Great chicken biryani and tikka masala. Only take out is available. Prices have went up since I've been by last
Dustin Zeliner
Don’t get fooled by the outside curb appeal, our family has high standards when it comes to food as we cook mostly at home and prefer a grocery store dinner over 90% restaurants out there. That being said, this place has outstanding food. Chicken korma is spectacular, tiikka masala is phenomenal, garlic naan is also tasty, rice is made exactly the same every time and you get these different chutneys on side. Always feel welcomed there. Call ahead of time.
I wish for a good Indian restaurant in Falmouth! I hope Golden Swan can hear feedback in these reviews and I can try again in the future. I’ve picked up food here five times over the past few years, but for now, I’m ordering delivery from a different place out of Hyannis. Here’s why:1. Hostile responses to customer reviews. Looking through the reviews here, I’d rather not to support a business that can’t respond appropriately to feedback. I am taken aback by the restaurant owner’s tone throughout numerous combative responses - often writing many paragraphs picking apart the review and the reviewer.If you’ve ever seen the TV show “kitchen nightmares,” you’d know that the defense “we’ve been in the industry for 30 years” doesn’t mean a restaurant is excelling today. In my opinion, the owners should listen to customer feedback and be able to show some accountability for common concerns.2. The food is average at best, compared to many other Indian restaurants I’ve been to, and inconsistent. I once got papadum here that was completely stale and off-flavored. I had to throw it out after one bite.3. No online presence and outdated prices/menu. This now take-out only restaurant has no website of their own, or official menu online that I could find. I see several other sites with low quality photographs of their menu, but be warned that in my experience the prices are out of date. I once expected my order to be around $60 and when I went in, after my bill was manually tallied by the staff, it came to over $100, without an itemized receipt. From my perspective as a customer, the bill felt arbitrary, confusing, and overpriced.4. Even for take-out only, as a customer I still like a restaurant to be an inviting and pleasant space. I don’t enjoy the takeout experience here. To me it looks like the place could use repairs or updating inside and on the street/storefront.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Garrett Box
I love the Golden Swan! I live on Martha's Vineyard and every time I go off island, I stop at the Golden Swan on the way home to pick up a few days' worth of their food because it's just that good!The service is always friendly, and the food is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aisha Evans
I CANT BELIEVE I paid $50 for a high salt no flavor order. I can’t believe they’re selling this as Indian food. I want to go right back there and make him taste it but I don’t wanna cause a scene. Sooooo disappointed! Money wasted. This guy has the nerve to criticize me as a nurse and does not know my skill set what so ever. I can comment on your trashy food you call cuisine. I would rather have eaten dog food and had more pleasure. Your salty excuse for food should be kept as Falmouth secret. To call yourself a chief is demeaning to the food industry. Where I work and who have I worked with Does not concern you as the high salty excuse for cuisine should. Keep the money. Maybe then you can hire a real chief.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
ruskyandy
Positives: the shrimp vindaloo with rice was exceptionally tasty, the chicken pakoras were really flavoursome and crispy, the side sauces were authentic, and the server was really friendly. Negatives: too much coriander for my preference, especially in the poppadoms. Also it was very expensive, even for the area. Overall: I’d go back for a special treat, next time I’d order naan bread instead of the poppadoms.
Sonny R.
I have been a customer for roughly 20 years. I used to order 1-2 times per month, and I estimate that I have spent around $20,000 at Golden Swan over that time. I always tip between $8-$20, even for takeout. I have posted online reviews to help bring in more business, and even posted copies of their menus when people complained that the online prices did not match the prices on their in-store menu. I have recommended them to countless friends, coworkers, and relatives. In other words, I am the type of longterm customer most businesses value. Until recently, I thought the owners and their kids were very kind, friendly people, so it saddens me to write this. I will NOT return to this establishment, all due to a prepaid gift card that they refused to honor because it was...wait for it... 2 days past the expiration. Now before you judge me on this, know that this is ILLEGAL. In the state of Massachusetts, a gift card MUST BE VALID FOR 7 YEARS. My brother tried to explain this to them, but they became irate and told him that "other businesses do this, so we do it too". The owners insisted that they would "lose money" if they honored the gift card. How can they lose money when they were already paid for the full amount of the gift card in advance? That is just ridiculous. Even after I called to discuss the matter in a peaceful manner, they stood by their decision and continued to insist that there was nothing wrong with breaking the law by selling gift cards with a one-year expiration. So, sadly, Golden Swan lost a valuable customer (as well as other customers I have and would have sent their way) all over a $60 gift card.
