The mixed reviews make me a bit fearful of coming back but I really enjoyed the food here. I ordered a chicken tikka masala and naan to go. It's a bit of a wait but it's cool to have a view of the kitchen and the food being made. I liked the simplicity of the place. My chicken tikka masala was really good! I forgot to ask for it spicy but it came at the perfect level of spiciness by default so I am glad I didn't! The naan wasn't great, it was a little too rubbery. Other than that, though, I found my meal to be very delicious. read more

In a tired strip mall, in Ann Arbor, you will find a person who hears what you want and then crafts a meal of complex flavors to the level of heat you long for. The restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, it doesn't look like much from the inside. This place is all about the food. My first experience was on a Sunday when the taco place we wanted carry out from was closed. At Once-Upon A Grill we ordered four main dishes for five people. One was mutton, one butter chicken, two were meatless. We also had naan. It was a treat. The next week B and I went back to try the Kati rolls and loved every bite. We ate in, sitting on high stools watching the world go by. read more

These Kati rolls are sooo addictive. Each roll is stuffed with generous filling and wrapped in a delicious roti. I tried the eggplant curry (messy but oh so worth it) and the chicken chapli (seasoned minced chicken kebab with sauce) They're currently running a 2 for $6 special which is budget friendly. I will definitely be returning! The service was friendly and folks were helpful in making suggestions. This place is set-up for carry out or a quick lunch. We camped out on the patio furniture out front and had a great time but it's not a place you take a massive party or for formal dinner. read more

Eager to support a new business I received more than I bargained for during my visit. The man working the counter, I believe the owner, was beyond friendly. I felt like family as he took my order. During the 15 minute wait for the food I witnessed many customers come to pick up their to go orders; he treated each customer in the same kind manor. I ordered the Lamb Curry. I eat Indian food frequently so I had certain expectations about what I would get--something red, certain distinct flavors. What I received was not that. What I received was better. It was served in a brown sauce with a robust flavor. It was good. Accompanying the meal was bread and rice. The rice was basamatti with cumin seeds in it. The seeds provided a floral scent and taste that let me know this was something special. At the end of the meal the owner brought the Chai, it was also good. I was hesitant to dine-in when I arrived because the only indoor seating was counter style but I don't regret it at anymore. I will certainly be eating here again. read more

Omg the Kati roll, kebob, biryani, curry, you want it they have it all and it taste absolutely amazing. Came here with 25 people after work and we sat on the floor, chair, standing, sitting as we feast while Farook the machine bringing dishes after dishes!!!! Thank you and definitely coming by every-time we around that area!!!! Did I mention the Kati Rollll, kebob, biryani, curry is delicious!!! read more

Just do yourself a favor and eat here. We do at least once every two weeks!! The food is amazing - from the curry to the Kati rolls to the biryani, everything is always delicious. We have yet to be disappointed by something we've ordered from here. So good, so authentic, and literally one of the best meals that I can count on every time. read more

So glad eastern flame is back with a bang in a modest location compared to its erstwhile Ann arbor location. We missed eastern flame's delicious and inexpensive food. So we came back to get our kati rolls. Next time we will be back for biryani!! Everything on their menu is at promotional price, so try it while it's cheap and pick your favorite. My favorite is achari paneer kati roll! Took a star off because we waited so long. Call ahead and go. Or better yet order and then go to the bar (Banfield bar and grill) next door and get a cheap and good beer on tap. When you're done, go pick up your food. read more

This place has some amazing food! Their Kati Rolls are to die for... especially the Chapli Kabob ones. I've known the owner Mr. Farrhouk for several years now since he owned this place called Eastern Flames in downtown Ann Arbor. He is an extremely resilient gentleman and a fine, fine cook. His kabobs, kati rolls and biryanis are very tasty and he can cater the hotness level to your taste. At the moment, they have great specials going on (Biryani for $6, two Kati rolls for $6)!!! Go get it while it lasts, and I guarantee you'll be hooked on to the taste too! read more

