The BEST INDIAN FOOD IN THE CIYT OF ANN ARBOR and arguably washtenaw. Real deal on the phones and regarding spice levels. The place itself is not the craziest most put together place, but the staff makes up for it with humor and good vibes. read more

The hours here are a little inconsistent due to this being a one man show and he explained to me that during the school year he's closed from 2-5pm on days school is in session to pick up his children. The owner is incredibly accommodating and friendly, and helped me order 2 Kati rolls which I've never tried. From my understanding, kati rolls are an Indian street food, and I'm so glad I got to try a new food that I'm going to crave. The chicken tikka Kati roll was one of the best things I've had the pleasure of getting in my belly recently!! Wow wow wow it was so flavorful, the roll was flaky and warm, and the chicken was tender and juicy. Be warned if you like spicy food, these can get real fire :) The shop itself isn't much in terms of ambiance and definitely feels more like a take out operation but there are some tables and seats if you'd like to eat it fresh right there. read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Chicken tikka kati roll, GET IT - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I was introduced to Kati rolls, a type of Indian street food, by friends over a decade ago when this place was Eastern Flame on Ashley Street downtown. It was open late after Main Street and First Street bars closed down and always hit the spot. I was thrilled when I learned this spot opened up in 2017. Still just as good now! You can order (often from the owner) at the counter and there's seating both inside and outside. read more

Once-Upon A Grill - menus and prices - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Once Upon a Grill hit the spot for some delicious carry out from somewhere new this past weekend. It was Sunday night, and we suddenly found ourselves with no great dinner options in our own kitchen. "How about carry out?" my husband suggested. I was game, and asked him if he was craving anything in particular. "Maybe Indian," he shrugged. I whipped out Yelp and quickly found Once Upon a Grill, a place that I passed frequently and had wanted to try. We chose our food and off he went to pick it up. Once he got back, I opened my delicious Chicken Tikka Masala. I had gotten a medium spice level, and it was definitely spicy! (And I like heat!) He had gotten the beef biryani and was breaking a little bit of a sweat from the spice as he ate. Still, it didn't overpower the flavor of the dish, and I enjoyed my meal completely. Prices were very reasonable and portions were generous enough that I was able to finish the rest of my meal for the next day's lunch. I guess you could say that we lived happily ever after - I til the next time we get a craving for some great Indian food! read more

I am so glad we stopped at once upon a grill on our way home from a vacation. The owner was attentive and thoughtful, suggesting good options for the small children in our party. If you enjoy middle eastern/Indian cuisine, you will very much enjoy this fare. Be prepared to wait a little bit for your order. The owner is the cook as well. read more

I met up with a friend and as we were walking in, a group of 6 walked in front of us and as you can imagine, they did order a lot of food. We ordered the following items: - Butter Chicken - Mutton Curry - Fish Tandoori The owner told us it would take longer then usual and sure enough it took a while... we got there at 6:15pm and it took an hour before we got our food. Seemed like the owner was already backed up with few orders, on top of the orders for the group of 6 ahead of us. So what did I think of their food? - Butter Chicken - the dish has heavy butter taste, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the dish. Pour the curry and chicken on top of the rice and if you like it spicy, order it spicy! The dish really only has two things - curry and pieces of chicken breast. - Mutton Curry - the lamb meat was moist, perfectly cooked and the bones felt off the meat without any issues. They give you a lot of meat in this dish. If you don't eat lamb because of the smell, then don't fear, this dish did not have any lamb meat smell. - Fish Tandoori - the name threw me off... expected to be tandoori dish based upon the name, but it was more like blackened fish with grilled veggies on bed of rice. Don't get me wrong, the flavor department was super packed and the dish was delicious!! Seating is limited to counter top style along the walls, this is mainly a takeout joint. I would recommend you order ahead and take the food home. Looks like the owner is the only person running the joint, so expect some delays. I would highly recommend that you order ahead and pick it up. On the food aspect, the flavors were excellent, I had no complaint on the food itself... the only draw back was the long wait... yes I appreciated the owner saying it would take longer then usual, didn't expect an hour wait for the food... but at the end, the wait was worth it... next time, I'll call ahead and pick up the food and eat there. While the wait was too long, I'm giving 4 stars for the food experience. Also keep in mind, some of the items you order, they might not be able to fulfill... we wanted to order BBQ for 2 people and was told that was not feasible, just have backup order plans just in case. read more

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Dirtiest and unhygienic restaurant ever, you are basically welcomed by rude owners. There's kind of stench when you enter, something's really off with the place read more

This is a great Mom and Pop inside a strip mall. We always get food to go since the fluorescent ambiance is not great. The food, however, is awesome. All of the lamb/mutton options (especially the curry) have my mouth watering from the second I close the car door but we also love the chicken tikka and the veggie biryani. Always have a samosa or 2 with your meal and remember to specify mild if you have delicate tastebuds because they bring both the flavor and the heat! read more

Amazing food & great service. Really enjoyed my tikka masala kati roll it was so well done.