Renegade777
I started visiting Golden Swan about 20 years ago. On average, I have ordered 1-2 per month during that time. My orders are usually in the $85-$120 range, and I have always tipped $8-$20 on my orders, even for takeout. I used to bring friends, family, and coworkers here, and supported them during Covid, but sadly I will not be back. All of this is over a $60 gift card that was a mere 2 days past its expiration (my elderly dad misplaced it) that they refused to honor. In the state of Massachusetts, it is illegal to sell gift cards with an expiration date less than 7 years. Golden Swan knowingly breaks this law, and their defense is "everybody else in the area does it." Sorry, that is not good enough. They first refused to honor the gift card, claiming they would "lose money". I am not sure how they could lose money on a gift card that was fully paid in advance, but that's what they claimed. And anyway, it was only two days past the (illegal) one-year expiration. After a big kerfuffle, they said they'd honor 50% of the value. As a reminder, my dad prepaid the entire amount of the gift card. That is just highway robbery. In the end, they grudgingly took the gift card but not for the full amount. So much for valuing loyal customers and their families. I called them after to discuss the matter but they stubbornly stood by their decision, so I will not be back to Golden Swan because I cannot support a business that knowingly engages in illegal practices.
Vashun Wheeler
Sadly they were under construction when we went but never the less we were greeted promptly. The food is simply a 10 outta 10 recommend!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
william b.
First time India food. Bit dark entering, I got in a karate stance to be sure, take out only, very nice people, talented chef, rice dish (buryani?) tasty, next time I will request a veggie side. Chicken tikimasala? Sauce perfect for naans (bread?) swim. I need to talk to owners because I don’t know if I was eating Goa or New Delhi or whatever the origins of the dishes. Like a pesto from Genoa, or bolognese from bologna… I want to get it right.
⚠️ WHY ARE THE REVIEWS FOR THIS PLACE SO MISLEADING? ⚠️I absolutely cannot believe how negative some of these reviews are… DO NOT BE MISTAKEN. This place is awesome! The atmosphere is so comfortable, and the restaurant looks so authentic. You might be questioning the restaurant at first, because it only does “takeout”. But believe me, their food is absolutely delicious. The owners are so friendly and kind to their customers. They make me feel very welcomed to be there. They told me that their food is only takeout because they’re doing renovations and for personal family reasons but the takeout doesn’t affect me at all that’s all I ever knew…I never had any experience with Indian food whatsoever, but this place made me change. I never tried Indian food before, so this was the first time I went. AND IT WAS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE. Indian food is my new obsession. And it’s the best cultural food out there.I know that the Golden Swan Indian cuisine is a small family business that has been going around for years. Whenever I walk in the store I feel MORE than welcomed. The owners are friendly and kind! They even remember my order when I walk in there the second time… sometimes they give me specialties to get me to try new things , and I have an endless list of suggestions.For all the people who never tried Indian food or don’t have experience, I can describe the taste. Indian food is authentic and amazing. They have options that aren’t spicy so don’t go around thinking that it’s spicy because it’s not as a matter fact it’s savory. They have pineapple, sticky rice, non-chicken, fried vegetables, and so much more.In general, Indian food has strong flavors and is often spicy, sweet, smoky and savory. It’s always good to try new things so for all you people who never tried Indian food I definitely recommend trying the mild rice, chicken non-and tomato soup.Overall, this place is a five out of five because it inspired me to explore more cultures, and gave me such a great experience. Most likely you will have leftovers, because of the delicious portion sizes… If you have leftovers DONT THROW IT AWAY! You can use the leftovers and literally mix it in ANYTHING. It goes with salad, rice, pasta, and even noodles ! I never waste any of the food, because it’s just THAT GOOD.The place is so cute and local! For example I saw a picture of a little boy, on the way in… and turns out that was the cashier. Like WHAAT?? It’s such a nice family business and everything they have is AMAZING. ? 5/5 AWESOME.
My friends and I had gone to the Golden Swan for dinner. Sadly, they were only doing takeout. But, we decided to do takeout and it was our best decision!! The food is very delicious and authentic. Best food in the Boston and Cape Cod Area!! Love you guys and will definitely be back again soon.
Well, never actually got to eat here ? went to go out to dinner here with my fiance BUT they don't offer dining in...only take out. So we obviously left. Sad, because we really wanted Indian food. But wanted to sit down and enjoy ourselves. They ought to have a sign somewhere stating this before you walk in rather than make you stand in a line to wait to find this out.
