Shalimar remains a solid choice for Indian cuisine
Outside of Shalimar restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor.
It was the night before the football game between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. A combination of pregame fever and unseasonably warm weather had downtown Ann Arbor buzzing with activity. As we walked into Shalimar, nearly all the tables in the spacious restaurant were occupied. We were forced to settle for the less glamorous lower level.
It was 8 p.m. and I was starving. As I looked around at the few servers who were expected to staff this entire restaurant, I heard my stomach growl and braced for a very long night. Fortunately, my fears were unjustified. The rapid service proved that Shalimar can deliver quickly, even when it's sorely tested.
Binod Dhakal, a manager of the restaurant, says Shalimar's consistent, high-quality food, where even the spices are made on the premises, is what keeps many regular customers returning. "People feel if they come to Shalimar today, tomorrow or a month later, it will be the same," he said.
Diners enjoy a recent meal at Shalimar.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Shalimar features cuisine from the northern part of India. The menu is divided into categories of dishes made with either chicken, lamb, seafood, rice or different kinds of Indian breads.
We began our meal with the vegetable pakoras. Fried to a golden brown, they were on the crispy side and quite greasy. I preferred the triangular-shaped vegetable samosas, nicely spiced with plenty of potatoes and onions.
The tomato soup was a wonderful Indian version and the combination of ginger, garlic and cumin lent a different and appealing taste. The paneer kabab with baby corn was interesting and quite good. It's made with Shalimar's homemade "paneer" cheese mixed with spices and rolled over baby corn, then fried.
The rest of our meal was adequate. I usually enjoy the mix of interesting sweet and spicy seasonings in Indian food, and look for thick sauces to bathe the various meats and fish that we order. The aloo gobi was my least favorite, since it had very little sauce, which would have added texture and more taste to the cauliflower. There were also barely any potatoes in the aloo prantha, whole wheat bread. I usually can't get enough of this bread and happily apply it as a sponge to soak up the various sauces, but neither that, nor the onion kulcha, fit the bill. The lamb was a bit overcooked in the lamb vindaloo, though I enjoyed the sauce in that dish.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Shalimar
307 South Main Street
734-663-1500
Shalimar in AnnArbor.com restaurant guide
- Hours: Sunday through Thursday, Lunch, 11:30-3:00; dinner, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Lunch, 11:30 to 3 p.m.; dinner, 5-11 p.m.
- Plastic: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover.
- Liquor: Yes.
- Prices: Moderate. Many dishes are in the $13 to $16 range.
- Value: Fair. Portions are small.
- Noise level: Medium.
- Wheelchair access: Yes, but not for the lower level.
Among the standouts were the murgh hyderabadi, which paired chicken with a palate pleasing, refreshing, cashew nut white sauce. Coconut milk brought a unique taste to the mahi mahi in the Bengali fish.
Unlike many Indian restaurants, where there are ample amounts for sharing, the portions were on the small side. Even the white rice, which I enjoyed and is typically heaped on a giant plate, quickly evaporated.
Though this wasn't the best Indian food I've sampled, it's certainly decent. And if you're looking for a downtown destination with cheerful servers who can quickly get the food to you no matter how big the crowd, Shalimar is a respectable choice.
Julie Halpert reviews restaurants for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
David Kempner
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 6:19 p.m.
Best Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor... by far. Catered our daughter's wedding because her husband is Indian and they wouldn't have thought of using anyone else. Far better than Raja Rani; not even close.
DFSmith
Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.
The new restaurant, located right next to Urban Outfitters, is indeed a great place. It is a simple place, that serves some very good South Indian food- especially dishes from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. try out their "Masala Dosa" and the "Idli", and their "Bisi Bhele Bhaat." Their weekday lunch buffet is very good too.
roadsidedinerlover
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:16 p.m.
I have tried Shalimar a few times and I agree that the portions are not big. I want value for my money. I suggest that the commenters here try the newest Indian restaurant on State Street. I went there the buffet and it was really good! In fact, I am going there tomorrow for dinner.I know I will get my moneys worth. Here is a review for Taste of India Suvai... http://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-india-suvai-ann-arbor#query:indian%20restaurant
PersonX
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:20 p.m.
I am sorry, but this will not do. I have been to Shalimar many times and they consistently serve the best and most honest food on Main St. and deserve better than this uninformed highly subjective attempt at a review. Aloo gobi is indeed a "dry" dish and who cares about the fact that the "reviewer" preferred this or that, or her unsubstantiated opinion that the restaurant was "adequate." This is highly irresponsible. Most reviews here are glowing, even of rather bad Main St. restaurants. Why suddenly change to a critical, or backhandedly mild one, and target a much better restaurant? If we are to take this blog seriously, could we please have a knowledgeable restaurant reviewer who loves food and is not afraid to explain things rather than to emote about them?
tegel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:12 p.m.
This is also my favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor. The reviewer unfortunately omitted one very important category: Vegetarian. I can't speak much for the meat entrees, but the veggie fare is top notch. Try the Balti Paneer and be ready for a flavor explosion. Also, the cashew nut sauce in the Malayee Kofta is to die for. Don't let this luke warm review turn you away. The food at Shalimar is way above "decent". It stacks up with any that I've had anywhere (including India). The portion sizes are perfectly adequate and we always take some home. We are lucky to have such a fine restaurant in Ann Arbor.
AMM
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:07 a.m.
This is a top notch restaurant. The service is good and any food I have eaten there is delicious.
Gee
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 7:11 a.m.
My favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor!
Mary Bilyeu
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 6:37 a.m.
I absolutely ADORE Shalimar! I went there for dinner on my first date with my boyfriend, and it's had a special place in our hearts ever since; we go there to celebrate special occasions... :)
DFSmith
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 5:51 a.m.
I too have noticed the rather small sizes of the portions served at Shalimar. I am Indian, and I think that Shalimar still is the best Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor. Mahek, on Washington St., is good too, but they seem to have a limited menu, and they seem to have decided to concentrate on their buffet. BTW, Julie, I think that the Aloo-Gobi dish is meant to be served as a dryish dish, without a sauce- some North Indians seem to eat it that way, mixing it with a bit of Daal( lentils) to get the sauce like effect. Or, that is how my Mom served it, and all the members of my very large extended family seemed to do so too. :):)