Wasn't sure what to expect with a walk up to order Indian place. But, this was awesome. Super tender Tikka Masala and quick service. We will definitely be back! read more

I go there almost once a week and I try something new every time. I recommend ( if it's your first time eating Indian food) chicken tikka masala! read more

This is the 3rd Tarka location I've reviewed. Like the other locations, these guys deliver the same high quality food. I will reiterate much of what I said about the other locations; while there are those who would diss Tarka as an "americanized" version of traditional Indian foods (and those people are not exactly wrong) - I still say that their ingredients are generally of a higher quality than nearly all of the traditional Indian restaurants I've eaten at in 20 years of living in Austin. That, plus their tasty foods, are enough reason for me to go eat at a Tarka instead of the other local Indian restaurants (so far). Plus, you can get stuff with ingredients easily removed, including gluten-free options. I admit this one is much smaller than either the Domain or Anderson locations, and because of the positioning of multiple exit doors that lets the outside in, this can been a boon or detriment depending on the season. Also, they weren't playing the awesome goa tunes on the stereo while I was there either. So I give 'em the 4.5 stars. Again, if you are looking for good Indian-style food with quality ingredients and reasonable prices, I once again highly recommend these guys. Great work, Tarkans. read more

Yum! Yum! and YUM!!!!!!! I go here whenever I'm in the University Oaks area, it's my treat for driving all the way up North. The food is fresh and delicious. I'm not an Indian food connoisseur but I know fresh, nicely prepared food when I find it. Tarka has a plethora of delicious dishes and a pretty extensive Gluten-free menu (you must ask for the Gluten-free menu at the register). Before i knew that I had to eat gluten-free I used to get the delicious vegetable samosas for starters, with their INCREDIBLE mint-tamarind-yogurt chutney. They are SO GOOD!!! I miss them keenly, but have now substituted the vegetable pakoras with the gluten-free chutney instead. For my meal I love the Tarka Daal which I can still eat even with my new gluten restrictions. I have also tried the Saag Aloo and the Tarka Aloo both of which were fresh and deliciously spiced and cooked. Two important things for dinners new to Tarka,. First you get a choice of spice heat, mild, medium or hot. I love all spicy food and can eat all things habanero, jalapeno, scotch bonnet etc. etc. without bating an eye, but I still go for MEDIUM when I eat here, just so that the heat does not overpower the flavor. Medium is nicely spicy where i can taste the spice but am not overwhelmed by it. Second, the on-line ordering works very well and I recommend it if you are making a trip around the common lunch or dinner hours as the restaurant does become very busy at times. Take out is nicely packaged in sturdy containers (one of my favorite things about Tarka is the COMPOSTABLE cups they use for their take out drinks), but the restaurant itself is clean, bright and pleasant to dine in if you choose. I guess the best recommendation I can give for Tarka is to tell you that the last time i was there, the friend i brought told me the food was so good it almost made her cry! read more

I'd give 5 stars on the food alone. The service isn't the best but that won't stop me from getting such incredible food or introducing my friends to this gem read more

Oooo, let me tell you something honey --- this is *The*Best*Indian*Food* in the Area! I freakin' salivate like one of Pavlov's experimental canines just thinking about Tarka. No matter what I order here, it is absolutely fantastic... Chicken tikka masala, mirch masala, chicken korma, biryani (one order of biryani is big enough for two to share)... yum. Coconut curry is awesome too (husband's personal favorite). I order everything spicy or extra spicy, and you know what? They aren't afraid to turn up the heat for me... so satisfying. Eventually I will delve into the vegetarian offerings... at least, I say I will... IF I can ever get enough of the chicken tikka masala. As if that's going to happen! P.S. the garlic naan is delicious! P.P.S. You will love it! read more