I used to frequent Eastern Flame pretty regularly when I was a grad student living on Main Street. I was pretty sad to see the place close, and made a trek here last week when I saw that the owner had opened up a new restaurant. The owner was manning the counter when we visited, and was incredibly friendly and chatty. It seems like they're running different specials every so often to celebrate their opening--when I went last week, it was butter chicken for $8. My boyfriend got the butter chicken and I got two kati rolls. My old standby (paneer tikka) was out, and on the owner's recommendation I got a shahi paneer roll instead, as well as a potato. The shahi paneer was excellent, and although I wasn't a fan of the potato, my boyfriend liked it quite a lot. I also enjoyed the butter chicken (then again, I've rarely had butter chicken I haven't enjoyed). The sauce was flavorful, the chicken was well cooked, and there was a decent amount of it--enough to last two meals. As another reviewer has said, this place is a bit of a hole in the wall, much like Tmaz Taqueria, which is basically next door. There isn't a lot of seating, and since your food is made to order individually, it took around 20 minutes for everything to be done; I would recommend calling in an order for pick-up. I'll definitely be back to try out more of the menu, especially the kulfi! read more

Good place for takeout only. We love the Kati rolls. Great for a party. The chicken Schwarma rolls are mild enough for the kids. Try the tikka rolls, paneer, aloo, and tikka masala rolls. Also has good biriyani. They use the frozen parathas from Patel Brothers but they taste pretty good. Be aware of their hours, they seem inconsistent. read more

This is a great place to enjoy Kati Kabobs. I love chicken kati kabob especially... It's spicy too... Owner is really humble & great to chat with... I stop on my way home from after trips to Costco for awesome lunch. read more

This has been the best middle eastern/Indian fusion place I have been to in all of Ann Arbor. On Sunday they had a 2 sandwich (Kati rolls) for $6, my wife and I tried almost all the different combinations and loved all of them (small caveat, we were pretty hungry) my favorite was the Tandoori chicken and my wife fell in love with her Tikki Marsala. Great for a a quick bite and carry out. The bathrooms were also clean! Highly recommended! read more

Once-Upon A Grill - Open kitchen to watch them cook as you come in. - Indian Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

This place is a hidden gem some of the best food I've ever had and I'm a picky person the owner is great and hands on I've been frequenting this place for a long time the owner is nice and knowledgeable and will help you through your experience I crave their chicken Marsala its the best I highly recommended this place I might take a few minutes for your order but we'll worth it Remember good food takes a minute to make it's not fast food your best opportunity is to order from the phone and then pick it up what do you have to wait it's well worth it well well worth it the food is great the people are great I highly suggest you try this restaurant I will give it a 10 star if they had it read more

Superb biryani, lots of heat but also well balanced spices, every grain of rice moist but separate. Mainly a takeaway, well worth a visit. read more

This is a new place with fusion of Mediterranean and Indian food..we had a mixed bag.. Ordered 2 wraps, paneer roll was good, the chicken roll was doused in dressing all over.. Could not hold the naan/pita in my hand as it was drenched in dressing all over..and it didn't taste good either. The entrees were pretty bad...far too tomatoey for butter chicken, and he used the same grilled chicken for butter chicken.. Wtf Furthermore, food didn't sit well with our stomachs.. I'm Indian so I'm used to this food, but still got a stomach upset..my wife also got a stomach upset.. This joint needs improvement for sure read more

The Food here is amazing! don't let the shabby looks of the place deceive you. I can't even begin to tell you how everything I've tried on the menu is more flavorful and savory then anticipated. As far as value their are specials in the window weekly and for the price and portions you get far more then expected. The owner Mr. Farrhouk is a wizard when it comes to cooking and flavor profile. He is very friendly, hard working, always upbeat, and passionate about what he does. He answers any questions you have and will make suggestions that will never lead you astray. The items he has on his menu are rich, bursting with flavor, and will leave your taste buds yearning for more. The restaurant is in a good location, plenty of free parking, not much table seating but most people get things to go anyways. Be sure to call ahead because this place does get busy. I would recommend trying the Kati rolls. its basically indian street food. A crispy shell with some spicy yogurt sauce, meat or vegetarian items, and onion all rolled together. Also the Butter chicken here is to die for. Some of the best Indian food in the area. Highly recommended. read more

