I'm a person who really loves the small details in food. Food should be more than just edible. I love the smell of the food, the spices and the magical mix of the recipe. We eat to feed our hunger, but sometimes I want to use my smelling and tasting senses to enjoy the magic of the food. All of this and more is provided in this restaurant that I've discovered recently in Little Rock, Arkansas Star Of India.
I'm sure we all have that one restaurant where we usually go when we need to taste real food. If you don't have that one restaurant I'm sure you always look for one around where you live. I found mine, and when I say real food, believe me, the food is on point. I like fast food but sometimes I get tired of it. It's the same taste, same smell and everything, plus it's not healthy. I make good food at home but somedays, I want to try something different. Little Rock is full of very good Mexican restaurants. They were my first option before I found Star Of India. There is also some good Middle Eastern restaurants, but I didn't find a real one so far.
I always go to Star Of India before 2:45 p.m. -- that's when they have the open buffet. Two full dishes is my record. Pineapple juice is a must, and of course, the dessert is a gulab jamun, which is a milk-solids-based dessert, popular in countries of South Asia such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal (known as Lal Mohan), Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is also common in Mauritius and the Caribbean countries of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and Jamaica. In Nepal, it is widely known as lal mohan. It is made mainly from milk solids, traditionally from freshly curdled milk. It is often garnished with dried almonds to enhance the flavor according to Middle Eastern tradition.. Sometimes I go after 2:45 p.m., but it limits my dishes because I have to pay for what I usually order from the menu, and that would be everything they have on the menu.
They have all kinds of meat and all kinds of sea food. They have the fish masala, shrimp curry and more. I love the chicken curry, the chicken tika masala, and the lamb kofta. They also have vegan and vegetarian food like paneer bhurjee masala, vegetable jalferzi, and more, which is good choices and a big help especially if I'm taking a vegetarian friend with me.
They serve very good soups, salads, and they have their specials. What I really appreciate is the bread. They have a different kind of amazing bread. They make their own fresh bread like paratha, puri, onion kulsha, tandoori roti and more. My favorite is the naan bread.
The place is very traditional. Indian decoration is all over the walls, but it's not that fancy. It's more like a home feeling. You will always feel welcomed and appreciated. The owner is at his restaurant every day making sure everything is going perfect. The staff is very professional. A smile always on their face, and they are at your service till you leave.
Star of India offers different services, like a gluten-free diet that excludes the protein gluten, gift certificates up to any amount whether it's for a birthday, graduation present, anniversary, Christmas or any other special occasion, delivery and dining services. Take out is another option where their customers can order ahead and then come pick up their food. They also offer catering whether it's for your office, hospital or a party in general. They can make the food the way you would like and the dishes of your choice.
Indian cuisine is known for its use of exotic spices, herbs & rich flavors. I don't usually eat at Indian restaurants, but I'm addicted to this one. I tried few Indian restaurants in New York before, I wasn't impressed. My favorite restaurants in New York were Italian and North African restaurants. Star of India Restaurant & Bar has been serving authentic North Indian cuisine to its customers in Little Rock since 1993.
The address for the restaurant is Westchase Plaza, 301 N Shackleford Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211, United States. If someday you were around that area, try it out, and let me know what you think.
