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Aroma Cuisine of India
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Pakistani Indian, Pakistani [Edit]
3418 Village Dr(at Rustic Dr)
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 888-9555
Announcement
Super Bowl! Recieve 15% off all ala cartè items from our dinner menu on Super Bowl Sunday. (Pick up orders only)
Announced 5 days ago- Hours:
Tue-Sun 11:30 am - 3 pm
Tue-Sun 5 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
185 reviews for Aroma Cuisine of India
Review Highlights
"The Chicken Tikka Masala at this place is arguably the best..."
(in 35 reviews)
"Outstanding naan soft yet chewy with great flavor."
(in 59 reviews)
"Saag paneer is one of my favorite Indian dishes."
(in 14 reviews)
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185 reviews in English
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Review from Peter W.
Castro Valley, CA
1/5/2012
This is my favorite Indian restaurant. My wife and I come here often for the lunch buffet that is very reasonaby priced. When not getting the buffet, one of my favorite dishes is the Lamb wrap that is delicious, and also very reasonably priced.
Another thing I like is their home delivery service. So when I feel like having Indian food and don't want to drive to downtown Castro Valley I order it for home deilvery. The delivery service is very quick. I wish all restaurants had a home delivery service.
Finally, the owner and staff are very friendly and give good service. I highly recommend this place. -
Review from plot t.
CA
1/29/2012
Don't come here.
We were charged for two buffets when we only orderd one. Why did we only order one? Because I wasn't hungry. When my husband gave me a bite, it was entirely too chile-laden -- "this is bland, add something to cover that!" uselsssly spicy -- and I could see them adding something onto our bill.
He didn't even eat what he got from the buffet either. Awful.
So we were charged $24 for half a plate of inedible food and two mediocre Masala Chais. We got up hungry to go eat elsewhere. When I tried to talk to the cashier about it, he ROLLED HIS EYES AT ME AND TOLD ME TO LEAVE.
W.
T.
F.
Naan: D
Service: FFFFF-
Chai: D (watery)
Chicken Tikka Masala: F (hotsauce+Campbell's Tomato Soup over chicken)
This review is part of my "Chai & Chicken Tikka Trek" list. I won't be coming back to Aroma. -
Review from Julie H.
San Ramon, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am very disappointed. I'm actually addicted to the Chicken Tikka Masala here and whenever I am driving through Castro Valley I stop to take an order home along with some garlic naan. However, my last order had a staple in it and thank God I didn't swallow it! I contacted them through their website just to let them know and they didn't even give me the courtesy of responding to me. You would think they would be horrified that something like that happened and might at least acknowledge this terrible mistake. It was not an angry email and I wasn't demanding my money back - I just wanted to let them know that this happened in their establishment.
They are either cowards at dealing with difficult situations or they don't check their email. Sadly, I will miss their food, but customer service matters to me. If they would have responded to my email (it's been over over 3 weeks since I emailed them) this would have been a different review. -
Review from Dayna M.
Castro Valley, CA
2/3/2012
I never had Indian food before Aroma. They are always helpful and I like to get the dinner meals. Even my kids enjoy eating here!
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Review from Melissa M.
Newark, CA
2/3/2012
Great customer service and great food.
I had heard about this place from several people, including my college professor. Let me tell you... They were not wrong whatsoever.
We order the buffet, and everything from the buffet was so tasteful. -
Review from Brigitte d.
Hayward, CA
1/18/2012
My favorite Indian restaurant in the area! The mint lamb is excellent. Actually, everything I have tried here has been great. When we eat in, the service is great...prompt and friendly. When we order take out, it's always ready on time.
They are consistently good. -
Review from Danny D.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
Good food, great service. I wasn't sure about what to expect as this was my first experience with Indian food, but I was hungry and wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I dropped by to order some take-out and was pleasantly surprised.
