This week has been a week of bliss for me. For the first time in a long time, I have had the house to myself! I have been able to watch what I want on TV, sprawl out like a starfish and take up the whole bed, and I have been able to eat whatever I want without an endless debate of what we want and what we’re going to make.
This week, I had a craving for Indian food in a BAD way, and naturally I had to satisfy this craving. In Toledo, for me, the only place to get delicious Indian food is The Star of India.
Before I descend into distracted delirium heaping lavish praise on Star Of India, a qualifying disclaimer must be established.
I am merely an aficionado of, not an expert on, Indian cuisine. This is humorous to me considering I AM Indian, but I didn’t grow up on this stuff. Maybe *all* Indian food is this good, but I have my doubts.
The Star of India was established in 2011 and is family owned. Surjeet, the owner, is from Punjab. He used to work in restaurants there, then in Montreal in Canada. He finally moved to Ohio and started up this place.
The Star of India used to be a 50s style Dudley’s diner. It’s quite the juxtaposition to be in a restaurant where there is delicious aromatic North Indian Food wafting through the air and being surrounded by glittery blue booths and chrome accents. It’s weird but in the best way possible. It’s a mishmash of cultures, it felt very Toledo, if that makes sense.
Since it was just me indulging, I decided to get take out.
When I arrived to pick up my food, I was greeted by Jesse, an enthusiastic and cheerful guy who gave me a high five when I told him I was a local blogger. I always appreciate a good high five. He made sure to point out his line of hot sauces that were on display. All are made in house, ranging in a variety of heat levels.
While I waited for them to bag up my order, I took a glimpse at the TV that is always playing Bollywood movies or music videos. Whatever was playing was catchy, but I definitely didn’t understand a word of it.
When I got home, I embarrassingly opened my food like a ravenous wolf.
For an appetizer, I had a Veggie Samosa. ($5) If you have never had a samosa, you’re missing out on a little pocket of heaven. The one I had is a South Asian pastry, stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions. The pastry was flaky and salty and dusted with cumin. The combination of potatoes peas and onions were an explosion of flavor with notes of ginger, and chilies.
My entrée was The Chicken Tikka Masala, served with yellow rice and naan. ($20) It is described as marinated chicken, onions, and bell peppers cooked in a rich and creamy tomato based sauce. I had the heat level set to Medium, and it was just right.
It was a perfect balance of heat, spice, and flavor. The rice soaked up that beautiful creamy sauce. The Naan, which is a white-leavened flatbread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, creating slightly charred edges, gave the whole meal a deeper flavor.
I said the heat was medium, which is a step up from the mild that I used to get. Alas, my mouth still burned in a good way, but luckily I had also ordered a Mango Lassi ($5) (pronounced Lucy) which is a yogurt drink flavored with mango. It’s like a milkshake, sweet and comforting, and it was the perfect thing to cool and ease the palette.
The portion sizes are quite large here, so if you’re not looking to eat your weight’s worth of food like I am, it’s very easy for two people to share an entrée. However, everything is so delicious, you may not want to.
The Star of India boasts that it can stand out from their competitors by catering to everyone-Vegans and gluten-free, and various other lifestyles. They also do catering for any size event.
If you’re looking for a place to expand your cultured culinary adventure, Star of India is the place to go. The interior is weird and wacky, but when it comes to the food, it’s all serious and delicious business. Not only is this restaurant a Star of India, but it is a Star of Toledo as well.
Carry Out?
NO
Credit Cards?
YES
Dine In?
YES
Delivery?
DoorDash
Star of India
- 415 S. Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615
- (419) 720-6452
- See The Menu
- https://starofindiafood.com
- star_of_india_toledo
