I lived in Sugar Land for many years and moved away about 6 years ago. Today I was in Sugar Land and thought how great it would be to visit Cafe India again. About 10 years ago I was a regular visiting Cafe India about twice a week. My expectations were set by my history with Cafe India.
When I walked in I started to turn around based on the looks of the place. My old Cafe India was clean, neat, bright and welcoming; today's Cafe India is the total opposite. But I had to try it for old time's sake. Boy was I surprised!!!
The food on the buffet was horrible; the tandori chicken was drier than shoe leather and about as tasty. The saag was soggy and runny, not to mention tasteless; you had to add the paneer from a bowl sitting on the ledge of the buffet. The dal had very little flavor and was like a runny liquid. The rice was clumped and had no spices. The best thing on the buffet was the alloo. The Murgh Tikka Masala didn't taste like any I had ever had before (and I've eaten it at about every Indian restaurant in the Houston area), it tasted like tobacco without the rich tomato creaminess I've become accustom to.
Once seated they brought out garlic naan once seated, it was hot and tasty; one of the limited bright spots of the meal. No Bhajiya but HUGE Somosa stuff with about a half of potato.
In summary the food looked like it was left over from earlier in the week, what should have been moist was dried out, and the vegetables were all runny and had too much oil or grease.
Needless to say that was my final visit to a dear old friend. Without a doubt the ownership/management has changed since my regular visits back 7-8 years ago. There are too many GOOD to GREAT Indian restaurants in the Sugar Land area to waste your time with Cafe India. May she rest in peace....
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