Allura Wheeler
So I've been coming to the Cape for 3 years now. I've always passed this place and it looked closed. But recently I was craving curry. My coworker said this place had the best so I decided to go and BOY I WASN'T DISAPPOINTED!! We ordered the Swan Special Biriyani and the spicy Lamb Curry with garlic naan. They gave us some of the donuts for dessert and they were also yummy. I'll be back for more items soon!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Nan
Joe B.
great food and friendly staff. When I walked in it was a little dark and a takeout customer was standing in a karate stance
Great chicken biryani and tikka masala. Only take out is available. Prices have went up since I've been by last
Don’t get fooled by the outside curb appeal, our family has high standards when it comes to food as we cook mostly at home and prefer a grocery store dinner over 90% restaurants out there. That being said, this place has outstanding food. Chicken korma is spectacular, tiikka masala is phenomenal, garlic naan is also tasty, rice is made exactly the same every time and you get these different chutneys on side. Always feel welcomed there. Call ahead of time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Nan, Chicken Tandoori, Papadum, Nan, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Korma
I wish for a good Indian restaurant in Falmouth! I hope Golden Swan can hear feedback in these reviews and I can try again in the future. I’ve picked up food here five times over the past few years, but for now, I’m ordering delivery from a different place out of Hyannis. Here’s why:1. Hostile responses to customer reviews. Looking through the reviews here, I’d rather not to support a business that can’t respond appropriately to feedback. I am taken aback by the restaurant owner’s tone throughout numerous combative responses - often writing many paragraphs picking apart the review and the reviewer.If you’ve ever seen the TV show “kitchen nightmares,” you’d know that the defense “we’ve been in the industry for 30 years” doesn’t mean a restaurant is excelling today. In my opinion, the owners should listen to customer feedback and be able to show some accountability for common concerns.2. The food is average at best, compared to many other Indian restaurants I’ve been to, and inconsistent. I once got papadum here that was completely stale and off-flavored. I had to throw it out after one bite.3. No online presence and outdated prices/menu. This now take-out only restaurant has no website of their own, or official menu online that I could find. I see several other sites with low quality photographs of their menu, but be warned that in my experience the prices are out of date. I once expected my order to be around $60 and when I went in, after my bill was manually tallied by the staff, it came to over $100, without an itemized receipt. From my perspective as a customer, the bill felt arbitrary, confusing, and overpriced.4. Even for take-out only, as a customer I still like a restaurant to be an inviting and pleasant space. I don’t enjoy the takeout experience here. To me it looks like the place could use repairs or updating inside and on the street/storefront.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
I love the Golden Swan! I live on Martha's Vineyard and every time I go off island, I stop at the Golden Swan on the way home to pick up a few days' worth of their food because it's just that good!The service is always friendly, and the food is the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I CANT BELIEVE I paid $50 for a high salt no flavor order. I can’t believe they’re selling this as Indian food. I want to go right back there and make him taste it but I don’t wanna cause a scene. Sooooo disappointed! Money wasted. This guy has the nerve to criticize me as a nurse and does not know my skill set what so ever. I can comment on your trashy food you call cuisine. I would rather have eaten dog food and had more pleasure. Your salty excuse for food should be kept as Falmouth secret. To call yourself a chief is demeaning to the food industry. Where I work and who have I worked with Does not concern you as the high salty excuse for cuisine should. Keep the money. Maybe then you can hire a real chief.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Positives: the shrimp vindaloo with rice was exceptionally tasty, the chicken pakoras were really flavoursome and crispy, the side sauces were authentic, and the server was really friendly. Negatives: too much coriander for my preference, especially in the poppadoms. Also it was very expensive, even for the area. Overall: I’d go back for a special treat, next time I’d order naan bread instead of the poppadoms.
I have been a customer for roughly 20 years. I used to order 1-2 times per month, and I estimate that I have spent around $20,000 at Golden Swan over that time. I always tip between $8-$20, even for takeout. I have posted online reviews to help bring in more business, and even posted copies of their menus when people complained that the online prices did not match the prices on their in-store menu. I have recommended them to countless friends, coworkers, and relatives. In other words, I am the type of longterm customer most businesses value. Until recently, I thought the owners and their kids were very kind, friendly people, so it saddens me to write this. I will NOT return to this establishment, all due to a prepaid gift card that they refused to honor because it was...wait for it... 2 days past the expiration. Now before you judge me on this, know that this is ILLEGAL. In the state of Massachusetts, a gift card MUST BE VALID FOR 7 YEARS. My brother tried to explain this to them, but they became irate and told him that "other businesses do this, so we do it too". The owners insisted that they would "lose money" if they honored the gift card. How can they lose money when they were already paid for the full amount of the gift card in advance? That is just ridiculous. Even after I called to discuss the matter in a peaceful manner, they stood by their decision and continued to insist that there was nothing wrong with breaking the law by selling gift cards with a one-year expiration. So, sadly, Golden Swan lost a valuable customer (as well as other customers I have and would have sent their way) all over a $60 gift card.