First visit here tonight and loved it. They were running a special so I got three of the wraps to try a few different ones and because I was pretty hungry. Normally, two would be enough I think. Tried the Chicken Tikka, another one with chicken chopped with some spices, and a 3rd with green beans, peppers, and onions. All I can say is that the chapatis or whatever they use as the wrap are the perfect balance of soft and chewy with a little crisp from grilling to keep them firm. Two of mine had what seemed like a yogurt sauce and all had very flavorful onions. Chicken was all white meat which I appreciate. The veggie one had a good kick that was probably not the best move an hour before bedtime, but glad I tried it. Owner was really casual and gave some good suggestions. This is going to be one of my go-to take out places for sure. I don't give 5 stars often unless it is the right combination of taste, quality, and value and this sure was. read more

Great food made fresh! Love Love Love it! Just be prepared to wait a little...well worth the wait for sure though! I had the butter chicken and ordered some mutton Brihyani to go! And that Rotti!...Yum! read more

Same dude as eastern flame. Definitely the home of the Kati roll. Spicy, sweet, classics anything you want. Anything Chapli or tikka masala are my favorites read more

Visited here after hearing about it from a few friends. The place is small on the inside but the food reminded me of classic northern indian food. I highly recommend the tikka masala biriyani and the kati rolls! The owner is a sweet and humble person and offers a great conversation while you wait for your food. I highly recommend this place for those looking for a good intro to Indian cuisine. read more

Great Food, Friendly service. We favored the Lamb Gyro Kati Rolls, my son got hold of the Chicken Shawarma Kati Roll before I could try it. The Owner sez customers are especially fond of his Butter Chicken, Biryanis, & Chicken Tikka Masala. read more

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This restaurant is my new favorite hole in the wall. It's a one man show and he puts so much love into the food he prepares. I tried the chicken Kati roll and it was exquisite! The curry is also very delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to try something new, delicious, and affordable. read more

Such a great hole in the wall!! Aesthetically its not the greatest but OMG the food is so good. I crave moms cooking and being far from home this place nails it. Its legit one person who runs this entire business so be patient with it!! But the food is worthwhile. read more

The Owner is a friendly person and he is the chef too. I tried Chicken tikka kati roll, chapli kati roll and chapli was really good and on my second visit tried their samosa , tandoori chicken and seekh kebab. Everything tasted amazing. The only drawback is they are not open sometimes for lunch, so better call before you start driving. read more

The Kati rolls here are great and a decent bang for your buck. I got the tandoori chicken Kati roll and tikka masala fries, they were out of soup when I went though, not sure if that's a regular thing. The food was great besides the fries tasting a little old. The guy at the front is also very friendly! read more

I've tried a few Indian places around Ann Arbor and this was by far my favorite! The butter chicken was the best I've had. Just the right amount of spice and super flavorful. The chicken was tender. It came with both a generous portion of rice and a piece of naan (I'm accustomed to having to pay extra for both). This place doesn't skip on the sauce either. I've been to other restaurants were the prices are higher and the portion size is lacking. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes. read more

This is not a review of the food but more to inform the restaurant that I tried calling 8 times today to place a large office order but nobody picked up. My coworker and I have been to your place and really enjoyed the food but with such a large order, calling ahead would be our best option. I believe you told us to do so last time we were in so we could avoid the wait. Your food is amazing and I want everyone at my workplace to try it but that cannot be done if we cannot place orders ahead! Online ordering would be a great option as well...we would actually prefer that! Thanks! read more

