In a nondescript suburban strip mall at 10400 South and 1300 East in Sandy sits a hidden gem: Royal India, arguably the best Indian restaurant on the Wasatch Front.
Royal India serves a variety of curry and Tandoori dishes featuring chicken, lamb, shrimp and vegetables, as well as appetizers, several varieties of naan, chutneys, dosas (Indian crepes, plain or stuffed), tea, lassis (an Indian yogurt drink), and desserts.
Dishes at Royal India tend to be rich and warmly spiced, but not too hot unless the customer requests it. Each dish can be ordered mild, medium or hot.
I've been eating at Royal India for years, and some of my favorites are the spicy, tangy Chicken Vindaloo, the rich, tasty Saag Aloo and Saag Paneer (spinach dishes with potatoes and homemade cheese, respectively), and the Chicken or Vegetable Cocunut Kurma. Like many Indian restaurants, Royal India serves a lot of excellent vegetarian dishes. As an appetizer I would recomment the Vegetable Samosas, served with mango and mint chutney.
The hosts, managers and servers at Royal India are friendly and attentive. The restaurant's interior is lovely but relaxing, with Indian tapestries adorning the walls and a fun collection of elephants near the front door.
Royal India
10263 S 1300 E. in Sandy
801-572-6123
M-Th: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Fri., Sat.: 4:30-10:00 p.m.
Sun.: Closed
55 N Main St. in Bountiful
801-292-1835
M-Th: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Fri., Sat.: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Sun.: Closed
Entrees $15-$25
