It was a bad weather day, but India Star was still open. We were seated immediately. We ordered the garlic naan bread. I liked it but my husband thought it was a little dry and not as fluffy. I didn't mind it. :) We split the spicy chicken curry. And it was spicy. Even my husband struggled with the spice. But here's the thing, even though it's spicy, it had flavor. It's my biggest complaint when he orders food spicy because to me, when it's too spicy, there's no flavor with what is left to eat. This is the opposite. We couldn't stop eating it because the flavor was so good. Now, with that said I probably won't get it as hot next time because it took a while to eat. My mouth was still on fire. But it was delicious and there's many things I want to try as well so I can't wait to go back. There's plenty of seating from sitting at the bar to booths and tables for the warm atmosphere. Give it a try. read more

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It made me feel like I was at home. The food was awesome. I can't wait to go back. Service was a bit unexplanitory but not a problem like me. I did not do the buffet because I don't do them. read more

I am never disappointed when we eat here! The best food and awesome service! Veggie samosas, veg briyani, makhany chicken, and chicken vindaloo are delicious and always fresh. Comfy and clean dining room as well. read more

Came back through and thought I'd give this place another go, as I didn't feel like driving out west. My server was gracious, kept checking in, and made sure my water glass remained filled. The older female working was kind and gracious. There was a large amount of takeout orders, but the staff seemed to handle a busy Tuesday evening with aplomb. My food was nicely spiced with some heat, but with enough balance to let other flavors come through. The veggie platter is a good deal for $5...papadum by itself is $2. The mint chutney was zippy and bold. I thought the tamarind chutney was a little thin and could have used some more flavor accents. Overall, I was very pleased with my visit and look forward to more. read more

India Star - Garlic naan, rice, aloo gobi - Indian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I order takeout and the food was hot and the spices hit just right. Quick and excellent customer service, the food was done within the stated timeframe. Service area was clean and set up for dining. Would definitely recommend and order again. read more

Yummy place!! My group and I ordered food family-style and shared a whole bunch of dishes. I wish I could remember every dish we ordered, but all that goes to say is that everything I had was very yummy. We ate in the restaurant, and they were very busy. So it did take quite some time for us to order our food and then receive it. But the wait was worth it! read more

By far the nicest sit down restaurant for Indian food. We brought in our own wine for a low corkage fee. The waiter is courteous and attentive. The food is amazing! I would suggest the Shahi Paneer and the keema gobi. So much flavor! I also love the chicken tikka masala for non vegetarian. Lots of options for vegetarian also. read more

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This is a family-run gem on the north side of Des Moines. I've been a customer since 2015, and have found that it has become the most reliable Indian food in town. After years of trying their buffet and standard dishes, I think I've narrowed down their best dishes: Lamb Shahi-Korma, Karahi Lamb, and Kabuli naan. read more

My husband and I have been going to India Star for over 30 years, way back to when they had the little white building on Ingersoll! Indian food is my FAVORITE food and I've eaten Indian all over the country. All Indian food we eat is always compared to our "I-Star Meter". As good as India Star Almost as good but not the same Decent Indian food but more like fast food Are they even Indian?? Very few get the ! India Star, the Indian restaurant that all other Indian Restaurants are compared to. read more

India Star - This is from the Maharani Dinner wish is a perfect dinner for two and great introduction to a variety of Indian dishes. - Indian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I always order online but their food is soo good! I typically get their chicken makhani and goat briyani. It's a bit pricy compared to desi (their briyani has a huge portion and it's always a bit spicy even when you ask for no spice) but worth every moment at India star. 10/10 recommend read more

5 stars from an indian! Moved to des moine last year and this is the only place that has good Indian food around here. All the other places have been disappointing. We get the chicken methi garlic naan, chicken biryani. They always keep the spice level perfect. There usually is a wait which is a good sign that it is being prepared fresh. They have parking. The place I believe at one point did offer buffet but due to Covid I believe they stopped. They do serve alcohol. If I don't have time to cook and I'm craving Indian food this place is my go to! read more

I love India star. Always great food! Always great service! I've been going there for ten years, and it's always been great food.