This smallish restaurant was elegantly decorated and very busy for a weeknight. The menu was diverse and also included a variety of vegetarian dishes, a few soups and salads, and many different types of naan. Beverages included a few Indian beers but an evidently generic wine list for the accompanying selection of dishes. Although at first glance I thought some entrees were a little pricey, such thoughts were quickly banished to the back of my mind when I took a bite of my order. The other Yelpers raving about the Chicken Tikka Masala aren't kidding -I ordered it slightly spicy and it's hands-down one of the tastiest dishes I've ever tried.
My to-go dinner was served in a partitioned, microwavable container with a clear plastic lid. Portions were generous and included an ample supply of piping-hot, foil-wrapped naan. (You may want to ask for utensils and napkins though, as neither were included along with my order.)
Overall, it's obvious that this place is run by people who know what they're doing and focus not only on the quality of their food, but also on providing a pleasant and attentive dining experience. I'll likely be back to try out the lunch buffet or eat out on the patio with friends. -
Review from Lokes P.
Pleasanton, CA
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic. Great selection, lots of lamb and Iron Horse Beer.
What else yah want.
Namaste -
Review from Christina M.
San Leandro, CA
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
My honey and I went here for the first time tonight. He had the chicken tandoori and I had lamb masala. My masala had some of the best flavor and spice of anything I've ever had. Highly recommended. I was so full I had leftovers.
Food was amazing 5 stars. My honey is a spicy food fiend. And when he asked for hot sauce, we were expecting the processed commercial stuff. What we got instead was an -epic- crimson crushed pepper spice paste. Some of the most tasty food I've ever experienced. Who knew there was such a gem in Castro valley! -
Review from Jade K.
San Diego, CA
11/6/2011
I am a big fan of Indian food! And if I could, I would definitely come to Aroma more often (it's too bad I'm not in Castro Valley very often).
I've gotta say, this place has a lot of options. It's one of those places that you cannot just go once, because there's so much to try!
First off, the Muglai Nan was YUMMY. (Nan garnished with Spinach, Pesto, Cilantro, Garlic & Cheese) Never have I had pesto on nan, but it makes sense!
Also, the Chana Masala (garbanzo beans) and the spiced potatoes dishes were delish!!
The scrambled paneer is worth trying!
The mango custard is really watery.. but I do like the nuts they put inside. -
Review from Tracie R.
Castro Valley, CA
11/14/2011
This is our date night local. We love it. The service has always been perfect for a date night, quick and unobtrusive. I usually get the chicken makhani (Though I'm now a vegetarian, I can't give this up!) and and my husband the lamb vindaloo, both to our own heat/spice preference. We also order samosas or pekoras which are cooked just right, filled with a warm mix of veggies.
Have eaten at the lunch buffet as well. If they had chicken makhani in their buffet, I would have given them 5 stars. -
Review from Regina K.
Fremont, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is perfect for people who have never tried Indian food and want to pop their Indian food cherry.
This place has it all, except beef. There's quite a selection of lamb, chicken, and seafood dishes. I usually order the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan, but there are so many other good dishes to order like daal (lentil), which is another one of my faves. If you're super hungry, there is the option of going to the lunch buffet. They always have around 8-10 dishes to choose from, and it will always include your regular naan and rice. It's $8.75, I believe? Don't quote me though.
Okay, some things to criticize on. For one, they don't accept http://Restaurant.com coupons anymore. I'm kind of upset about that because you can try a little more without making a dent in your wallet. This brings me to my next point. Their prices are a little on the higher side, and I think it's because it's Indian food the classy way. I mean, they are very Americanized with their utensil settings being proper and they gear towards the fusion of Indian and white culture.
Overall, for the only Indian restaurant in the Castro Valley area (literally and jokingly), they are good. Bring a friend and check this place out! -
Review from Pamela R.
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Have I had better? yes, Have I had better around Castro Valley? No. This is seriously walking distance from my house so I will definitely be back. It could have spicier, it could have been creamier, but it was good. It didnt feel heavy after eating it, and I didnt have to feel bad about anything I ate. The dinner portions are generous and a decent price (like 10 per person for vegetarian dishes). We ordered the bhindi masala (not a typical masala at all - not creamy not really a tomato sauce, just the same general spices) and the dum aloo (definitely tasted the mustard seed and it least this one had the sauce we were used to). The dal was bland but good (used to more spices). The samosas were good, but the pastry itself was also different then we typically get. I second the fact that the veggie options do not have descriptions, so Thank God we arent new to Indian food.