I started visiting Golden Swan about 20 years ago. On average, I have ordered 1-2 per month during that time. My orders are usually in the $85-$120 range, and I have always tipped $8-$20 on my orders, even for takeout. I used to bring friends, family, and coworkers here, and supported them during Covid, but sadly I will not be back. All of this is over a $60 gift card that was a mere 2 days past its expiration (my elderly dad misplaced it) that they refused to honor. In the state of Massachusetts, it is illegal to sell gift cards with an expiration date less than 7 years. Golden Swan knowingly breaks this law, and their defense is "everybody else in the area does it." Sorry, that is not good enough. They first refused to honor the gift card, claiming they would "lose money". I am not sure how they could lose money on a gift card that was fully paid in advance, but that's what they claimed. And anyway, it was only two days past the (illegal) one-year expiration. After a big kerfuffle, they said they'd honor 50% of the value. As a reminder, my dad prepaid the entire amount of the gift card. That is just highway robbery. In the end, they grudgingly took the gift card but not for the full amount. So much for valuing loyal customers and their families. I called them after to discuss the matter but they stubbornly stood by their decision, so I will not be back to Golden Swan because I cannot support a business that knowingly engages in illegal practices.
Sadly they were under construction when we went but never the less we were greeted promptly. The food is simply a 10 outta 10 recommend!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time India food. Bit dark entering, I got in a karate stance to be sure, take out only, very nice people, talented chef, rice dish (buryani?) tasty, next time I will request a veggie side. Chicken tikimasala? Sauce perfect for naans (bread?) swim. I need to talk to owners because I don’t know if I was eating Goa or New Delhi or whatever the origins of the dishes. Like a pesto from Genoa, or bolognese from bologna… I want to get it right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
⚠️ WHY ARE THE REVIEWS FOR THIS PLACE SO MISLEADING? ⚠️I absolutely cannot believe how negative some of these reviews are… DO NOT BE MISTAKEN. This place is awesome! The atmosphere is so comfortable, and the restaurant looks so authentic. You might be questioning the restaurant at first, because it only does “takeout”. But believe me, their food is absolutely delicious. The owners are so friendly and kind to their customers. They make me feel very welcomed to be there. They told me that their food is only takeout because they’re doing renovations and for personal family reasons but the takeout doesn’t affect me at all that’s all I ever knew…I never had any experience with Indian food whatsoever, but this place made me change. I never tried Indian food before, so this was the first time I went. AND IT WAS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE. Indian food is my new obsession. And it’s the best cultural food out there.I know that the Golden Swan Indian cuisine is a small family business that has been going around for years. Whenever I walk in the store I feel MORE than welcomed. The owners are friendly and kind! They even remember my order when I walk in there the second time… sometimes they give me specialties to get me to try new things , and I have an endless list of suggestions.For all the people who never tried Indian food or don’t have experience, I can describe the taste. Indian food is authentic and amazing. They have options that aren’t spicy so don’t go around thinking that it’s spicy because it’s not as a matter fact it’s savory. They have pineapple, sticky rice, non-chicken, fried vegetables, and so much more.In general, Indian food has strong flavors and is often spicy, sweet, smoky and savory. It’s always good to try new things so for all you people who never tried Indian food I definitely recommend trying the mild rice, chicken non-and tomato soup.Overall, this place is a five out of five because it inspired me to explore more cultures, and gave me such a great experience. Most likely you will have leftovers, because of the delicious portion sizes… If you have leftovers DONT THROW IT AWAY! You can use the leftovers and literally mix it in ANYTHING. It goes with salad, rice, pasta, and even noodles ! I never waste any of the food, because it’s just THAT GOOD.The place is so cute and local! For example I saw a picture of a little boy, on the way in… and turns out that was the cashier. Like WHAAT?? It’s such a nice family business and everything they have is AMAZING. ? 5/5 AWESOME.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Nan, Grilled Fish, Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Biryani, Shrimp Korma, Lamb Korma, Lamb Vindallo, Channa Masala, Malai Kofta, Tandoori Mix Grill, Lamb Do
My friends and I had gone to the Golden Swan for dinner. Sadly, they were only doing takeout. But, we decided to do takeout and it was our best decision!! The food is very delicious and authentic. Best food in the Boston and Cape Cod Area!! Love you guys and will definitely be back again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Nan, Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Biryani, Shrimp Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, Nan, Tomato Soup, Plain Rice, Chicken Korma, Paneer Chana Masala
Well, never actually got to eat here ? went to go out to dinner here with my fiance BUT they don't offer dining in...only take out. So we obviously left. Sad, because we really wanted Indian food. But wanted to sit down and enjoy ourselves. They ought to have a sign somewhere stating this before you walk in rather than make you stand in a line to wait to find this out.
So I've been coming to the Cape for 3 years now. I've always passed this place and it looked closed. But recently I was craving curry. My coworker said this place had the best so I decided to go and BOY I WASN'T DISAPPOINTED!! We ordered the Swan Special Biriyani and the spicy Lamb Curry with garlic naan. They gave us some of the donuts for dessert and they were also yummy. I'll be back for more items soon!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Nan
great food and friendly staff. When I walked in it was a little dark and a takeout customer was standing in a karate stance