Indian-American Cafe

If you come to Harrisonburg and eat at only one restaurant, this should be the one. It’s an institution for many in the Harrisonburg area, and for good reason. The food is more like Nepalese or Northern Indian, but it’s all amazing. Only draw back is that it can get kinda hot in the Summer inside, but you can always call for carry out. The spice level can also be requested by number. Number 1 is the least spicy and 5 is only for the most adventurous. Also they don’t take any cards, so hit the ATM up before you get there.

Easily the best Indian restaurant in Harrisonburg. If you want good indian food, come to this place. There are so many things to order and it’s not too pricey. I LOVE this place!

Mmmmm so good. About everything I’ve had has been AWESOME. Not a fan of the naan though. If the naan was better I’d go for a 5. It reminds me of costco pitas or something. Fave is the chicken saag. So freaking good. Servings are enormous. I can get one take out meal and eat it with another.
Oooh and you can choose your spiciness for each entrée. I like 3 ½. I like when Indian restaurants let you do that.

This place was my introduction to Indian food when I was a student at JMU 16 years ago so I have a special fondness for it. Love the pasta chow chow.

My all time favorite restaurant in hburg. I always make lunch portion into two meals. Wonderful flavors & great owners. They are kind and loving & pay special attention to little eaters. Could eat this daily.

It took us forever to find this place since it’s so small, but the wait was WELL worth it!
What a phenomenal little hole in the wall!
The lunch portion was HUGE, the naan perfectly prepared, the service extremely on point, and the food was divine! I understand that the owners are from Nepal (as others have pointed out they’re extremely gregarious), but seriously– I’ve eaten Indian food ALL OVER the United States and this is probably the most authentic I’ve had since my weekly dinner at my childhood neighbor’s house.
I truly don’t understand how this little place isn’t more busy. Sure, the décor isn’t modern but seriously– who cares about 80’s styled ceiling fans when there’s delicious food involved???

Recently found this spot. Perfect hole in the wall located within Court Square, typical dated Indian décor with some good dishes. Entrees are large enough to split for lunch, and if you can bear the spice whoever makes the dish knows how to spice it up if you ask.
The only downfall is their Paneer, I have to disagree with anyone that says is fresh as both times I’ve ordered it, its been hard and and dried out. Other than staying away from that, it is a cozy little spot.

I’ve been eating here for over 10 years and I LOVE it!!! Everything is always delicious… I definitely recommend the saag… Be it chicken or ponir… DELICIOUS!!! The naan is fantastic too!

No air-​conditioning and it was humid inside. I have been fortunate enough to eat at many Indian restaurants and this one is really bland. The rice is a cheap quality flavorless rice, the curry was soupy. We ordered Naan bread and got pita bread. Lastly, they don’t take debit or credit cards and I didn’t know this until the check came. Glad we had cash.

OMGosh, I miss this place! The owner’s are not really Indian, if I remember correctly, I think they’re from Nepal (as told by one of the waitstaff). Anyway, the chicken curry, paneer saag, and shahi korma is freakin’ delicious! The naan is weird… it’s round, and more «dough-​y» than normal, but whatever, otherwise, the food there (that I’ve had) has been really good.
The only thing I don’t like about it is that you can’t eat there, or else you’ll come out smelling like Indian spices… HARD!
Also, I agree with the others regarding the spice level. 4 is the highest and I LOVE spicy, but don’t do it… you’ll die… well, at least your tongue will die, haha. 2 has been pretty good for me. It’s spicy, but not so spicy that you can’t taste anything and your tongue is burning.
Good Luck!
Oh yea, one more thing. They only accept cash and checks… no cards. I don’t know if it’s still true, but as of May 2009, it was true.

Service was abominable! The girl at the counter didn’t greet us, instead she waited for us to come up to her. When we asked if we could sit down, she responded with a snide, «if you WANT to.» It just went downhill from there. (Where is the cute quirky Indian couple that I’ve heard about?)
Both lamb and vegetarian dishes were spicy to the point of being inedible (we ordered a medium spice level.). I’m sorry to say that whatever this restaurant used to be it is no more.
Fortunately, Taste of India is not too far from the center of town and THEY have exquisite Indian cuisine.

Interesting place, most of the items are spelled slightly differently than usual, but try pronouncing them and you’ll recognize the dishes.
Servings were very generous. Not family-​style which was a little disappointing.
The level of spice and heat is designated at the time you order, on a scale of ½ to 4. It seems to be a little bit variable, as 2 can be very hot and medium-​mild depending on the day. They have two beers, an Indian lager and an IPA.
Prices were super low, and service was attentive. Appetizers were ok, breads were weird, and curry was solid.

As Winston S. noted, this restaurant has its fair share of eccentricities– the owners/​cooks who speak very little english but love conversing with customers, the lack of A.C., and occasionally unpredictable spiciness. IMO, these qualities add character and adventure, in a city that has a chain restaurant on every corner.
I’ve never had Indian food this excellent. Their Paneer Saag is otherworldly, the cheese cubes firm and fried golden, which play hide and seek in a sea of savory cooked spinach served with a more than generous helping of rice. Over the last 6 years I’ve searched in countless restaurants for paneer this flavorful and enticing– haven’t found a contender yet. The Chicken Biryani is also excellent, savory and sweet.
The old Indian couple who own the restaurant (and cook everything), had a 10 year son who died several years ago due to an accident in a swimming pool. His photo and artwork are displayed in a small area on one wall, and I get the impression that this restaurant is a connection to him and the family they once were. At the risk of sounding cliché– try their food, and you’ll sense the love they put into it.

Love it — this place has lots personality and great food