I also think this is a safe restaurant to take someone new to Indian food to. The restaurant is REALLY tiny so I wouldnt suggest a huge party here.
I am so EXCITED to see Indian food in Castro Valley! -
Review from Mary jane P.
Hayward, CA
12/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Came in here for lunch with a few coworkers. Great service, selection of food was good, fresh naan brought to our table after we ordered. I will be back again
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Review from Justin S.
Castro Valley, CA
Updated - 10/23/2011
Aroma recently re-organized their menu:
Pick a sauce, then below it the type of meat you want with it. The vegetarian choices are now on the back.
Unfortunately they dispensed with all the descriptions of the veggie dishes. They also still offer the delicious Sesame Naan!! :D
We had the dinner plates this weekend (individual servings of rice, naan, the dish and a side of ether dal, saag, or something else). This worked out really well as we had a larger party and sometimes family style can get a little hectic.
Aroma is still great, the bathrooms are clean and the kitchen is bumpin' with the Indian jams. If enough people get the sizzling plates (Indian fajita anyone?) you'll end up smelling like smoke as it fills up the small dining room.Listed in: Ethnic Flavors
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/27/2010
Aroma has been consistently good the 10+ times I've been here. Our favorites include Channa Masala,… Read more »
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Review from drea n.
Castro Valley, CA
Updated - 12/13/2011 19 Check-ins Here
This has become my new go-to Indian restaurant these days. The chana masala is probably our favorite, followed by mushroom mattar, dal saag, garlic naan & veggie samosas. I love coming here for lunch as well because majority of the dishes are vegetarian. The staff is always so welcoming and helpful. They also spice up your food to as spicy as you want it. They also deliver and don't use styrofoam!! AND it still comes piping hot.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/8/2010
I came here for a lunch buffet one day with one of my best friends. The service was very quick and… Read more »
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Review from Vanessa M.
San Leandro, CA
12/15/2011
this is one of the YUMMIEST places I have ever been to!! My husband was so nervous as this was his first time eating Indian food. When we first walked in an amazing aroma of food and spices hit us and my husband relaxed a little more......once seated we ordered chicken samosas with mint chuntney(OMG amazing!!) then I ordered the chicken tikka masala dinner which is honestly one of the best I've ever eaten and my husband ordered the chicken tandoori dinner and he didn't share, THAT's how good that was! lol the fresh naan served with the meals was delicious as well!! For dessert we had fresh vanilla ice cream topped with a fresh mango puree and chai masala tea mmmmmmm it was a tasty end to a most yumtastic meal. And I have been trying to get my husband to try Indian food for over three years!! Thank god this was his first experience, he's uber excited to try more dishes next time, Infact, we're actually going back this sunday for the $8.95 lunch buffet!!
so whether you LOVE Indian food or are curious to try it out THIS is definitely the spot you wanna visit!! 8D
PS
the service was excellent! Thanks guys!! -
Review from Guillermo E.
Las Vegas, NV
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great selection of stuffed Nann, the free vegetable pakoras that come with the check in are not that great. kinda greasy but free so I can't complain.
the service is ok, good food for the location. -
Review from Esther K.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
I wish I can give this place more stars but considering I've tasted really good, homemade Indian food and know what good, authentic Indian food should taste like, I really can't.
I love their naan to dip with Chicken Tikka Masala but for some reason, they can't seem to get the salt content to a happy medium for me. No matter how many times I've asked for them to ease off on the salt, it always tastes too salty that I have to eat a lot of naan or rice to even it out.
With that said, some of the positives are: chana masala, spiced potato dish, saffron rice with peas and their mango lassi.
Service is always great and their buffet deal is a steal for your money and appetite. -
Review from Kara B.
