When go to a place like this I ask for the food to be made very spicy. I am usually very disappointed with the level of spice. This was best India/Pakistan food in the Albany area. They made it were I wasn't disappointed with spice. They asked from 1 to 10 how spicy I want it. I got it at 10 of course. I wish it was more spicy though, but not bad. This place also cost a few dollars more than similar place. read more

Shalimar - Troy - Rice putting - Indian Near Me - Troy, New York

Le sigh... LONG REVIEW - Skip to the last big paragraph for actual food review! I hate to give them even the 2 stars but the customer service was quite exceptional so I'd like to think the stars are for that! Ordered Chicken Tikka Masala (CTM), Garlic Naan and Somosa Chat. Since I had seen a lot of comments on the wait, I decided to call it in 15mins. Still ended up waiting for almost 5-10 mins. The cashier was courteous, funny and friendly so it may have been a longer wait but I didn't notice. He'd chat with me and make a joke about my name as the person who took the order wrote it wrong but in a good way. Finally, I got my order. After which he proceeded to give a little tour of their buffet line in other to encourage me to return as you could take it to go. It was much cheaper!!! I was like NOW? now? you tell me?! I checked my meal before I left because he was telling how much I would love the Samosa Chat... lo and behold there surfaced a problem because I realized that's NOT what I wanted!! I ordered the wrong thing. I wanted the Vegetable Samosa. He was gracious enough to let me exchange it and get a drink for the difference in price... excellent exceptional service I tell ya! All with a smile! Ended up devouring the Vegetable Samosa (2 pcs) in the car! What?!!! I was starving! It was delicious and fresh!!! Now, I was quite excited to eat my main meal. Rushed home and settled at the table, opened up the styrofoam and was instantly disappointed ... my CTM was runny, lumpy and the ghee was very visible!!! Confused ‍ I began to stir it hoping maybe settlement was the issue... nope nothing changed... I ventured to start eating and my disappointment rose. The seasoning was around the chicken but never penetrated it, the spices were pretty weak... all the essentials were there but just lacking the finesse and time it takes to cook proper Indian Masala food. Even after a few hours it was STILL runny... usually it will thicken up in the cold. Imagine cooking CTM from a recipe yourself at home... (now cause I'm sure that was a nightmare! but YES! That's exactly what this was! Nothing special to mention about the rice or garlic naan... just your normal experience with those. Chicken Tikka Masala, should be creamy, thick and delicious. The chicken should be tender and infused with flavorful spices. Said "flavor" should make you wonder what genius created this prefect blend of spices! I might be back to try the buffet and see if I can give an updated review but this is a nahhh for me for now. read more

The kid who took my order needs a personality. He was apathetic almost to the point or rudeness. But he was very young, and probably tired of answering phones, so I feel bad for him. I did take out, so can't speak for the rest of the service. That aside-- the food was good. I had the Baigan Bartha-- eggeplant and rice, with Naan. All quite good. I have had this exact dish other places and this was good as any other. It was less spicy than other places, and so did not have the same kick-- but I think I liked it better that way. read more

Their lunch buffets offer an opportunity to try Indian fare to see what flavors you like (if not all) so you can return for a dinner or other meal. The buffet price and variety is pretty unbeatable though! read more

Very enjoyable meal, many vegetarian dishes on the menu. The four of us shared and enjoyed: the mixed appetizer plate with pakoras, samosa and pappadum, baigan bartha, aloo saag, chana masala and mattar paneer, with garlic naan and raita. I will be back to try the many other vegetarian dishes, it was all so good. The price is very reasonable--all that food was about $50. The atmosphere is very casual, the restaurant is clean, but very basic in terms of furnishing and decor. The restroom is down a dark stairway and underground...I'd rather "hold it" than venture to use it again. Creeped me out a bit. It's for that restroom and the very spartan decor that I gave Shalimar only 3 stars. The food deserved 4 or maybe even 5! I will go back, but will be sure to use the facilities beforehand! read more

Ordered delivery late on a Saturday night. Everything was so delicious! I've had shalimar before but there's something to be said for a place that can deliver as well as they serve in house. The chicken in my khorma was so tender, and spicy just like I asked. Everything is so colorful and flavorful- the chutney: perfect. I'm so pleased with our little citys delightful Indian restaurant. Really surprised they dont have a higher star rating. I've been many times and it's always delicious. Try the mango pickles! read more

Shalimar's food i is tasty, but this location is not the best. If going in the middle of the day, you have a hard time with parking. The service was very speeding but the young at the counter didn't seem to know much about the dishes i inquired about. I would probably go there again since I don't live that far but Id Recommend Aashinini(spelled wrong) in downtown albany if there was an option between the two. read more