1man show... but the food was on point. Piping hot and spicy. We got the mono/dumplings, mutton, and butter chicken. Everything was delicious. Highly recommend. read more

I stopped for their lunch special which is two Kati for $5.99. I had a Paneer Tikka Kati and an Eggplant Curry Kati. I liked the Eggplant Curry Kati best because the Paneer Tikka was very salty. The Eggplant Curry had a great flavor, but it would be too spicy for people who don't like spice. They have seating at a counter and an outdoor table if you want to eat there, but most people must get their food to go. read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Eggplant curry Kati, delicious but very spicy - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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After two failed attempts, third time was the charm! Take note that they don't serve lunch on Fridays (the cause of one of my prior failures.) I ordered one samosa (FYI: they come individually; I've always been accustomed to pairs) and the chicken shawarma kata roll. Let me preface my review by saying I'd been really excited to check this place out. I've read lots of good reviews and this part of town is missing a good spot with Indian options. As soon as I walked in, I noticed the interior is very bare bones- nothing fancy. That's fine because I was there for the food and it was carry-out anyway. The man working the grill was a BEAST. I don't know the last time I watched anyone work that hard for that many consecutive minutes. I saw him prepare multiple orders on the grill, take an order over the phone, AND he rang me up. Kudos to him! I was incredibly excited for the samosa because I hadn't had one in ages and I'd been fixing for one. When I noticed that it came out of a store-bought box before going in the deep fryer, I didn't even care because I was thrilled to have a samosa in my vicinity again. Final review: not a fan of the samosa. The filling was spicier than I'm used to, and while it wasn't necessarily hot, it just wasn't what I was looking for. The outside was flaky and good but I still wound up not finishing the samosa. Suffice to say, I was a little sad inside. As for the kati roll- delicious! The flavors were all there and blended well, and the crepe-esque outer layer was SUPERB! Already planning which ones I'll try next. My dinner cost me a total of $6.09 and filled me right up. I'd much rather spend my money at a local restaurant than a fast food chain. This place is AFFORDABLE! Definitely encourage others to give this place a shot. I'll be back for sure. read more

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If you ever went to Eastern Flame and loved it, you will be happy to know that Once Upon a Grill is the same owner! I have be thinking of those kati rolls for years and I can finally get them again! The food is cheap, fast and delicious and the service is great! Excited to try the whole menu! read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Paneer Kati roll, veggie Kati roll, samosa and a mango lassi. - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Not sure how I over looked this place but glad I finally tried and it was Amazing. Probably the Best Mutton Biryani in Ann Arbor. $12.99 for the Mutton Biryani that can really serve 2 people with good amount of Meat that comes with Mint Yogurt Raita as a side to mix biryani.You have to pay additional 75 cents if you want more of those. Pros: -------- Amazing Biryani with Good Portion Good Pricing Free Parking Free Wifi Clean Restroom Good Food Options next door Cons: -------- Not a big place to sit with group. Will return for sure and try other things on the Menu. read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Family run joint with great authentic south Asian food and some great middle eastern options. Highly recommend to check it out! 100% halal and Pakistani food read more

Amazing halal pakistani place and funny owner, great food i reccomend the lamb biryani and chicken tikka masala entree and i reccomend the sandwich rolls as well, great greek options as well. read more

Stopped in here for a couple meals this week, after long days visiting a family member in the hospital. First off, the food is incredible. Tons of flavor, with a little kick. We've had the lamb curry, which came with big pieces of tender lamb, butter chicken, again lots of big pieces of white meat (easily feeds two people). We also got the chicken Tikka kati rolls. All excellent. But besides the food, the staff is so friendly, both on the phone and in person. Really lifted our spirits both times we were in there this week. Just go! read more

Stopped here over the summer, got butter chicken and it easily could have fed two. Or three. Thought it was decent, better than average for these parts. Returned recently to get a meal to split with my wife and got a single order again, but it would have made a light lunch for one. Go figure. Flavor is good, but it is greasier than than B.C. that I'm used to. Tried the lamb curry tonight, and have mixed feelings about it. Very nice flavor, but very thin, and greasy, sauce. Lamb chunks were tender, though didn't have much lamb flavor...could just as well have been beef. The menu has great variety, and pick-up time estimates have been spot on. I might try some other things there, but it won't be a go-to. read more

