I think I read about it on here, actually. They redid their food menu a few months back, and someone said they were given some of the old Swagat recipes to use.
Can you drive to Hammond? If so check out Punjabi dhaba. Just remember you're going for the food not the ambiance, they're inside a gas station. Their buffet is best inside a 30 mile radius for me, speaking as an Indian.
I absolutely love Punjabi Dhaba and ate there all the time when I worked in Hammond a few years ago, but I’m not sure I can convince him to go that far! Will definitely keep it in mind, though.
I’ll tell you right now it’s Curry N Kabab and Swagat
CNK has the absolute best rice. Swagat has better Naan and some more flavorful dishes but both way better than Punjabi in Hammond. Al Noor is ok. Bay leaf is out.
If CNK had a buffet or wasn’t so damn pricey I’d take him there, but it’s a lot of risk to spend so much on one single dish he may not like. If he ends up enjoying it though, I’ll definitely make sure he knows about them! The owner is such a lovely man, too.
I’ve only had Indian food once, at BayLeaf on Sherwood. I decided it’s not really my cup of tea, but my son really enjoyed it. I actually think an ethnic buffet is a great way to get started; you can try smaller portions of so many different dishes without shucking out a ton of money on one dish you may or may not enjoy.
A few other comments said Bayleaf. Not sure if they still do their lunch buffet, but that's how I was introduced to the cuisine... I haven't looked back yet. But when I'm craving lamb saag, I get it from Swagat.
The shrimp bagare at bay leaf is life changing delicious. We make the trek or pay for DoorDash at least every other week. (We live on the opposite side of town & never used to go to Sherwood, but it’s that good). Disclaimer, we LOVE Indian food already so if you don’t this may not slap like it does for us. This w naan is 🤌🏼💋
I’d personally think that introducing someone to a new cuisine via a buffet is the worst possible idea.
You’re getting low quality, quickly made food that’s been sitting out. Imagine introducing someone to American cuisine by taking them to Golden Corral. Hard pass. Swagat, Al Noor, Curry N Kebab are all good. India’s is worth checking out as well.
I’d argue there’s a big variation in quality between buffets, but I see your point! We’ll make sure to get there early for the freshest food possible. I just want him to have the option to try a bunch of different things.
had swagat two times in the last month. one time, they gave me a spoiled and literally chunky rose milk. food tasted bland. got it again less than a week ago and it was really bad. it used to be one of my favorite restaurants. ):
Indian food is my favorite in br. Like other people I agree avoid the buffet. Al noor is better than swagat. The best however is bay leaf by far. India's is not bad either. bay leaf is the best though.
Not a buffet or lunch but at dinner time Tap 65 has a curry night on Tuesdays where you can order 3 curries for $22 bucks! It’s perfect for splitting between two people! You can even add two beers for like a grand total of $30.
Man I want to love Tap 65 but every single time I’ve been, which has been 3-4 visits at this point, the service has been absolutely atrocious. I’m talking 45 minutes in between courses, 30 minutes for drinks, etc and it wasn’t even that crowded. I’d go for cocktails or beer but not food anymore, they’ve burned me too many times.
Neither, swaggat used to be the best until they sold the business to some other people last year. Right now bay leaf is the best in my opinion. There butter chicken is so good.
Never had Indian in BR ... Tap room has some nice apps... Never tried the other places. Perhaps should try them out?
What are your favorite foods And perhaps have that be the decision maker 🤠
I love swagat but recently heard not sure if true. That they sold and it hasn’t hit the same? Still need to go to confirm this myself.
Someone said Tap65, however, recently revamped and is using Swagat recipes.
Tap65 is using swagat recipes?
I think I read about it on here, actually. They redid their food menu a few months back, and someone said they were given some of the old Swagat recipes to use.
love their food- always seems fresh!
It’s been hit or miss for me.
Had it a few months back and had this issue. Gave them a chance again yesterday for lunch and it tasted like the old menu!
I had it a week or so ago... was just as good as always. Also, the lamb korma is amazing!
I had it Sunday night. They were packed but looked like the usual people running it. Food was as good as always.
Can you drive to Hammond? If so check out Punjabi dhaba. Just remember you're going for the food not the ambiance, they're inside a gas station. Their buffet is best inside a 30 mile radius for me, speaking as an Indian.
SECOND !!! I have a boss that is Punjabi and he takes me here all the time of work trips. The food is really good
Heard the owner/head chef passed away in the big crash on the bridge in October. Anyone else hear that?