Shalimar - Troy - Outside - Indian Near Me - Troy, New York

I forgot what it was like to have Chicken Tikka Masala where the chicken wasn't rubbery and really the only thing you eat is the sauce. I picked up some from Shalimar and OMG. the chicken was so tender and the meal was so good! My only criticism is that the samosas were greasy. Other than that it was the perfect meal. thank you so much. read more

I do love me some Shrimp Makhani. I think it is my favorite dish to eat, so I eat it quite often. I have ordered it many times with Shalimar and usually it's really good. I also like to eat it with Jalapeno Cheese Naan. But lately both items are hit or miss. The naan goes from mild to mouth on fire and the Makhani arrives a different color every time now and if you eat Indian on a regular basis you know why the different colors. The consistency has left the building and it's a shame because it was really good. But now they leave me wondering what color my Makhani will be and wondering how hot the Naan will be this time too. But they do deliver quite fast.. read more

Worst dining experience that I can remember. I had to spit my food out twice. Fermented raita. Mango chutney tasted like it was from the bottom of a can have been open for many months. Even the nan I ordered was inedible. Saag paneer was flavorless. Lingering aftertaste the worst. Slow wait staff would disappear for 10 or 15 minutes at a time... left me sitting there upon arrival for 10 minutes past when I had made up my mind with no water or bread or papadam. I've never been less happy to have food in my stomach. read more

Ah, Shalimar. When you go for the lunch buffet you always know exactly what you're getting: food that is good (but not amazing), service that is polite (but not overly friendly), and you'll stagger out the door with a full stomach, wishing you hadn't had that last plate (but wishing for more, too.) You can comfortably enjoy your lunch here alone or with a group. I've also had the dinner and takeout meals, and it's pretty much the same experience. read more

My favorite place for Indian locally. Tikka Masala is great. I always get the appetizer platter. Good for buffet, sit down dining or delivery! read more

First time ever trying Pakistani/Indian cuisine! The meal I got was chicken tikka masala & it came with basmati rice...... it was amazing! The meat you can tell is great quality & the spices used were on point! The rice was even cooked outstanding! Definitely worth a try especially if it's your first time trying this type of food, should check it out! read more

Shalimar - Troy - Indian Near Me - Troy, New York

Best Indian food in the capital district!!! I've been coming here for years and it never disappoints- very friendly staff.. keep up the great work! read more

First time eating here. I ordered the chicken Khorma....it took 1/2 hour to receive my food. Husband's chicken came out first..then 5 minutes later he received his rice...and then my food showed up. The table next to us (who showed up after us) received there food right away, and all together. The food was good..hospitality tho, was not. I felt like they catered to men there. and that women are treated like second class citizens (possibly due to the culture, perhaps?) Welcome to america!!..when they brought our food (late) the waiter apologized only to my husband, saying "im sorry sir"... didnt say a word to me. read more

I have not yet eaten at the restaurant but I give their catering service a 5 star. I had placed an order for catering for my sister's 30th birthday since she really likes this place. When I initially called, the woman I spoke with said the manager would call me back and discuss what I needed and how much I was willing to spend. She let me know that often they will make you a deal from there to make it something affordable for you. The manager called me back promptly when the woman told me he would call, which is much more than I can say about other places I called for catering who said I would receive a call back. When he called, he asked how many people I was looking to feed. I only anticipated about half of my party guests eating Indian food so I told him around 15 people, and we went from there. He gave me about $80 off what the initial price would have been, and upon arriving for the food, there was significantly more food than I had even ordered! The food was delicious, hot, and more than enough to feed all the people I had over. They were very professional, and accommodating. I would use them again for catering in a second! read more

Sorry but I have to edit my origional review. Around here, its ok, the food is good, but its not as good as some of the authentic food that I've had. I like it, the people are great, and the food suffices when you have a hankering for it. The truly definitive flavors that you look for in traditional Indidan cuisine are not as pronounced as they could be though. But I still like the place read more

*UPDATE ALERT* There are about 3 Shalimar restaurants in the Capital Region. Delmar, Troy, and Latham locations. I have dined at the Latham location once-no complaints there. Frequenting Delmar and Troy, there is definitely a difference. While both offer buffet options, only one (Delmar) offers to give you a salad if you take you meal to go, at no extra charge. When I presented this request to the Troy location, I was denied. Same name, same food, different policies on take out? My overall opinion is the Delmar location offers better customer service and has is very inviting. The Troy location's younger staff is a bit abrupt and not very engaging, and not customer service oriented. (I asked for extra sauce and was asked "WHY"). I work closer to the Troy location so it's easy to stop by for a buffet lunch, or pick up dinner on the way home, but I'm a stickler for customer service (especially when it comes to my earned dollars being spent in your establishment) and would prefer to go to the Delmar location where I will be treated with respect, and welcomed. Good luck out there Yelpers! read more

I actually like their tikka over Karavalli but the ambience is lacking here.

