The Essence by JohnNNair,Indian Carryout

I've been to this place a bunch of times and the food is always consistent, hot, and well prepared. If you live in the area please check out this place, you won't be disappointed!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken

First time visiting, was not disappointed. Strong and robust flavors.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Chicken Biriyani

I haven’t had a bad bite yet from this place and I am so excited we finally have an Indian restaurant in this neighborhood!! The butter chicken is to die for perfectly creamy and seasoned. I also love the samosas. I recommend everyone try this place atleast once! We need to ensure good dining stays in Suitland.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hi John and team
Below some feedback on the delicious food you gave:
-Sambar was just like my amma's sambar taste. So many fresh vegetables made it delicious and healthy! I loved the Murinjikka was soo tasty. And dal was light, so no issues on stomach
-beef fry was perfect mallu beef fry vibes. Thenga kotthu made it top notch.
-erisserry so scrumptuous, i cant have enough. I eat it three times a day!!! Perfect erisserry.
Overall, very happy with the food. You making the week less hectic and more enjoyable for us.

Food: 5

Service: 5

OMG! OMG! Great Indian food. I had been searching for a place with butter chicken and came across this place. Haven't seen an Indian restaurant in the area in sometime. Was thrilled to find this place. They got the Curry, butter chicken etc. Tast is Amazing! Service excellent and welcoming. Definitely returning!

Parking: Small parking strip but it's parking

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken

If you love South Indian(Kerala) style food this is one of the best place in DMV area !!
I ordered Egg Puffs and Beef Kizhi Poratta from their Sunday Special menu and they were absolutely delightful! The pastry was perfectly flaky and golden brown, while the filling was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. Each bite was a delicious blend of textures, and they were served warm.
Beef Kizhi Poratta ,it was a standout dish. The beef was incredibly tender and packed with flavorful spices that created a delicious depth. Wrapped in a perfectly flaky poratta, the bread had a nice crispiness on the outside while remaining soft inside. enhancing the overall experience. The portion size was generous, making them a great value for the price. I can’t recommend these enough—definitely a must-try for any South Indian food lover! 5 stars! I can't wait to return for another delicious meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

So last night was my third time coming to this restaurant and I love the food. I always get something with salmon in it and the vegetable pakora. They always offer the best customer service and that’s like my new favorite Indian restaurant. I’m bout to make reviews on social media so more people can go and try them.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good eats

Absolutely delicious, should've tried sooner. They had no problem preparing my food vegan and explained in great detail what my options were. Very friendly staff, especially the two women.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Put my family onto this carryout last week and we've been ordering food from here ever since. Would highly recommend the Tikka Masala w/ chicken. Staff treat their customers with respect. Nothing but positive things to say about this carryout.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tikka Masala, Veg Samosa 2 pcs, Cheese Naan

So excited to have an Indian restaurant so close to home. We went last night and already thinking about the Tandoor Wings! Saag Paneer was great. Butter Chicken was creamy with tender chicken. Tikka Masala is next!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Cheese Naan

Excellent food and excellent service. Must try items Fish fry, all chicken curries in Menu, chicken roll, all Breads in Menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tikka Masala, Onion Kulcha, Butter Chicken, Fish Fry Whole Pompano Fish, Lamb Biriyani, Signature Burger, Gulab Jamun, Carry Beef, Chicken Biriyani

The best food in our Maryland Neighborhood, what adds more taste to the dish is their love towards customers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Onion Kulcha, Butter Chicken, Fish Fry Whole Pompano Fish, Fish Fry, Gulab Jamun, Chicken Biriyani

Food is excellent and amazing staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent onam sadya. Tasted pretty much home made n delicious. Great catering packaging specially with some many items.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5