I've been "burned" by Indian food that was just TOO spicy! I love Indian food so much for the flavors but I am a spice weenie and can't handle it. Well, you're in for a treat with Tarka! Their mild spice-level tends to be pretty low and I couldn't be happier. Although, if you can handle the heat, there are options to pump it up! The portions are huge, prices very reasonable and affordable vs other Indian restaurants. Biryani is my go-to and I looove the lamb. I've eaten here several times and have never had a bad meal. Bonus: You can order online for take-out! read more

This place does serve great Indian food at a decent price point. I would classify the food as contemporary Indian and the "image" that Tarka tends to portray in its atmosphere in terms of food presentation, seating area, flooring, art and background music. The korma curries have the right sweetness and spice flavor to them and taste great with paneer (cheese chunks). The lamb curry (choose the tomato base) is prepared to perfection in a rich sauce. The chicken kabobs dish can be equally enjoyed as a great appetizer washed down with the infamous Kingfisher beer (sold here too). The chaat appetizer is one of the best I've ever tasted. The mixed chicken and lamb kabobs have the right texture to them and are spiced to perfection. And lastly, one or two reviewers claim that to be "authentic" the food must be served and cooked by Indians, not Mexicans. Perhaps those people ought to venture to England or Canada to see that some of the best "authentic" Indian restaurants have their food prepared by nationals of the respective host countries who are not ethnically Indian. It shows that Indian food has become mainstream in this global world. It is a sad day for all of us (and Yelp!) when people rank a restaurant based on the racial characteristics of the people that prepare or serve the food. I'll definitely be back! Go see for yourself! read more

How many of you have made this mistake... I went to Tarka today and an attractive young lady took my order. Being stupid, I said "hey, are you American-born Indian"? She said, no, DUH, she was Mexican (I am adding the DUH for emphasis). That isn't the first time I have assumed that the counter worker just HAS to have the same ethic background of the food they serve.. But I digress.. The food was good at Tarka, I ordered the Mirch Masala with Lamb - HOT spiciness + a Thums Up soda. It wasn't world class, but what do you expect for $10? It was fast, tasty, and served by very courteous Indian, no Mexican employees.. I will definitely go back again.. read more

I love Indian food and like being able to grab a meal quickly. This place has the best of both. They have a nice open atmosphere, and a nice varied menu. They are also willing to tailor the spiciness of your food to fit your tastebuds. Pros: +Fast casual dining restaurant, good atmosphere, relatively quiet +Flavorful and can tailor spiciness to your level on nearly every dish +Have an app, and you can pre-order food to be ready when you get there Cons: -The intersection near Ikea can get really backed up, and can sometimes be difficult to get in and out of the busy shopping center read more

For inexpensive quick Indian food, this is the best there is anywhere. I am a big fan of the hottest spiciest dishes, and successfully asked for and received the extra hot Chicken Korma at the advice of a fellow Yelper. I was not let down, it was borderline too hot, just what I had hoped for. I've had that dish two of the three times I've visited and would recommend it to anyone--you dont have to get it that hot! The garlic naan is also delicious, hot and fresh out of the oven, perfect for dipping in the excess sauces. For me, the portion sizes are a little on the small side, but I am 6'6" - 230 lbs. I could probably have eaten twice as much food as I was given, and that's the only reason I won't give it the full 5 stars. read more

Indian American food at fairly reasonable prices in Austin. The ambiance, decor and the look of this restaurant is different from any of the other Indian restaurants I have been to in the US. You place the order, pay first, get a number tag and then find yourselves a table. More like Culvers. The curries, naan and the basmati rice are extremely rich in flavor and taste. I couldn't stop licking the vegetable korma curry of my fingers. The paneer tikka masala was delectable. Everything was made less spicy given the customer base this place caters to. The service, although limited to bringing food to the table after ordering and picking up plates after you are done, is quite good. Being a vegetarian I wouldn't know about the chicken or any other meat dishes but going by how tasty the vegetarian dishes were, I bet meat lovers would find their paradise here. I absolutely loved the food at Tarka. read more

I got take out food here for the first time as I had a pre-paid coupon. The food was horrible. I asked for mild spice, but if that was mild I would hate to see the spicey. I got a lot of different things, but everything was so overly spiced and too hot. I threw it out, I couldn't eat it. My stomach was upset for days, too. read more