The only reason we aren't giving five stars is because of the decor but other than that shalimar is REALLY great, quick, Indian food! The lunch buffet is not to be missed- all you can eat for $7! The lamb is very tender. We loved it so much we ordered some to take home! read more

It is a bit pricey and divey for pretty unremarkable indian food.

While the food is normally tasty... the take-out has been extremely stingy, expensive, and leaves a lot to be desired. I had food from here, last night, with my sister and her boyfriend. Some of the naan was cooked... some of it was raw dough... all of it had raw garlic on it. The serving of Chicken Tikka Masala was quite small. The lamb dish had a tiny bit of meat on a whole-lot-a bone pieces... enough so that the container it came in was still full (frome bone) after the meat was eaten. Maybe I'm getting old... but three small styro cups (veggie, chicken, and lamb), a bit of nan and rice shouldn't cost $50-$60. The paper bag everything came in looked sad, deflated, and empty.... and it was. I would not recommend ordering takeout from here. read more

When I craved Indian food in college, Shalimar was my first choice (in Troy, that is because it's the only one, haha). Food here was delicious. It didn't go as spicy as I wanted but it does the job. They even have a lunch buffet here for cheap and I thought it was well worth the 7 bucks. If you're near RPI, this IS the only Indian restaurant in town. The best part about this restaurant is that they deliver. I miss that! read more

The place is not too great for quality indian food, but its proximity to RPI makes it nearly the only choice within a walkable distance. The lunch buffet is ok, but considering its just like $7 it is a good VFM option. read more

Buffet price cheaper than your typical buffet. Good tasting food. That red sauce. read more

I get wild cravings for Indian food so when I don't feel like driving into Albany for Gandhi (the absolute best Indian restaurant in the area -- I don't know what that other guy is talking about; who cares if the bathroom is awkward?) I'll hit up Shalimar. The food is OK, I just wish it were spicier and the meat can be a little dry. Other than that, they're nice people and I think it's sort of charming in its modesty and whatever it's totally fine. read more

I've never been disappointed by Shalimar- the food is always excellent (and you get good sized portions- enough to take home for another meal!). Their lunch buffet is also a great deal. The waitstaff are friendly and helpful, I'll definitely be returning. read more

Love love love love love. Go here for their lunch buffet and you will not be disappointed. Delivery tends to take a while so I would recommend eating in or picking up. read more

Worst delivery service ever. Waited 2 hours to find out they can't find my apartment complex. I couldn't understand the driver so I texted him my address and he still couldn't find it. It's too bad you can't give less than 1 Star. Don't order from here! read more

Delicious Indian food. I've only been to the lunch buffets, which aren't generally spicy (probably due to the fact its for many people), but the food is always great. The naan is awesome. Friendly people, too. read more

Great food, super helpful staff, decent prices! My new favorite indian place :)

Great food. Good size portions. Delivery is usually quick. I haven't tried a dish in the menu that has disappointed me.

Average place with value for money buffet. Don't expect a great ambience. This is place for a quick bite and if you don't want to dine

Second trip here...first one I was hoping was an off day... Guy behind counter very rude. Lunch buffet poorly stocked, most at the bottom or empty.asked if they were bring more out, "maybe" from guy behind counter. What food I tried, was bland and dry...Done with this place. Don't bother bringing in coupons, they don't honor them... read more

Never had Indian food before and really liked this place. Food was good and hot. Had the buffet it was clean and managed well.

The food here in incredible. Ordering delivery can get expensive quick but if you're close by enough to check out the lunch buffet I can't recommend it enough! read more

Ok, it's a buffet. And it's $6.99. All you can eat. The food is pretty good for the price, and just good in general. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and meatetarians alike. Tons of veggies, lentils, chick peas, spinach, peas, carrots, potatoes, veggie rice, meat rice, chicken stew, tandoori (roasted) chicken, sometimes beef, always salad and really tasty spicy condiments to up the heat factor, And the rice pudding, the nan, the little fried veggie fritter things etc...are all really tasty! Yes, sometimes everything isn't all out at once but for that price, with all the variety, and for only $6.99...how can anyone complain?! Yes, it's not truly authentic but boy is it good! read more

Lunch buffet (weekday) price is reasonable. Buffet is usually pretty good but sometimes inconsistent in terms of flavorful. Buffet selection is little plain compared to other Indian restaurants. read more

A steal of the century is here. Weekday all you can eat buffet with delicious food. $7

I ordered the tandoori chicken dinner portion. This was fantastic. Dinner companion ordered the curry beef. It was excellent. Basmati rice and nann was awesome. Anyone looking for authentic tandoor food please go to this location. Service was excellent. read more