A friend suggested Tarka, and I realized I really liked the place and hadn't been there for a while. Ordering at the counter was fast and easy and the food was even better than I remembered. I ordered what seemed to be a new featured item, a bowl that included your choice of protein in a curry (I got chicken in what I think was Masala), a portion of basmati rice, a nice salad, and a generous dollop of Rita. It was an excellent lunch and a good value at $12. And it was really PRETTY. I like that. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Chicken Masala Bowl - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

The Tarka reward program is great; they gift you $5.00 off on your birthday and allow a month to redeem it. I went there to redeem my birthday gift before it expired on August 1st. I ordered from the Kid's Menu: Kid's Tikka Curry Bowl (gluten free) with chicken in a mild Tikka Masala curry over basmati rice. Other options are veggies or paneer. Served with a choice of drink. It was a very large portion for a child and great value for an adult: it was only $6.50. I even had some leftovers to take home! Service is very quick. They give you a number to place on the table and personally serve the food. I love the large colorful photos on the walls featuring subjects such as Indian spices, vegetables and a food truck with patrons standing in line to order. I will definitely go back and order from the other options. The Masala Bowl looks great! read more

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nice corner Indian place. good portion for good price. for $22 you can get a vegetable dish, garlic naan and a drink. I call that fair. the taste is good esp if you say Hot instead of Mild. the flavors really come out. they put a nice jalapeno as well. rice comes with it. the place has ample place for sit down and people are always about. it's just between fast food and full restaurant but the taste is really good. well worth it. read more

This place is so good. A solid 4 stars. The staff is helpful as you have to order from a screen. You order at the front and take your drink cup and table number and then find a table to sit at. Starters here are tasty. We had the chicken pakoras deep fried in a chickpea batter. Great healthy flavor. A side dipping sauce of chutney accompanied the starter nicely. We also tried the Vegetable pakoras with potato and onion. Fresh and crispy. The Yellow Daal Curry had nice flavor of Indian spices, onions, cumin, and coriander. It tasted fresh and healthy. We order with jasmine rice for all of our dishes. Light and fluffy. Very nice portions. The chicken Tikka Masala was not the typical flavor. It was more spicy than creamy and being totally honest they need to re-do this recipe. I have had this dish tons of times and the flavor is totally off. It wasn't bad pre se, just not typical flavors of the dish. I would love to see them re-do this one please! Then let me know and I will come back. It would be so nice as this is my favorite Indian dish. Last we tried the Coconut Curry. We chose to include chicken. I think this was my favorite dish. Lovely fresh coconut flavor and the potatoes were so good! oh...and don't forget to get yourself some garlic naan. Yum Yum. A great place to gather for lunch or dinner with friends and family. Thanks! read more

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I was shopping in the area and it was a chilly day. What could be better than warm and spicy Indian food? The Madras soup hit the spot. *Tomato-Coconut Soup cooked with Indian spices & finished with an aromatic tarka of onions, cumin & garlic. Although it wasn't busy, it took longer than expected to get my soup. If you need a quick snack or full meal while down on Brodie Lane, give this place a try. I didn't order it this time but their garlic naan is one of my favorite things. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Madras Soup (V) (GF) - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love ordering from here! There are so many great vegetarian and gluten-free options, you really can't go wrong. My favorites are the vegetable pakoras and the veggie tikka masala. I always add paneer to the tikka masala, and it's delicious every time. The rice is simple yet so flavorful, and the desi ranch that comes with the pakoras is absolutely divine. I always order extra! The only thing I wish they offered is dosas. But if you're looking for a quick bite and craving Indian food, definitely give this place a try -- you won't be disappointed. read more

Tarka has been consistently good and reliable. The chicken tika masala is a favorite. You can add veggies and adjust the spice level. If you order extra spicy, it comes with jalapenos. The samosas are consistently good as well as the garlic naan. When I have an Indian food craving, I usually order from Tarka and it never disappoints! read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Chicken tika masala - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