I've eaten at several Tarka Indian Kitchens but this one ranks the best. The food is especially good and the service better than any I've been to. I always get the Tikka Masala extra spicy and the cilantro adds a wonderful flavor read more

Meh, not as good as the Sunset Valley location, but when you need Tarka and you've just escaped the crowded hell of IKEA, you just do it. I just can't get enough of Tarka's chicken tikka. Sigh. And their naan is probably the most fabulous naan to ever exist. (Hyperbole 100% needed.) We really need more fast and casual, yet delicious restaurants in the world. And the prices here can't be beat. $25 for two? Yes, please. read more

--This is indian fast food. The service is lightning fast.. in fact they had our samosas out before we had even sat down! The cashiers and food runners were competent and friendly. The ambiance is generic, but not too cheap feeling. --This restaurant gets 5 stars for eco-friendly take out containers/ cups/ straws. No styrofoam here!!! yay! --The Samosas were crispy, delicious, and came with a mint/tamarind/yogurt chutney tasted exactly as you would expect. No surprises there. They were average. --The Samosa Chaat was amazing. Here was a more innovative dish- a heap of daal curry- full of onions, cilantro and chutney goodness piled onto a samosa, softening it until it tender.. mmmm.. rich cooked curry flavors combined seamlessly with the fresh garnishes and fried pastry. --The Mango Lassi was thick and delicious- maybe on the sweet side. Also the mango lemonade was super yummy. If you order your mango lassi to go- you get it in a biodegradable cup/straw and you get 2x as much lassi as if you get it dine in. --The Malai Kofta - hot- was not very hot. I would like them to kick up the chili content a few degrees. The sauce was delicious- thick and creamy. The dumplings could use some more complex flavor in the filling.. the flavor was all but lost in the rich curry sauce. -- Generous heap of rice.. -- The naan was a little thin/ hard to tear. I was hoping it would be more fluffy and doughy. -- Overall a good experience. i'd go there again in a heartbeat! read more

My husband and I have dined at Tarka Kitchen once and placed takeout orders multiple times for almost a year now. Take out orders are ready within 20-25 minutes and the food is well packed. Tarka serves delicious samosas and vegetable pakoras with chutney/dipping. Mouth watery they are. Vegetable samosas are crunchy and very tasty. Aloo naaninis, garlic naan, paneer tikka masala, mattar paneer, malai kofta, vegetable biriyani are my favourites. Masala Fries that comes with naaninis is crispy and quite good. Their food has an amazing aroma, tastes fresh and is pretty flavourful . Spice intensity is varied upon request. The staff is great and pricing is reasonable. I prefer Tarka Indian Kitchen over other Indian outlets that serve North Indian food in North Austin or Round Rock area. read more

I come here all the time and every time I have come while it's been raining I can't sit in my favorite spot because it gets flooded. :( I asked an employee about it and they told me it's always been that way and they try their best to mop it up but they can't mop fast enough. I wonder why whoever owns this great restaurant doesn't fix the windows so they don't flood the place. I've seen a few people slip already because most of the water is in front of the doors. This poor girl keeps mopping it up but it just keeps coming in. The mess really puts a damper on a usually pleasant atmosphere. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Round Rock, Texas