This place is so freaking good. Owner/cook is super nice. I hate the Kati rolls and chicken, both amazing. Probably a top 5 Ann Arbor restaurant for me - if I wasn't trying to limit my salt intake I would be here every day read more

This place doesn't look like much, but it more than makes up for that with amazing food and a wonderful host with phenomenal service and attitude. I've been here a few times and have had a chance to chat with the owner about various topics while he prepared the wonderful food. I've been on a vegetarian kick last few months and low all their options. Perfect for eat in or take out. Love this place. read more

Stopped for an Indian/Halal meal after watching Star Wars in Ypsi, a real pleasant surprise. Owner has real personality, and it's obvious that he is proud of his food. Got the the saag paneer entrée and several kati rolls, and they were all quite good. Saag paneer has pretty good spice kick, as others here have noted. Somewhat gravy-heavy whereas I would've preferred more spinach, but still better than the standard northern Indian saag made from frozen spinach, ghee, cream that's endlessly reheated/refrigerated. Paratha was buttery and good, though it was more flaky than doughy; I prefer the latter. It's also used with the kati rolls (which are great!), and I think letting the paratha cool/chill for a little bit makes it more doughy. Just some advice. You're not paying for the atmosphere, but it's good food that's a bit cheaper than what you would get in Ann Arbor. That's a huge plus, as is the banter with the owner. read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Saag paneer with a flaky paratha - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

UPDATE: While the food isn't bad. Every time I try to order something off the menu, he either doesn't have it or they've run out. This is really annoying. Maybe updating a daily menu on FB/social media would be helpful. Also be careful on the spice level here. read more

8/4/2020 I am new to the area, and found this little gem by luck. The owner moved to Saudi in his teens and owns this shop. The smell of it cooking on the grill makes you want to eat it alone. Made to order. I got some mutton Kati Rolls. Kitchen was clean and he was masked up. Don't let the outside fool you read more

Oh my god that food is good. Made to order food so you'll have to wait a bit, but absolutely worth it. Amazing flavor. Spectacular food.

Writing this review as I await another AMAZING order from Once Upon a Grill. This is some the finest and most affordable middle eastern food I've ever come across. For less than $5 you can try a "Kati Roll", which id equate to something like a middle eastern taco and it is out of this world. I can't praise this place enough. The food is delicious, the guy behind the counter always serves with a smile and the prices are very, very friendly. read more

Fantastic tasting food - Priced Right! Owner is great - so hard working and wants you to enjoy. He was a one man show last time I came because he lost some help, but everything went great anyway! He told me I am going to get "hooked" on the Kati Rolls and he was right because I have been back 3 times in a week I really like the Tikki Masala, Gyro, Taouk and Chapli Kati Rolls. Onion pakora appetizer was great! Samosas are also very good! Request some yogurt too as it complements everything so nicely. They run out of food here later in the day as they prepare food fresh daily, so come early. I order late and can't always get what I want as a result. It takes about 1/2 hour from order to receipt so order by phone and pickup. There is a long counter to eat in if you like, but the place is really a takeout place which is how I based my rating. Location is so so, but lit and safe. I am looking forward to coming back again and again! read more

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Some of the best South Asian food in Ann Arbor and the owner is very personable and fun to talk to.

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! Don't drive past it because it does not look fancy, what energy they could have placed into decorating the place they put into the food and THAT is where it counts. I am a DC foodie and when it comes to Asian (including Indian) food, I am EXTREMELY picky. These guys are good. I had the butter chicken and the man behind the counter was eager to please and his customer service was really good. He was very personable. Some people (like me) will see Indian food with one dollar sign and think it's unreal. It is: but the FOOD is what is unreal. The price is real. In conclusion, go there fast before the owners find out they have way under priced and raise the prices! read more

Once-Upon A Grill - The Butter Chicken - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Drove by this place as I was moving out of Ann Arbor and it looks like it's closed for good. Pretty sad about it as the food was excellent and the guy running the show was insanely friendly and cool. Definition of a hidden gem whole in the wall, have fond memories of chowing down on butter chicken here many times the summer of 2017? 2018 maybe? Don't even remember anymore but I miss it-- was hoping to go again before I left the area. If the guy behind OUAG just moved his restaurant, or he opens a new one later down the line, I would absolutely love to know about it. Really want to eat his food just one more time. read more

