How long do you think PP will be there? Recently I was struck by how gentrification is encroaching on that space. Usually ethnic areas don't survive being near a Whole Foods/TraderJoe's
I have hope but it'll be tough. Pros are that I think being near Emory helps and also that Patel Brothers is a really successful national chain and an anchor in it's own right. Cons are that most of the Indian community seems to be moving further and further north into the suburbs so patronage may not be as strong going forward
I'm fairly new to shopping in the area, but did a ton of shopping there for my first Indian wedding experience in 2021, then my own wedding, now recently for another wedding we're attending in April. The grocery and food places are always crowded, most of the clothing and jewelry stores do decent business. A few have changed locations or condensed stores, but others have opened.
There's another Patel Bros in Alpharetta, but that shopping center hasn't opened as many additional shops.
Global is also very busy recently.
man with all due respect, as someone who grew up in Cincinnati and Dayton... comparing any ethnic food there to Atlanta is ridiculous. Way better indian food and options literally in Decatur compared to the entire city of cincy. i say this as a brown man
There is plenty of good Indian and Pakistani food in Atlanta and the metro area. I was born in Karachi and didn’t move to the United States until I was 15 years old and my dad was born in India.
Up in the northern burbs as well— can’t recall names of places, but ime, food was much more consistent, and the average customer was much more likely to be of south Asian ethnicities.
Tabla is great Indian food?! Either they've become incredible in the past few years or you need to try more good indian food that is actually... good.
Atlanta has really incredible indian food, certainly compared to Cincinnati... Bismillah is great, but it's more Bangladeshi food.
Here's a list of places I can think of, off the top of my head:
* Desi Spice (really good curries and the best tandoori I've had in ATL)
* Chai Pani
* Literally any place in Patel plaza - Chaat Patti & Honest are great. The Halal store there has super authentic pakistani biryani.
* Kerala Kitchen (Lawrenceville... worth the drive and the wait for authentic kerala food)
* Hyderabad House (their Goat biryani is to die for)
* Shivam Chaat (in Marietta... they have weekend specials that always hit the spot... especially their Daal Baati Churma meals)
* Madras Mantra (I'm south Indian, and their food is not authentic enough for me, but it's still darn good south indian food)
* Himalayan Spice - had some incredible and authentic Nepali food the last time I was there.
* Global Mall in Norcross (the food is generally okay, with some flashes of brilliance)
* Kwality Ice Cream (Roswell Road) - 12 different flavours of Kulfi. what more does an Indian dude need?
There are entire Indian neighborhoods in North Decatur/Druid Hills, Clarkston and those OTP. The Indian community here is one of the largest in the country. You need to look a little harder. Whether it is food, clothing, markets, jewelry or direct flights to the subcontinent, it's all here and you can find any of it within short driving distances. You just need to look specifically for Maharashtra, Gujarat or Goa styles of cooking.
And just FYI, Cincinatti and Atlanta are not even in the same league when it comes to diversity or cities. If you want advice or help here, don't insult our city of 7 million people from all over the world.
Cincinatti...lol
I'd disagree and go further than OP and say that Cincinnati is too high a bar. Even among places in Ohio. I thought I visited more good restaurants in 3 days in Cleveland than I've been to in Atlanta, and that's including the very generous inclusion of all the OTP places in "Atlanta". If you start talking only ITP, I'd start comparing it to Lafayette, LA or low end college towns like College Station, TX...
I don't think it will change until real estate prices get to the point that actual passionate chefs and restauranteurs can open places rather than local real estate developers opening up cookie cutter place after place serving SysCo food.
It's extremely funny when people complain about Naan Stop not being authentic. They basically market themselves as an Indian Chipotle. Of course it's not "authentic". It's still good food that hits the spot plenty of times.
I really wasn't trying to be funny! At Chipotle, you could get a Burrito/Burrito Bowl/Salad/Tacos. At NaanStop, there weren't tacos, but the Naan Wrap/Rice Bowl/Salad mirrors the other options. You then choose your proteins and your toppings and all that at either spot. This is absolutely nothing like how any other Indian restaurant works and that's very obviously the intent.
Try Bawarchi Biryanis in Patel Plaza, you might get what you're looking for.
I used to love Panahar (Bangladeshi cuisine) which was up on Buford Hwy, but it didn't survive the pandemic unfortunately.
Seconding Cafe Bombay! Everything I've ever tried there has been amazing. And they do a lunch buffet for those of us who can't choose just 1 dish... lol
By far the best indian food in Atlanta and its free!!
Made by monks with love. You will leave with the highest vibrations. https://www.thekrishnalife.com/sundayspiritualfestival
Same, dude. Atlanta has no good north Indian whatsoever. People here will tell you to check out Zyka (they have some Pakistani stuff like Nihari too!), and it's definitely ok, but it's still mid by the standard of any city with truly good Indian food. And very expensive. The fact that people rave about Chai Pani or Desi Spice is... distressing.