I am in West Des Moines for work, and I asked my coworker to take me to his favorite Indian restaurant for dinner, my treat. He took me here. He said he used to live nearby, and this was his family's go-to. I eat a lot of really good frozen Indian food, so we agreed to stay clear of all my familiar dishes and explore ... glad we did. I really wanted the Fish Curry, so he let me order that, while he ordered the lamb Keema Samosa as an appetizer and Chicken Biryani main fish. We ordered to share. Okay, I am not a sharer, and I hope my wife does not read this, because I put a stake in the ground decades ago about sharing Chinese food family style, because it grosses me out. However, I have never met an Indian dish I do not love. So, I do make an exception and share Indian food, so I can sample it all. As I write about the Samosa, I am salivating. Seriously good. See photo of it opened up. Lamb meat crumbles in a light pastry shell, with hot and sweet spices. Awesome. A 5. The Fish Curry is described as a light spicy golden sauce, but it had quite a kick. A really great after burn. I love spicy food. My coworker made sure also order Naan for the curry... perfect. The biryani, a completely foreign dish to me. The Basmati rice is unusual, kind of like a wild rice? Long and dry? Chicken was also dry ... it was good, but I am now realizing that I love love LOVE Indian sauce ... I mean, I still gobbled it up, but I need those rich, flavorful, wonderful Indian liquid flavors. Finally, the three Indian beers on the menu. What? I am a serious beer person, but I have never been to an Indian restaurant with Indian beer. I feel stupid stating the obvious, that of course a giant country like India has beer. I just never had one. Well, they have a great beer selection, although I think they could offer Iowa craft beer and Indian beer. So, I had the Taj Mahal, which tastes like a Nordeast (Minnesota staple) ... a 3 star beer, great on a hot day, but not in the same league as say Big Grove IPA from Iowa City (phenomenal). Also love the dish of fennel by the cash register, for good breath aftet eating. Waiter, a dude, very attentive. 5 stars. Food and prices 5 stars ($35 for all described, including beer). Decor and seating 3 stars. I will definitely be back. read more

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10/10 experience!! We ordered take out and the gentleman who served us was so polite and the butter chicken and samosas were incredible!! Highly recommend. read more

Used to be good. They got rid of their lunch buffet due to Covid hysteria. That leaves nothing else worth going here for. Instead of limitless food for lunch and lots of selection, you now pay the same price for one selection on a VERY SMALL PLATE! Laughably bad. Seems to taste more bland nowadays, too. I was told they will never reopen their buffet, which means I will never be back. Keep in mind I had been going here for decades- even back when they had a tiny building on Beaver. Was a good run. Goodbye, India Star. read more

I've tried over 5 Indian restaurants in DSM and this is my favorite. They have a section on the back of the menu where you can order two entrees, rice, naan, the yogurt sauce, and the gulab jamun all for only $14.99. The food tasted better than most of the restaurants in DSM and it cost less! Our server was very attentive and even brought me two to-go boxes when I asked for one to keep the naan separate from the chicken curry. I tried 4 entrees total and all were so authentic and tasty. The building is a little old and dingy but don't let that stop you from fantastic Indian food! read more

Absolutely love this place! My boyfriend and I frequent here, at least once a week if possible. The lunch buffet is great for the price. I have personally tried about half the menu and still haven't had anything I don't like. My other half's favorite by far is the lamb curry. He gets his extremely spicy and loves it. I get my meals moderately spicy and it's perfect. Little bit of kick, but enjoyable. The staff is incredible and very nice. They remember us by name and already know what we want- although I change up my order all the time. They suggest really good meals. Great food for vegetarians- awesome menu for whatever you are craving. The tomato soup is to die for, Garlic Naan is Amazing! Always consistent, Always Great!! Well done India Star - Highly Recommend!!!! read more

