This oasis of Northern Indian cuisine in Madison withstood tragedy, but has come back, stronger than ever, under a new, but also old owner! Sunil worked as host with the original owner, Jessie, way back in the early aughts, but left about 8 years ago. The days when Sunil was the host were Begum Palace's glory days; he's sunny, friendly, and I think he really cares about creating something special. After he left, the food was still fine, but Jessie died tragically of a heart attack. His wife carried on, but not too longer after Jessie's death, we noticed that food became bland, unexceptional. We went less often, and then stopped altogether, driving to Parsippany or Edison for our regular Indian food fix. When I heard Begum had new ownership I was skeptical, and we didn't go until this last Wednesday, because my daughter insisted we give it a try. So, we went to the Wednesday dinner buffet, and the flavor is back! Yes! Sunil recognized us from way back, which was a pleasant surprise in itself, and we talked about the food. He's made changes to the kitchen; they had come to rely on prefabricated spice mixes. But now, the kitchen grinds whole spices and uses whole spices. Whole spices give a richness to the food that you only really recognize when it's no longer there. And freshly ground spices also make a big difference. read more

Recommended by an Indian friend. This place is legit. We tried a number of dishes including the typical - paneer with spinach, chicken tikka (amazing!!), curry special, samosas, mango shrimp and vegetable biriyani. All were very good. Stand outs were the shrimp, tikka and surprisingly the veggie rice dish. The place was packed at 6pm on a Friday. All locals by the looks of it. What makes this place so inviting was the owner who personally came over to take our order and chat with us. He runs a successful business and it's clear he takes pride in what he does and genuinely enjoys talking to his patrons. He even brought rice out early to appease our toddler. I've heard the buffet is very good as well. Best part: they deliver to Summit!! read more

I went for Dinner Buffet on Wednesday. The food was not at all hot and had no taste, felt as if I am eating left overs. Not even close to Indian standard. Wouldn't recommend. read more

We ordered 2 dishes (chicken masala, goat curry) All are super salty. Very disappointed for the price we paid.

Ok Indian restaurant, but nowhere near the level of places in Iselin/Edison or Mehndhi in Morristown. Nothing was bad, but nothing was very good, either. Standard menu and nothing is outstanding--or bad. read more

Begum Palace was a little bit out of the way, tiny restaurant, but this place is a hidden gem! Not only was the food fresh & hot, the lunch buffet was CHEAP! In general, I don't eat at buffets because I worry about the freshness of the food, but I was not concerned at Begum! They had standard Indian food - chicken makhani, samosas, tandoori chicken, etc. I really enjoyed it for a lunch time spot! read more

I am usually lazy in posting reviews but this place just stands out. Of the numerous indian buffets i have been to, this place is definitely one of the best. I thoroughly enjoyed the saag paneer, tandoori chicken and chicken tikka masala. The naan was so fresh and crisp - it is hard to get something so non chewy like that! Dessert - kheer was so creamy and delicious. The owners are exceptional - havent seen anyone take care of their guests like that! So similar to how we host guests at our home !!! We also got a free tasting of their homemade hot sauce and masoor dal. Definitely recommend. Go there and enjoy - not only the food but also the exceptional hospitality!! read more

I have been here twice - once when Sunil was on his day off and the other time more recently when he was at the restaurant. The experience was completely different. Sunil engages with his guests and makes sure you enjoy yourself while having some delicious Indian fare. Service is great when he is around. We started off on a tandoori chicken platter. It was on the spicy side and I loved it. But check before you order if you are not accustomed to Indian spice. For the main course, we got shrimp dopiaza, lamb roghan josh, a palak veggie dish and a chicken tikka masala. All were made very well with the right amount of spice but I would say that they were not exceptional. The other plus at this place is that they make their own desserts. I tried the pista kulfi. It was nice and creamy minus the ice chips. Not too many restaurants can deliver on kulfi. Great place! read more

Was excited with the name. However taste was not up to the mark. Biryani was pathetic. Ordered spicy food and all we got was non spicy dishes. Very disappointed. read more

Amazing place the eat. It is the best Indian food I have had since Jackson diner in queens ny. There saag paneer was so good. I recommend this restaurant. The owner Sunny is very welcoming and personable. read more

Great restaurant than has gotten even better with new owners. The buffet is a great value and the menu is excellent. Definitely our favorite Indian restaurant in the area. read more

Excellent and authentic Indian food. Owner is extremely kind. A little expensive, but definitely worth it for a change of scenery.

