Had Tadka Indian cuisine bookmarked for a while and finally decided to try it. Called as soon as they opened for dinner take out and the phone line was already busy. Ordered a bunch of dishes to try. Pani puri - little hallowed puff balls that you can fill with red onion and potatoes. They have a sauce that you can pour into each one. Just eating of this appetizer can make anyone go back for more. Plus, it's not very filling so you can add it as a side to any dish or share with everyone. Samosa chaat: the description felt like a lot of toppings on a vegetable samosa. But surprisingly, I couldn't point one sauce out that was more distinct than the other. It all melded well together. Aloo matar: potato with peas in a creamy orange sauce. Very nice and pleasant. Lemon rice: interesting take and nice addition to the curry. Not overwhelming in lemon taste. Naan bread- we got the cheese, garlic, and plain naan. Nice and soft and the cheese one filled with a very soft and subtle tasting cheese. Butter chicken, chicken tikka were both good. The vindaloo chicken was super spicy and my husband liked it but was spicy for him he couldn't eat it all. 3 peppers on the menu so have fun! I am not sure if the to go options for the curries is similar to eat in portions but it felt so small. They were like soup bowl containers and I wished there was more. We had an over abundance of rice and bread to our curries. Parking is difficult especially with how small, tight, and limited the stalls were. My parents picking it up we're able to snag a stall but couldn't get out because the person wanting it blocked them and he ended up going around and lost it. That's how busy it was at 6 pm.
Natalie C.
It was amazing. There was this funny server, who has just the best humor. Now I know nothing about authenticity, but the food was really really good. Very rarely I get to try new food. OH THE NAAN WAS WONDERFUL. Best naan I've ever had. Definitely coming back again. Note to restaurant: Please make a doordash or ubereats. Will order out every week.
Shawna M.
We were really impressed with this place! We stumbled upon it and were very happy with the way our food tasted and how great the staff was.
Ainslie P.
Outstanding food Outstanding service The quality of the meats and vegetables are the best quality.. wait for a table is worth it ... they are busy .. Lunch a great too ... no wait time The best !!!!!
Michelle Tom
Favorite Indian restaurant on the island!Whenever we walk past this place there’s always a line out the door so today we decided to try it and we were not disappointed. First of all, 5 stars to the Samosa Chaat and the mango lassi. Haven’t had anything like the samosa chaat in the past - there were two samosas basically taking a bath in a mixture of flavors - Chana masala, chickpeas, yogurts, onions, etc. I’ll probs dream about this dish. Also I love mango lassis and this one was chef’s kiss, topped with some crushed pistachios.And 10 stars to our waiter, Veer! He’s the real mvp. 10/10 personality, hilarious, claps back at negative reviews, HERE. FOR. IT!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Samosa Chaat
S K.
The food was delicious, but it struck me as peculiar that they recycle the water from the pani puri. Perhaps they don't have many customers from India. In our culture, when water is served with pani puri, we savor every last drop, leaving nothing behind. They refused to give a cup to enjoy the water and then took the bottle back. I paid almost 9 dollars for those tiny 5 pani puri, I deserve to enjoy the water. Also, there is a note that you have to eat within 75 min that seems kind of unfriendly and unwelcoming. I would not return. It seems they operate on a different standard here. I am only visiting here so it doesn't matter. Hospitality is not their forte. Otherwise, the food was amazing.
Jo D
Super good food and service! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Harp Sidhu
Staff is very rude.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jerry Ferguson
First time there. We had a great time and will return
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeff D.
I wish we'd found this place a night before!!! We had wanted some amazing spicy food a night before and ended up somewhere else and it's was day and night compared to Tadka. The food here was worth the wait. I suggest you get here early so you can get in when they open or come in and have a plan on what to do for some time is dinning in because they get very busy, but that is because the food is very good. The service despite it getting busy is very welcoming and they do everything to make sure they show you they are grateful you waited to come and eat here. I appreciated that they were attentive that way. It's not a very big place but it's very nice inside. I will say that the Tandoori chicken was my favorite dish. The best in all Hawaii.