Lol so I went to this place TWICE and it was closed. You really need to update the opening times of your restaurants, or if this place is closed, the shut down the yelp link. read more

My wife and I stopped by before going to a U of M hockey game. We wanted something better than stadium food and I have to say that Once-Upon A grill knocked it out of the park. The food and service was great. We were very happy that we stopped here for dinner and I'm sure we will return. Thanks for a great dinner. read more

Great tasting food!! Freshly made and sreved up with a friendly attitude. I got the chicken tikka which is marinated chicken that is then grilled and served on a heap of long grain rice with naan. It took awhile for the food to be ready but it was well worth the wait and affordable too. Not necessarily a place to sit and eat more of a takeout joint but I'll be back to try the masala for sure read more

You have quite a decision between Hut-K and once upon a grill when searching for Indian flavors in this non-descript strip mall. The prices here are fabulous and the flavors intense. I love the spicy eggplant curry Kati roll. I think this food is a bit heavier than hut-k, but it will definitely leave you happy. Glad I found this spot read more

Exceptionally clean, Fast, delicious, friendly, no BS. And they carry Jarritos. I say 5+ , they even spotted me a penny on my change. Any opportunity to get food on this side of town is either an opportunity to go to OUaG, or an opportunity squandered. read more

I went here a number of months ago spurred on by the good reviews. The food was pretty good, but I have no confidence in their attention to food safety. Everything seemed haphazard, and when I pulled up their 2017 restaurant inspections, it only confirmed my suspicions. In Jan 2017 they got got 3 priority foundation violations, 2 priority violations, and 5 core violations. In July 2017 they got 2 priority violations and 4 core violations. When they start taking these issues seriously and have a good series of county health inspections, I'll be back. But not until then. read more

Stumbled across a promotion for this newly opened joint, though it appears the owner is quite the chef and with a history as a great cook (Eastern Flame?). I tried a couple of the Kati Rolls for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. I did expect tasty food but he flavors exceeded my expectations. The seekh Kati was a hit, as finding good seekh kababs around here is not as easy. The Kati's are perfectly sized for lunch, ready in 5 minutes and easy for a ran and go too. Hoping to come back soon for the Biryani, especially the Dum Biryani. The Dum version is a weekend only offering. read more

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

A sorry excuse for wraps/rolls. Frozen bread with frozen chicken curry from an Indian store with a stale tomato and a few pieces of stale onion. If you fancy such you go right ahead, if not I would give this place a pass and walk straight up to hut k chaat 10 steps down. read more

Best Indian food in Ann Arbor! There are many options closer to where I live, but it's worth the drive across town every time.

Sad to see this place has 4 stars. Ran down and the food wasn't even cooked. Got the chicken Teaka masala on 5/8/2018 and was the worst food I've have. Thanks for wasting our money. read more

I had only medium hopes for this place given the other reviews, but they need to do some work to meet even that low bar. When I entered the place was quite dirty, and there were containers on the counter that were labeled yogurt sauce. It was hot, and there was door propped open so there were flies. The place was very messy. I confess that I would have cancelled my order, but the employee used the hand sink, and I always think if the employee at least knows enough to wash the food will probably not make me sick. Yeah, it's a low bar. The food was good, but over Salted! I will return, and check it out, as I think they could turn it around- clean up, close doors, stop adding salt. read more

I came to this place because I saw4.5 stars on yelp, but hands down the worst butter chicken I've had - extremely salty and had a very heavy canned tomato soup taste. Butter chicken is apparently their best seller too. On top of the extremely disappointing and incredibly salty food, there was poor service and a poor environment. Would not recommend or let yelp fool you into coming here read more

Not a place to sit down and eat as it's not the cleanest. However the food is undeniably good. They sometimes put a little too much oil in the biryani but I guess that's also why it tastes so great. The mutton curry is also a favorite of mine from here as they cook it with the bone. Certainly a great take away spot. read more