Solid. So everyone knows that some of the best Indian food (outside India and certain Asian counties) is in London. We had our British friends over recently and picked up takeaway. Our friends were blown away by the quality. Flavor, spice level, variety are all just right. We've ordered takeaway from here plenty but never dined in so I can't vouch for the waiter service. That said, the people seem supper friendly and helpful when you pick up food. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, but I am ok with that because that tells me they are cooking from scratch and everything is done to order. We love it and highly recommend this spot! read more

Not only does Begrum Palace have wonderful food, but they have the friendliest owners and staff I have ever met! They customer service, cuisine, and atmosphere are all phenomenal! read more

Came here a few months ago for the first time. Food was very tasty and the staff was very kind and welcoming. Can't wait to go back and try something else read more

I LOVE Begum Palace. I just spend a month in India, and the food there wasn't as good. I've tried every place in the area here, and short of going into Murray Hill in NYC, you aren't going to find anything close to as good. The lunch buffet is always delicious and has a good number of options- a little steep at I think 12 or 13 a person, but totally worth it. The staff is extra nice as well. read more

I keep passing this place without trying it - finally I did, and it was great. Customer service is very friendly, and the interior is pretty. I loved the Chicken Korma; it's fragrant and sweet, helps to balance out of the more spicy dishes. Ordering online and picking is very easy, so I will highly recommend that since it will save you a lot of time. I have more dishes I want to try next time. read more

I'll start with the positives - the food was delicious That said, service was poor - the place was busy, but the three folks working the front of the house could not keep up. After I reviewed the menu, it took 11 minutes for someone to come and take my order. I opted for tap water, but the bill included a charge of $2.05 for water - I don't know if they made a mistake and thought I'd ordered "fancy" water, or if they actually charge 2 bucks for a carafe of tap water. I didn't question it as it took long enough to get the bill and I was just ready to leave. I might come back as the food was very good, but they get just one more chance to impress or fail. read more

We ordered from Begum tonight and got our usual, chicken tikka masala, raita, naan, and vegetable samosa. Everything was really good. I can't speak for dining in, since we got our food to go, but the gentleman who answered the phone was extremely courteous. Looking forward to our next meal. read more

Really great food, good environment but food is very spicy. If you're like me that generally orders medium spicy food at all other Indian store, make sure to order mild. As I am finishing my food and writing this review, my tongue is on fire. And by any chance of you do feel brave to order medium or spicy, make sure to also order "rayita" to sooth the hotness a bit. Good luck. read more

Food is excellent and the service is good. Prices a bit on the high side, but the food is good enough for us to return. The lunch buffet is a good value though. read more

This place has spoiled me with their perfectly cooked chicken. I only come for the lunch buffet and everything else is good too but the two chicken dishes alone makes it a gem. I don't understand how they do it but they cook it perfectly juicy and flavorful. Service is good too! The one day they did not have gulab jamun as a dessert and the owner overheard a co-worker being disappointed. She ended up bringing freshly made ones to our table! read more

I went to restaurant after FB friend recommendation . Having lived in Madison for 20+ years I've never been there as I heard heard it was not good. I love Indian. I got take out last night, Chicken Vindaloo which came with Basmati rice. They did suggestive selling to me on the phone for a naan. I heard them doing this with another customer when I picked up my food. The food was prepared and packed well. There were tomatoes in naan which I was not accustomed to. I asked for spicy and it could have been a little hotter. Will be by for buffet. read more