Ever since my sister studied abroad in London she's been looking for a good Indian restaurant in Hawaii. We found it!! Tadka doesn't take reservations, so it's walk in only, but even tho we were on the waitlist, we didn't have to wait long. One walk around the shopping center and they called with a table ready. As soon as you enter, the smell of the food just makes your mouth water. The aromas are so good you can almost taste it just by the smell! The garlic naan is obviously a MUST, but wow - the butter chicken was so perfect as a dip for the naan bread, and the chicken was very moist and tender. My sister wanted to try the lamb kabob and although I was hesitant, I'm so glad we ordered it. It came out on a sizzling platter with onions and green peppers, and a small cilantro dipping sauce. The lamb was seared and somehow cooked absolutely perfectly - it was so tender too!! We also ordered the lemon fried rice which was so worth it. Personally I didn't want or eat any of the regular rice - I only ate the fried rice - I love lemon on my food, and they give you a nice large lemon slice which was great for me, and my sister thought it was perfectly lemony on its own. I will say that the lemon fried rice paired perfectly with the butter chicken and the lamb. The citrus cut thru the rich sauce and meat. We did have the pani puri appetizer that was fun to try and it was good although I think for me, I tried it and was glad I did but I won't order it again. I will definitely order all the others again tho!!!! We will be back and bringing more people next time. YUM! I'm going to be craving this meal again soon. MUST TRY! (The wait staff was very friendly as well - which is always a plus!!)
Courtney A.
The food was amazing and I will come here again the pani puri was good and the curry was great
Tele A.
Took my aunty out of her box and has her try Indian food for the first time ever. She really liked it and I too. Friendly service and helpful too. Thank you, Tadka Indian Cuisine. Love the Pani Purii
Suzannah P.
This place is worth every bit of the buzz it is getting and with the wait. You will wait because they do not take reservations. The food was so fresh, the naan soft, warm and buttery. Everyone was very attentive and I was amazed how quickly our orders came out given how busy they were. The shock came when the bill arrived because we paid only about $52 with tip and had leftovers to take home! Definitely planning to return with my friends.
Beatrix G.
There was a wait but they were efficient and it went fairly quickly. The staff was kind and attentive and food tasty. I would try for a spicier dish next time but there will be a next time very soon!
Had Tadka Indian cuisine bookmarked for a while and finally decided to try it. Called as soon as they opened for dinner take out and the phone line was already busy. Ordered a bunch of dishes to try. Pani puri - little hallowed puff balls that you can fill with red onion and potatoes. They have a sauce that you can pour into each one. Just eating of this appetizer can make anyone go back for more. Plus, it's not very filling so you can add it as a side to any dish or share with everyone. Samosa chaat: the description felt like a lot of toppings on a vegetable samosa. But surprisingly, I couldn't point one sauce out that was more distinct than the other. It all melded well together. Aloo matar: potato with peas in a creamy orange sauce. Very nice and pleasant. Lemon rice: interesting take and nice addition to the curry. Not overwhelming in lemon taste. Naan bread- we got the cheese, garlic, and plain naan. Nice and soft and the cheese one filled with a very soft and subtle tasting cheese. Butter chicken, chicken tikka were both good. The vindaloo chicken was super spicy and my husband liked it but was spicy for him he couldn't eat it all. 3 peppers on the menu so have fun! I am not sure if the to go options for the curries is similar to eat in portions but it felt so small. They were like soup bowl containers and I wished there was more. We had an over abundance of rice and bread to our curries. Parking is difficult especially with how small, tight, and limited the stalls were. My parents picking it up we're able to snag a stall but couldn't get out because the person wanting it blocked them and he ended up going around and lost it. That's how busy it was at 6 pm.
It was amazing. There was this funny server, who has just the best humor. Now I know nothing about authenticity, but the food was really really good. Very rarely I get to try new food. OH THE NAAN WAS WONDERFUL. Best naan I've ever had. Definitely coming back again. Note to restaurant: Please make a doordash or ubereats. Will order out every week.
We were really impressed with this place! We stumbled upon it and were very happy with the way our food tasted and how great the staff was.
Outstanding food Outstanding service The quality of the meats and vegetables are the best quality.. wait for a table is worth it ... they are busy .. Lunch a great too ... no wait time The best !!!!!