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"Nooo, I don't want to go there. I *hate* curry!" Along with some serious Naan and yogurt type dressing and sampling of curry lamb I ate my words too. I don't like to be wrong, damnit. I guess the things I liked most about Tarka were: 1) A menu that told me exactly what would be in my food. No surprise ingredients like beef foot or cow tail. They had a nice key located to the right of the menu on the wall giving you the names of indian words in the regular menu. 2) The restaurant was quite clean and located next to Spec's. 3) Everything was fresh. My salad had actual greens which were crispy and my red onions were snapping... always a good sign. 4) Clearly I don't know the first thing about curry. I can tell you my Naan was lovely and the chicken/onion/not sure what else inside it was fresh and moist. Was it authentic? I have no idea. If it's fresh and tasty I'll eat it. I heard the coconut curry is delicious, I wish I had ordered that instead. 5) They have an iPhone App! I'm all about ordering online now. This quite possibly means Tarka is a chain... but the food was GOOD. Weird things about Tarka: 1) They have an iPhone App. 2) I did not see a single Indian person in the place. I did see the token white person working in a foreign restaurant though. That tells me they are Round Rock authentic. Sichuan Garden anyone? 3) Very cafeteria/Chipolte feeling but quite frankly I'm okay with that because it's Round Rock and our good dining places are limited! Probably my new favorite place in Round Rock. I can afford to eat here, the food is fresh and it's clean! read more

The smell when you walk in this place is intoxicating. Its lovely. I ordered the Combination Kabob. It had good flavor. I wish there was more flavor in the rice. The garlic naan bread was divine. Was covered in garlic pieces and cilantro. A good amount of naan for the price too. I will go again and try something different this time. Maybe the Bryiani bowl. read more

Tarka is my go-to Indian spot in Austin. I enjoy the korma and tikka masala. Naan is delicious. The drinks are yummy. I also enjoy the curbside option. read more

Overall: Tarka is worth visiting, especially after a long day of shipping at Ikea or the outlets. They have some delicious dishes here at a reasonable price! Food (7/10) (8/10) Shredded Lamb Naanini Freshly sautéed ingredients stuffed inside a naan, perfectly toasted. Served with masala fries or a green salad. The naan was soft and crispy in all the right places, and the tender lamb was seasoned very well. Tarka actually means "to season" in Hindi. We chose the small salad that has garbanzo beans sprinkled on top and it tasted fresh. The vinaigrette like dressing complemented it well. We enjoyed Tarka's delicious twist on the panini and would order it again. (7/10) Chicken Vindaloo Tangy onion and tomato sauce sauteed with bell peppers & potatoes, finished with tamarind chutney. Served with Basmati rice. We ordered this medium spicy but it turned out to be more mild. The flavor was pretty good, and the chunks of chicken were cooked nicely. The portion of this entree is adequate for the price. The rice was good and is meant to be eaten with the chicken. (7/10) Channa Masala Zesty garbanzo bean curry with sauteed onions, tomatoes, garlic and ginger, garnished with cilantro. Served with basmati rice. We ordered this medium spicy and it actually did have a good kick to it! It was quite delicious. The garbanzo beans were a bit on the hard side. Still, the curry part of this veggie dish was addictive. Since we had extra rice, we used that to soak up the curry part. Service (6/10) We ordered our food online and went to the restaurant to pick it up. The cashier was nice enough, and charged us the correct amount for our meal. There was a gentleman behind her who seemed like the manager, and when we said hello - he gave a quick nod of acknowledgment in return. Again, not friendly but not unpleasant. The cashier asked us if we wanted plasticware and napkins included in our bag. We thanked them and went home to enjoy our food. Ambiance (8/10) Tarka is located in a new shopping mall that is adjacent to Ikea. Patrons order up at the front and then seat themselves where they please. Clean lines, earthy tones and soft lighting help to create a cozy, slightly modern atmosphere. The walls are decorated with unique pictures of India and artsy shots of spices. It adds to the authenticity of this restaurant, while innovative menu items such as the "Naanini" give it some flair. Tarka also had a sports game showing on a television in the corner. They serve some wines and beers too. It is good for couples and groups. The original Tarka is in South Austin, so now the folks up North can enjoy it too! read more

Another Tarka, another fine meal. We started with Samosa Chaat a delicious appetizer. The lamb vindaloo (mild) was very good and the chicken mirch masala (hot) was really good - just wonderful. The naan (which you have to order separate) was even better than Clay Pit - fresh, soft and delicious. With two entrees (generous size!) an appetizer and two waters the total was $20 for a delicious meal. You just can't beat it. One side note, while all the people at the two locations we've been to seem very nice, this Tarka, located across the parking lot from IKEA, was not quite as clean. Some rice and other food on the floor the busboy didn't notice or care. This was the only thing that kept Tarka from getting five stars. Go - you'll like it! read more

