Star Rating: 3.0
For whatever reason, a lot of people use the words “relative” and “subjective” interchangeably… So, let’s start by stating that compared to Indian and Pakistani restaurants we’ve enjoyed in cities like London, New York, and Chicago – the 3.0 “thumbs up” to Indian Restaurant Universal Market in McAllen is a “relative” score; Since choices are nil in this neck of the woods, it’s fair for us to say, it isn’t the best we’ve ever had, but it sure is the best we’re going to find, here in the Rio Grande Valley.
Our backgrounds have blessed us with many opportunities to dine on countless cuisines from all over, and in our “subjective” opinion, the Indian and Pakistani cuisines offer some of the most flavorful dishes in the world. It’s rich, it’s varied and versatile – lending it to amazing recipes that vegetarian and/or meat lovers will enjoy!
We honestly believe the only reason that Indian and Pakistani food is having a hard time gaining popularity in the RGV is because few people are familiar with it, and even fewer are aware of just how important marketing is when introducing something “different” to a region that has little to no cultural diversity.
So, let’s see if we can find a way to describe this food, with its amazing combination of ingredients, herbs, and spices, in a way that most will relate: Can you imagine a buffet line of superbly made Mexican Guisado’s/Stews prepared with excellent cuts of meat and fresh vegetables, simmered in the most robust and mouthwatering sauces you’ve ever tasted, and served with hot, freshly made, extra thick, puffy flour tortillas? Get the picture – are you getting hungry yet? Folks, the only difference between our Guisado’s and Indian – Pakistani stews, are the sauces made with herbs and spices that capture flavors we never even knew existed. Seriously.
Our initial review is really about a formal introduction, an effort on our part to promote something different, but not too different, in the hope that once you give this restaurant a chance, you’ll fall in love with the food, just like we did. There’s so much to learn…the Indian cuisine reflects an 8,000 year history of various groups and cultures interacting with the Indian subcontinent, leading to a diversity of flavors and regional cuisines found in modern-day India. Suffice to say we’re glad that Indian Restaurant Universal Market is here, and with a choice of either a-la-carte or buffet, good service, and a clean and pleasant dining room, you’ll be sure to find something that will hit-the-spot. Please note: If this is your first visit – be there at noon when they set the buffet – it’s piping hot!
It's been said that a journey begins with a single step – we say – the journey begins with a single bite…Andale!