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This place is deceptive. From the outside it looks huge, and when you walk in, it feels super tiny and cramped. A friend and I came here for the lunch buffet one day, and neither of us knew what to expect. I've been to many Indian buffets, and at first glance, I was seriously unimpressed with this one. The buffet was super small, looked like it had already been attacked by previous customers, and they appeared to be out of many of the items. It also was in dire need of a good wipe-down. We decided to give it a shot anyway. Don't expect any ambiance whatsoever. This place has none of that. It has the same feel as the sit down area of a Chinese takeout place. HOWEVER, as we ventured to get our first plates at the buffet, many of the empty trays started getting refilled and the food did not disappoint at all. In fact, it was all really really delicious, fresh and good. The tandoori chicken was excellent, and so was the curried potato. Everything they had to offer was good EXCEPT for the super, duper, ultra sad salad bar section. The cost to benefit ratio of replacing their Iceberg with Romain goes with saying. They need to do this. Plain lettuce has absolutely nothing to do with Indian food, I know and I'm laughing too, but it DOES have everything to do with perceived quality and value of a restaurant's offerings. Hang some tapestries, get real tablecloths, wipe down the buffet and get Romain lettuce, India Star, then you'll get my five stars! read more

I don't understand some of the terrible ratings on this restaurant. We ordered chicken Makhani, lamb vindaloo, garlic naan, and mango lassi. They were very superb. No it's not a fancy dining restaurant. But I honestly think that some of the horrible ratings come from people being racists. Highly recommend this place. read more

Went here first time after a disappointing Indian food with a competitor. Came for their lunch buffet. Loved the food. I used to love one of the bigger chain Indian places but the taste went downhill for me. I am glad I found India Star. Reasons why I gave this place high ratings: 1. Customer service was good. Although my party was not asked if we wanted drinks outside of water. But we were consistently asked if we needed refills for our waters. Service-wise, 4/5 2. Food is not heavy. Even though my party ate at their buffet lunch, each dish tasted clean, and not oily. I did not feel gross eating here after. 3. Food was surprisingly good. I don't think Indian foods are my specialty but each dish was good - meat or vegetarian. Selection IS LIMITED (thus 4/5) however during their lunch buffets. But the taste is SOOOO much better than their competitors. Less creamy though, which is the reason why it tasted less heavy. Honestly I didn't really read what I was eating but all I can say is that EVERY SINGLE DISH SERVED was phenomenal. 4. All the dishes were warm, it is spacious inside, and it is also reasonably quiet. 5. Costs $9 for their lunch buffet. Will definitely return here. I am giving this place a 4/5 because I was impressed with their food, and their service is decent. read more

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Amazing food and service. This place has become a regular of mine. I highly recommend to everyone. If you've never had Indian food before, try this place first. You'll love it. read more

I have probably eaten at 50 or more Indian buffets in the Midwest in my lifetime, including the Devon Ave. (Little India/Pakistan) area of Chicago. Believe me when I say that this is the worst Indian buffet I have ever encountered. The items were as cliche as they come - Chicken Curry (an Americanized bastardization of true Indian curries), burned Tandoori Chicken, overcooked homogenized Baingan Bartha (stewed eggplant), etc. Coming in about 15 min. before the buffet closed, all the items were barely lukewarm, or had not been replentished. Even the fresh naan had an irritating yeasty flavor to it. And they started taking items away from the buffet even as people were still finishing their meals. The strangest part is that all of the dishes were actually under-seasoned without enough salt, when proper seasoning is usually the pride of any Indian establishment. Finally, the whole thing set me back 8.95 - an insulting price for a school cafeteria steam table experience like this. Please go to Namaste India on University Ave. instead. Their South Indian lunch buffet is infinitely better and cheaper than this; in fact, it is one of the best buffets I have tried anywhere. read more

I really enjoyed my experience here. I went with a group of friends to their lunch buffet. The options for the buffet are limited with two chicken dishes and four vegetarian, but they have all the essentials. The naan was a good thickness and cooked well. Small details, like the limited options, stained ceiling panels and a piece of duct tape on the wall keep it from being 5 stars At under $10, it's great value. The venue is clean, and the staff is friendly. I'll be back. read more

This is a good Indian restaurant. It is not the best or most amazing Indian food,but it is the best in Des Moines. The simply you should eat here. For those new to Indian cuisine don't worry there are great descriptions in the menu! The service is really slow and the food takes a while to come out. They are in no hurry so sit back and chill a bit and don't come here if you are trying to get out fast. Consider this your warning incase you didn't catch that here it is in all caps THEY ARE NOT IN A HURRY SO DONT COME HERE IF YOU ARE! This is a great place for a date because you can sit back chat and get to know each other without taking up space in a servers section costing them money. See you just learned something when you break out a tent and camp in a servers section you are literally costing then income (so stop doing it)! I like the mango shake and Malai kofta. The best way to try Indian food is just order it and try it. Figure out what you like by trail and error. Stop being board and life and try something new. read more