We loved the yummy smells coming from this restaurant and had to try it. The menu is available in large print near the entrance. I ordered the mild tikka masala chicken, which comes with a generous rice scoop on the sude, plus I requested garlic naan. The food came out at a reasonable time and was beautiful in presentation. I could eat here everyday because it was so good! The service was very friendly and clean. read more

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Tarka remains our favorite Indian fast food restaurant in austin. It's quick, affordable and the quality is consistent. Today I got tikka masala for the first time and I had to admit that it's my least favorite dish from Tarka so far, hence the 3-star review. read more

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Tarka is a great place to eat. I love the chicken pakoras. I also get the plain naan and their mango lemonade might be the best drink in south Austin. The restaurant is always busy but service is great. Servers are so friendly. The cleanliness is remarkable. Overall great place to sit outside and relax with family and friends. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Menu - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Tarka Indian Kitchen is my favorite restaurant for authentic Indian cuisine. They have an app that is easy to use to place an order. Their food is fresh and flavorful and you can customize the spice level. I always start my meal with the garlic naan that is made fresh. They offer a variety of entrees that you can choose a protein with or go the vegan route. My go-tos are the saag paneer that is a rich creamy spinach dish served with basmati rice and the tikka masala with its rich creamy garlic tomato base. I enjoy the Biryani stir fried rice dishes as well with garlic, ginger and spices served with yogurt. I tried the Aloo Globi special which was cauliflower, potatoes and peas with spices. My all time favorite is the mango lemonade. I must drink 3+ glasses of this juice it is amazing. Food is ready when promised and is always fresh and delicious. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Biryanis paneer - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I ordered a salad and mild Beyond biryani when I was visiting a friend last week. The cashier was nice and he was very helpful. The food was very good and I ate to the full. The salad was fresh and the rice was cooked perfectly. The restaurant was clean and very well designed. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Shrinkflation has definitely taken over this place. We have ordered from here probably an average of twice a month for a decade. But our last six times (we kept thinking it was a fluke) the portion sizes were about half to 2/3 what we used to get with the same order. Now you literally have to order two to get what you used to get. I've seen responses from owners seemingly indicating it is a training issue...but it has been too consistent to be anything other than a top down directive from management. It's sad, it was a staple. But we've pulled it off our rotation for our office lunches until it can be proven this is no longer an issue. Never a problem with food quality or taste...but it is what it is. read more

Are my eyes deceiving me? Did they reduce to smaller portions and hike their prices??? My husband and I for $50. But besides that, the food was good and flavorful. We came in around the noon hour and though the place was fairly empty, the food took a while to come out. I have to mention the staff and kitchen staff, THEY WERE SO LOUD! Louder than the child crying the whole time during our visit. Loud talking and laughing. Very unprofessional. I usually order the lamb biryani and it was only half of the bowl. Very disappointed. read more

This place smacks you in the face as soon as you walk in. In a GOOD way. The spices, the aroma of fresh garlic nan cooking amongst other delicious Indian fare was delightful. Friendly service and plenty of indoor seating. Their curbside orders were BUSY on a Tuesday. I kept seeing the runner go out every 5min. A very unexpected place in a strip mall off Brodie Ln across the street from Academy where the DSW is. Thank you yelpers. I was really missing Indian food. We used to live 15min from Little India in Southern California where you could get any regional indian fare and cruise the snack and carry grocery stores. My eyes were bigger than my tummy when I ordered. When you get a welcomed hug from the spices in the air you can't help but talk yourself into everything you ate craving. What I got: Tikka marsala with chicken (med). It wasn't that hot. Next time I will get the hot. Came with some lovely Jasmin rice. -It was full of flavor and depth like the sauce was cooking for days -It didn't even need the chicken. I could have easily got that with a vegetarian option Soo good and comforting. Not oily or too rich Garlic Nan -warm, chewy, crispy edges -no more vampires here. Heavy on the garlic which was delicious with swipes of butter -let this be your ok carb day and enjoy.. Samosa Chaat Appetizer -mix of hot and cold -spicy, savory and warmth from the mix of spices -it could easily be a meal on its own. I ate a few bites then realized I need to keep space for the marsala All that food came up to around 20.00. When I was done eating, It looked like no one ate. It Could easily have fed 2 adults. I ate the left overs for breakfast the next morning. It was just as good! Would I go again. YES. This will be on my monthly rotation. Its nice to see and eat something besides burgers, bbq, sandwiches or other "beige" foods. Great to bring your family, a business lunch, girlfriends, or date night. Doesn't break the bank which is nice these days. Come visit and be adventurous! read more

