India House

Granted, there’s not that many Indian restaurants in Northampton, but even if there were more, this would be better.

My family has been going here for almost two decades. Nobody in my family has been disappointed. The owners always seem to be around and are really friendly. They’ll chat it up and enjoy making suggestions (if you want). I’m amazed how they always get the spicyness level exactly right.

Although the place is always busy, I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes to get in and can’t recall ever having reservations.

Walking into this restaurant is a little like walking into those old houses that’s now a museum because a famous person lived there once and there’s still an old desk left that people can walk by and ooh and ahhh at. I do believe that the restaurant was a house at one point (the bathroom is up a dark, narrow set of stairs that led to a dark hall; I didn’t dare) The tables and chairs are all a very imposing dark wood. But the wait staff are just the right blend of caring and nonchalant to make you feel right at home.

The prices are a little high, but not unreasonable. With a shared appetizer plate, a mango lassi and a beer, our total came to $43.

Come here for the mint chutney; it tastes fresh and I wanted to pour it all over all of my dishes. The best I’ve ever had.

Worth noting: my friend said her Saag Paneer tasted “a little off”, but is one of those people who feels guilty saying anything bad about her food lest a waitress overhear.