"Solid Indian restaurant in East Cambridge.
Tucked away in a neighborhood lacking in good Indian food options, Passage to India has stood out as a curiosity for me. Having observed the restaurant's transformation under the same management twice in recent years, I first tried them via takeouts and was intrigued enough to go for a dine-in experience.
On my most recent visit, I tried Passage Mixed Appetizers, Shrimp Biryani, Goa Shrimp Curry, and Chicken Tikka Masala. An assortment for samosa, pakoras, and aloo tikki, the Passage mixed appetizers was a satisfying start to the meal. Although a touch over-seasoned, the selection of dipping sauces provided balance.
Transitioning to the main courses, I opted for regular spice levels, which turned out to be quite fiery. However, the creaminess of the Tikka Masala's tomato sauce and the toasted nuts in the Shrimp Biryani eased the heat, contributing to a layered flavor profile. Despite this, the spice level was still slightly challenging.
In terms of authenticity, Passage to India leans towards a more Westernized interpretation of Indian cuisine, scaling back on traditional spices and opting for a creamier touch to their dishes. This might not appeal to those seeking a hardcore Indian culinary experience, but it gets the job done otherwise.
Portion sizes were reasonably modest compared to some local competitors, yet they sufficed for a satisfying meal. So, while it may not be a quintessential Indian experience, it serves as a solid Indian food option in a neighborhood where such choices are limited. It's a place I would recommend to those who appreciate a spicy kick to their meals and a gentle introduction to Indian cuisine."
"Food was delicious!"
"Amazing new restaurant right in a fun, exciting, up and coming part of Cambridge. Really friendly staff and owner. Great fusion menu. Awesome drinks. Reasonably priced. Looking forward to coming back!"
"Best Indian food in town."
"The burgers are AMAZING, awesome alcohol selection, great ambiance, very personable staff. This is our new regular place and we highly recommend it to everyone!"
"Excellent restaurant with friendly staff. Food was delicious and very reasonably priced. Service was quick. Well worth the visit, would highly recommend!"