We had reservations at Karma Kafe and were initially excited to try their Indian cuisine. We ordered the Malai Tikka and Biryani, portion sizes were generous and pricing seemed expensive. While the flavors weren’t authentic, they were still enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the experience quickly went downhill. We were served beer that had expired six months ago. I noticed after a couple of sips and brought it to their attention, but the staff showed no remorse and were outright rude. We also tried the Sitaphal ice cream, which was a complete letdown, it lacked any actual Sitaphal flavor and tasted nothing like what was advertised.
The food took around 30 minutes to arrive, which felt excessive given the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy. They did serve complimentary papad, but that was the only redeeming gesture.
The real issue came with the bill. A 15% gratuity was automatically added, even though their menu clearly states it applies only to parties of four or more, we were just two. When questioned, the manager claimed their staff works solely on tips and insisted we pay, saying other restaurants charge 25% and they were being “generous.” The attitude was dismissive and aggressive, and the service was far from deserving of any tip.
We ended up paying $60, including a $10 service fee for what was frankly one of the worst hospitality experiences I’ve had. The staff was demanding, the environment felt unsafe, and the customer service was appalling.
I will not be returning to Karma Kafe and would strongly caution others before dining here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Jayesh Patel (J.D.)
Excellent food -- both vegetarian and vegan!! Awesome service too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moon Shine
Recently ordered takeout from Karma Kafe with high expectations for some solid Indian cuisine, but unfortunately, the experience was not what we were not expecting. I tried the Mutton Biryani and the Tandoori Pomfret. Both dishes were very underwhelming. The biryani came with raisins and cashew nuts which might appeal to some, but personally it threw off the flavor and wasn’t the vibe we were hoping for. The overall taste was flat and didn’t have the flavors you'd expect from a good biryani. As for the Tandoori Pomfret, I had specifically asked for it to be well done, but it ended up being burnt also had no other flavor or taste but only could taste salt. Fish came with basmati rice which felt under cooked. The char went beyond into bitter taste, which unfortunately made the dish unpleasant. I do say the food was very average at best, and I probably wouldn’t go back based on this experience. Hoping they can fine tune their flavors and quality going forward.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Karl Kwon
Spot on!! Amazing Indian foods! We ordered two entrees and both were so delicious!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Chitanava
They served us a beer that expired eight months ago!!! I noticed that other customers have also mentioned this issue in their reviews. The staff seems to be aware of it and is intentionally selling expired products, which is absolutely unacceptable!
Aside from the beer issue, my overall experience was fine. The staff was very friendly, calm, and accommodating. They were helpful in assisting us with our food choices and answered all our questions. The food was average; some items were better than others, while a few were not as flavorful as I had expected. Portions are quite big and probably ordering one plate for two is more reasonable. Tip was included in the check.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Dante DeMeo
Every review under 5 stars is criminal. Food is incredible and service is the best of any Hoboken spot I've been to. Fast, delicious and always served with a smile. One of our favorite restaurants ever and we'll never stop coming back. Not to mention you're in and out for $50 for two people. Don't know anywhere that you can get a good dinner for that anymore.
Please don't believe the lower reviews and give it a try, you won't regret it. The place is always busy but you never wait too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephen Stimmler
I absolutely love ordering from here the food is quite tasty and good portions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ruth Lema
The food is always wonderful here. There are so many good local restaurants closing in Hoboken, I hope this place survives for long. The service is always very nice and helpful. The actual restaurant is inviting and a pleasure to sit in. The food is wonderful too. You get big portions that are flavorful and well seasoned. Pretty well priced as well. The best Indian food in Hoboken.
Sunny S
I was travelling from Toronto and this is the best Indian food I have had in the whole of United States let alone NJ. I’d highly recommend eating here. The best thing here is that they are priced accurately and not absurdly like other places. Thank you for doing the awesome job of serving good Indian food 🥘
Been here 3 time food is excellent. As always in hoboken there's no parking but always have hope to find one.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
George Garrastegui, Jr.
Great Indian restaurant. They always remember who you are and when your in the mood for something um yummy, this is out go to sport in Hoboken.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Moniz
This place has amazing authentic Indian food - biryani, kebabs, snacks, starters & curries and a homely atmosphere! Will definitely order from here again :D
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Wanko
We came here with friends, who are regulars that finally decided to let us in on the secret. This is well worth braving the drive in and finding parking.
I ordered the Chicken Pakoraa, and if this is an Indian twist on chicken fingers then fingers ain't long for this world. Excellent meat and the light batter was perfect. I could have eaten ten of these .
My main course was a spicy Chicken Vindaloo, and it was right in the perfect spot of heat and flavor. I cleaned the bowl with their naan, it was that good.
Service was excellent, always at hand but never underfoot. We sat for over three hours, never felt rushed. I'm looking forward to a return visit.