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This is one of those places where I don't need a menu. Always get the same thing. The lamb biryani is awesome. Plenty of food for 2. Add an order of garlic naan and I've got two meals for under $20. The folks are always nice and the restaurant is convenient, clean, and not too loud. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Lamb Biryani (GF) - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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For takeout, we ordered the following items: - Cheese Naan - Kofta Korma - Saag Chicken - Chicken Korma - Paneer Pakora I highly suggest reheating the paneer pakoras in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness. The cheese naan resembled an Indian version of classic cheesy bread. As always, the kormas were delicious , and I would recommend trying the saag with paneer instead of chicken. read more

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Shrinkflation stings when you pay what you used to but get noticeably less food. Don't believe me? Well then, for you vets out there who love ordering Indian curries, your plastic bowl has traditionally arrived colored black. The bowl I just got delivered is colored red, and looks like a Medium, which is generous of me to say. I weigh 157lbs, so I'm not a Texas-sized man. Neither was the portion I paid familiar usual prices for. They didn't jack the cost up to levels that would cause people to sneer and choose another restaurant, instead they shrank the portions - which would make ordering *two* of whatever your favorite dish is to fill you up. I'm not kidding or opposite-exaggerating, you'll agree the moment you open the bag and see exactly what I'm talkin' about... read more

This was my second time ever having Indian food, but my first time at this restaurant. Needless to say, it was amazing the quality was great, flavor was flavorful, and the service was great. I can't wait to come back! read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Naan - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great prices and decent food. This food is not the most amazing Indian food I've had but for the price and the portion sizes I would absolutely make it a regular spot. I ordered the lamb vindaloo, garlic naan and veggie samosas. The lamb was cooked well and the sauce was very flavorful with a good amount of lamb. The rice was really delicious. The garlic naan was okay. Good at first but the farther from fresh it got, even just an hour, the more flat and chewy. Samosas were standard. I wish they had the tamarind sauce I've sometimes had with it, but there was a spicy mint sauce. Overall, 4 stars for the taste+price. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Vegetable Samosas with mint sauce - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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DELICIOUS!!!! Have never been able to dine in, because I only go to that area for doctor appointments, but I always bring chicken tikki masala and garlic naan home to Smithville when I'm in the area. I would love for them to open a restaurant in Bastrop!!! We need delicious and consistent options like this! read more

Chicken Tikka Masala 2 too sour, tomatoey Chicken Biryani 2 don't like the spice Lamb Korma 4 tender, creamy, cashew, pistachio Chicken Pakora 3 deep fried strips Samoa 3 potato, not flavorful Mango Lassi 5 read more

This is such a great spot if you want some quick indian food to satiate your cravings! When you walk into the restaurant; you view the menu, then order at the front table. From there you'll get an order number stick and choose where you want to sit. The place is really chill, perfect as a casual date or hang out spot! It seems quiet enough to even do your homework. There's also outside seating with a roof to give shade, super nice! They'll offer you cups, which I recommend the mango lemonade (it's addicting!) They'll bring the food to you and you can enjoy! I got the chicken saag (mild) with garlic naan and my bf got the lamb biryani (hot). I love the garlic naan here and the saag is pretty good, I'll have to go up a spice level next time though! My bf enjoyed the biryani, but also thinks to go up a spice level next time as well. Make sure to get their app for rewards! I got a buy one adult entree get one adult entree free for my birthday, and the points add up fast for free foods! read more

