree on a naan cracker, the texture was off putting flavor was just ok. Beef Vindaloo: This dish was ok but lacked strong spices, if you are familiar with vindaloo its usually very well spiced. One issue that occurred was they skipped one of our courses, there was a Ravioli course which never came. When we were being served the last course dessert I mentioned it and the manager then came and stated they would bring it out. After about 5 mins it came out. Shrimp Ravioli: This was the dish I enjoyed the most, but felt more Italian than indian. Dessert Carrot Halawa cheesecake: Also very good! Few extra notes, the wait time between courses was very long, at multiple times we sat for 20 mins waiting for next course. A drink I ordered was completely forgotten till it was mentioned. The last note was my mistake but a 20% gratuity was added and not knowing I added a 15% tip on top of this. While the experience was bad and food was not very good for the NYE menu I still appreciate the commitment of the staff to correct as much as they could. For myself I think I will keep this just a "Rumor" in my repertoire of indian restaurants for now. read more

Great food. So good, in fact, that I went back the next week. I don't live close. The staff was very attentive and accommodating without being clingy. Ambience was simple, rustic, and modern yet inviting. Had the lamb chops, goat biryani, chicken, chicken tikka masala. Everything was delicious and well prepared. It's my new favorite Indian place. read more

This restaurant has not been open for too long but I've got to say I was delightfully impressed by the food, service, and ambiance! The food itself was really good. For the starter, me and my friends shared the infladita. It was basically supposed to be an Indian pani puri with outside influences. I didn't expect much to be honest, but was actually surprised. It was pretty good! I just wish that it had come with more puris (shells). For my main dish, I personally got the blue cheese chicken kebabs which were good and tasty. The chicken was cooked to perfection and was very soft. Additionally, I got the chili cheese kulcha. This was really good, especially paired with the kebabs. However, I don't understand why it was called chili cheese kulcha because there was no "chili" to be found. The only comment I would make about the blue cheese chicken kebabs is that it should be paired with something already like a naan, kulcha, or rice. I understand it's an appetizer but it could easily become a main dish if it were already paired with something else instead of having to pay an additional $4 for kulcha or $3 for naan. I also feel that $4 for one kulcha is a bit pricey. The taste, however, was good enough for the price to be slightly excused. My friends got the "eat me like a taco paneer kakori" and she liked it as a vegetarian eater herself. My other friend got the butter chicken ramen and she said it was pretty comparable to the one she gets in Bangalore, India which is a good compliment. For dessert, me and my friends shared the howdy gulab jamun and shahi tukda panna cotta. Both dishes looked beautiful when they came out. I personally liked the shahi tukda panna cotta more than the howdy gulab Jamun. The panna cotta was lighter and more airy without being too sweet. The howdy gulab jamun was heavier. I personally did not like the cake that the gulab jamun sat on but that's a personal preference. The service was very good. Everyone was very attentive from the get-go. We were greeted at the door as we parked the car and were taken good care of by the waiter. The chef also came to greet us. This is most likely because it is early days of the restaurant opening, however attention like this is always nice regardless. The ambiance was nice as well. It was very cutely decorated on the inside and they also have a patio with string lights on the outside. There's also parking at the restaurant and if too busy, you can park on the street. Overall, I would say this is a good place to check out! People should at least try this place once :) read more

Warm welcome by staff, super sweet server, lovely decor, delicious food. My ONLY quibble is that we went back and forth about whether to order the Atta Chicken based on the menu description because it says whole roasted chicken. We really shouldn't have worried because it's a cornish hen (under two pounds vs a chicken which might be three, four, or more pounds!). When we asked about this, it took THREE people to say Cornish Hen! Anyway, everything, including the cornish hen, was delicious! The flavors were so good. We will be back. read more

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I've never heard of a restaurant that made me eat outside in Houston weather in order to get a special menu item (paratha wagyu burger), but that's what we had to deal with. Additionally we saw someone sitting inside which looked like exactly what we ordered, I don't know why they are forcing people to their patio which is fine, but I would prefer the AC to humidity. What made it even more disappointing is that it wasn't even a fresh paratha that's flaky and delicious, but something frozen, that we have had a better version of. Disappointing butter chicken ramen (watered down significantly). However highlights were the pani puri and lamb chops, which I would order again if I ever came back. Alcohol drinks were nothing special either. Service was disappointing with missed orders that took over an hour to resolve, and service that was slow despite it not being busy. Restaurant was clean and indoor is nice. read more

new spot with great happy hour. entrance off Sawyer has limited parking but more parking available off Decatur entrance. offers patio plenty seating. weather was great on Friday so we opted for outdoors even though no one else was outside. very friendly waitress. hummus was the best - fiery kick. sliders were a bit undercooked - little pinky inside + chewy (did make waitress aware). the burger was great. I would definitely go back. read more

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Dang... this place was awful. The service was fine and all but everything else was bad. The drink I got tasted like green juice from HEB, the wine tasted like paint thinner. The burger was awful.. like a shitty food truck level. And finally that butter chicken ramen was literally chef boyardee. Never again TikTok trap read more

Amazing first experience with great flavor and service. We got the tasting menu and added on the lamb chop. Will definitely be back!! So good! read more

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Everything we ate was a 10/10. Would highly recommend. I'm scared to tell people how good it was because I don't want it to be super crowded next time we go :) Scallop crudo 10/10 Oysters Tiki 10/10 Wagyu 12/10 Drinks were also very tasty. read more