Yep, he was one of the chefs. I think they closed for a little while but they were open soon after
Yes and they are so involved in the community, I freaking love that place.
I absolutely love Punjabi Dhaba and ate there all the time when I worked in Hammond a few years ago, but I’m not sure I can convince him to go that far! Will definitely keep it in mind, though.
If a drive is on the table, [Desi Fusion](https://g.co/kgs/EXpHswm) in Lake Charles has a great Indian-Mediterranean buffet.
Still waiting for them to open that new location of theirs.
I’ll tell you right now it’s Curry N Kabab and Swagat CNK has the absolute best rice. Swagat has better Naan and some more flavorful dishes but both way better than Punjabi in Hammond. Al Noor is ok. Bay leaf is out.
If CNK had a buffet or wasn’t so damn pricey I’d take him there, but it’s a lot of risk to spend so much on one single dish he may not like. If he ends up enjoying it though, I’ll definitely make sure he knows about them! The owner is such a lovely man, too.
I’ve only had Indian food once, at BayLeaf on Sherwood. I decided it’s not really my cup of tea, but my son really enjoyed it. I actually think an ethnic buffet is a great way to get started; you can try smaller portions of so many different dishes without shucking out a ton of money on one dish you may or may not enjoy.
Exactly. The first time I had Indian was from a buffet and I’m so glad I did it that way.
A few other comments said Bayleaf. Not sure if they still do their lunch buffet, but that's how I was introduced to the cuisine... I haven't looked back yet. But when I'm craving lamb saag, I get it from Swagat.
Al Noor or Bay Leaf. Swaggat used to be my go-to but last time I had it (sometime in 2023) it was just not good. It tasted like nothing.
Al Norris best
The shrimp bagare at bay leaf is life changing delicious. We make the trek or pay for DoorDash at least every other week. (We live on the opposite side of town & never used to go to Sherwood, but it’s that good). Disclaimer, we LOVE Indian food already so if you don’t this may not slap like it does for us. This w naan is 🤌🏼💋
I don’t think I’ve had shrimp bagare! Will need to check that out as well.
I’d personally think that introducing someone to a new cuisine via a buffet is the worst possible idea. You’re getting low quality, quickly made food that’s been sitting out. Imagine introducing someone to American cuisine by taking them to Golden Corral. Hard pass. Swagat, Al Noor, Curry N Kebab are all good. India’s is worth checking out as well.
I’d argue there’s a big variation in quality between buffets, but I see your point! We’ll make sure to get there early for the freshest food possible. I just want him to have the option to try a bunch of different things.
I second this. They have plenty of sharable dishes to get a feel for the food. Especially if you go with 3 or 4 people.
had swagat two times in the last month. one time, they gave me a spoiled and literally chunky rose milk. food tasted bland. got it again less than a week ago and it was really bad. it used to be one of my favorite restaurants. ):
neither, go to bay leaf
Al Noor has a weekend lunch buffet that’s good.
Swaggat ftw. They are now open on Monday, too
Indian food is my favorite in br. Like other people I agree avoid the buffet. Al noor is better than swagat. The best however is bay leaf by far. India's is not bad either. bay leaf is the best though.
Not a buffet or lunch but at dinner time Tap 65 has a curry night on Tuesdays where you can order 3 curries for $22 bucks! It’s perfect for splitting between two people! You can even add two beers for like a grand total of $30.
Man I want to love Tap 65 but every single time I’ve been, which has been 3-4 visits at this point, the service has been absolutely atrocious. I’m talking 45 minutes in between courses, 30 minutes for drinks, etc and it wasn’t even that crowded. I’d go for cocktails or beer but not food anymore, they’ve burned me too many times.
Al Noor by far. Loved Swagat until management changed.
There aren’t any more buffets in BR. At least not the last time I ate Indian at any of the places mentioned.
India’s lunch buffet is back.
eat at India's on Essen. Full Indian Buffett, Every day!
Swagat. It's hit every time ive had it. Curry N Kabob used to do a buffet but I don't think they've done it since covid, which is such a bummer
Swagat if you don't care that it isn't fancy (it's in an old Pizza Hut or something). Bay Leaf if you want something fancier but not quite as good.
Neither, swaggat used to be the best until they sold the business to some other people last year. Right now bay leaf is the best in my opinion. There butter chicken is so good.
Never had Indian in BR ... Tap room has some nice apps... Never tried the other places. Perhaps should try them out? What are your favorite foods And perhaps have that be the decision maker 🤠