I love India star! Great and inviting staff! Superb nan and mint chutney! I love the dry spice at the table. I've had the lunch buffet and it's a wonderful eclectic mix of Indian delicacies! I haven't been there for dinner but I definitely want to try it! My favorite buffet item is by far the cauliflower potatoes. It's different every time I dine (for lunch) but that's partially what I like about it, I get to try something new each time! They have beers for purchase but I'm not sure if there's a full bar? India star is great! read more

India Star - Take me to tasty town! - Indian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I am giving this place three stars based on their lunch buffet. And I may also add that my Indian friend said that this place is the best in Iowa and give sit five start, however, I disagree maybe based on my American taste. There was chicken curry and a few other dishes here. Maybe 5 total and a little desert. I'm used to having a much better selection for a buffet and was at least expecting Chicken Tikka Masala. The chicken in the curry also had bones in it, which I am told is the proper Indian way to do it, but when I eat food like this with rice I don't want to mess with bones. The small selection and bones aside, I thought everything tasted really good. The service was good, and their food was fully stocked the entire time and tasted fresh. I myself am a fan of Paradise as their lunch buffet is filled with options, but my Indian friend said India Star is better. I will need to try the dinner here sometime as the flavors are good, but for now, the lunch is just ok. read more

India Star - Indian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went in for lunch buffet, a little bummed there was no Tikki or vandaloo but they did have tandoori chicken so that made me happy. I would recommend. read more

India Star - A few things from the buffet - Indian Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I love the Chicken Curry, Bread, and mango shake from here. I love the fact that I can request all white meat chicken in the chicken curry, this is the only restaurant that I have found that does this! The staff is always friendly! During COVID they are only doing take out and if you wait there for you food to be ready, they have social distancing seating. read more

Absolutely loved their Paneer Pakoras!!! Service was great and the food came out very quick. Didn't have to wait for too long. Would definitely come back. read more

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Food was great. They could put a bit more money into the physical plant. But they try hard. I have no complaints. They get a rare five star. When I have a taste for Asian food, I think of them first (for Indian). read more

There aren't that many Indian restaurants in Des Moines, so maybe take this with a grain of salt. However, I have gone to 3 of them and India Star certainly stands out among them. The 3 star rating goes due to the fact that while the buffet is relatively good, it's not like a mind-blowing experience and it could have a bit more variety. Yet the basic staples, basmati rice, naan, Tandoori chicken, Channa Masala, are all very good. There is a "home cooked" meal quality to it that makes it charming. Now, if you have time or if you prefer to do take out, I highly recommend India Star at dinner or for take-out. The prices of the dinners for 2 are reasonable and you get a lot of food, much better quality than the buffet of course, so it's worth the price. I always get the non-vegetarian dinner for two (Maharaja dinner), with the garlic naan and the papadum. Pakoras are also a must. I didn't love the Tandoori Roti. So head on over, 3 stars for buffet, 4 stars for dinner or take out. Also, it's not too spicy but very flavorful. read more

I absolutely love this place. The food is amazing and the service is great. They have a decent selection of vegan and non vegan options. Both buffet and non buffet as well. If you like Indian food, this place is a must have. read more