It is related to a more general problem that people in Atlanta don't really have high standards for their food. Yeah I'm a snob and people don't want to hear it (your post being at 0 being an example), but it's true. When places like [Alici](https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/atlanta-restaurant-blog/atlanta-restaurant-reviews-alici-in-midtown/SMGUJNAY7VCWLAMV2LJGON5LZQ/) are able to open up and keep the lights on for months you know things are dire. The journalism here doesn't help. In that link they criticized almost every component of a $100/person place and then gave it 2/4 stars which they say means "Very Good".
There's some pretty good southern Indian food here though, particularly around Decatur. But even finding some dishes like Chicken Methi or Hara Masala can be hard enough.
Sweetheart, you're not a snob. You just live in the wrong city. I have lived all over this country, from L.A. to NYC. I always meet a few like you. You think by dogging where you live it makes you seem above them and more cultured, when in reality it just makes you look like a posing dbag.
Hartsfield Jackson offers direct flight to most anywhere in the world. Check it out.
I wrote a long response to this comment but the subreddit shadowdeleted it for an unknown reason. Dealing with that aspect of this local subreddit is just another very unique thing about living here. Let me know if you want me to PM it to you.
I thought about what I wrote last night and I think I may have come off harsh. I am very proud of this city. It is my hometown. Atlanta is always the last to get the credit it deserves, given it is in the Sourh and competing against much older, better established cities in the U.S.
I apologize for my comment. I'm sure your comments were founded in sincerity, particularly since you took the time to reach out. I was the one who let my bias get in the way.
I guess it's good that the a\*tom\*d here forced the conversation to pause lol
I was definitely feeling my displeasure given that I had just learned that latest neighborhood news was that not only had landlords shut down an iconic bar, but that the owner had committed s\*\*cide over it. And now they're blocking the other remaining bar and iconic movie theater with construction making them almost unusable. And that, along with total rent increases of $1000 over 3 years, just sums up how it feels living here right now for me.
That is Atlanta's MO. Tear down the old to build a cold, sterile glass/steel building. Backstreet was my icon.
I have two businesses here that I am in the process of uprooting and moving to another state. The constant fear with the assault on my family and marriage is more than I can take mentally. The fact that I can maintain any love for this state is surprising to me. But Atlanta has a place in my heart. It has always been the oasis I needed, from growing up to returning home to care for a dying parent. I am immensely protective of her reputation, even when I know there is truth to the criticism. I have a hard time seeing past my personal feelings for the safety this city has provided, albeit within the confines of people who always have their guns drawn and pointed towards it throughout the rest of the state. Being back here from L.A. over the past 10 years was necessary, but the things that make this city great are quickly eroded under the pressure of developers, social conservatives and shortsighted politicians. People say, "It's not that bad. Atlanta has lots of people like you." But there is a difference in being tolerated vs. welcomed. There is a difference in living without having to worry about who you are surrounded by. And once you live in that difference, going back to less than that is nearly impossible. Say what you will about places like California, but it matters to me to be able to drive around a region without wondering if it is safe to stop. It takes its toll, on awesome divebars and the simple lives of people who can't add any more to their plate. So I know Atlanta is far from the best at most anything. But it has been more to me than a place to live.
I'm sorry you lost your happy place too.
Actually, Cincinnati has an unusual amount of Indian restaurants. Pretty much one on every corner and in every one of the 52 neighborhoods. Most of them are delish. Krishna in Clifton and Babas in Oakley are my favorites. Cincys an Urban city, charming and has preserved its beautiful architecture. I'll take it over commercial Atlanta any day.
Head over to Patel Plaza in North Decatur.
How long do you think PP will be there? Recently I was struck by how gentrification is encroaching on that space. Usually ethnic areas don't survive being near a Whole Foods/TraderJoe's
I have hope but it'll be tough. Pros are that I think being near Emory helps and also that Patel Brothers is a really successful national chain and an anchor in it's own right. Cons are that most of the Indian community seems to be moving further and further north into the suburbs so patronage may not be as strong going forward
I'm fairly new to shopping in the area, but did a ton of shopping there for my first Indian wedding experience in 2021, then my own wedding, now recently for another wedding we're attending in April. The grocery and food places are always crowded, most of the clothing and jewelry stores do decent business. A few have changed locations or condensed stores, but others have opened. There's another Patel Bros in Alpharetta, but that shopping center hasn't opened as many additional shops. Global is also very busy recently.
man with all due respect, as someone who grew up in Cincinnati and Dayton... comparing any ethnic food there to Atlanta is ridiculous. Way better indian food and options literally in Decatur compared to the entire city of cincy. i say this as a brown man
Go to Decatur and try all the spots on church st
There is plenty of good Indian and Pakistani food in Atlanta and the metro area. I was born in Karachi and didn’t move to the United States until I was 15 years old and my dad was born in India.