East Bay, CA
7/5/2011
Highly recommend coming for their lunch buffet, as it is tasty food and pretty cheap for Indian buffet($8.95) which includes naan, rice, main courses to choose from,salad, and a daily dessert. They often have a lot of vegetarian items to choose from. I like their buffet because it isn't as heavy as most & you don't feel like a complete fatass after eating there.
Their dessert menu is pretty awesome as well. They have several things to choose from and only cost $3. I really Ike their ice cream with mango pulp(mango malwa) & the donut ball like dessert(Gulab jamun).
The service is friendly & attentive. They also have a porch that people don't take advantage enough. They let me sit on the porch & tie my dog right outside of it. They also let my friend & I put our bikes on the porch as we forgot a lock. basically they put up with my somewhat high maintenance requests so I appreciate that.
My only complaint about this place is their dinner prices are a little steep & as a result I only come for the lunch buffet cause I can actually afford it. -
Review from Vickie D.
Castro Valley, CA
5/31/2011
The first time me and my husband went to here when it first open. I thought that the food was just ok! and the prices was extreme so I decided not go again and we hadn't.
Then today I called to place a togo order of Four (4) naan. I repeated myself several times. 2 reg naan, 1 onion and 1 garlic. I repeat once more.
My husband goes to pick up, after fighting traffic through the blvd with all the road closure. He comes home I open the stapled bag and there is only two naan. 1 onion and 1 garlic.........what part I was not clear about. 2 regular naan, 1 onion naan and 1 garlic naan = 4 naan.
PLEASE GET IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!
GUESS WHAT!!!!!! NOT COMING HERE AGGGGGGAIN.
I know you can't make money of the naan but that's not the point, SERVICE and CORRECTLY PRICED DISHES is what brings people back.
You have my two cents -
Review from Umilia M.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2011
Aroma Indian is FANTASTIC!
The lunch buffet is always piping hot, and full of unique things I might not think to order on my own--curries, lentil dishes, yogurt-based deliciousness, usually a couple of different meat options like tandoori chicken or lamb vindaloo. Every day has different options. Always offered is rice, naan, and a small salad selection.
When I'm not enjoying the buffet, my favorite entree is the chicken tikka masala, with a rich, spicy sauce.
The staff is polite and speedy, always making sure your beverage glasses are full, and the decor of the restaurant is warm and welcoming without being ostentatious.
A great option for dining in the Castro Willage area, Aroma is bar-naan the best Indian food around!Listed in: Castro Willage
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Review from Jennifer P.
Castro Valley, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good Indian in a pinch but prices are high and it's a bit too greasy.
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Review from Yon H.
Castro Valley, CA
6/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just visited for the first time and had an amazing dinner with my wife and two kids. Service was great. Recommendations from the staff really nailed it. My girls are 7 and 9 and they ate SPINACH!!!
I had the lamb dish and it was well cooked and served with naan and lots of neat sauces.
Highly recommend this local treasure! -
Review from Paul B.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2011
We arrived just in time to get the last four-person table at 8pm tonight. This cozy, 10 table (I think) restaurant serves up some fine Indian comfort food - it's not the Very Best Ever, incredibly fancy or ultra authentic. This is Castro Valley, not San Francisco. And that's fine, great even!
Anyway, the three of us had a well-rounded meal: the vegetarian dinner with onion naan, the rack of lamb, samosas, lamb vindaloo (medium), raita, some sweet lassi, and kheer for dessert. The rack of lamb was very nice, but not as flavorful as I'm used to from other places. Still a solid choice.
The lamb vindaloo was no slouch on the lamb to potato ratio - not too much of either, and the spiciness wasn't deadly on medium. The samosas worked just fine, in particular the mint sauce here was the best I've had! The vegetable curries were very tasty - unfortunately I can't remember which were included, but the classic Saag Paneer was in there. The lentils were the only thing a bit bland.
What they did do perfectly were their sweets: the sweet and mango lassis were fantastic, and the kheer perfectly balanced for consistency, sweetness and perfume scent (rose water). That was five stars right there!