I'm usually a purest when it comes to Indian food but I have to admit this place is pretty darn good!! Upon entering I was a little worried with the "fast food" setup but the place was clean and smells were wonderful. I opted for the Coconut Curry while my companion had the Vindaloo, both with chicken, medium spice. After reading reviews about the garlic naan being so wonderful, we got some of that too. We were provided with big cups for water which was a plus...some places only give you dinky cups if you only want to drink water. boo hiss The food arrived with a generous amount of rice and the smell off the naan was wonderful!! Both of our dishes were really good with lots of flavor. I was a little surprised to find potatoes in my coconut curry since I don't think that is traditional for this type of sauce but I didn't mind them. It was a little deceiving because I thought they were chicken when it arrived (because they were covered in sauce) and was impressed at how much meat was in my serving.....lol....I was a bit surprised to bite down expecting chicken and tasting potato! The naan was good as well, although I'm not sure I'll order garlic next time. I love garlic as much as the next vampire slayer but even this was a bit much for me. I ended up scraping most of it off the top so I could eat my naan without crying (or having people avoid me the rest of the day) The naan itself was a little thicker than I'm used to having but not bad. I would have rated this 3.5 stars but that's not an option....so I went with 4. It loses a star for the naan and potatoes, which might not be a negative in some peoples books... but it took away from my experience and since this is my review I guess I get to do what I want! :-) I do have to say that I have a fairly high standard when it comes to Indian food as I cut my teeth on Teji's.... which is still the best Indian I have ever had...hands down!! read more

Magic. Fast, reasonably priced and super flavorful. Fantastic vegan selection called out clearly on the menu. I'll be back. You should visit too. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Round Rock, Texas

Ok, better half and his friend got food poisoning here! Never going back again. Should have called up the restaurant and complained read more

From the moment I walked in the door the flavors and smells in the air made my mouth water. I ended up just getting a Vegan cauliflower dish not because I don't eat meat but because I am trying to learn how to eat more veggie dishes that are good and it was great! I asked for more spice and they gave me a jalapeno puree which did the trick. They had beer and wine also! read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Aloo Ghobi - it's a vegetarian dish with cauliflower and potatoes. - Indian Near Me - Round Rock, Texas

Tarka started offering white (breast) meat in their curries!!! Maybe they offered this before if you asked, I don't know. However, last night when I ordered my favorite (coconut curry with chicken) online there was an option for white breast meat!!!! It was so much better. I personally do not like dark meat and that was a big reason I did not get Tarka a lot. The breast meat was tender and perfect. I already want Tarka again tonight (lol). On another note - the flavor of Tarka is great! Very rarely is it hit or miss, which is a big complaint of mine about places in the area. It is also a great value too. Most Indian places in the area take forever and are expensive. Tarka is quick, yummy, and on the lower end price wise. read more

I love Tarka. I have eaten many times at the one on Brodie. Always very pleased with the food. This location is not as good. Have eaten the chicken tikki a couple of times. It was fair to ok the first time. Also ordered samosas. Overcooked, but edible. The second time I went, they were having an off day. The middles of my samosas were cold. Ick. The chicken tikki was really thick, like it had been stewing a really long time. I guess the management in the two stores is different. North needs to take some pointers from the south store. read more

I honestly wasn't expecting much out of Tarka Indian Kitchen, but I found myself pleasantly surprised. I ordered a medium vindaloo curry with lamb and some naan. The dish came out quickly and was nice and hot. Upon tasting it I thought the flavor of the curry was pretty good overall. I couldn't taste too much of the lamb which was disappointing but it was tender. This is more of a personal preference but when I order Indian food I like a medium to still be quite spicy, you know, get your nose running a bit; hot should be tears running down your face spicy. I would say my medium was actually pretty mild. I seriously doubt that hot would be spicy enough for me but I'll have to give it a shot some time. The naan was different from how I've usually had it. This was more of a crispy, puffed up version, whereas I'm used to more of a soft, chewy kind of naan. The taste was good though. As for the decor, everything was clean and there was some Indian sitar music in the background. While I've had much better Indian food before I was still pleased with what I got here. I was really expecting something along the lines of Panda Express quality but this is a cut above that. I'd eat here again. read more