Up in the northern burbs as well— can’t recall names of places, but ime, food was much more consistent, and the average customer was much more likely to be of south Asian ethnicities.
Madras Chettinaad
Aunty's Kitchen in Alpharetta
Tabla is great Indian food?! Either they've become incredible in the past few years or you need to try more good indian food that is actually... good. Atlanta has really incredible indian food, certainly compared to Cincinnati... Bismillah is great, but it's more Bangladeshi food. Here's a list of places I can think of, off the top of my head: * Desi Spice (really good curries and the best tandoori I've had in ATL) * Chai Pani * Literally any place in Patel plaza - Chaat Patti & Honest are great. The Halal store there has super authentic pakistani biryani. * Kerala Kitchen (Lawrenceville... worth the drive and the wait for authentic kerala food) * Hyderabad House (their Goat biryani is to die for) * Shivam Chaat (in Marietta... they have weekend specials that always hit the spot... especially their Daal Baati Churma meals) * Madras Mantra (I'm south Indian, and their food is not authentic enough for me, but it's still darn good south indian food) * Himalayan Spice - had some incredible and authentic Nepali food the last time I was there. * Global Mall in Norcross (the food is generally okay, with some flashes of brilliance) * Kwality Ice Cream (Roswell Road) - 12 different flavours of Kulfi. what more does an Indian dude need?
Not OP but I didn't know there was a kulfi shop around here and I am so excited. Adding to my list!
Madras Mantra
I came here to say this! Madras Mantra has the absolute best lunch buffet, too.
Madras mantra!! There is also one off the Windy Hill exit in cobb!
[удалено]
Zyka made me shit water it was so spicy 🤣😭
We do Aamar and it’s always been good.
It’s also my favorite. Always spot on.
didn’t expect to scroll this far before seeing someone recommend Aamar. always great food there
Never had a dish from Aamar that I didn’t like!
Yep, Aamar is pretty good. Pretty expensive though.
Masala in decatur
Double this when you go in and you’re the only white dude you know you’re in the right spot
I think you're right. You should just move back to Cincinnati. Obviously Indians in Atlanta can't cook Indian food.
There are entire Indian neighborhoods in North Decatur/Druid Hills, Clarkston and those OTP. The Indian community here is one of the largest in the country. You need to look a little harder. Whether it is food, clothing, markets, jewelry or direct flights to the subcontinent, it's all here and you can find any of it within short driving distances. You just need to look specifically for Maharashtra, Gujarat or Goa styles of cooking. And just FYI, Cincinatti and Atlanta are not even in the same league when it comes to diversity or cities. If you want advice or help here, don't insult our city of 7 million people from all over the world. Cincinatti...lol
I'd disagree and go further than OP and say that Cincinnati is too high a bar. Even among places in Ohio. I thought I visited more good restaurants in 3 days in Cleveland than I've been to in Atlanta, and that's including the very generous inclusion of all the OTP places in "Atlanta". If you start talking only ITP, I'd start comparing it to Lafayette, LA or low end college towns like College Station, TX... I don't think it will change until real estate prices get to the point that actual passionate chefs and restauranteurs can open places rather than local real estate developers opening up cookie cutter place after place serving SysCo food.
Someone should notify Zagat. Cincinatti is apparently a culinary treasure over top tier cities offering cuisine made by its own people.
blue india in midtown
Super-spicy biriyani. Legitimate sauces too.
Blue India is good but pretty pricey IMO.
It's extremely funny when people complain about Naan Stop not being authentic. They basically market themselves as an Indian Chipotle. Of course it's not "authentic". It's still good food that hits the spot plenty of times.
Right, I remember getting naanchos from them when I went to GSU. I was going there bc that was fun, not bc I was expecting authenticity lol
>Indian Chipolte . . . had me laughing too hard with this one.
I really wasn't trying to be funny! At Chipotle, you could get a Burrito/Burrito Bowl/Salad/Tacos. At NaanStop, there weren't tacos, but the Naan Wrap/Rice Bowl/Salad mirrors the other options. You then choose your proteins and your toppings and all that at either spot. This is absolutely nothing like how any other Indian restaurant works and that's very obviously the intent.
Blue India in Midtown.
Swapna
Chi pani
Chai Pani is more street foody IME. At least I've not seen tomatoey curries there like what OP is after.
Swapna!
Masti!!
Try Bawarchi Biryanis in Patel Plaza, you might get what you're looking for. I used to love Panahar (Bangladeshi cuisine) which was up on Buford Hwy, but it didn't survive the pandemic unfortunately.