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If you had told me that Indian food from a quick serve restaurant would be this good, I don't know if I would have believed you. We were all floored how good the food was here. Tarka isn't trying to be an upscale Indian food restaurant; it is making Indian approachable and affordable, and they have done a great job. I was able to eat here, gluten allergy and all, without an issue. We got the tikka masala fries, chicken pakora, mirchi mirch with chicken, and chicken tikka masala + a to-go mango cheesecake and some garlic naan for the boys. Everything was GF other than the naan! The French Fries were fried perfectly, and I liked how they were thicker fries to hold up to the masala spices. I also enjoyed the savory pakora and the chutney dipping sauce was divine. The mirchi mirch was spicy, but not inedible spicy. So delicious, savory, lots of spices, and a ton of chicken along with a big scoop of rice that was perfectly cooked. Next came the chicken tikka masala that was delicious. I was honestly impressed with how much flavor they got into the tikka masala sauce. Again, for what Tarka is, the flavor they get into their food is impressive. Chicken was also perfectly cooked and not dry on either dish! The mango cheesecake is gluten free. Yup. You heard me right! I loved the cheesecake because it was not super sweet. I was half expecting a sugar bomb, but nope! Not even with the sauce! Delicious crust, filling was light and not too rich, and the mango sauce was a nice topping. GF cheesecake is hard to find, but this one is legit. We cannot wait to come back to Tarka. Service and staff were so friendly and helpful. Everyone was so nice to my kiddo. The restaurant and bathrooms were clean, tables were nicely cleaned off even though it was busy, and their outside area will be great when it isn't so muggy outside! Come and stop by Tarka! You'll enjoy it! read more

I forgot how much I liked going to Tarka! The garlic naan is flavorful. The curry fries are crispy. This is where I started liking Korma as my favorite curry! It's not going to be the most authentic Indian food you can find in Austin, but it's a quick, clean fix of it. The shrimp and chicken are the same price, just $11.50, so it was a steal for the amount of tastiness you got in that bowl. Medium doesn't have much spice but is still delicious. Service is fast and seating is spacious. Would come again! read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Garlic Naan Curry Fries Shrimp Korma ($11.50) - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

So enjoy Tarka Indian Kitchen nourishment! Always get spicy food and lucky me, I can make any meal spicy!!! Korma with lamb is great! I don't eat lamb often so it was good to have this yesterday and today for a late lunch. And Basmati rice is always divine. Don't get me started on the Naan-the garlicky the better! read more

Came here a couple weeks ago with my wife and mother in law. It was very clean and staff was friendly but the food was more Americanized than I would have liked. read more

The fries here are really good. I really like the Malai Kofta and the Tikka Masala. Not the best Indian food ever, but it will get the job done. We sat outside and the weather was so nice. I wish the portions here were a little bigger, but overall it's a good spot. read more

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Indian meets fast casual (Panera format). A good option for the everyday dinner rotation or cravings for basic Indian food. The menu has a decent variety of the crowd favorites, to keep boredom at bay. The flavors of Indian cuisine are there, to the extent that it's possible for the mass market appeal -- so it's about having the right expectations. Most of all, it's comforting and accessible. Parking and seating are abundant, and the format and service is straight forward and relatively low frills. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The best Indian in Austin. It's tasty, consistently delicious, and affordable. Sure, Clay Pit is a nice treat every now and then; but then I have to stop & remind myself, Tara IS Clay Pit. Same owners, same quality, but less expensive w/ more locations. All of Tarka's curry's are great. My favorites are the Chicken Tikka Marsala, and Vindaloo. The Korma is on the sweeter side. Their Naan is AMAZING!! So fresh... so good! read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love Tarka. We frequent this location regularly at work. My go-to is the Tikka Masala and chicken biryanis. I like that you can choose your heat level. The food is always fresh and flavorful. I wish there were 2 entree options. Recently, I've been ordering 2 kid meals to get 2 small entrees. You can get hot sauce on the side to add heat. SO good! They also have a great reward system in place. read more