Favorite Indian restaurant on the island!Whenever we walk past this place there’s always a line out the door so today we decided to try it and we were not disappointed. First of all, 5 stars to the Samosa Chaat and the mango lassi. Haven’t had anything like the samosa chaat in the past - there were two samosas basically taking a bath in a mixture of flavors - Chana masala, chickpeas, yogurts, onions, etc. I’ll probs dream about this dish. Also I love mango lassis and this one was chef’s kiss, topped with some crushed pistachios.And 10 stars to our waiter, Veer! He’s the real mvp. 10/10 personality, hilarious, claps back at negative reviews, HERE. FOR. IT!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Samosa Chaat
The food was delicious, but it struck me as peculiar that they recycle the water from the pani puri. Perhaps they don't have many customers from India. In our culture, when water is served with pani puri, we savor every last drop, leaving nothing behind. They refused to give a cup to enjoy the water and then took the bottle back. I paid almost 9 dollars for those tiny 5 pani puri, I deserve to enjoy the water. Also, there is a note that you have to eat within 75 min that seems kind of unfriendly and unwelcoming. I would not return. It seems they operate on a different standard here. I am only visiting here so it doesn't matter. Hospitality is not their forte. Otherwise, the food was amazing.
Super good food and service! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Staff is very rude.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
First time there. We had a great time and will return
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I wish we'd found this place a night before!!! We had wanted some amazing spicy food a night before and ended up somewhere else and it's was day and night compared to Tadka. The food here was worth the wait. I suggest you get here early so you can get in when they open or come in and have a plan on what to do for some time is dinning in because they get very busy, but that is because the food is very good. The service despite it getting busy is very welcoming and they do everything to make sure they show you they are grateful you waited to come and eat here. I appreciated that they were attentive that way. It's not a very big place but it's very nice inside. I will say that the Tandoori chicken was my favorite dish. The best in all Hawaii.
Restaurantji Recommends
Ever since my sister studied abroad in London she's been looking for a good Indian restaurant in Hawaii. We found it!! Tadka doesn't take reservations, so it's walk in only, but even tho we were on the waitlist, we didn't have to wait long. One walk around the shopping center and they called with a table ready. As soon as you enter, the smell of the food just makes your mouth water. The aromas are so good you can almost taste it just by the smell! The garlic naan is obviously a MUST, but wow - the butter chicken was so perfect as a dip for the naan bread, and the chicken was very moist and tender. My sister wanted to try the lamb kabob and although I was hesitant, I'm so glad we ordered it. It came out on a sizzling platter with onions and green peppers, and a small cilantro dipping sauce. The lamb was seared and somehow cooked absolutely perfectly - it was so tender too!! We also ordered the lemon fried rice which was so worth it. Personally I didn't want or eat any of the regular rice - I only ate the fried rice - I love lemon on my food, and they give you a nice large lemon slice which was great for me, and my sister thought it was perfectly lemony on its own. I will say that the lemon fried rice paired perfectly with the butter chicken and the lamb. The citrus cut thru the rich sauce and meat. We did have the pani puri appetizer that was fun to try and it was good although I think for me, I tried it and was glad I did but I won't order it again. I will definitely order all the others again tho!!!! We will be back and bringing more people next time. YUM! I'm going to be craving this meal again soon. MUST TRY! (The wait staff was very friendly as well - which is always a plus!!)
The food was amazing and I will come here again the pani puri was good and the curry was great
Took my aunty out of her box and has her try Indian food for the first time ever. She really liked it and I too. Friendly service and helpful too. Thank you, Tadka Indian Cuisine. Love the Pani Purii
This place is worth every bit of the buzz it is getting and with the wait. You will wait because they do not take reservations. The food was so fresh, the naan soft, warm and buttery. Everyone was very attentive and I was amazed how quickly our orders came out given how busy they were. The shock came when the bill arrived because we paid only about $52 with tip and had leftovers to take home! Definitely planning to return with my friends.
There was a wait but they were efficient and it went fairly quickly. The staff was kind and attentive and food tasty. I would try for a spicier dish next time but there will be a next time very soon!