I hate to spoil the love fest of reviews that are on the site. But I couldn't be more unhappy with my visit to India Star. First I will say that I know that Indian food is normally a bit on the spicy (hot) side. But my compliant runs deeper then that. To make a long story short: The service was very bad. We spent almost an hour waiting for our meal. I know it was about an hour because after the 30 minute mark we started pulling out our cell phones to play games and check email. I know, very rude thing to do in a restaurant, but I know I needed something to distract me from the long wait. Next: what I ordered and what I received didn't really match up. I've had Indian food in several different restaurants. You can have the meal spicy (hot) or toned down a bit. I was asked several times if I wanted mild or spicy. And several times I said MILD. What I received had me going through water like a horse and brought on an epic runny nose. We only saw our waiter three times during the entire meal. Once to take the order, once to bring the food, and once to bring the check. If i wanted a refill on my drink (which I did), I would have had to get it myself. The long wait was not worth it. Having food that you can't enjoy or that punishes you later is not worth it. Inattentive waiters are not worth it. If i have to wait for a trip back to Chicago before doing Indian dining again, then so be it. But I won't be dining here again. Oh, and they could really use a filter on their tap water. I used to live a few blocks away from this restaurant when I first moved to Des Moines. I couldn't stand the water straight from the tap then, I can't stand the taste of it now. read more

I was looking to take my mother somewhere for an Indian buffet and found this place. I read reviews before coming here and thought it looked pretty good. The food here is great! I have had Indian buffets in other states, but this one is the best one I have ever been to. Their food selection is limited (Like the other ones I've been to), but the quality is high. You will definitely find a dish you like here. Their chicken is extremely tender and juicy! The sauces were flavorful and gives a great kick for the food. Their staff is friendly and they were not busy during the lunch hour I was here. Parking was easy here because they have their own lot. Would definitely come back and introduce this place to other people! read more

I've only been here for their lunch buffet but man - it was delicious! $8 for some really wonderful food. They rotate their main dishes they serve daily. Their tandoori chicken is phenomenal and juicy. The family who runs this restaurant are lovely and very attentive. Can't wait to come back for dinner! read more

Have eaten here before and it's been ok. The buffet is actually good. I think the chicken curry is kind of bland though. Ordered somosas and chicken curry last night and had a stomach ache and felt ill immediately after eating here. It is 7:21 am this morning and this stuff is still sitting in my stomach like a rock. The only reason i ate here in the first place was because Kurry Express was closed. Regretting that choice this morning. It was 7:30 and my friend and i were the only ones in there. Should have taken that sign and ran! read more

This is my favorite Indian place in Des Moines - not saying much, you say? Well, I would also say it compares very well to my favorite Indian places in London, where Indian takeaway is a staple of every twentysomething's diet! I have played it safe so far - chicken tikka masala and chicken korma - both are very nice, with flavorful sauces and tender white chicken. I think they tone down the spices for our Midwestern tastes, I ordered the "medium" and couldn't tell the difference from the "mild". I haven't eaten in - we've gotten takeaway every time we've eaten there - so I can't vouch for the service, but they are usually quite prompt with the food. Everything tastes fresh! Their naan bread is not the best I've ever had, but still quite good - I recommend the garlic naan, tasty! Overall, I nice surprise in the heart of Iowa. Even my husband likes it! read more

Very poor quality food. The yellow curry I ordered was brown and had the consistency of lard and on top of that the chicken was undercooked. Probably one of the sketchiest places I've ever ordered from. DO NOT RECOMMEND read more

I came here for a few times.. Lunch buffet.. Dinner... Lunch buffet is not really worth it.. but for the price you paid.. it's really cheap and it's not that bad... For me.. I go for the quality of the food.. I will prefer to come here for dinner instead of lunch... I have tried lots of dishes here... Love Spicy food.. I always have the cook to make my food really spicy but at the same time do not burn my lips.. :P (you know what I mean if you love spicy food.. :) I love how their food is spicy but they still have the taste of it. unlike some other restaurants.. you can't taste anything beside spicy... I heard lots of good thing about the lamb here.. Personally.. I do not love lamb but I love the lamb in India Star... I will definitely recommend you to try it!! :) The mango Lasi is nice but I think it's a too sweet for me... but I still like it.. There is not much I can write about service... It's just normal... read more

Great for Takeout. The place is questionably clean, so I avoid the lunch buffet and eating in, but definitely a good go to for week night takeout. I suggest the Maharaja dinner, a good intro to lots of the dishes they serve and perfect to split between two or three people. Super Staff. All the staff are quite nice and are sure to get you seated and checked out quite fast. If you take amateur Indian food eaters, they are sure to suggest dishes they would enjoy. Slow Food. Things don't come out of the kitchen quick, which is why I prefer take-out. Call ahead and pick it up in 30 or so minutes. read more