Once Upon a Grill is a special treat.. Their kati rolls are so good. I usually get the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Lamb (maybe they call it Mutton) Chapli. It's buttery flaky pita goodness meets deliciously spiced Indian meat. The one downside is at times the owner is the only one working, it takes like 30-40 min to wait for your order and seating is a little bit limited, but this is one of those places where I don't really care about the service and interior because the food is so good. Consequently, I recommend you strategize, call in advance and pick it up. read more

After viewing all the reviews I had high hopes. The restaurant itself was not very neat. I decided to order a paneer wrap and samosa. I literally saw the uncle warming up a frozen entree that you would by at patel brother and putting that in my wrap. I will never go back to this place. read more

Very inconsistent. You're either going to get a tasty meal or something absolutely disgusting. I think I discovered the reason there are so many different reviews on here: there is usually only one person working/cooking, and when it's the younger, kind of grumpy guy, the food is so gross. When it's the older, friendly man with the beard (the owner, I believe), it's so good. For him alone I would probably give a rating of 4 or 5 stars. I recommend actually ordering from inside the restaurant, just to make sure you're getting the good chef. It seems like he is there more often, but don't risk it. The bad chef/young guy makes some of the worst food I've ever eaten. Their hours are also a bit inconsistent. The don't always open/close when they say they're going to. read more

As an Indian-American who has tried every Indian restaurant in the A2 area, this is BY FAR the best and most authentic. Definitely call ahead to make sure they are open and maybe place your order in case they are busy. It is family-run and the owner is a magician in the kitchen. I crave this place all the time and eat here weekly. I've tried most things and they are great. Good job!! read more

I read the good reviews and decided to come here on a Saturday afternoon. It's a small place where they serve food in to go boxes for convenience. Food items we ordered- mutton biryani, butter chicken with plain rice and parota. Both the biryani and curry had a lot a lot of lemon. We could not even taste the flavors. Mutton tasted stale in the biryani. Plain white rice tasted like it was cooked a day before and served after microwaving it. The cola cola was amazing, so with got two of those. Lol. Do not use the restrooms. Please. There is no ambience because they do not have a normal restaurant seating. They only have stools and two tables outside, which are pretty dirty. The plastic forks and knives don't make things easier especially when you are eating meat. read more

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We got take out for the first time tonight after driving by it multiple times and it is absolutely delicious! We ordered the shahi paneer and chickpea curry and the portions were great for the price and the spices are wonderful! Perfect texture on both too. They came with very generous sides of rice and parata (like a naan croissant) which we both ended up loving! We cannot wait to go back and try more. read more

This is some of the best Indian food in AnnArbor!! The Butter Chicken is Amazing! Just the right amount of spice. They also have a big selection of kebabs. The Staff were very friendly and everything seemed very clean and well taken care of. I highly recommend Once Upon a Grill read more

The food here is absolutely incredible! We have started to consider Farouk a part of the family because he feeds us so often. He even recently catered our engagement party and all of the guests had only one question- "where is this food from?!" During the catering process he helped us understand how much food and what kind of food to get for our guests. The restaurant itself is laid back, but the food is award winning. Would recommend to anyone looking for authentic Indian/Pakistani food in the Ann Arbor area. read more

I'm putting the lamb biryana in my face at this very moment and I'm so effing happy about it! I can't wait to try other menu items. They make everything fresh to order, so it's best to call ahead. But, I didn't and it only took about 10 minutes before I was allowed to shove this glorious food in my face hole. read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Lamb biryana. So freaking good. And enough for 2 to 3 meals. - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Had a BBQ for 2 here and the service was quick. The owner told us that kati roll was the most popular. We had a complimentary yogurt sauce.

Kati rolls - Kati rolls - Kati rolls. Easy to miss this gem in the strip mall but definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of Indian street food. For those of you who have been to the old Eastern Flame restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor, this is a refreshing rebrand with the same owner and same delicious and reasonably priced food. The paratha bread is well-cooked with a delicious flaky crunch to accompany tandoori chicken or tikka masala. In terms of portions, 1.5 - 2 Kati rolls are quite filling and come out to about $10. There are also a variety of specials and entrees to choose from. Don't be shy in speaking with the owner as he is very friendly and accommodating. He even gave me a slight discount because of a long wait caused by a grill malfunction. Seating is bar counter style so don't expect to have a large table to eat with friends. However, you can always call ahead or get it to go. read more