Not sure why this place has such good reviews? I thought I was coming to an Indian restaurant. This is far from; it's Chipotle in Indian 2.0. Large portion of rice, small main dish. Their "hot" is not hot and it's lacking in flavor and depth. If you're craving actual Indian, go elsewhere. read more

the best Indian food with quick service and decent options. I love the garlic naan and Tikka masala. if you are visiting IKEA or Outlets its a worth try. read more

Get in my belly!!! I have never been a huge fan of Indian food until my lady offered to take me. My taste buds were curious and seeking something spicy! So i decided to give it a try. I went for extra spicy and boy did my taste buds get what they were asking for. I highly recommend giving this place a try after a 2 hour stressful shopping experience at Ikea. read more

Just went here the other day and they were having IT issues and had to close the store. I had ordered online and the order just happened to go thru right before the outage and they still made my order even though they had to close. I love the food here so much! read more

I love this place for great Indian food. Cannot go wrong as most people here are college kids. They can explain the entire menu. I love their garlic nan with humus. Fabulous and clean. Next to a bunch of other restaurants. Austin's original not a corporate chain...but I can see them becoming big. Only thing that I don't like is their cabobbs. Bland and they don't have the Indian rotisserie chicken which is amazing. Come and try it out. It's at least a good place for a quirky date. They serve wine and beers. read more

Tarka Indian Kitchen - Indian Near Me - Round Rock, Texas

Every time I come in, service is excellent! The staff is informative on the menu and helping to direct me in something new to try. The food is always fresh and spicy. The manager, Travis, is always friendly. I especially like when I see a manager out helping his employees instead of hiding in the back office. I am so addicted to the Coconut Shrimp Curry that I crave it at least once a week, and with prices this awesome, I can afford it! I would much rather eat healthy then give my hard earned money to places like McDonalds or Taco Bell Thank you read more

If you are in the mood for Indian, do not miss this place. First, the food is great. Second, the concept is unique "Fast Food" Indian that actually tastes FRESH... Third, the interior of the Round Rock location is beautiful and relaxing- great colors. Highlights- Do not miss the Madras Soup, dynamite tomato and coconut blend with great spice. I'd pass on the easy kabobs and go for any of the curries. They are top-notch. read more

MMMMMMMmmmmmmm. Tarka. I have always loved Clay Pit. It's one of my favorite restaurants in town. But I'm not the only one. It's crowded. So I'm not always in the mood for a total dining experience, but I'm always in the mood for great food. Tarka makes great food fast. Really great food. This place has become a staple in my life. It's my new Thai Kitchen. I've eaten at all 3 locations and carried out. Always good food. And my experiences with the staff at all locations has been nice. Thumbs up! The pistachio sauce is seriously tasty. Try it. And everything else. To the owners, please offer more naan varieties. Peshwari, for example, would be awesome. I would stop by more often just for a naan snack if that were served. read more

I love tarka! I go to south location most of time but good thing about chain restaurant is that they taste the same. I like north tarka little better since they are not as busy usually. Food here is good and price is decent. Must try chicken tika with garlic nan and mango drink! read more

Not bad at all for fast food Indian. The night we were there hey seemed to be doing brisk business especially with take out. Service was super, meal (veggie pakora to start, Saag Paneer, Chicken Kabobs) was very fresh, tasty and was enough to fill us both and take a meal's worth home. Rice, perfectly cooked, came with both main dishes. Naan was extra and worth it. The chicken kabobs were still very moist with nice outer grill marks/taste. I will definitely be back. read more