There are many restaurants serving indian food in NJ, but none as good as Begum Palace. An intimate setting and friendly wait staff make everything even better. Not only is the food exceptional (my boyfriend and I are pretty hard to please when it comes to Indian cuisine) but the whole dining experience is enjoyable. From the first time we came in, Sunil, the owner, greeted us like we were family. Every time I dined here, I felt at home. It's BYOB, with a liquor store next door. Delivery is quick and when dining in, there is always space made to accommodate. The garlic naan is fantastic and the menu is very very large. Great for meat and vegetarian options. Try anything and it'll be great. Plus they always have a few specials that are a treat. Don't skip the hot ginger tea and dessert. We recently moved to Houston, and miss the Begum every time we try a new restaurant. The experience at Begum just can't be beat. read more

I've been searching for a great Indian restaurant and FINALLY found Begum! Amazing food. Wonderful service. Highly recommended!

lunch buffet is always excellent, and for a great price. it's not going to be as fresh as dinner, where everything's made to order. I prefer this restaurant over others in the area, but that does not say much because I am not an Indian food expert. I think people who prefer more authentic Indian food would not like it since it is very mild and not very spicy, which is why I prefer this place over others. my favorite dishes are mutter paneer and the kheer. the staff is also always very friendly and accommodating. edited in August 2013: I think the price might have increased? The price of lunch buffet for two was about $21,without tax or tip. Not sure how that is possible if it costs $8.95. read more

My wife and I love Indian food. We have eaten in many of the area Indian restaurants. This is our favorite. Food great. Service great. Manager or owner very welcoming. read more

Consistently good food, every single time. Love their tomato soup, salmon, spinach koftas and paneer methi mutter malai. The owner is friendly and takes time to chat with every patron.. read more

Changing my review to 5 stars. The owners definitely seem to care about improving their level of service and deliciousness of food. I once had a negative takeout experience but received a call with apologies and complimentary desert. Since then, the food has gotten better and the delivery service much more predictable. read more

Great Indian food in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. We went there on a rainy Tuesday looking for something to brighten our day. The owner was very helpful and friendly. We just told him we wanted Shrimp, lamb and chicken and he did the rest. He served us mango coconut shrimp as an appetizer. It was not what I expected tangy and sweet without an overpowering taste of coconut. For main courses he served us patiala chicken and Balti lamb. Both were excellent and without the owner's guidance I would never had ordered them. Bottom line if you are looking for a friendly Indian byob restaurant with great food, give Begum a try. read more

Order came very quick and is always delicious! A little spendy but always tastes great.

We had a lovely experience here. The food was delicious and the owner/manager (?) was very welcoming and accommodating. We look forward to returning soon. read more

Decorated very nice, clean, staff was very pleasant and food was good!! Buffet was a good deal!

We eat here regularly mainly for the good food. The staff and owner provide great service too. We've always walked away satisfied.

Went there for lunch buffet. It was really OK. Not great. I was rushed despite the restaurant being 75% empty. They did have 4 vegetarian options which was good. I felt it need more spices. Sort of bland. Perhaps ordering a la carte might be better. Naan was also sort of hard. read more

Good Indian food! Much better service!!! The fare is standard, with nothing standing out as being exceptional. But checks the box for Indian food. A bit on the expensive side for the quality and ambiance. But helps that it is BYOB UPDATE (8/10/2016) Post management change, the place has really come alive. The menu and food are much better now. The saffron paneer with garlic naan is simply awesome!!! On the service side, Sunil kicks it up multiple notches!!! Love this place now... read more

The food here is some of the best Indian I've had. Locally owned by a very nice couple. When back in town for business I'll visit again!

Wonderful place. Great service and delicious food. Would highly recommend. We are definitely coming back!!

Went here for the first time today and had an amazing lunch!! The food was absolutely wonderful. I had the lunch buffet and everything was excellent. We also ordered mango lassies and Indian tea which were all delicious. I would highly recommend this place and am definitely coming back. To top it all off the service was excellent!! read more

Are here while in town for work. I had the samosa and chicken vindaloo which were both excellent. Also service was excellent, very friendly and attentive. read more