Service was very friendly and prompt, and everything was very clean. A solid 4 star performer, and we'll certainly be going back. -
Review from Charles T.
Castro Valley, CA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent lamb dishes. Outstanding naan soft yet chewy with great flavor. Good service. Highly recommended. Prices are reasonable.
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Review from Tracilyn L.
San Lorenzo, CA
5/26/2011
The food here is AMAZING! Tons of flavor and never takes too long for the orders to come out. The staff is always smiling and friendly. Parking is easy too.
If only they had a larger space!! -
Review from David B.
Hayward, CA
6/8/2011
The lunch buffet was great! We went on Wednesday afternoon (butter chicken day; check their website for what they have on which days). It's a great deal at $9, everything I tried was tasty. My wife, who usually doesn't like spicy food, was slightly weirded out by the fact that *nothing* was spicy, but hey, it's Castro Valley.
Probably the only bad thing was the construction going on and that we had to park 5 minutes walk away, but I'm not going to hold those against them. -
Review from Yu K.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome food, great service, beautiful atmosphere... can't wait to go back.
Best Indian in the bay area. -
Review from Pete T.
Oakland, CA
3/21/2011
I lived in Walnut Creek for a few years before moving to Oakland, and our go-to place for Indian was Sargam. Needless to say, I don't feel like driving a half-hour one way for dinner, so finding a new Indian place was a priority. After a few misses, my fiance and I happened upon Aroma during a Google search. By far and away, the best Indian food in the Oakland/Castro Valley area! Here's how I break it down:
FOOD: Incredible. The veggie options are numerous for you herbivores, and meat-eaters have no shortage of choices. I've only been disappointed with my meal once: the goat curry. Half of the meal was bone and the flavor was gamey (yes, I know it's goat, but still...). The breads are to die for. The garlic naan is my favorite, while my fiance loves the muglai naan. We've tried a few others and they've all been spectacular. Chicken tikka masala and chicken vindaloo are my staples, while my fiance loves the matak mahar (not sure of the spelling...peas and mushrooms in a yogurt-tomato sauce). The curries are vibrant and flavorful, and spiced just right. Samosas are great, and we just had a new appitizer last weekend that was a potato patty topped with a chickpea curry. Delicious.
SERVICE: Friendly and attentive. Go there a few times and they'll recognize you as soon as you walk in the door. Food comes out quickly and piping hot. Could not ask for better people to be working there.
AMBIANCE: A small place to be sure, but that's part of its charm. It's quiet, so that makes having an acutal conversaton possible without shouting. Even though there are only about 10-12 tables, I've never had a problem getting seated after 7:00, even on a Friday or Saturday night.
I've never had the lunch buffet here, but it sounds like a great deal ($9). However, if you've never been here before, I'd recommend coming for dinner first (why would you want to judge a restaurant based on food that is served out of warming trays rather than cooked-to-order?). Just my opinon...
One last thing. The prices are pretty good. For two people, figure two entrees, rice, bread, maybe an appetizer and a couple of drinks each and you're looking at around $60 including tip (give or take). For the quality of the food and the service, well worth it.
An excellent place...customer for life! -
Review from Katy C.
Updated - 2/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If anyone wants to try a new, guaranteed delish dish here, go for the "Aroma Special Navratan Korma." I think it's on the very bottom-right side of the menu, in the vegetarian section. As the menu describes, it's 9 veggies and cheese (consistency of tofu) in a creamy sauce. The flavors are so rich... you won't miss the meat. And you'll probably be adding it to your standard order.
Aroma puts out a lot of interesting dishes for their lunch buffets - a perfect way to venture out and try some new things. That's where I first had the Navratan Korma, and other dishes that I might not have tried sight-unseen off the menu. Just another reason (on top of the great price) to head to Aroma for lunch. And then later, for dinner!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/25/2010
I couldn't give Aroma a higher recommendation. Not only do I want everyone to know how great the… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer M.