Disappointing Experience at Karma Kafe, Hoboken
We had reservations at Karma Kafe and were initially excited to try their Indian cuisine. We ordered the Malai Tikka and Biryani, portion sizes were generous and pricing seemed expensive. While the flavors weren’t authentic, they were still enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the experience quickly went downhill. We were served beer that had expired six months ago. I noticed after a couple of sips and brought it to their attention, but the staff showed no remorse and were outright rude. We also tried the Sitaphal ice cream, which was a complete letdown, it lacked any actual Sitaphal flavor and tasted nothing like what was advertised.
The food took around 30 minutes to arrive, which felt excessive given the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy. They did serve complimentary papad, but that was the only redeeming gesture.
The real issue came with the bill. A 15% gratuity was automatically added, even though their menu clearly states it applies only to parties of four or more, we were just two. When questioned, the manager claimed their staff works solely on tips and insisted we pay, saying other restaurants charge 25% and they were being “generous.” The attitude was dismissive and aggressive, and the service was far from deserving of any tip.
We ended up paying $60, including a $10 service fee for what was frankly one of the worst hospitality experiences I’ve had. The staff was demanding, the environment felt unsafe, and the customer service was appalling.
I will not be returning to Karma Kafe and would strongly caution others before dining here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Excellent food -- both vegetarian and vegan!!
Awesome service too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recently ordered takeout from Karma Kafe with high expectations for some solid Indian cuisine, but unfortunately, the experience was not what we were not expecting. I tried the Mutton Biryani and the Tandoori Pomfret. Both dishes were very underwhelming. The biryani came with raisins and cashew nuts which might appeal to some, but personally it threw off the flavor and wasn’t the vibe we were hoping for. The overall taste was flat and didn’t have the flavors you'd expect from a good biryani. As for the Tandoori Pomfret, I had specifically asked for it to be well done, but it ended up being burnt also had no other flavor or taste but only could taste salt. Fish came with basmati rice which felt under cooked. The char went beyond into bitter taste, which unfortunately made the dish unpleasant. I do say the food was very average at best, and I probably wouldn’t go back based on this experience. Hoping they can fine tune their flavors and quality going forward.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Spot on!! Amazing Indian foods! We ordered two entrees and both were so delicious!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They served us a beer that expired eight months ago!!! I noticed that other customers have also mentioned this issue in their reviews. The staff seems to be aware of it and is intentionally selling expired products, which is absolutely unacceptable!
Aside from the beer issue, my overall experience was fine. The staff was very friendly, calm, and accommodating. They were helpful in assisting us with our food choices and answered all our questions.
The food was average; some items were better than others, while a few were not as flavorful as I had expected. Portions are quite big and probably ordering one plate for two is more reasonable. Tip was included in the check.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Every review under 5 stars is criminal. Food is incredible and service is the best of any Hoboken spot I've been to. Fast, delicious and always served with a smile. One of our favorite restaurants ever and we'll never stop coming back. Not to mention you're in and out for $50 for two people. Don't know anywhere that you can get a good dinner for that anymore.
Please don't believe the lower reviews and give it a try, you won't regret it. The place is always busy but you never wait too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I absolutely love ordering from here the food is quite tasty and good portions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is always wonderful here. There are so many good local restaurants closing in Hoboken, I hope this place survives for long. The service is always very nice and helpful. The actual restaurant is inviting and a pleasure to sit in. The food is wonderful too. You get big portions that are flavorful and well seasoned. Pretty well priced as well. The best Indian food in Hoboken.
I was travelling from Toronto and this is the best Indian food I have had in the whole of United States let alone NJ.
I’d highly recommend eating here.
The best thing here is that they are priced accurately and not absurdly like other places.
Thank you for doing the awesome job of serving good Indian food 🥘
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent Indian restaurant in Hoboken, NJ.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great Food
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been here 3 time food is excellent. As always in hoboken there's no parking but always have hope to find one.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great Indian restaurant. They always remember who you are and when your in the mood for something um yummy, this is out go to sport in Hoboken.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has amazing authentic Indian food - biryani, kebabs, snacks, starters & curries and a homely atmosphere! Will definitely order from here again :D
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came here with friends, who are regulars that finally decided to let us in on the secret. This is well worth braving the drive in and finding parking.
I ordered the Chicken Pakoraa, and if this is an Indian twist on chicken fingers then fingers ain't long for this world. Excellent meat and the light batter was perfect. I could have eaten ten of these .
My main course was a spicy Chicken Vindaloo, and it was right in the perfect spot of heat and flavor. I cleaned the bowl with their naan, it was that good.
Service was excellent, always at hand but never underfoot. We sat for over three hours, never felt rushed. I'm looking forward to a return visit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...