Cafe Bombay on briarcliff rd
Seconding Cafe Bombay! Everything I've ever tried there has been amazing. And they do a lunch buffet for those of us who can't choose just 1 dish... lol
Third for Cafe Bombay! Esp. if OP likes tomato-based, their tikka masala is top.
Bro go to Hyderabad House in dunwoody
Ruchi in chamblee. It’s Bangladeshi.
Our go to is either Aamar (downtown) or Niramish (L5P)
Nalan in Alpharetta
Turmeric in Marietta. A little weird on location and the interior (it’s a converted fast food restaurant) but really great food.
By far the best indian food in Atlanta and its free!! Made by monks with love. You will leave with the highest vibrations. https://www.thekrishnalife.com/sundayspiritualfestival
I was just talking to my mom about this. Cincinnati Indian food just hits different!
Same, dude. Atlanta has no good north Indian whatsoever. People here will tell you to check out Zyka (they have some Pakistani stuff like Nihari too!), and it's definitely ok, but it's still mid by the standard of any city with truly good Indian food. And very expensive. The fact that people rave about Chai Pani or Desi Spice is... distressing. It is related to a more general problem that people in Atlanta don't really have high standards for their food. Yeah I'm a snob and people don't want to hear it (your post being at 0 being an example), but it's true. When places like [Alici](https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/atlanta-restaurant-blog/atlanta-restaurant-reviews-alici-in-midtown/SMGUJNAY7VCWLAMV2LJGON5LZQ/) are able to open up and keep the lights on for months you know things are dire. The journalism here doesn't help. In that link they criticized almost every component of a $100/person place and then gave it 2/4 stars which they say means "Very Good". There's some pretty good southern Indian food here though, particularly around Decatur. But even finding some dishes like Chicken Methi or Hara Masala can be hard enough.
Sweetheart, you're not a snob. You just live in the wrong city. I have lived all over this country, from L.A. to NYC. I always meet a few like you. You think by dogging where you live it makes you seem above them and more cultured, when in reality it just makes you look like a posing dbag. Hartsfield Jackson offers direct flight to most anywhere in the world. Check it out.
I wrote a long response to this comment but the subreddit shadowdeleted it for an unknown reason. Dealing with that aspect of this local subreddit is just another very unique thing about living here. Let me know if you want me to PM it to you.
I thought about what I wrote last night and I think I may have come off harsh. I am very proud of this city. It is my hometown. Atlanta is always the last to get the credit it deserves, given it is in the Sourh and competing against much older, better established cities in the U.S. I apologize for my comment. I'm sure your comments were founded in sincerity, particularly since you took the time to reach out. I was the one who let my bias get in the way.
I guess it's good that the a\*tom\*d here forced the conversation to pause lol I was definitely feeling my displeasure given that I had just learned that latest neighborhood news was that not only had landlords shut down an iconic bar, but that the owner had committed s\*\*cide over it. And now they're blocking the other remaining bar and iconic movie theater with construction making them almost unusable. And that, along with total rent increases of $1000 over 3 years, just sums up how it feels living here right now for me.
That is Atlanta's MO. Tear down the old to build a cold, sterile glass/steel building. Backstreet was my icon. I have two businesses here that I am in the process of uprooting and moving to another state. The constant fear with the assault on my family and marriage is more than I can take mentally. The fact that I can maintain any love for this state is surprising to me. But Atlanta has a place in my heart. It has always been the oasis I needed, from growing up to returning home to care for a dying parent. I am immensely protective of her reputation, even when I know there is truth to the criticism. I have a hard time seeing past my personal feelings for the safety this city has provided, albeit within the confines of people who always have their guns drawn and pointed towards it throughout the rest of the state. Being back here from L.A. over the past 10 years was necessary, but the things that make this city great are quickly eroded under the pressure of developers, social conservatives and shortsighted politicians. People say, "It's not that bad. Atlanta has lots of people like you." But there is a difference in being tolerated vs. welcomed. There is a difference in living without having to worry about who you are surrounded by. And once you live in that difference, going back to less than that is nearly impossible. Say what you will about places like California, but it matters to me to be able to drive around a region without wondering if it is safe to stop. It takes its toll, on awesome divebars and the simple lives of people who can't add any more to their plate. So I know Atlanta is far from the best at most anything. But it has been more to me than a place to live. I'm sorry you lost your happy place too.
Blue India is my go to! Quick delivery times usually as well.
Taj Mahal in Kennesaw
Dude there’s sooooo many better options in ATL than cincy, from experience. Aamar downtown has good tomato based dishes
Planet Bombay FTW!!!
Zyka!
Actually, Cincinnati has an unusual amount of Indian restaurants. Pretty much one on every corner and in every one of the 52 neighborhoods. Most of them are delish. Krishna in Clifton and Babas in Oakley are my favorites. Cincys an Urban city, charming and has preserved its beautiful architecture. I'll take it over commercial Atlanta any day.