I just moved to a new area of town and my play-sister Holly from Barbados wanted to take me to lunch. All she said was, “I really want Indian food.” I don’t run but I will sprint for Indian food. The reason why her nationality is important is that I am reminded of the history of Indians in the Caribbean Islands and the story of how cultures and cuisines collide. I won’t go into this history lesson today but as a food history enthusiast, it’s a part of our culture that we should know.

Foodie friends, I would like to invite you to take a foodventure with me through a buffet of southern Indian flavors and amazing service. A place that allows you to explore dishes that trigger emotion and bring you home. I am taking you on a journey through Nirvana Indian Restaurant.

When we found Nirvana, the exterior was very inviting and as you walk in you are transformed into a high-class dining experience, greeted by an amazing staff and seated at your choice of table. Your waiter takes your drink order and you are presented with a basket of hot naan. Nirvana serves a 22+ dish buffet for lunch and dinner for less than $20 per person. The reason I love this is that I get a chance to eat my favorite and try new dishes. If you don’t know by now or are a first-time reader, as foodie friends, we love a good foodventue.

If you can’t make it for lunch from 11 to 3pm, please go for dinner buffet at 6pm to close. Monday and Tuesday are their special days because they serve lamb chops on the buffet. The lamb chops are so tender, juicy, and full of flavor. But don’t stop there because they have so many dishes for you to try. From vegetarian options to a variety of meat curries to put with their rice dishes. Once you are done with that, head over to their desserts for another flavor explosion.

The big question is, “What did Alex eat?”. For the rice dish, I started with the chicken biryani because it sets the tone with fluffy rice, chicken, and spices. Then I moved over to the vegetarian dishes to get the Kadhi Pakora, a fried fritter dish in a creamy tangy sauce, and Palak paneer, a creamy spinach and cheese dish. Lastly, my plate needed meat and curry. I bolted towards my favorite, Lamb Rogan Josh. I’ve had the goat version as well and it just melts in your mouth. Then I had two classics, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Chicken Vindaloo. Both we divine.

To finish it off, I had to have dessert. I had the fluffiest mango moose and a delectable carrot pudding called Carrot Halwa. My favorite of them all was the Gulab Jamun which reminds me of donut holes in a rich sugar and rosewater sauce.

Nirvana is a dining experience I urge you to have. When the first bite was made, my whole inner being was blessed. To some, this is just another plate of food but to me, it is spirituality at its best. May I say, it’s flavor Nirvana. The owner Mr. Saleem explained that he focuses on amazing service and experience which is what you get. When you all stop by please tell the manager, Monsur that I sent you, and him along with the staff will be so glad to have you.

Happy Foodventures Houston!