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Taste the Soul of India

Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, MA

The Metrowest area has what seems like an infinite number of dining possibilities. Many of these establishments, I have driven past hundreds of times and never given a second thought. Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, is one of these restaurants. Conveniently located equidistant between Route 128 and Framingham, Soul of India provides an intimate setting, high quality service, and authentic Indian cuisine.

In full disclosure, I had never eaten Indian food prior to my meal at Soul of India, so I really didn’t know what to expect. Of course I had reservations about spice, spice, and more spice. What I was hoping for was an experience that would allow me to learn more about the cuisine and come away having enjoyed an authentic Indian meal. 

Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, MAUpon entering the restaurant, the time and energy taken to include traditional Indian decor was evident. We were seated very quickly and offered a basket of thin crispy bread (much like toasted Syrian bread) accompanied by three dipping sauces ranging from spicy, to savory, and sweet.

The waitstaff was very knowledgeable, and provided us with an explanation of the menu. Our server made sure to ask us what kinds of foods we enjoy and since it was our first time eating Indian food, recommended selections that were less spicy. Our order included garlic Naan, Vegetable Samosas, Tandoori Cooked Chicken with Pepper and Onions, and Chicken Tikka Masala. The waitstaff was spot-on with their selections, as the food fit our tastes. Each dish provided a mild spice, tempered by our server’s recommended of a refreshing mango smoothie made with fresh fruit and creamy yogurt.

The goal of Soul of India is to provide “a mix of authentically traditional Indian fare with a modern flare and offer a unique menu not previously seen in the Boston area.” The restaurant also provides a full drink menu, and a small but very functional bar space at the front of the restaurant. Additionally, most of the dishes can be prepared as gluten free upon request; Soul of India also offers an extensive vegetarian menu. In addition to the full diner menu, Soul of India provides an extensive daily lunch buffet, which allows patrons to sample more of their offerings, without the added expense. I believe this is one of the most reasonably priced dining establishments that I have visited during my time writing for Mass Foodies. Dinner for two, including drinks, was less than $70 including tip.

If you are looking for an authentic meal, Soul of India is conveniently located on the eastern side of Metrowest, and delivery is an option for those living within five miles of the restaurant. I fully expect to visit Soul of India again, and adventurously delve deeper into the menu. Soul of India is located at 103 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776.

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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala from Surya Indian Restaurant on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester

Chicken Tikka Masala from Surya Indian Restaurant on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester

Surya Indian Cuisine is an Indian restaurant at 299 Shrewsbury St in Worcester MA. There is a small parking lot in front that with plenty of street parking on the side streets. The place is larger than it looks from the outside, with plenty of room for large groups.

I started the meal with their Meat Samosa. A Samosa is sort of an Indian turnover, with crispy dough outside and normally mixed veggies or meat for a filling. This Samosa was filled with minced lamb. The outer shell was delicious and cooked perfectly. It had a very nice flavor and a perfect crisp to it. The minced lamb filling was spiced nicely and had a nice flavor, but I found it on the dry side. Still, overall a very nice appetizer with a strong, balanced flavor.

For a main course, I had the Chicken Tikka Masala, with a side of Jasmine rice and Nan. The Tikka Masala was offered in mild, medium or hot and I ordered the hot variant. It came out VERY hot. I had a sweat going from my second bite and I found the hot to be borderline too hot. I also found the chicken chunks to be slightly on the dry and overcooked side and the sauce was thicker than I’m used to for a Tikka Masala. The flavor was nice and it married with the rice very well, but I’d have to say it was average overall. The rice was cooked perfectly and had a nice flavor though and there was plenty of rice to go with the main dish. Lastly, I found the Nan to be average, but slightly undercooked and a little doughy. Again, the flavor was nice, but due to being a little undercooked, I’d have to rate this as average as well.

Overall, I’d say this is a nice place for an Indian meal, but nothing worth a special trip for. -DL