San Leandro, CA
11/13/2011
Wow! Good Indian food in Castro Valley! I came here for the first time last night after reading positive reviews here on Yelp. The place lived up to my expectations. We came for an early dinner on a Saturday night, and were pleased to see more and more customers arrive over the course of our meal. The excellent service and delicious food will bring me back. The Naan was fabulous. I ordered a Lamb Masala dinner and my dinner partner ordered Chicken Kebab. Both were amazing! I was given the choice of how spicy I wanted the dinner and choose 'Medium'. I was extremely satisfied with all of it.
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Review from Ron S.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
Excellent food! I really enjoyed the Paneer Tikka Masala! Definitely recommend and I eat a lot of Indian food.
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Review from samantha r.
Castro Valley, CA
11/10/2011
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I try to eat here at least bi-weekly if i can! I even come by myself which i usually won't do anywhere. The chicken Masala and Nan is my absolute favorite. I love the chai tea too. The lunch buffet is very reasonably priced and a perfect way to taste test and find new favorites... and there are plenty! The staff if nice but my favorite is the man with the glasses, he makes the dining experience such a pleasure. A++
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Review from Kellie T.
I came here a while back when they first opened, and was really impressed with the quality of the food, but swayed by slightly higher prices I retreated to Favorite Indian again. Until they moved. Now, Favorite is no longer my favorite.
My most recent experience at Aroma consisted of a special event hosted by our own Tisha K. where for $20 you got a three-course meal and wine/beer pairing. One word: PERFECTION.
Of the lamb, chicken, fish or veggie options I chose veggie because my favorite Indian dish, Nav Ratan Korma, was the main entree. We were seated quickly, with papadam on the table waiting for us, and I ordered a Kingfisher beer (which, if you haven't had one, are refreshing and as big as your head).
My three courses consisted of veggie pakora for the appetizer with a mild lentil soup, a combo plate with Nav Ratan korma, dal, and saag paneer (with rice and naan), and kheer for dessert.
I was more than impressed. Way more. The pakora was a different style than what we're used to, but frankly the best pakora I've ever had. Instead of a tempura style, with large pieces of individual vegetables fried up, they mix all of their vegetables together into little nuggets of spice. The lentil soup was very good, though a little mild, but some added tamarind sauce did the trick.
Oh yes, the tamarind sauce. Aroma's is good. Really good. Perfect consistency, and not too sweet with just a hint of savory spice. I could swim in that stuff.
The combo plate came out and I nearly fainted. It was HUGE! All the veggies were super fresh, and the korma was absolutely delicious. I'm not a huge saag fan, but I almost liked theirs! The dal were perfectly cooked and spiced just right.
I have a thing about Indian sweets. I would much rather eat almost any Indian dessert than any other dessert from around the world. The kheer here (rice pudding) is super delicious, though I missed the raisins.
When one of their servers found out about my fondness for gulab jamon (milk/cake type balls in honey sauce) they brought some out for us! Even though kheer was the set dessert, they went above and beyond to make me happy, and I won't be forgetting that.
Bottom line: It's worth a few extra bucks for the great quality and wonderful service at Aroma. GO HERE!Listed in: Put This In Your Mouth
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Review from Court M.
Castro Valley, CA
11/6/2011
the only reason i am not giving this place five stars is because i hesitate to give ANYTHING five stars, and its just a bit too expensive for how often i want to eat here [which is always]
the prices are a little steep [for me, but that isnt saying much] but the ambience is great, the service is good, and the food is great. its a "nicer" restaurant and the food is quality so i dont feel the prices are outrageous although they prevent me from going here as often as i want to.
the masala sauce here is perfect, flavorful and creamy but not too heavy. the restaurant is very clean, the waiters are polite and attentive, the mango lassi is incredible, and they have GLUTEN FREE NAAN which is amazing because i have a few people in my family who are gluten intolerant!
i highly highly reccomend trying the Saag [thats a spiced spinach dish]. it looks like mushy green stuff, and yes it is spinach. but dont let that deter you! it is so flavorful, so incredibly delicious piled on some garlic naan, and even my boyfriend, who notoriously despises all vegetables, now loves the saag as much as i do. also try the vegetable korma, but make sure to order it mild, even if you think you like it hot. i feel like when you order that particular dish too spicy it drowns out the incredible complex flavors. if you are in castro valley, GO TO THIS RESTAURANT -
Review from Jordan D.