We've been going here for a long time. I mean - probably since mid 2000's. They were very respectable for an Indian Bistro, and the quality has always been good. But now - we've noticed such a reduction in portions sizes - my goodness it's ridiculous. They use smaller bowls now, so the Tikka Marsala - I mean I get 4 pieces of Chicken, and I'm paying $15? Maybe more? With sauce? Come on, now. Quality is still good, it's still tasty, flavorful. That's what kept this from being a 1-star experience. It's not the best I've ever had, but still tastes good. Garlic Naan is still good too. But they raised prices and reduced portions - all this does is reduce our frequency in going there and we look for another place to go. Not worth the money anymore. Used to go here at least 1-2x a week, now it's like 1x every 3 months. Likely less now after the last disappointing visit. Service has always been good here, prompt and friendly. But I mean - will 3-4 more pieces of chicken and another half ladle of sauce break the bank and cause them to go bankrupt? I don't think so. I'm sure they're doing very well. read more

Affordable and delicious! I usually get the chicken tikka masala. It's nice that you can choose the spice level, but I do think the xtra hot could be spicier (or that they could make more spice levels). The meats are not as tender compared to high end places, but I think for its affordable price it is definitely worth what you pay for. read more

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There is really nothing wrong with Tarka. Everything I said in my previous review still stands. I'm ever so impressed with the quality to cost ratio. That said, my previous point was that eating here felt like a life hack, and now that same hack has changed... Tandoori Lounge, just a smidge further south at the Brodie/William Cannon intersection, is a MILLION times better than Tarka. Also, a comparable price (just a few bucks more per entrée). Tandoori beats Tarka AND Clay Pit, on every possible marker: Better naan. Better lasi. Better service. Better wait times. More variety. Better location (parking is always a nightmare at Tarka even though the lot seems big, and don't get me started on trying to park at Clay Pit). Better paneer (I could go on for days about Tandoori's paneer). Better Korma (Tarka's korma has great flavor, but it's SO heavy). Better rice (Wowzers, Tandoori's gorgeous rice). Also Tarka is still impressive cost wise, but the quality has gone down a smidge through the years. Especially on to-go orders where we often get burnt naan. read more

You honestly can't go wrong with really anything on the menu at Tarka. I've been coming here since the start and the food is literally always consistent and more than that, the spice level is always on point for what you ask for. Our personal favs and go tos are always the biryani and tikka masala. However I've tried all the kabobs (they've recently changed them to actual pieces of meat vs before it was a delicious round patty of meat), tried the vindaloo (also a win) and some of the apps. Also, can't forget their green chutney (phenomenal) and their homemade Raita (yogurt sauce). Just go here - you definitely won't regret it. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Tikka Masala Curry Bowl - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I hadn't been to this Tarka location in person for years. We went for a date night and we're not disappointed. You order when you walk in then sit down so it helps to look at the menu online first. Don't be scared to get hot as their heat level is modest. The flavor does not disappoint. We enjoyed two entrees and appetizer and 2 alcoholic drinks and still kept dinner under $60 with tip, which can be a challenge these days. I felt the location was clean with good service and very satisfying delicious meal. read more

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This place is the equivalent of CAVA for Indian food imo - everything was just okay in my experience They are pretty quick and give decently large portion sizes, and the place isn't too busy so there's always seating available. Great for a quick lunch, but not for anything special read more

For the price and flavor together- 100% 5 stars. My usual spot is Jaipur Palace- I'd say JP is higher quality and has way more variety in the dishes, but you pay for that. But for the lower price and fast food atmosphere I was impressed at how tasty the food was. This will definitely be my go-to for fast, cheap, and tasty Indian! read more

I had an itch for Indian food and Tarka Indian Kitchen came thru! For starters, online ordering was a piece of cake which is ESSENTIAL amidst these trying times. Also great for those who hate placing orders via phone (I feel u). Price-wise, we were surprised to find ourselves paying about $10 less than what we normally would for a two-person meal at other Indian restaurants. Pickup was quick n easy despite the dinner rush and we were chowing down on our food in no time. Both the lamb saag and tikki masala were well-cooked but pretty mild in flavor. The naan could've also been fluffier and the mango laasi thicker. Still, we happily ate everything in one sitting. Tarka may not be the most authentic Indian restaurant but it sure serves up some decent food for a good price. We'll be back for takeout one of these days! read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Saag, Garlic Naan, Mango Lassi - Indian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Good tikka masala and garlic naan. Has a pretty good customer rewards program as well. Would recommend the samasosas too. The mint/cilantro chutney they serve with it is to die for! read more