Castro Valley, CA
12/8/2011
holy shit the gulab jamun is my new all time favorite dessert.
and this is the first time ive ever had indian food.
great restaurant, great service! -
Review from Michelle D.
San Leandro, CA
5/23/2011
The 2 stars are for the food which was good (but certainly not the best)- when we finally had some. Servers were friendly but clueless about service.
It was Friday and we were a group of 5. They said the wait was going to be 20-25 minutes but it turned out to be 40. Then we sat and ordered our dinner which took an hour to arrive! People who were seated after us were done with their meal in the time that we waited. The worst part is, the hostess just hung around and stared instead of making sure we had enough drinks or snacks and were comfortable waiting for our food.
Won't be going back.... -
Review from Alen K.
Oakland, CA
11/23/2010 3 Check-ins Here
After hearing about this place a couple of times, and then seeing that Yelp had an event here, I decided to try it out. It was actually a secondary location of choice, the first being another type of restaurant close by that ended up closed on a Sunday.
This is not a large place, so be prepared to look at other customers around you, enjoy the meal and enjoy looking at people's foreheads and behind their ears.
I ordered the Non-Vegetarian Dinner, Lamb Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Saag Paneer. I topped my food off with a Mango Lassi.
First off, the metal plate reminds me of two things.
1 - A prison food tray
2 - Eating at my high school Indian friend's house.
I'm not saying my Indian friend's house was like a prison, I'm just speaking my mind.
The food was anything but prison. The Lamb Curry was ridiculously good, I could had done the curry and rice alone and be happy. The chicken tikka masala was very soft and the sauce was great. The saag paneer was something I may have to try again, it didn't thrill me like the curry.
Along with the dinner was dessert, I chose the Mango Custard, which wasn't what I expected, I was thinking more like a custard dessert, this was pudding. But it was still good.
The mango lassi was thick, almost like the pudding. I'll try another drink next time, but I won't take away a star because of MY choice in a drink.
With my dinner only being $22 for food and drink, it wasn't bad at all. I got completely full and couldn't even finish the saag paneer and only ate half my dessert.
Next time, expand my stomach before coming. -
Review from Jay C.
Danville, CA
2/25/2011
My wife and I picked this kind of on a lark to celebrate her new job. We'd been hankering for Indian food for a while and there really weren't any good ones in the Danville/San Ramon area. This place is a relatively quick hop down Crow Canyon Road into Castro Valley. It's inside a shopping village next door to a cheesesteak shop.
The inside is very small - just about 10 or so tables, with one large 10-top but the rest being primarily 2-tops and 4-tops. Also, they have a patio space that is open in the summertime. The table we got was right next to the door and it was a chilly night out, but the volume of people coming in/out was not too bad and the inside was nice and cozy.
The menu is only about three pages, but very densely packed with options. For vegetarians, there are several vegan options while carnivores have plenty of meat options to choose from. I will warn you that the wine selection is limited, as is the beer selection, and the prices seemed high for alcohol.
My wife had a vegetarian dinner combo while I had a lamb chop special. I am horrible with Indian food names so I won't even pretend to try to say what my wife's dish consisted of. Mine consisted of the incredibly Indian name of "lamb chops". But both were bargains. I highly recommend folks order the dinner combos - they come with a small soup plus a generously sized dinner plate and dessert. The food was incredible. Tasty, spicy, nice and flavorful - it was great to taste Indian food again. The naan (included in the meal) was buttery and flaky, hot from the oven.
We had a nice leisurely dinner and the food proved to be incredibly filling. This has become our new favorite Indian restaurant and we are looking forward to coming back to try other dishes.
